GLOUCESTER Rugby might have little to play for other than pride with five rounds of Aviva Premiership action left this season, but Matt Kvesic insists he won’t be coasting to the finish line with a trip to New Zealand up for grabs, writes Harry Nightingale.

Despite being a member of England’s Six Nations squad, back rower Kvesic failed to add to the two caps he won in Argentina last summer.

Instead the 21-year-old was released back to play for Gloucester each weekend and the Cherry & Whites certainly appreciated his input as they recorded victories over Harlequins and Newcastle Falcons.

These wins have Gloucester sitting ninth in the table with neither relegation nor a play-off berth on the cards.

However, Kvesic admits he won’t be letting his performance drop as he looks to prove his worth to Stuart Lancaster ahead of England’s summer Tests with the All Blacks.

“I was gutted to not be included in the England teams for the Six Nations games but it was still great to be included in the squad,” he said.

“To be honest I have probably not been playing well enough to have forced my way into the side so I accept it really.

“It was gutting but it was still great to train with the boys and you learn so much and it is a good environment before going back to Gloucester.

“I have five games left to show what I can do and hopefully I can keep on improving and force my way into that squad for New Zealand.”

Although Gloucester came away against Newcastle with five points, it was far from plain sailing as the Falcons fought back from 37-7 down to eventually lose 40-33.

And Kvesic admits their Jekyll and Hyde performance has given the side plenty to think about ahead of this weekend’s clash with Exeter Chiefs.

“It did get a bit nervy against Newcastle and those last 15 or 20 minutes were really disappointing,” he added.

“I think that complacency did creep in from us and we just made too many silly mistakes late on, although fair play to Newcastle as they played well.

“But it showed us that we can’t do that again and against Exeter it is about the complete 80-minute performance.”

Every match in the Aviva Premiership rugby season is crucial. To be there to support your team buy your ticket from premiershiprugby.com/tickets.