By Duncan Wood
October 16 2002

Bristol Shoguns head coach, Peter Thorburn, has some difficult decisions to make ahead of the Montferrand game. In recent weeks, his pack has been rocked by injuries and suspensions. Will he have to get creative?

Recent events mean that the forwards named by Peter Thorburn to face Montferrand on Saturday may differ significantly from the pack that he had in mind only a few weeks ago.

However, Bristol have lost Neil McCarthy (knee) for possibly 6 months, Julian White (suspension) for 10 weeks and Ross Beattie is still out with his achilles injury. All 3 are international class players.

The second row looks threatened as well. Garath Archer, who has been in great form so far this season, returned from Leinster with an achilles problem. His regular partner in the boiler room, Alex Brown has a hand injury.

Consider also that Matt Salter didn't travel to Ireland because of a knock to his shoulder and you can forgive Thorburn for wondering if he walked under a ladder recently!

So, what might we see happening on Saturday. Paul Johnstone, who is still yet to start a game this season, has been trying his hand at hooker recently. Although I'm led to believe that he played hooker during his time at London Scottish, would it be asking too much to pitch him into a live televised Heineken Cup game?

Will Andrew Sheridan make the starting line up? If so, will he be in the front row or the second row? When you think about it, the front row could potentially have a very unfamiliar look about it.

If Archer and Brown are struggling, Sheri is an obvious replacement but don't forget about Scott Morgan who is now over his broken hand.

The back row is probably the least of Thorburn's concerns despite Beattie's absence. Craig Short, Ben Sturnham and Mike Lipman have all played togather before although it would be nice to have Salts back in the frame as well.

Only one thing is for sure - the Bristol physios will be working overtime...