Calvisano - Match Preview

By Zippy
December 5 2003

The Celtic Warriors take the field tonight in their first ever game in the Heineken Cup, all eyes will be on a win and in a convincing manner after a disappointing performance against Edinburgh. For team news etc read on

With paddypower.com we have been given 35points on the handicap which is an indicator of the Warriors strength on paper. Its time to show it.

John Samuels issues a hint of caution "Calvisano are the Italian Champions-only losing two games last season. Thay have 13 Italian International players, a Tongan International,a Fijian & Dutch International and Super 12 players from New Zealand."

One of these is one of the most powerful ball-carriers in world rugby, Andrea de Rossi.

De Rossi was man of the match when Italy beat Wales for the first time, creating havoc with his bulldozing runs during last season's Six Nations championship.

We should win well but they will be no pushovers.

Warriors team news:
Sonny Parker, Gareth Wyatt and Ceri Sweeney return in the backline.
Up Front Brent Cockbain and Chris Loader bolster the pack

Celtic Warriors: Kevin Morgan; Dafydd James, Gareth Thomas (capt), Sonny Parker, Gareth Wyatt; Ceri Sweeney, Sililo Martens; Christian Loader, Mefin Davies, Gethin Jenkins, Brent Cockbain, Robert Sidoli, Maama Molitika, Cory Harris, Richard Parks.
Replacements: Matthew Rees, Martin Jones, Deiniol Jones, Nathan Budgett, Paul John, Neil Jenkins, Jonathan Bryant.

Calvisano: tbc

Referee: Rob Dickson (Scotland)

Zippy Prediction: Warriors by 40