Yorkshire Carnegie
Can Limp Leeds Tame Troubled Tigers?
Absentee?
By HaxbyTyke
September 23 2010
This week Leeds Carnegie travel to Welford Road languishing at the bottom of the Aviva Premiership. Leicester Tigers have a deserved reputation as one of Europe’s leading rugby teams, and it would be easy to take a dim view of what may lie ahead for our own heroes.
However, a close look at this season’s league table would suggest that the hosts are not yet firing on all cylinders. They have claimed only one win, at home against newly promoted Exeter, and that only came after the Chiefs had given them an almighty fright. And, if we thought Leeds were poor last week, the Tigers will be reflecting on how they let a 12 point interval lead at Wasps, turn into a 7 point defeat.
It would seem confidence in the East Midlands is on the low side, and if reports coming up to the broad acres are to be believed, Leicester also have a number of injury concerns as well.
For Neil Back, and Andy Key, Saturday’s fixture will revive fond memories, and renew old acquaintances, but until the final whistle blows on Saturday, their sole aim will be to put one across their old club, and see Carnegie moving up the table.
It is fair to say, that Leeds were not going to find the beginning of the season easy once the fixture list was published, but it is also pertinent to point out that the poor start, in terms of results, has more to do with the errors that Leeds has made rather than the quality of the opposition. 2 home defeats against teams who will probably end the season in the play off positions are hardly disastrous, but these results were the outcome of Leeds failing to turn up for one half of each game. If this sort of performance is repeated this week, then I am sure the Tigers will not need a second invitation to put plenty of points on the board.
So, can Leeds do it? That is the million dollar question. If they are to succeed, they must firstly forget about their hosts’ reputation and play what is in front of them. Secondly they must be totally focused from the minute they step on to the pitch.
I should imagine there will be changes from last week’s starting line up, but until we know who is, or isn’t fit, there seems little point in speculating on the make up of the Leeds team. One thing that is certain is that Backy and Kiwi will pick the side they think will be best suited to make a winning return to their former club.
I am always optimistic, even after games like last week, and this will be reflected in my prediction league score, after all, that’s only a bit of fun. In the real world however, I can’t see beyond a home win. Hopefully Leeds can pick up a bonus point, and in view of what has gone before, this would be a step in the right direction.
I hope those lucky enough to be going have a safe journey, and wouldn’t it be great if they came home with a win? Let’s hope so.
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23/09/2010 17:51
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Up the Carnegie TYKES !
We're not a million miles away from having a Premiership side, I agree with Selby Kev that it's time to stop worrying about the opposition and start playing their own game. We could perhaps do with a bit more 'gob' on the pitch. It was noticeable that thing picked up in the second half when Hints came on - he deserves a start this week.
Miserati - and Proud to be!
The first Leeds Tykes child mascot...#leedswasps0203season. #cheersbentos
Agree with the kicking comment posted earlier. Running it from our try-line is a risky strategy. Fix the passing errors, get the defence sorted and communicating. Getting the basics right will provide the foundation and we can be competitive.
Life is what you make of it - you only get 1 so enjoy it
Zandra YaPoI
YaPoI - Yorkshire and Proud of It
'proficiscor in una'
Zandra YaPoI
YaPoI - Yorkshire and Proud of It
'proficiscor in una'
