By Oopnorth on 11/03/2004
March 11 2004

It's only 48 hours to go before the cup semi and all the signs are the match will be a full house with a record number of travelling supporters from Yorkshire.

It's a big game for both clubs. Neither team's season has gone as well as expected with both teams on 6 wins in the Premiership and both finishing bottom of their groups in the Heineken Cup. Both teams have had some good wins and some bad losses which is frustrating as both squads are full of talent. So the cup offers the chance of a trip to Twickenham and a possible route into top European competition next year, to find the form to climb up the table, and to stake a claim to cock of the north status if Newcastle aren't stung by the Bees.

History is on the side of Sale. Tykes have yet to post a win over them despite coming close in a pulsating draw at Headingley last season. In the ZP match up Sale pulled away as clear winners earlier in the season. Recent form however may just favour the Tykes with a great away win at Newcastle in the ZP followed by a very good performance in beating Bath in the quarter-final.

Mostly Sale have given the Tykes greatest problems in the backs with the speed of their wings and the boot of Hodgson and ex Tykes favourite Van Straaten. Injuries have ruled out these two stars from this game although the new fly half Hercus the US international is no slouch with the boot.

At last however the Tykes much changed squad from last year is now finding its feet and will compete up front and behind. Regan and Kerr should be returning from international duty to bolster the front row, and Palmer and Hooper are forming an impressive combo in the lines and the loose. Add a fully fit back row squad and we can expect the Tykes pack to fire.

Similarly apart from the absence of Rees the Tykes can select a strong and speedy back line which will have no fear of the Sale three-quarters, even Jason! Snyman and Christophers are forming a solid partnership in the centre and we have two poachers on the wing in Albanese and Scarborough. Stuart-Smith should return at scrum half after a successful captaincy of England Under 21, and his partner Ross has just been reselected for the Scotland squad after recent improvements in form.

Will it be tight or will it become a try fest? Most fans of both teams are tipping the former, but I have feeling for the latter. These games usually produce plenty of points and let's kazoo the Tykes to come out winners this time!

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