Epi To Make An Impact?

By Ridley
September 13 2002

Soa Otuvaka replaces Epi Taione in the back row as Falcons prepare to take on mighty Gloucester at KP [Sunday 2.30]. We will be without Michael Stephenson who has taken a knock in training with England. Hurter is also benched but its Epi's "demotion" which is causing the biggest stir.

The likeable Tongan has been built up by the Sky sports commentators and other TV pundits as a world beater because he is good telly. He is big strong and stands out in the crowd when he makes his bullocking runs. The fact that he more often than not gets turnedover and misses quite a few tackles is conveniently forgotten.

The truth is Epi has only just come in from the cold of the wing and learning back row play can take years. I rckon he's at his most effective when he comes on as a second half impact player and you can bet on him coming on in the second half on Sunday.

Otuvaka desrves his chance. In the glimpses we have had he looks big and strong but is very unproven at this level. Fortunately Richard Arnold is back from injury so he will get some help against the formidable Glaws pack.

One thought on Otuvaka from what we have seen so far ... has anybody tried to make him into a prop?

In this day and age props need to be as mobile as anyone which could be why Marius Hurter is asked to give way to Micky Ward!

Falcons are apparently unhappy that Stevo was injured in contact training with England. He's come back with a shoulder injury but, so what, he could just have easily tweaked a hamstring running round Twickers. Injuries happen.

Jamie Noon moves out wide with the promising Phil Godman in the centre alongside Tom May. Hall Charlton gets the start after looking sharp when he replaced Grindal at scrum half last week. Incidentally Grindal will be the only replacement who is a three quarter!

Falcons Botham, Shaw, Godman, May, Noon, Wilkinson [capt], Charlton, Peel, Brotherstone, Ward, Vyvyan, Grimes, Otuvaka, Arnold, Dowson.

Reps: Hamilton, Isaacson, Thompson,Devonshire, Hurter, Taione, Grindal.