It was always going to be a game of forward dominance setting up the backs to score, and that was pretty much how it went. Perpignan have often been referred to as the French Munster and often they seemed to have the advantage up front.

Gloucester were the first to score with a Mercier penalty, and the Frenchman put another over just a few minutes later.

The scrum was a mess. Time after time it collapsed and the referee didn't seem to understand how to control it. Eventually Perpignan's big loose head prop was sent to the bin.

It was with the advantage that Gloucester scored their first try. The ball was spun out wide as Gloucester charged towards the line. Various mauls were set up, the last of which stopped right next to the line. Gomarsall spun the ball out to Ludovic Mercier who cleverly dummied his way through the last line of Perpignan defence to touch down. He converted his own try.

It wasn't just the scoring that made Mercier's performance so impressive. He controlled the midfield with clever passing and running as well as some heroic tackles.

Each fly half then scored a penalty before half time. Score 16-3.

In the second half Perpignan flew out of the blocks. After the restart the French team's number 8 claimed the ball. He strolled through the Gloucester defence like it was non-existent, but was held up just before he reached the line.

It was still Perpignan who who dominated though. As they attacked they were awarded two further penalties, both of which were converted. Mercier though kept Gloucester out of reach with a penalty of his own.

Gloucester then took control with the second try of the match. Mercier kicked for the corner, and the forwards again mauled towards the line. Andy Gomarsall picked up the ball at the back of the ruck and drew the defender before releasing Marcel Garvey in the corner for his first of two tries. Mercier again converted, showing he was having as good a game with the boot as he was elsewhere.

Perpignan were eager to fight back though. And they did so with a try of their own. The fought Gloucester at their own game with a rolling maul, a move which the Frenchman had seemingly perfected. It did look though as if they had been held up short of the line, but the try was given. Edmonds converted.

A comeback was always a possibility, but this hoped was dashed when Garvey took the ball on the inside and split the French defence as he strolled over the line. Mercier again converted to sum up his own performance.

Final Score: Gloucester 33 - 16 Perpignan (Heineken Cup)