Enforced changes at half back this weekend

Peter Richards
By Duncan Wood
October 29 2002

The absence of Felipe Contepomi and Agustin Pichot on international duty means that Peter Thorburn will have to make changes at half back. Shane Drahm and Peter Richards may get a rare start in tandem.

It's a big chance for Shane to show what he can do at fly half again. Having started the opening fixture (at home to Saracens) in the number 10 shirt, he's been forced to play second fiddle to Felipe Contepomi at fly half.

However, he has done a tidy job at full back in recent weeks in the absence of the injured Lee Best and Jamie Williams. This was highlighted in the Heineken Cup win over Montferrand when he capped his display with a well taken try.

What's been interesting in his time at full back is that the team have been moving him up to the first receiver position when it comes to linekicking. Kicking for touch is one area where he has the edge over Felipe.

He's a skilful player and one who hasn't always been a favourite with some of the Bristol hecklers. However, it's never easy when you're trying to displace two crowd favourites in Felipe and Besty.

However, according to the Bristol Evening Post last week, he has the full support of his team mates who have him in third place in the best player poll that they carry out after matches. He's also been described by Peter Thorburn as the most skillled player in the club.

He's a great kicker from hand, a very steady goalkicker and he's always got that ability to make something happen out of nothing.

Friday will also be a big opportunity for Peter Richards who has barely been seen so far this season. Admittedly, Agustin Pichot has been in sparkling form which has limited Richards to preseason and United action.

However, he is a proven performer at this level with both London Irish and Harlequins and is also talented enough to have won an England tour place. He's the kind of scrum half who gets under the skin of the opposition and it's always nicer to have that sort of player on your side than against you!

We may be lacking our two Puma internationals on Friday evening but I have no doubt that their replacements will not let anyone down.