As this is being written I don’t as yet know who exactly Leeds will be taking to Italy but can I hope that they leave Rabeni at home. Not that I don’t think he would give Parma plenty to think about but surely this is an opportunity to show that there is life on our wings. Leeds are in danger of becoming one trick ponies (or two if you count kicking the ball to the opposition and waiting to see what happens) and we need to work on some new moves for the backs. Unfortunately Barrow is not going to be risked so it is a toss up who is going to play centre – I suspect we already know enough about HP and I would expect that Tango will get a run at full back unless Hints is picked to see if he can regain some form after the Bath match.

Perhaps Hepworth for one of the wings where his lack of interest in passing will not matter so much? I note that Joe Bedford will be playing but it is debatable who should be outside him. Ford – needs the experience, Thomas – needs a game or Strange – it’s his turn. It will be interesting to see who they pick but certainly this is the time to experiment as the backs need to start developing a new direction. As to the forwards I really couldn’t care as they are not the problem but would expect to see Calum in the mix as well as a couple of the other bench warmers. Pudding may be a good choice as if the backs get it wrong again he is always willing to take over the kicking from hand.

What of our opponents? Well my talk of experimentation does not mean that I take them lightly as, after all, they did beat Bourgoin at home in the same competition although as they, like us, have relegation issues, they may have put out the reserves. Rugby Parma currently lie 6th in the Italian Super 10 having been beaten at home by Rovigo (18 – 20), who took over in 4th at the weekend. I believe that one of their better players (an Argentinian Lock) has just been snaffled by Tiggers but they still have 3 players in Nick Mallet’s squad for the 6 Nations.

Prediction?  Well me to eat too much pasta and drink far too much red wine is a cast iron certainty but as for the match, until I knew we were putting out a strong team I thought "sneak it" but now I think probably a bonus point win.