Ship Shape and Bristol Fashioned.
Old sea dog?
By Gelbel
September 15 2011
With two games of season underway, Bristol are sitting pretty at the top of the table with maximum points and looking down at Leeds, who by the skin of their teeth got a losing bonus point against Rotherham, and are somewhat taken aback to find themselves 11th in the table.
Bristol are realising their ambitions, albeit very early days, to bring back the good times to ‘The Mem’. With a settled squad who know the ropes, they are a much-improved team from last season. And they have something you can’t buy or coach – the players want to play for the club. I saw them in action in the opening round down at Doncaster when they looked organised and determined, and played what was in front of them rather than sticking to a game plan.
But what about Leeds? They were all at sea in the first half against Rotherham last week with some horrendous scrummaging, backs that did no running in windy conditions, IMHO a winger that was never in the right place to take advantage of any possible ball coming out of rucks or mauls, and opportunities to slot the ball between the posts being missed hand over fist. We need to see an improved performance. Each match from a promising preseason at Newcastle has got progressively less enjoyable to the supporters, albeit the gaps in the scores becoming less and less. However, based on what I saw down at Castle Park, I can’t see Leeds getting much from this encounter at all.
As the forwards performed better once Nilsen, Swainston and Dominic Barrow came off the ‘bench’ should they be starting? If they do, they would give some momentum from kick-off. It would give Titterrell a chance to see the game from the bench and come on to do some captain-type coaching/motivating in the later stages of the game. The problem with that is the team seem to get a head of steam in the last quarter and really need encouragement in the early stages so they do not have to play catch-up rugby. And catch-up rugby against wiser heads who know how to grind a game out, and wind up the opposition!
Another thing I can’t fathom out is why was Stephenson on the bench last week and not used? He’s another starter for me on Sunday, as we’ll need a couple of good defensive, hard-tackling wingers against the Bristol backs who have been quicker out of the blocks than Usain Bolt on a false start. Wilson does not tick all the boxes for me and he will be exploited by Bristol – especially when he creeps out of position.
Leeds looked like size zero models compared to the outsize models of Rotherham team but I am hoping they won’t be knocking against brick walls on Sunday: my first thought of the Bristol team was how small they look. It would do our boys’ confidence no end of good if they were the ones to win at close quarters for a change. Another reason for Nilsen and Swainston to start.
It won’t be plain sailing for Leeds but I’ll settle for an improved, organised performance that is then built on in the weeks to come. If not, then it’s nearly time for panic stations.
And on a personal note, if you find yourself next to any of the lovely, loud, knowledgeable Bristol fans and don’t know what the heck they are on about, I’d offer to translate – but I am expecting to be three sheets to the wind catching up with me hearties.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
After last weeks humiliation which was like the local comp putting one over the posh boys from the public school, I feel Bristol may play rugby more suited to Leeds. Mr Ford will kick better than last week and like Johnny I am sure lots of practice has been done.
Leeds need to win this game or they are going to find themselves mentally adrift before the season is in full swing.
I did think there seemed alack of passion last week which Rotherham had in spades. On home turf the team need to show the same commitment.
I can't believe that any Championship coach thinks we've spent the parachute payment on strengthening the team.
Miserati - and Proud to be!
Waiting for the good times ...
..and waiting ....
... and waiting ...
would we want to swap wilsons attacking flare for a defensive steph? we have been waiting for a fast winger since biggs left.
the pack need to front up with some organisation and ford needs to run the game
the backline needs pace, decent quick ball and hit some decent lines
Crist! I would not want to try and catch him.
I was satisfied with our performance against Welsh (first game 'n' all), but expected to be looking forward to this week's fixture, buoyed with optimism after a decent win over Roth. I am now fully expecting to lose. Just hoping things will gradually improve.
Hoping to see Shaw in action at some point.
Is Blackett injured? Surprised to see it's him making room for Stevo.
Quote:farmertyke
Gelbel.....he must be the fastest in the team but then we dont have any speedsters now that Juan has left.
And I am the fastest in my house...that is not saying much!
I really hope the team can put in a performance on Sunday. I know that the players were bitterly frustrated at Rotherham as were the adult fans. My son (8 years) and I travel to a fair few but not all away games each year and he came to London Irish 2 years ago and experienced the highs and Leicester, Newcastle, Sale and Northampton last year, he has been to Newcastle and Rotherham this year. He is due to play at half time on Sunday and is desperate to see his team win a game.
Nothing breeds success like success. I still believe the squad is good enough to get back up. I hope we really use the pace out wide this week, vary the plays and keep hold of the ball.
I've heard the coaches talk about the running style they want to play, I hope this week we start to see it. I don't think we will win by bump and grind alone against some pretty grizzly packs that abound in this league.
Play smart.
If this squad is given the time and resource to develope we will be massively rewarded.
Look at those boys and believe me.
Miserati - and Proud to be!