Irish v Tykes: Short Odds on a Draw?
defences the key?
By Gazz on 3/10/2003
October 3 2003
With three rounds gone, both sides sit at the wrong end of the table, with Irish ahead only on points difference. But the Exiles have already scored an impressive win against Gloucester at the Madjeski, whilst Tykes only win thus far was a less than impressive performance against Titans at home.
And the visitors will certainly have their work cut out for them on Sunday.
Leeds defence, undoubtedly one of its strongest components in the last campaign, has thus far proved to be the worst in the league, shipping 90 points - that's 2 more than Rotherham have conceded. In attack, however, they have managed 8 tries in three games, and already have that elusive try bonus which took them virtually the whole of last season to earn. The Exiles on the other hand earned their bonus in the narrow defeat at Quins, and whilst they have conceded 36 points less than Tykes, Leeds have also scored 20 points more.
Leeds have experienced horrendous injury problems this season already, and have probably suffered more than expected from World Cup absences. The pack has been decimated by the loss of Regan, Kerr, Popham and Persico to the world cup, plus injuries to Shelley, Halford, Palmer, Murphy, Campbell and Salter, and whilst Salts is due back this weekend, Tykes problems have been further compounded by the hefty ban handed out to Colm Rigney for stamping. Injuries and RWC absences have effected the back line too, but there has also been much to impress in early season form from the array of new signings. Rees and Christophers have proved early favourites with the Tykes faithful, whilst Liam Botham has also shown that he has a lot to offer.
The scrum half crisis may - bizarrely - have thrown up the find of the season in Ryan Walker. The South African has Super 12 experience and it showed against Titans when he commanded the loose and took a well deserved debut try. But Leeds problems this season have centred around a less than impressive performance from the pack, once such a driving force in Tykes rugby. Some improvement was evident against Titans, but the lineout still lets them down badly, whilst the scrummaging can really only be described as erratic.
So what of the Exiles? After losing at Welford Road in round 1, the Irish produced the shock of round 2 when they took Gloucester's scalp. They have, however, had some difficulties crossing the line and have managed only 1 try in each game so far. They have a strong pack, and their expected starting front row of Hatley, Drotske and Hardwick will make life very difficult for Powell Ralwinson and Holt (if he's fit!). In Paul Sackey they have a winger with great potential and finishing ability, whilst Michael Horack provides pace and power from full back. Not only will the Tykes backs need to be sharp in attack; their defence will need to be absolutely solid if they are to prevent the Exiles from improving their try average.
The main battle will be up front, where the Leeds pack looks likely to struggle against the power of the Exiles. If the backs can get possession, however, Leeds could cause some severe damage, but getting the ball to the backs has been a problem this season. If Leeds can get the ball out of the loose quickly, something which Walker looked to do last week, then they stand a good chance against the Irish backs, but there has to be a significant improvement in the lineout and much better support in the scrum before Leeds can secure enough ball for the backs to do their jobs.
No predictions, as I think this one is too close to call, but here's how I
expect Tykes to line up:
15 Cardey
14 Rees
13 Scarbrough
12 Botham
11 Christophers
10 Hodge
9 Walker
1 Powell
2 Rawlinson
3 Holt
4 Morgan
5 Hooper
6 Ponton
7 Hyde
8 Salter
And Exiles:
15 Horack
14 Sackey
13 Appleford
12 Cannon
11 Bishop
10 Mapletoft
9 Edwards
1 Hatley
2 Drotske
3 Hardwick
4 Casey
5 Strudwick
6 Dawson
7 Gustard
8 Sheasby
Editor's note: COME ON YOU TYKES!