Gloucester relaxed about the Final

 

Gloucester have reached the decider following hard-fought home wins over Connacht and Exeter Chiefs, each encounter bringing an electric atmosphere to Kingsholm.

 

Those victories showcased some of the fast-paced attacking play that characterises David Humphreys’ team at their very best and Twelvetrees explained how this week has been dedicated to honing those collective qualities.

 

“We’re obviously looking forward to Friday,” the 20-cap England centre said.

 

“It’s a big, exciting occasion for the club but the boys are pretty relaxed. Training has still been training. 

 

"We want to get the best out of ourselves, so we’ve focused on what we do well.

 

“This has brought a different focus and two games of knockout rugby have been fantastic. 

 

"As a group of players, there is huge belief there and that makes for a great environment to play in.

 

"It will be a different scenario on Friday [to the previous two fixtures in the competition].

 

"There is no home advantage and Edinburgh will come at us hammer and tong. We’ll do the same to them.”

 

This clash represents the Cherry and Whites’ first major final since the 2005/6 version of the same competition, another all-English affair at the Twickenham Stoop that saw them triumph 36-34 over London Irish after extra time.

 

Such an omen is a fairly encouraging one, and Gloucester fans have responded by flocking to the Kingsholm ticket office over the past 10 days.

 

“We’re fully aware of that,” Twelvetrees continued.

 

“Most of the boys live in and around Gloucester so they’re right in the middle of all the hype surrounding the Final.

 

“There are plenty of family and friends who want to go to the game and tickets are tough to come by.”

 

A 42-40 Premiership triumph over Newcastle Falcons on Saturday – in which Twelvetrees bagged a brace – brought a thrilling finale. 

 

Even so, Billy Burns’ last-gasp try masked a few nagging mistakes from Gloucester.

 

They may have some inside knowledge of Edinburgh given scrumhalf Greig Laidlaw only moved down from Scottish capital last year.

 

Still, an outfit that thrashed Dragons 45-16 two weeks ago hold plenty of threats. Skipper Twelvetrees is primed for a tough tussle over silverware.

 

“We’re coming off the back of a frustrating performance at the weekend but we got a good result, so it’s nice to focus on a Cup Final weekend.

 

“It’s clear what to expect from them just looking at the video. They’re a well-driven team and have a huge breakdown focus. They’re disciplined and defend very well.

 

“Finals are all about wanting it more, dealing with the pressure and taking opportunities. That’s how we have to be on Friday.

 

"We have to be calm, enjoy it but go out there and give it our all.”