The home side ran out 31-21 winners at Kingsholm on Saturday to set up a quarter-final date with Saracens.

Three first-half tries acted as the bedrock of Gloucester's triumph, and they were ultimately enough to ward off Saints' spirited comeback attempt.

"I was pretty honest last week regarding where we push the game on. We made a couple of adjustments, and the boys looked good," Skivington told the club's website.

"We lost control for a little bit and didn't look so good. We let Saints back into the game, but there was some really good stuff and really bad stuff.

"Ten minutes before halftime, we lost our way and let Saints back into the game. They are a good side and nicked two tries, and suddenly the score line wasn't as pretty.

"We had a little wobble there, but we addressed it at halftime.

"I'd love to have it all ready and good to go, but we're building brick by brick, and there are lots of bricks to go."

Try scorer Ollie Thornley praised his teammates for meeting the challenge: "I think the boys really stepped up. As a backline, we contributed a lot this time round as well. It was nice to see the backline play well."

Gloucester Rugby overcame a mixed performance in their EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 victory over Northampton Saints, as detailed by head coach George Skivington.