By Glossopshark
March 10 2004

A quick look at the quarter final draw may have given many people a different idea of what the semi final draw would look like. 1st division, Pertemp Bees would never beat Wasps at the Causeway, Bath’s league form would transfer to the cup and they would dispose of Leeds.

What this draw has given us is an undoubted boost for rugby in the north with 1 guaranteed finalist and barring another fantastic achievement for the bees, a definite winner from the north.

After a fantastic victory over a Bath team who have been dominant in the league, the Tykes must be full of confidence travelling to a Sale team whose home form has not been at its peak this season.

So what problems are Leeds going to set us? Well, in the DOR, Phil Davies, they have one of the best of the new breed of coaches, along with Sir Jim and Dimes, and many a cultured eye has tipped him to go all the way. He has a good recruitment policy (Phil Christophers, Dan Scarborough, Mark Regan) and has begun to shape a team with no lack of ability or pace.

In the backline, Dan Scarborough has regained fitness and knows where the line is and his linking with Matt Cardey (Wales A) and Diego Albanese could cause the Sale back 3 some problems in attack. At halfback they have two international fly-halfs in Duncan Hodge and Gordon Ross and the very talented Clive Stuart-Smith keeping Sale old boy, Alan Dickens, out of the starting XV

Up front a powerful front row including Mike Shelley and Mark Regan will not be giving an inch up front and Regan’s skill at hitting the lineout will certainly be needed with ‘The Flying Emu’ returning from international duty to bolster Sale’s own line out options.

Regan will be looking to use skipper Tom Palmer to give his team a good stream of quality possession from the lineout, and this will be a crucial battle. Completing the 2^nd row pairing will be ex-Saracens man, Stuart Hooper, who was very highly rated during his time at Sarries.

In the back row, Colm Rigney and Dan Hyde will look to upset the rhythm of the Sale half backs, and to turnover plenty of ball.

For Sale, who is fit and available may dictate how we play the game, but the return of White, Robinson and Jones from international duty should be a big boost.

In the game against Saracens a new look back five, which included Jones and White in the 2^nd row and the return of Big Pete, set about the fez boys from the off and never allowed them to settle. Could it be more of the same?

The front row could be any 3 from 6, with Turner and Stewart in contention for the tighthead spot, along with Yates at 1. These boys will be supporting either Matt Cairns or Andy Titterell. An embarrassment of riches at hooker!

In the back five, Big Pete is a certain starter at No.8 and the rest may depend on how successful playing 2 backrow forwards in the Sarries game was viewed. If Schoey is still injured, then Ian Fullarton, Christian Day, Jason White and CJ could play at lock, with the latter 2 also vying with Phil Davies, Axe (if fit), Perrett and Lund for a spot in the back row, gives Sir Jim plenty of options and the only given is that apart from Big Pete, ‘ The Flying Emu’ will start and this will create real problems for the Leeds lineout, whilst securing plenty of our own.

At Halfback Scott Benton Or Wiggy will partner the impressive Mike Hercus and his tactical and goal kicking could be crucial in what will undoubtedly be a typically tight local cup match.

In the threequarters, 007 should be partnered by the wing-heeled youngster, Baxendell and this should open up space for the try-scoring machines, Stan and Frank, on the wings. Their interaction with JR in his correct position of fullback (Sir Clive take note!), should give Sale plenty of options with ball in hand.

As for a prediction, if Sale’s defence has a good day then I would look for a 10 point margin, but this is the cup after all and if you think that form is a good guide, just ask Wasps!!

Glossopshark Prediction: Sale 15 – 5 Leeds