By Loosehead on 12/11/2003
November 12 2003

For the second time in two weeks, and the third time in three years, Leeds Tykes will entertain Quins. Once again at Headingley, but this time in the Powergen Cup, the honours are currently in the Quins favour after they won the last game 30-16.

Leeds go into the game on the back of two straight losses against Harlequins and most recently Sale 37-21, while Quins won comfortably against Northampton and are now fourth in the league.

This could be a make or break game for the Tykes this week; they desperately need to win to get their season back on track, with the Tykes having only won 3 games this season. Things are not that glum though, since - unlike Leeds United (sorry) - there is no real prospect of relegation with Rotherham firmly rooted to the bottom of the league during what was supposed to be their best period while the other ZP teams lost many more players to the World Cup.

This is however a cup game, and this often changes things. Whether it is as important to the club and the fans remains to be seen, but after all a win is a win nevertheless, and winning - like losing - can be habit forming.

However Leeds have yet to play Rugby for a whole 80 minutes. They have played some good rugby in patches - mainly in 40 minute spells, and they have also been pretty dire in patches (with an eighty minute spell recently against Quins!). We know this season we have some very good backs and they have scored plenty of tries, but we have also conceded plenty as well. Last season we were reknowned for having a resolute defence but this has not been the case this season.

On the plus side of things Leeds welcome back Diego Albanese, Gordon Ross and Alix Popham who hopefully will all figure at some stage on Friday (although reading between the lines on the official site places some doubt on Ross being available). Popham has been very sorley missed; Leeds have missed having a ball carrier from the base of the scrum, with Rigney serving a ban umtil December 9th Leeds have had to rely on the services of Dan Hyde. Don't get me wrong, Dan is an awesome player, but he will be the first to admit he is an openside Wing Forward not a number 8. With Goggs and Diego back this will bring further competition to the backs.

Iam not going to do a prediction this week - the recent performances have shown that this is pretty futile. All I ask - and no doubt my fellow Tykes fans agree - is that Leeds play the game for 80 minutes, are commited in the tackle as well as the breakdown, compete for every ball, and give their all for the team then I will be happy.

Oh yeah and a Leeds win would also be nice.

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