Welsh v Chiefs

LittleMissChief previews the Chiefs visit to the Kassam

THE PREMIERSHIP RUGBY SEASON IS BACK – CHIEFS ARE ON THE ROAD TO KASSAM

I don’t know about you, but boy am I excited that the new rugby season is here again.  The 14/15 premiership season kicks off this weekend with a trip up the road to the Kassam Stadium in Oxford where the Chiefs take on the newly promoted London Welsh.

Following 2 truly epic legs against Bristol in the championship final back in May, it was Welsh who came out on top and make a welcome return to the Premiership, and with 19 players released, and 23 new players signed for the club, including big name signings such as seasoned veteran Olly Barclay and Kiwi world cup winner Piri Weepu, it seems that Welsh are in no mood to be relegated again.

Chiefs have made a few of their own new signings including a number of internationals for the 14/15 season, the likes of Moray Low, Chrysander Botha, Elvis Taione, and Thomas (the tank) Waldron, as well as former London Welsh Mitch Lees to name a few. 

Both teams have had a successful pre-season campaign, with Chiefs securing 3 wins away from home against Cardiff Blues, Ulster and Worcester, and Welsh were victorious against Henley and Pontypridd, and suffered a narrow defeat to Wasps.

London Welsh have proved to be a bit of a banana skin for the Chiefs over the years, having played them at both at championship and premiership level.  We will all remember the narrow loss to Welsh on our 1^st meeting in the premiership 2 years ago at the Kassam.  Having secured a comfortable lead in the 1^st half, we let a 3 try advantage slip through our fingers.  Welsh are dogged and, like the Chiefs, have a “never say die” attitude.

With the number of new signings that Welsh have made in the closed season, it might take time for the team to fully “gel”,  however, they will be the surprise package, and could catch out a number of teams this season.  I just hope that Chiefs will not be one of them.  In order to overcome London Welsh on their home turf, Chiefs are going to have to fly out of the blocks.

So Tribe it’s time to dust off those headdresses, tighten those drums and warm up your voices.  Let’s cheer on our boys hopefully to victory.  COME ON YOU CHIEFS!