By apb on 27/2/2004
February 27 2004

So, same two clubs, different competition. And, two different front-rows. All the international call-ups are back, so both teams will be greatly strengthened. At least, that's what we all thought at the end of last weekend....

....and indeed that's how it remains. Yes, the mind-games have started, with the potentially devastating news to Bath fans that Flatman and Bell were doubtful for the game - reports were that both picked up knocks at the Rec, and hadn't trained all week - have turned out to be falacious, and so the full strength of the mighty Bath front five will be on show.

In the back line, Bath will welcome the return of Balshaw, Danielli, Barkley, and of course, the mighty Mike Tindall. Tindall is expected to be fast tracked into the England squad for the Ireland game assuming he comes through this test unscathed. Less good news for the west-country side is that there is still no sign of Kevin Maggs returning.

And what of Leeds? Well, its been widely reported that they are selecting their strongest fifteen. Shelley, Regan and Kerr would hold their own in any team, and Palmer and Hooper are beginning to form a huge second-row partnership. With Rigney, Hyde and Popham in the back row, this is an eight who would challenge any team.

I'm happy also to report a "standard" back-line. Cardey is looking better and better every match at 15, and the Snyman-Christophers partnership is looking really balanced at the moment. With Scarbrough - reports of his imminent departure to Saracens strnuously denied - on one wing and the mighty Diego on the other, and with half-backs Ross and CSS having bags of confidence, this is a back line to die for.

So, what of the outcome? Last week at the Rec, Leeds showed that they have the wherewithall to beat that Bath side. They didn't do it on that occasion, but it was by no means a one-sided affair as the relative positions in the ZP would have the casual observer believe. The team coming up to Headingley, though, is a very different unit, and it could be that they either blow the Tykes out of the water, or fall apart at the seams. Professional rugby being what it is these days however, dispite this change in personnel, Bath will play in largely the same way. The key to the match will once again be in the tight five, and whether the Leeds boys can get on top early. If they can do that, there is the flair and pace in the backs that is the equal of anything Bath can throw at them.

The other factor in the mix is the competition itself - the Powergen Cup. This competition has now a new prominence in the Leeds camp, since its the only realistic way of qualifying for Heineken Cup rugby next year. Bath on the other hand, look set to qualify in at least two separate competitions, so they may not be quite as "up for it" as the Leeds lads.

So what do I think?

It'll be a hard game.

It'll be a close game.

It'll be a great spectacle.

It'll be Leeds by three! Go to it boys, and send us all to Twickers!!!!

TEAMS

Leeds Tykes

15. Matt Cardey
14. Diego Albanese
13. Phil Christophers
12. Andre Snyman
11. Dan Scarbrough
10. Gordon Ross
9. Clive Stuart-Smith
1. Mike Shelley
2. Mark Regan
3. Gavin Kerr
4. Tom Palmer
5. Stuart Hooper
6. Colm Rigney
7. Dan Hyde
8. Alix Popham
16. Matt Holt
17. Gary Powell
18. Phil Murphy
19. Matt Salter
20. Alan Dickens
21. Tristan Davies
22. Duncan Hodge

Bath Rugby

15 Iain Balshaw
14 Alex Crockett
13 Mike Tindall
12 Olly Barkley
11 Simon Danielli
10 Mike Catt
9 Martyn Wood
1 David Flatman
2 Jonathan Humphreys
3 Duncan Bell
4 Steve Borthwick
5 Danny Grewcock
6 Andy Beattie
7 Michael Lipman
8 Zak Feaunati
16 Hentie Martens
17 Lee Mears
18 Matt Stevens
19 Wylie Human
20, Chris Malone
21 James Scaysbrook
22 Rob Fidler

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