Preview: Worcester Warriors v Leeds Carnegie
By Martyn Horwell
September 10 2009
In the second of two potentially season-defining games, this week, Leeds Carnegie travel to Sixways, the home of the Guinness Premierships’ annual strugglers, Worcester Warriors. Despite the huge amounts of money invested, ‘Wuss’ invariably feature near the bottom of the Premiership pile, and according to most "experts", they will spend this season once again fighting against relegation.
Having said that, they made the perfect start to this campaign as they raced into a 17 – 0 lead when they visited Northampton last weekend, but they could not maintain the momentum, and ended up with a 20 – 17 defeat, conceding a converted try towards the end of the game. Whether that was a crushing blow to the Wuss players or a motivational factor for this week remains to be seen.
As for Leeds, they trailed on three occasions to the Falcons, but 3 Ceiron Thomas penalty goals restored parity, and although the game ended level, many observers thought Leeds would have won had there been a few more minutes left to play.
So, once again Leeds face a fixture both sides will have high expectations of winning, and on last Sunday’s evidence, there is much for Leeds to feel confident about. After a shaky opening few minutes, Leeds started to come to terms with the higher levels of play required in the Premiership. There was a big improvement, from last season, in both their midfield defence, and their offloading in the tackle, as well as the fitness levels, and there were signs that when everything drops into place, and the ‘illegal immigrants’ return, Leeds could have a reasonable season.
I don’t expect too many changes in the squad for Friday, although I do think Calum Clark may come into the 22 to combat the Warriors tendency to rely heavily on their pack. Although it’s too early to judge the kicking ability of Ceiron Thomas, there may also be a place for Jason Strange on the bench to provide back up if required.
Unless either side gets away to a flying start, I would expect another close encounter. Our last visit to the ground ended 10 points each, and I can’t see either side winning comprehensively this week. As a Leeds supporter, and ever optimistic, I’ll go for a narrow Leeds victory, with a winning margin of 2 points.
A safe journey to all those making the trip, get behind the lads, and, hopefully cheer them on to a very welcome win.
EDIT: Teams posted 12.45 10/09/2009
Worcester: 15 Chris Latham, 14 Marcel Garvey, 13 Alex Grove, 12 Sam Tuitupou, 11 Miles Benjamin, 10 Willie Walker, 9 Ryan Powell; 1 Matt Mullan, 2 Aleki Lutui, 3 Tevita Taumoepeau, 4 Greg Rawlinson, 5 Craig Gillies, 6 Tom Wood, 7 Pat Sanderson (c), 8 Kai Horstmann
Replacements: 16 Adam Black, 17 Chris Fortey, 18 Shaun Ruwers, 19 Graham Kitchener, 20 Netani Talei, 21 Jonny Arr, 22 George Crook, 23 Rico Gear
Leeds: 15 Jon Goodridge, 14 Richard Welding, 13 Jonny Hepworth, 12 Scott Barrow, 11 Lee Blackett, 10 Ceiron Thomas, 9 Andy Gomarsall; 1 Gareth Hardy, 2 Rob Rawlinson, 3 Tommy McGee, 4 Erik Lund, 5 Marco Wentzel (C), 6 Kearnan Myall, 7 Hendre Fourie, 8 Alfie To'oala
Replacements: 16 Vili Ma'asi, 17 Alex Moreno, 18 Phil Swainston, 19 Calum Clark, 20 Danny Paul, 21 Scott Mathie, 22 Henry Paul, 23 Scott Armstrong
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Looking forward to the game on Friday.
Hope to see a good number of Leeds Fans at the game and that the lads perform as well as we know they are able to do
COME ON YEW TYKES!!!
Quote:BBC
Worcester v Leeds
Given their performance against Northampton last week (losing 20-17) and how they played away from home, Worcester are going to be chomping at the bit to put things right.
They are always difficult to beat at home and I think they will win quite comfortably.
I've not seen Leeds' match from last week but no tries were scored and it will be a hard season for them. Any game they can pinch away from home is a bonus.
They have got to concentrate on their home games and Worcester will be one of their opportunities to win away from home. They will realise this weekend how tough the Premiership is going to be.
Verdict: Worcester by a couple of scores.
How someone can give their prediction having not seen the other side play is beyond me. Does he not know that a scoreline doesn't show everything?
Anyway didn't he get 5 out of the 6 games wrong last week?
Waiting for the good times ...
..and waiting ....
... and waiting ...
Quote:and that's why you like me APB
Once again, lies lies and lies.....
Waiting for the good times ...
..and waiting ....
... and waiting ...
Bravo.