Gloucester taught a lesson in Northampton defeat - Sharples
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
Gloucester will learn from their heavy opening-day defeat by Premiership champions Northampton Saints, says winger Charlie Sharples.
The Cherry and Whites were thrashed 53-6 at Franklin's Gardens on Friday, in David Humphreys' first game in charge.
"It showed how much work we've got to do but I don't think we'll get too dragged down by it," Sharples, 25, told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.
"It was a good marker of where we need to be," he added.
Northampton, who finished second last season, beat table-toppers Saracens to the Premiership title in May, while Gloucester had to settle for a disappointing ninth-place finish.
It cost director of rugby Nigel Davies his job and the squad has been rebuilt this summer under former Ulster boss Humphreys.
However, with a new coaching staff and 13 additions to the first team, Sharples says they will need time to gel.
"It was difficult to know what to expect going into the game because we've only been together for a few weeks," said the England international.
"The most disappointing aspect is that we weren't able to compete but it was a good lesson for us, on the improvements that need to be made and where we need to be if we want to be a top team in the league."
Gloucester will now turn their attention to Saturday's match at Kingsholm against Sale, who lost to Bath in their opening game.
Sharples concluded: "We need to turn things around against Sale but a lot can change in rugby. You can lose by 50 points one weekend and turn it around the following week.
"We've got to make sure we put in the work to get the result this weekend."
