Heineken Week 2 Preview

By Lestyn
December 11 2003

Sky have got this weekend wrapped up from a Welsh perspective. Only the Ospreys game is not being screened live in another mouth watering round of Heineken cup action.

After only one round it is already make or break for both the Blues and Ospreys on Friday, neither can afford another slip up despite last weeks narrow losses at the hands of both Sale and Leeds respectively. Lyn Jones's side are in complete disarray with the obvious exception of Shane Williams.  It is nearly two months since the Ospreys last tasted victory, at a time when they were at the summit of the Celtic league, ironically Edinburgh were well-beaten 42-18. But it has gone horribly wrong for the West Glamorgan region, the exciting fast flowing rugby witnessed at the start of the season has now completely dried up.

Rather than opting for fresh blood in the back row department, which they have plenty of Jones has opted to move old Gareth Llewellyn back to blindside, James Bater must feel particularly aggrieved. Llewellyn has not featured in such a role since the 1995 World cup, against a player of the calibre of Todd Blackadder it looks a very brave, if not desperate selection. Scott Gibbs returns after his two-match absence in the centre, the struggle to find a balanced partnership goes on though. The lack of an out and out outside centre is very evident, James Storey and Dave Tuieti have both failed to deliver so far, highly rated youngster Matthew Brayley may have been worth a look.

Last weeks much improved performance in defeat to Sale has at last given the Blues some crumbs of hope to cling to, but an on form Leinster side at the Arms Park should present a much tougher challenge. To go a step further than the Sale game Dai Young’s side will have to maintain their much improved forward effort for the full eighty minutes and also show a lot more composure in the backs. Gareth Williams's throwing will have to be significantly improved from last week; Leinster will pounce on any errors, especially a back row made up of Miller, Gleeson and Costello. To have a chance the Blues must control the Horgan – O’Driscoll centre partnership, and use any ball affectively out wide.

More to follow

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Fixtures;

Friday
Ospreys v Edinburgh (19.30)
Blues v Leinster (19.45)

Saturday
Perpignan v Warriors (16.00)

Sunday
Leicester v Dragons (15.00)
Borders v Scarlets (13.00)