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Three to go!


Heading north

By WW
April 7 2014

This weekend we are back to league action with the visit of Plymouth Albion on Sunday afternoon. A win in this encounter will guarantee us a spot in the play-offs. However our recent form does not give me any high expectations for the sharp end of the season.

 

Plymouth are back again this week. We beat them last weekend and I expect that we will beat them again on Sunday. We did, however, make hard work of the win and I would be a lot happier if we were playing with more consistency. Whilst the gung-ho style of rugby that we have adopted is great to watch (usually) at this stage of the season I would prefer a more pragmatic approach to games.

Certainly our trip to Abbeydale should be a game which we would want to win - if only to avoid Bristol in the play-off semis. I know that J-Lo and the lads are not bothered who we play but I think that Bristol have built up a real head of steam since we beat them at the Mem. if we are to meet them in the final we need to get five good wins under our belt before then. We also need to have a settled team. This may be a bit controversial but I would not play Green or McColl again. They have been out for too long and do not have time to get the right amount of match practice in the few remaining games.

J-Lo has to pick a team to start on Sunday with the final in the back of his mind. Lozowski at 15, Jonah and Doc on the wings etc. The Hampson issue will become a real problem if James D does not put in a few good shifts over the next few weeks! There was a time when the pack picked itself - now we have some good selection problems - not the least of which is who do we play at 6? Sisi does some serious ball carrying but Beck gives an extra lineout option and a definite edge at the breakdown. Harris will be missed but the other five props are all capable.

I hope we use Sunday's game to show that we are serious contenders. A win, without conceding a lot of points will set us up niceley for a trip to Sheffield and a finale at home to Pirates. Leeds by 12!

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Three to go!
Discussion started by TykesRugby.co.uk (IP Logged), 11/04/2014 06:26
TykesRugby.co.uk
TykesRugby.co.uk
11/04/2014 06:26
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:04:19:14:09:29 by Wildwillie .

Time Trial
Time Trial
11/04/2014 07:17
Absolutely agree about the gung-ho rugby. I'm having kittens when the lads are chucking the ball about on our own try-line when playing against the top teams. If it's on then go but if not just hoof it out!!!

I also agree about J Doc - he had a bit of a mare against Bristol so I really hope he can get back into the groove over the next couple of games.

Not sure I agree about McColl and Green. Yes they have been out a long time but they have been sorely missed IMHO. It will also be a big psychological boost to the others when they are back. Not sure when we can see them fit again so maybe a moot point.

I'm Looking forwards to Sunday. Plymouth have nothing to gain and have the long journey for the second time in a week so feel we should have the edge.

MESSAGES->author
Rocky
11/04/2014 08:21
I understand your position on McColl and Green WW but I would, if fit, bring McColl straight back in. A back line of Doc, Holmes and McColl is the attacking side me need. Although the likes of Holmes and Loz are comfortable at 15 neither of them are as good in that position as Stevie. If fit I would think we would approach a game with:

9 - Hampo (J Doc if vs Bris)
10 - Hughes
11 - D Doc
12 - Burdon
13 - Clarke
14 - Holmes
15 - McColl

We have options at 9, 10, 12 and 13 so completely change our approach from sensible positional play and expansive rugby. It is a great position to be in.

This part of the season is where consistency counts, no need for 35 point wins, 1 point will do.

oopnorth
oopnorth
11/04/2014 08:30
I agree with WW.

haxbytyke
Haxbytyke
11/04/2014 12:02
If we want to get promoted we must play our best available team. I suggest that includes Kirsty and Calum. I understand, Green is available from next week, and McColl for the Pirates game. My big concern is the number of injured centres we appear to have. Fingers crossed Burdon and Clarke are fit.

COME ON LEEDS.
We've been through it all together.

MESSAGES->author
JDH
11/04/2014 21:27
If stevie and green are fit u play them. Simple. Best team out all the time now and see where we can get too

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