By RtR
August 27 2004

Although we ended last season on a bit of a downer, RtR has managed to come up with ten reasons we can be more positive going into this year's campaign.

10 Reasons to be Cheerful!

So we draw to the end of a summer that never really happened, the air starts to chill, the wind to sharpen. Its that time of year when the thoughts of the rugby supporter turn to the season ahead. Hope springs eternal, a new dawn, a new era - we all start level, with zero points. What could turn out to be the most competitive ZP season yet is just around the corner, and as a call to arms, I would like to give the Tykes supporter ten reasons to be positive going into the new season.

1.      Excellent recruitment

Last year, the incoming players did not match up to the outgoing players, and strength in depth proved to be a problem throughout the year. This time around, we have recruited wisely in positions of weakness, and the squad has a much better look about it.

2.      Competition in the backrow

We now have an impressive array of backrow talent, with international experience. This will probably be the most hotly contested area, with none of the places in the starting XV secure. Messrs Uys, Hyde, Dunbar, Rigny, Popham and Parks will have to play out of their skins consistently to retain their starting place. The backrow could turn out to be our strength, which cannot be said since Cammie Mather left.

3.      Beef up front

The return of Chris Murphy will add much needed beef to the pack - Murph is an old fashioned workhorse in the front 5, and one of the best front jumpers in the ZP. His presence will take the pressure off Tom Palmer a bit - the combination in the engine room looks outstanding.

4.      Young talent

We have one of the best academies in the country, with young Tykes finding their way into representative honours, and the Tykes starting line up as well. This all bodes well for the future.

5.      A big goal kicker

That’s a kicker of big goals. The game plan never got over the loss of Braam Van Straaten, but Tim Stimpson will more than take his place. The top scorer in Super 12 history may be gone, but his equivalent in ZP history is a worthy replacement.

6.      Injuries - or lack of them

Last season we averaged 3 injuries per game, the season before, only one per game. International call-ups and injuries often left us so short of players that we would enter games with a side containing untried Academy players, and returning retirees. It can’t possibly be that bad this year, and improved continuity should result.

7.      A dynamic centre partnership

Early signs for the Snyman-Bell pairing are excellent, with Snyman looking in excellent pre-season form, and Bell matching the Bok for power, skill and pace. This could be the start of a beautiful relationship.

8.      Good player retention

The core of the squad that will move the club forward has been retained, with Dan Scarbrough the only high profile departure. He has been replaced by the, arguably superior, Iain Balshaw.

9.      Wingers

Christophers, Albanese, Rees and Balshaw are as good a collection of wingers in the ZP - add the emerging talent that is Tom Biggs to the mix, and that means plenty of competition, and lots of tries!

10.     Defence

The defence was back to its best in the pre-season - 15 tries scored, only 1 conceded, and that a penalty try. Defence was the cornerstone of our success two years ago, it is looking back to its best.

So, lots to be hopeful about. The season is nearly upon us, let battle commence!

RtR