Wasps v Leeds Preview
Phil Nilsen
By Mark Cotton
October 30 2009
Leeds move on to the second half of their ‘London Double Header’ this weekend with a visit to the ‘capital’ to take on the mighty ‘London Wasps’. Leeds are arguably going through their best run of form of the season so far, and Backy and Kiwi have the rare luxury of being able to pick from virtually a full squad for Sunday’s game.
The ‘Negies’ are certainly buoyed by the recent return of Leigh Hinton, who’s steadying influence at the back has helped towards stemming the number of tries conceded. The forwards have certainly started to look the part, too, and it’s good to see Phil Nilsen taking his chance in the middle of the front row. Jonny Hepworth may have played himself into the frame for a wingers slot after a stirring display there for the ‘A’ side on Monday but a name surely inked into the teamsheet for Wycombe must surely be that of Cieron Thomas who’s display in last weeks encounter with Saracens must surely have boosted his confidence and shown to the Headingley faithful the talent that brought him to Yorkshire.
Wasps are suffering from an injury crisis themselves, though a crisis for a top-rated Premiership side is a different to a club at our end of the table. Though curiously not supplying too many players to the Autumn internationals, do they have many Leicester-born playing staff, the treatment room is currently full to the gunnels with the likes of Vickery, Rees, and Cipriani. It is a measure of the club’s strength though that the above’s replacements can slot in and come away with a good drubbing of Gloucester last week.
Wasps welcome back one of the stars of this years Lions tour, the evergreen Simon Shaw, and whoever is selected for the Leeds second row must be itching to test their skills against this top performer. Indeed, there are some interesting selections dilemmas for the coaches. If Sackey and Varndell are starting for Wasps then who should oppose them. There must be places for Scud and Blacky if he’s fit. Could Jonny Hepworth skin Varndell, who’s not exactly reknowned for his defensive capabilities. The Pacific Island ‘Apostrophe Boys’ must be itching to take on the Waspie backs. However the one duel I’d have loved to see is that of Shrek taking on Serge Betsen, which has the potential to be an ‘X’-rated epic.
As before the Northampton match, I don’t believe that Leeds will win this one. However if they perform well there’s no reason to believe that they couldn’t pick up a BP or two. This would be a big achievement against Wasps who I rate as a more entertaining team than Sarries.
I’ll be watching on Sky, let’s hope the ref’s got his eyes open this week, too!
Should be a good’un!
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Looking forward to the match
Are you available for Sunday Morning Junior rugby? I could do with an inspirational orator like you for my U15s !!
Waiting for the good times ...
..and waiting ....
... and waiting ...
Quote:Selby Kev
Good preview Mark. Thanks.I think Leeds are moving into a new period of real opportunity rather than false hope...we lost to saracens by a whisker and a referee.... we are now starting to play a more mature and patient game. Cieron Thomas has now found his soul and his boots after last Sunday...and there is every reason to believe that he and the rest of the team will grow from strength to strength...come on ye Celts!! Key issues for the Wasps match are:patience and more patience...posession and more posession...grind them down...make frustration our 16th man!! Some good well- coached line breakers!!...some great boots...a solid intimidating scrum...even more self-belief than last week.We have the talent in this team. Our time has come round...Mac is back....I think we stand a great chance to win this game....make it happen lads...lets stuff the sceptics and the doubters.
How prophetic.
Pain is only temporary but victory is forever
Quote:leedscboy
Selby Kev what are the lottery numbers for Wednesday ?
Kev
We are waiting................!