The current forecast shows day temperatures of 3C, dipping to -4C overnight. We will have to hope that Manchester have good pitch covers.

Manchester are one of the oldest rugby clubs in the country. They were founded in 1860, eleven years before the RFU came into being. Their long history is full of internationals and British Lions, and they have provided two RFU presidents. John O'Driscoll represented Ireland while playing for Manchester in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Several links exist between the Manchester and Leeds clubs. Alan Dickens played for Manchester before coming to Leeds, via Sale. Erik Lund has also represented both. In addition, Bev Risman, a dual-code international and a legend with those who watch League at Headingley, played some of his Union for Manchester.

Manchester played, appropriately enough, in Manchester until the late 1970s, when they moved to their current home in Cheadle Hume. Their setup includes everything we've come to expect from a "proper" rugby club: teams at all levels, a thriving minis section, and a clubhouse that's free to enter after the game.

Earlier this season, the Tykes beat Manchester with some comfort 57-0, and the travelling support will be hoping for more of the same this week. Certainly, Leeds should win, but there is no place for
complacency. Manchester have yet to win at home in the league this season, with their one win coming at Sedgeley. Leeds would not want to be the first! A glance through their results shows some mighty tight results: Cornish Pirates only managed a 12-6 win in Manchester, Exeter got away with 26-19, and Otley scraped it 15-14. Manchester's home form seems rather better than their away.

Last weekend Manchester were at Doncaster, and AramisTyke and I went along to scout out the opposition. They were outclassed for the first 15 minutes or so, with Donny scoring at will. But after that they pulled themselves together, and matched Donny for most of the game. It was only in the last 10 minutes or so that Donny really managed to pull away.

Team-wise, we can expect the usual rotations but it seems now that any side Leeds put out is a strong one. Leeds should win, but they take Manchester lightly at their peril ...

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