Saints, Hookers.....and Half-Naked Wingers!
Mmmmmmm!
By Heather on 7/5/2003
May 7 2003
With Leeds looking to repay Saints for doing the double last season, can they turn Franklin's Gardens into their garden of Eden? With a battle involving Saints, Hookers and half naked wingers, not to mention Lord and of course God himself, both sides could be forgiven for seeking divine intervention
Last season saw Leeds losing out by 20 points in each of their matches with Saints, going down 26-6 at Headingley and 34-14 at Franklin's Gardens. These were by no means the highest losing margins whilst this time around our biggest defeat was by 18 points at Kingsholm. Following the 26-19 win at Headingley in November Tykes are one up this season and are going for a double of their own to finish the season in style, The stakes are significantly higher this time and with both teams aiming for fourth spot and a guaranteed place in next seasons Heineken Cup it is winner take all!
Paul Grayson is the danger man with the boot having scored 44 points in the last three meetings and with Leeds' current reputation for giving away needless penalties, discipline will need to be strong in this area. Grayson may not have been taking all the kicks against Quins last Friday, but in Matt Dawson Saints have a more than capable deputy. If however, Grayson's injury persists he yet not make Saturday's showdown. Leeds own danger man Dan Scarbrough may also still be missing and whilst he has already scored three tries against Saints, the team have shown in the last two games that they can still present a proven threat without him - 5 tries in two games against Leicester and Gloucester is no mean feat!
Whilst Saints come into this fourth place decider on the back of a scrappy away win at Harlequins, Tykes are fresh from their first 4 try haul of the season against the unofficial champions. Following on from their spirited close call display at Welford Road and the back to back wins against Quins and London Irish, Leeds are now looking to finish the season on top form with a convincing win on Saturday to give them 4 wins from their final 5 games.
Both teams have players with international experience but whilst England's first and second choice hookers go head to head most eyes (well female ones anyway) will be on the battle of the sexiest legs between Leeds' own George Harder and Saints' Ben Cohen. Ben may start the match with the edge on George following his recent exposure on national television, but we are unlikely to see a repeat of the effect that appearance had on Sue Barker. One question still remains however; does George also wear tight fitting white battle fatigues or will he go commando through Saints defence?
With all to play for on the last weekend of the season, a Saracens home victory against Sharks could leave the way clear for a top three finish for either team and the chance to play-off and ultimately meet Gloucester in the championship final at Twickenham on May 31st .
As for my prediction......hm............ well it has to be George hasn't it!!!!