Match Preview - Leeds Tykes v London Irish

Challenge for Zac
By Richie the Rhino (04/09/02)
September 4 2002

The Tykes next home game pits them against London Irish. Before the start of last season the exiles were pigeonholed by many as potential relegation candidates, but under Brendan Venter's inspirational leadership, LI confounded the critics, finishing 4th in the league, & winning the Powergen Cup.

London Irish entertained the crowds up and down the land with their dynamic take on 15 man rugby, and backed up with a phenomenal team spirit, they have the ability to give any team a run for their money on their day. After such a successful year, many people now view them as dark horses who could push title favourites Leicester all the way.

The Exiles did the double over the Tykes last year, winning comfortably at the Mad Stad, but only winning narrowly by two points at Headingley, in a game they afterwards admitted that they did not deserve to win. For the non-committed rugby purist, that game was possibly the best seen at Headingley last year, both sides playing fast, powerful and skilful rugby. The Tykes battered the Irish line for the last 5 minutes, but could not get the score need to win. So do the Tykes now have that little extra to register a win on Sunday?

Several intriguing confrontations will take place at Fortress Headingley.

The battle of the fly halves promises to be a good 'un. The Exiles Barry Everett is one of the most consistent kickers in the game, and distributes the ball well to his backs. Tykes new boy Gordon Ross also showed that his tactical kicking and passing skills are up there with the best during an immaculate display in Tykes' victory over the Tigers last week. However, Tykes cannot afford to give Everett the opportunity to kick them out of sight, so discipline will be paramount.

The game could be won and lost in the back row. Irish have an outstanding unit, with Messrs Gustard, Sheasby and Danaher one of the best units in the ZP. Cammie, Dan and Zac need to stifle Sheasby in particular, one of the best ball carrying No8's in the game. Quick recycling is a feature of the Irish game, so Dan specially needs to slow the game and disrupt the flow of the Irish attacks.

One important factor is the potential loss of Venter, who didn't feature in their first game of the season due to injury. He will be a huge loss to the visitors. Last season at Headingley, Venter turned in arguably the best centre performance of the season. He's hard and abrasive both with and without the ball. BVS and Tristan Davies will have to work hard if Venter plays, but if he doesn't there could be opportunities to attack the inside centre channel. Irish will also miss his on field leadership.

In the front row, Irish have several journeymen pros, such as Naka Drotske and the underrated Rob Hardwick. The new Tykes unit of Shelley, Regan and Kerr proved last week that they can live with the best, and no less an performance will be required on Sunday.

Finally, the back three will also be a closely fought contest - Scabs, Harder and Diego were awesome for the Tykes last week, and will face the pace of Sackey, strength of Horak and experience of Rossouw on Sunday. No doubt Bents will give the boys a few tips on Rossouw after his encounters against him on the Lions tour the South Africa.

So all is set for a spectacular game. Irish lost their first outing at home to a Bath side missing Catt, Tindall, Perry and Balshaw, and another defeat for them is unthinkable. They have suffered a post Cup win hangover, and their form dipped alarmingly at the end of last year. Judging by the Bath result, they still have yet to find top gear. But they will bounce back no mistake, and the Tykes must recapture the intensity of last week’s performance to get the victory. Confidence will be high in Leeds after their victory over the Tigers, and the Tykes will be stronger than last year. The new boys have all added something to the team, and have also continued with the excellent team spirit that carried us through last year. With Irish struggling last week, a win for the Tykes is on the cards. It would complete the perfect start to the season, and if the focus is there, the Tykes can be victorious.

Result prediction, Tykes 31 Irish 17

What do you think? Is Richie right?