By Gazz on 20/11/2003
November 21 2003

Tykes return to league competition this week, following a win over Quins in the Powergen cup that was far more impressive than the 13-6 score line suggests. But with no away wins this season, and a heavy defeat at their last visit to the Gardens, what can they expect this time around?

Leeds have only managed one victory against Saints in 4 attempts and have never won at Franklins Gardens. Recent form may suggest that Saints are in a dip, having lost their last two games heavily, and whilst Leeds overcame Quins in the cup, that followed a run of 3 straight defeats.

Both teams have players returning from injury or world cup duty, with Saints seeing the return of Tom Smith and Grant Seely, whilst Tykes hope to field their new South African signing, Andre Snyman, and have Gordon Ross, Diego Albanese and Alix Popham back to join Persico, who has already made an impact at his new club.

With Dan Scarbrough suffering a dip in form, Phil Davies is at last blest with strength in depth to choose from and a wing pairing of Albanese and David Rees may not be out of the question in the starting line up. The Tykes back division is potentially one of the strongest in the ZP, although defensive frailties have been shown up already this season. The inclusion of Snyman should se some of these barn doors finally closed.

Up front Leeds have had a shaky start, and their normally dominant pack have struggled to find cohesion. Things have started to improve of late, with some impressive performances all round. Matt Salter has made particularly good progress as has Persico, whilst Jimmy Ponton is arguably playing some of the best rugby of his career. Here again, Phil has a difficult choice for back row, especially following Popham's good showing for Wales in Australia.

The line out has perhaps been one of Leeds weakest points, and whilst improvements have been seen, the return of Tom Palmer is desperately needed. Murphy, Morgan and Hooper have put in some good performances, but there has been a lack of consistency.

As ever, Saints will present a well drilled side, and whilst they will be without the suspended Robinson, and the explosive power of their "naked" winger Ben Cohen, they have some undoubted class in their backs, with the likes of Drahm, Leslie, Reihana and Beal. Up front, Morris, Lord & Blowers are one to watch and all likely to cause problems.

The stats and the form book should give this to Saints - and by a country mile - but the Tykes team that takes the field on Saturday will be a changed one from any Tykes team so far this season, and with the additions to the squad, we should anticipate something a little special this weekend. So, I'm going to be bold and predict that Tykes will get their first win on the road, and continue their try bonus form into the bargain. Tykes to win by 10.

Now ..... where did I put me broomstick?

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