Toulouse 21 Gloucester 17: Tindall’s resolve is in evidence but Toulouse snatch win

The Cherry and Whites had looked destined to seal a historic win in Toulouse after tries from Henry Trinder and Charlie Sharples, but the aristocrats of Europe pounced in the final stages through Clement Poitrenaud.

The build-up to the game had surrounded Mike Tindall’s omission from England’s Elite squad and £25,000 fine for misdemeanours at the World Cup, but he produced a barnstorming performance and had a hand in both Gloucester tries.

Gloucester head coach Bryan Redpath was left delighted with the performance of under-fire centre Tindall .

Tindall produced a try-saving tackle on Yves Donguy in the fifth minute and created the openings for both of Gloucester’s tries, scored by Charlie Sharples and Henry Trinder.

Redpath said he never had any concerns over 2003 World Cup winner Tindall’s mindset and hopes he can continue to do his talking on the pitch.

Redpath said: “It was a massive game from Mike and I’m delighted for him.

“I never thought about leaving him out – he’s desperate to play rugby and if he’s performing like that why should we let external things get in the way?

“We treat him with respect, discuss things if he wants to discuss it and if not we don’t keep bringing it up.

“I have a personal opinion (on the RFU ban and fine) which I will keep to myself. He’s appealing the ban and I’m sure it will get dealt in the right manner.

“But we’ve kept it about the rugby. Mike’s had enough discussions around him externally; for me he’s here to play and enjoy his game.

“Performances like that are what you want and he’s still as keen as mustard to do well for Gloucester.”

Sharples added: “If he was affected by it, I don’t think he’d show it anyway.

“He’s a pretty laidback guy, he’s one of our most experienced players and he leads from the front.

“Whatever he is thinking inside, it’s not affecting his rugby and that’s all that matters to us.”

The slender defeat leaves Gloucester third in Pool Four and they welcome Harlequins to Kingsholm in the next round.