Wind of Change At Fly Half

By Ridley
October 25 2002

The storms forecast for Sunday could be the deciding factor in the team which Rob Andrew sends out to face Sale Albanians. Winds of 80 mph are being forecast for some parts of the UK with structural damage expected. They could do some harm to Andrew's plans as well.

With more than one eye on the upcoming internationals he's keen to blood Phil Godman in the absence of Dave Walder. Young Phil swapped around with Wilkinson last Sunday against Grenoble and could normally expect a longer outing there this week.

But if the wind blows this game could be decided by tactical kicking and we need the points so Godman may have to take a back seat.

Micky Ward is doubtful with a shoulder injury while Epi has a knee problem but is likely to start.

They're all named in the flock from which the team will be selected once we have had a look at the weather.

Falcons [probable]: Botham, Stephenson, Noon, Godman, Taione, Wilkinson, Charlton, Peel,Brotherstone, Hurter, Grimes, Hamilton, Arnold, Dunbar, Vyvyan.

Squad: Forwards: Micky Ward Ian Peel Steve Brotherstone Nick Makin Matt Thompson Marius Hurter James Isaacson Stuart Grimes Hugh Vyvyan Craig Hamilton Andrew Springgay Epi Taione Soa Otuvaka Jon Dunbar Phil Dowson Richard Arnold Rob Devonshire Backs: Hall Charlton James Grindal Jonny Wilkinson Michael Stephenson Phil Godman Liam Botham Tom May Jamie Noon Mark Wilkinson