All At Sixways & Sevens
Canadian Duty
By Blues Brother
November 6 2014
Injuries and call-ups have given Mike Rayer plenty of selection headaches ahead of the re-union with the Warriors at Sixways (Friday 7.45 kick off) ..
The latest injury victims include James Currie, Eion Sherrif and Michael Le Bourgois and they join Billy Moss, Hayden Stringer and Henry Staff in the physio room, while James Pritchard is once again representing Canada and Harry Wells is back helping out Tigers.
Wales have also called up Steffan Jones for the 7's side.
It all makes the trip West a daunting one, but the side will include five of those who almost beat Warriors in the famous Championship semi-final three years ago.
Blues: Jim Wigglesworth, Pat Tapley, Ollie Dodge, Viliami Hakalo, Dean Adamson, Jake Sharp, Darryl Veenendaal, Camilo Parilli-Ocampo, Jared Saunders, Phil Boulton, Mike Howard, Paul Tupai (c), Justin Blanchet, Josh Buggea, Joe Vandermolen.
Reps: Charlie Clare, Tom Williams, Ben Gulliver, Nick Fenton-Wells, Darrell Dyer, Peter White, Steffan Jones.
Warriors appear to have fewer selection problems and can recall fly half Ryan Lamb who has been missing for six months.
Warriors: Ben Howard, Sam Smith, Max Stelling, Ryan Mills, Tom Biggs, Ryan Lamb, Charlie Mulchrone, Val Rapava Ruskin, Dan George, Mike Daniels, Mike Williams, Darren O'Shea, Matt Cox, Mat Gilbert, GJ van Velze.
Reps: Ben Sowrey, Ryan Bower, Joe Rees, James Percival, Jonny Arr, Ignacio Mieres,Andy Symons
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The backs include Ryan Lamb and Ryan Mills together for the first time which is a combination I have certainly been looking forward to seeing. The two wingers Sam Smith (ex Harlequins) and Tom Biggs (ex Bath) have both proven their quality in the premiership. The only player who is definitely a first choice player (IMHO) and missing from the backs is Chris Pennell, but his replacement Ben Howard has done well so far in the championship. This back line could produce some very exciting running rugby.
The back row are all experienced ex premiership players. Matt Cox (ex Gloucester and previously Worcester), Mat Gilbert (ex Bath) and GJ van Velze (ex Saints).
The front five are less experienced. 2 players have some premiership experience, the hooker Dan George (ex Gloucester) and lock Mike Williams who played for Wuss in the premiership last season (at lock and 6). It is generally a very mobile front five all of whom seem willing and able to fit in with a running, passing game. They may be missing a little bulk if you have a heavy, strong front five.
Although the difficult selection problems were probably who to leave out; of the nine Warriors players with international experience only one (Mieres) is in the 22.
I don't think this match will be anywhere near as intense, exciting and close as the last one between our two teams and I'm afraid I'd be surprised if Bedford came away with any points.
So lads remember what I have been taught, look forward, look back, look sideways look up and remember you never know what might be around the corner.
I will try and tune in on the radio Friday night, though I am supposed to be "on duty"
COYB
Quote:iron blue
I think the 'special relationship' is similar to the one that the USA has with the UK
Does that mean we used to own Saracens?
Quote:artfulbadger
The weather forecast for tomorrow evening is now good!
Good news, a dour dogfight in good conditions. Worth every penny