By Duncan Wood
October 30 2002

With Felipe Contepomi on international duty in Argentina at present, Shane Drahm is the obvious deputy at fly half. The former Queensland Red was kind enough to answer a few questions during a break from training.

You've had a few run outs against at full back recently. How have you found the experience?

I've really enjoyed it. It's given me a bit more space and I've seen a bit more ball in open space which gives you a few options. It's been quite exciting. I enjoyed it.

But you'll be pleased to get back into your more familiar position?

Yeah. It's been a bit of a change and I've been getting used to it again during the week. It's a totally different position but the good thing about my time at fullback was that I slotted in at 10 a lot as well. It's not a big change but I enjoy it and playing inside Gibbo is good as well.

What are your recollections of the Montferrand game?

The defence was great. It was a great team effort and something that I was glad I was involved in being in the side at fullback. Getting a try as well was a bonus personally. I was very happy after that.

Watching the video this week I didn't realise how strong a side they were because I don't really know the names but finding out that they 12 internationals really put it into perspective.

And do you have any memories of your try in that game?

I just remember seeing Besty coming in and all of a sudden everyone went onto him. I think everyone thought that I was going to loop around him which would have been a penalty for obstruction. We almost crossed but then everyone drifted onto him which was a surprise for me as well and any player playing at that level should be able to see that gap and score.

Have you been stepping up the goalkicking practice this week?

Yeah, I've been doing a bit. Unless you haven't kicked for 6 months you don't really lose your rhythm.

How much chance have you had to practice with Peter Richards?

Quite a bit. I've played a few United games with him, two or three maybe. So, you do need a connection but I've been training with him for the last 3 or 4 months so whether you're playing with him for the first or tenth time, it shouldn't really matter. He's a great player and he's got a good pass on him so he'll do really well.

There will probably be no Charlie Hodgson on Friday, how much do you know about your likely opposite number Nick Walshe?

Nothing! I wouldn't be able to spot him in the street if he walked past.

Well, he's really a scrum half who plays a bit at 10. Will you be looking to exploit that?

Definitely. But they obviously wouldn't put him there if he didn't have any experience. I was hoping to play against Charlie Hodgson but if it's Walshe it'll be good as well. Hopefully we can take advantage of it, we were hoping to take advantage against Harlequins last week with Greenwood at 10.

Will the game plan differ at all with you at 10?

Will you be hoping to impose your style on the match? Yeah, hopefully. Personally, I'll be trying to mix my game up, having a few runs and a few kicks. Defensively, just making sure that I get them to the ground. That's something that's let us down against other teams.

Sometimes, like against Leicester and Montferrand, we're awesome. But then against Leeds we just mentally switched off. As a team we've just got to make sure that we get them down early.

Finally, are you feeling confident about the game?

Yeah, as a team we are. It'll be hard. Sale at home will be difficult for any time. We have to make sure we cut down guys like Robinson. But if we play like we did against Montferrand then we should win. We've just got to make sure that we do that and not do the Leicester followed by Leeds scenario.