Rotherham's relegation from the Zurich Premiership was confirmed following their second-half disaster against Gloucester and Saracens' victory over Newcastle.

The Millmoor club had their fate sealed despite a remarkable first 40 minutes against the Cherry & Whites in which they built a substantial 16-0 lead with a ferocious wind at their backs.

But after the bizarre decision to replace back-row forwards Neil Spence and Des Tuavii, two thirds of a remarkable loose-forward effort alongside No 8 Brad Macleod--Henderson, Rotherham's forward dominance fell apart as Gloucester eased themselves to a bonus-point victory.

Gloucester was so out of touch in the first half they hardly controlled any worthwhile possession or created a sniff of a scoring chance as a Rotherham forward pack, magnificently controlled by Spence and Macleod-Henderson scavenged for every bit of loose possession and also played their part in a heavy-duty set-piece effort.

Rotherham took the lead after four minutes with a Jon Benson penalty after Gloucester were penalised at the breakdown and the outside-half was on target twice more in the 18th and 37th minute to stretch the home side's lead to 9-0.

Compared to Gloucester's sluggishness Rotherham were snappy, well organised and superbly spirited and as Gloucester's desperation grew, the Titans stole their first try of the game.

The visitors attempted an ambitious break-out from their own half but Terry Fanolua's pass was intercepted by Macleod-Henderson and he shot to the line to score. Benson converted for a 16-0 half-time lead.

But after three Rotherham replacements up front their game subsided in the second half and Gloucester, prompted by the outstanding Duncan McRae and powerful midfield efforts from Fanolua and Robert Todd, turned the game on its head.

First, McRae kicked a penalty after a barnstorming Fanolua break and with their tails up Gloucester scored their first try minutes later.

It was McRae's break and link with flanker Andy Hazell that sent Fanolua in for the score.

With the advantage now established up front Gloucester scored again moments later when replacement No 8 James Forrester was on hand to finish a neat move down the short side.

However Rotherham still led by a single point and then hinted at a potential fight back when they scored their second try.

Full-back Bernardo Stortoni made good ground down the blind side before linking with Giscard Pieters and he shot through between the Gloucester cover to score.

It could have been a decisive score for the home side but their bravery could not last. And it was Gloucester's superior organisation and power that eventually told.

On the back of more forward dominance, where Peter Buxton and Alex Brown were outstanding Gloucester poured forward and strangled the life out of the home side.

McRae snapped over a drop goal before in the 63rd minute Fanolua grabbed his second try following more good work by McRae and Gloucester's recovery was complete when Forrester was the quickest to react from a messy Rotherham scrum to pounce on the ball and secure Gloucester their bonus point.