By Duncan Wood
December 12 2002

Two injuries in the space of three days to his first choice outside centres leave Peter Thorburn with a poser ahead of the weekend. Who will wear the number 13 shirt versus Swansea?

Andrew Higgins has been the man in possession of the number 13 shirt since his return from injury. He was, quite deservedly, named Supporters Club Player of the Month for November.

However, he took an early blow to the head against Swansea and had to leave the pitch for lengthy treatment. He did return but was replaced at half time by Phil Christophers.

The other natural outside centre in the squad is Martin Shaw who featured regularly in the opening fixtures this season but mostly out of position at inside centre.

Unfortunately, Shaw was making his comeback from an achilles injury on Monday night versus the Bristol Combination XV. Sadly, he lasted only a few minutes before limping off with an ankle injury, the full extent of which is not yet known.

So, it's very possible that Peter Thorburn may have to get creative on Sunday.

An obvious candidates are David Rees who has played at outside centre on numerous occasions for Bristol including the playoff final against Gloucester at Twickenham last season. That would also keep Phil Christophers and Brendon Daniel as a wing partnership.

Phil is another possibility. He's played at centre on a few occasions and looked more than useful. That would leave Reesy and Brendon as the wingers.

More outside bets are Felipe Contepomi and Jamie Williams. If Felipe moved outside, Shane Drahm would slot in at fly half. Jamie proved his fitness in the Monday night game.

Peter Thorburn will probably keep his cards close to his chest but my money's on Reesy at 13!