By Timofe on 01/12/2003
December 2 2003

Sunday at 14:30 sees the first game of Leeds inaugural Heineken Cup campaign as the Tykes face the Neath/Swansea Ospreys - one of several uneasy regional teams in the new Wales set-up. The Ospreys were hatched at the start of this season. So far their flight has not been too impressive, residing in ninth position in the Celtic League. Ironic, then, that Neath are second and Swansea seventh in the Welsh Premiership. Clearly something is awry in the provincial structure.

It's not for lack of playing talent. Scot Gibbs (three times Lions centre) is their captain. Gavin Henson (ex-World Young Player of the Year) is their fly-half / full-back. Their number also includes Gareth Llewellyn (most-capped Welsh forward of all time) and Shane Williams (Wales' World Cup lightning winger) to name but a few. The Ospreys seem to be an amalgam of young talent and older warriors.

Their results of late show that they are vulnerable if their defensive line can be broken. They have lost their four most recent league games, but ran Leinster close for most of their last game. Ospreys coach Lyn Jones reckons his 34-man squad can compete in the Heineken Cup, putting the team's recent form down to a lack of international players and other players having to carry injuries.

If the Tykes can keep their defence tight against the likes of Shane Williams, and keep the penalties to a minimum to avoid the threat of Henson, they should win this game. We certainly have the backs to break the tired Osprey line, if they can muscle through. In the forwards there will be concerns over the Tykes relative lack of experience in the line-out, but the scrum should be evenly matched. In the back rows the Tykes should have an advantage, especially if they play like they did on Saturday.

Expect a nervy, close-fought first half and the Tykes to gain momentum during the final twenty minutes.

Tykes to win by twelve.

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