Glaws v Falcons (07/02/04) Preview
By Mally (06/02/04)
February 6 2004
Aaah Castle Grim time once again.... Personally I think this is one of the best away games of the entire season, there's not a club in the country to match Gloucester in terms of passionate support and it's not often the Shedheads are silenced...
But Newcastle Falcons nearly managed it in the same fixture last season, leading 20 - 0 at one point. Unfortunately with something like 20 minutes or so to go Henry Paul (former Bradford Bull and rugby league god) came on and showed that yes - he can play union, turning the game around. A last minute kick by Ludovic Mercier sealed Gloucester's 25 - 23 win. So what about this year, is the game going to be as close and have a similar nail-biting finish?
Somehow I doubt it, as someone commented to me today they don't recognise some of the names in the side Rob Andrew has picked... I'll be honest and admit when I saw certain names on the team sheet I knew we must have problems...
So how bad is it?
Jonny Wilkinson (remember him???), Michael Stephenson and Mark Andrews are all out injured, and Ben Gollings and Phil Dowson are off on England Sevens duty. Martin Shaw will be appearing on the wing and Geoff Parling and Mark Wilkinson step up from development squad to the bench and Hugh Vyvyan takes on the captain's role.
Bar the loss of Mark Andrews the front and second rows are pretty much our first choice. In the back row cover looks very light, so if we have injuries during the match we could have big problems!
I've no problem with Joe Shaw at fullback he's been solid in the last few games he's played (those I've seen at least) and has earned his place in the side. My big concern is why is Martin Shaw playing on the wing when Ollie Phillips has regularly impressed in the development squad games? I thought Martin Shaw was a centre?
We'll need a big game from Dave Walder - who as much as I hate to say it - has been a bit hit and miss in recent matches and has not really played at the level we know he is capable of.
As for Gloucester's team - take a look at the list below... hardly the weakest side they've ever fielded! Simpson-Daniel is apparently awaiting a last minute fitness test, but even without him Gloucester should be feeling fairly confident.
Can Newcastle Win?
Yes of course they can - this is sport after all. Is it likely? To be honest no, I don't think it is - I think Gloucester will be too strong for us. I'm hoping for a decent performance and a lose bonus, oh and no injuries!
Starting Line Ups
Newcastle Falcons:
15 Joe Shaw, 14 Tom May, 13 Jamie Noon, 12 Mark Mayerhofler, 11 Martin Shaw, 10 David Walder, 9 James Grindal, 8 Hugh Vyvyan (captain), 7 Warren Britz, 6 Jon Dunbar, 5 Stuart Grimes, 4 Garath Archer, 3 Marius Hurter, 2 Matt Thompson, 1 Ian Peel.
Replacements:
16 Micky Ward, 17 Nick Makin, 18 Craig Hamilton, 19 Geoff Parling, 20 Hall Charlton, 21 Phil Godman, 22 Mark Wilkinson
Gloucester
15 Jon Goodridge, 14 Marcel Garvey, 13 Robert Todd, 12 Henry Paul, 11 James Simpson-Daniel, 10 Duncan McRae, 9 Andy Gomarsall, 8 Junior Paramore, 7 Peter Buxton, 6 Jake Boer (captain), 5 Alex Brown, 4 Adam Eustace, 3 Phil Vickery, 2 Chris Fortey, 1 Trevor Woodman.
Replacements:
16 Chris Collins, 17 Andy Deacon, 18 Rodrigo Roncero, 19 Mark Cornwell, 20 James Forrester, 21 Alex Page, 22 Terry Fanolua.
For those unable to attend Kevin Williams' match commentary is available on the internet via BBC Tyne or listen to Radio Newcastle on 1458MW.