Match Preview: London Wasps v Leeds Tykes

Missing!
By Oopnorth (7/11/2002)
November 7 2002

Sunday is the Tykes toughest away test to date this year, and probably our most difficult fixture yet. Both teams will be hit by international absences although perhaps unusually it is the Tykes who will be the most affected with Mark Regan away with England, and Gordon Ross on duty with Scotland.

Sunday is the Tykes toughest away test to date this year, and probably our most difficult fixture yet. Both teams will be hit by international absences although perhaps unusually it is the Tykes who will be the most affected with Mark Regan away with England, and Gordon Ross on duty with Scotland. Wasps on the other hand despite having a squad full of well known names will only lack Lawrence Dallaglio.

The Tykes go into the game with confidence and deservedly so as second in the table. What a difference twelve months has made. In the corresponding fixture last year the Tykes were still finding their feet in the Premiership, and Wasps had not started well. However Wasps played some dynamic rugby and aided by a poor performance by the Tykes ran out easy winners. We learned then how tough the Premiership could be, and how important a good start and eighty minutes consistent effort are.

Wasps were formed in 1867 and the name simply follows the Victorian habit of the time of naming teams after animals and insects and other creatures. They closely missed being one of the founder members of the RFU by turnring up at the wrong pub for the inaugural meeting. Rugby types don't change do they? The club has an illustrious history and has provided many internationals over the years, including Richard Sharpe who must have scored in the 60s the second most televised try ever after Gareth Edwards try for the Ba-Bas.

The Tykes should be strengthened by the temporary return of Deigo Albanese, and will no doubt be playing Braam at fly-half, with possibly George Harder moving to the centre or Hernan Senilnosa fitting in at centre. The team sheet is eagerly awaited as there will also be interest in whether Thirlby the new loan signing from Bath will feature; who will get the hooker and scrum half starting job; and the second row line up if Chris Murphy is fit. Otherwise the team should be much as usual with no major injury worries.

Wasps however have been having some injury problems with Worsley yet to play much this year, and some doubts about whether King and Howley are fully fit. Looking at the statistics though two things strike you - why is Lewsey with 58 carries, 491 metres, 29 defender beaten and 4 tries not featuring in the England set up more strongly ? And be careful Tykes as you watch out for Shaw (36 line outs won) as his colleague Richard Birkett (43 won) is one of the top Premiership jumpers too.

So we have some great head to heads to look our for. Lewsey v Scarborough. Palmer v Shaw and Birkett. Braam Van Straaten v King. Rosier v Albanese or Harder.

Looking at the fixtures so far clearly the Tykes overall record is better posting a win at Bath where Wasps drew, and beating Tigers while Wasps lost narrowly at Welford Road last week. However Wasps are the only team this year to lower the colours of Gloucester which is no mean achievement. The pundits will probably favour Wasps marginally because of home advantage. That's fair enough, but we know that this year's Tykes will fight the full 80 minutes. A win is not beyond us but a good start and some consistent and steady groundwork is necessary. A win will provide also a nice birthday present for yours truly. COME ON YOU TYKES !