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Saturday 2nd September Kick off 3.00pm
Gloucester |
Bath |
1. Nick Wood |
1. David Flatman |
2. Mefin Davis |
2. Lee Mears |
3. Christian Califano |
3. Duncan Bell |
4. Marco Bortolami (capt.) |
4. Steve Borthwick |
5. Alex Brown |
5. Danny Grewcock |
6. Peter Buxton |
6. Peter Short |
7. Andy Hazell |
7. Michael Lipman |
8. James Forrester |
8. Gareth Delve |
9. Peter Richards |
9. Nick Walshe |
10. Willie Walker |
10. Shaun Berne |
11. Mark Foster |
11. David Bory |
12. Anthony Allen |
12. Olly Barkley |
13. Mike Tindall |
13. Ryan Davis |
14. Iain Balshaw |
14. Andy Higgins |
15. Olly Morgan |
15. Michael Stephenson |
16. Olly Azam |
16. Rob Hawkins |
17. Jack Forster |
17. David Barnes |
18. Will James |
18. Isaac Feaunati |
19. Luke Narraway |
19. Rob Fidler |
20. Rory Lawson |
20. Andy Williams |
21. Ludovic Mercier |
21. Chris Malone |
22. Rudi Keil |
22. Joe Maddock |
Normal service will resume in Gloucester tomorrow afternoon. What with the summer getting in the way of the rugby, its now back to the usual routine of pub, rugby, pub. Gloucester have been talked up this season by the press and we now enter an unusual scenario of not being the underdogs. Will the wait of expectations of the media rest on Lamb et al shoulders, Dean Ryan has done as much as he can to protect the youngsters. In light of this press intrusion I came across a great quote from Theodore Roosevelt that seems apt at the moment:
"It is not the critic who counts, nor the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows great enthusiasms, great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."
The press can talk us up all they like, but its what happens on the pitch that matters. And it never matters more than against Bath, who bring their fearsome pack to Kingsholm tomorrow. Its going to be one hell of a battle up front and are forwards will have to be at their nastiest, growling best to keep the Bath pack at bay. Key will be the lineout, Alex Brown needs a big game, he's struggle against Grewcock and Borthwick in the past but with a new partner in crime, in Bortolami it could be his chance to shine. Add in the Azam and James factor off the bench, and the experience of Califano, There's no reason we can't dominate up front.
The backs also present an intriguing proposition, with Bath opting for Berne at Fly-Half, whos a fine player, expect weather permitting Bath to run more than previous. With the creative pairing off Sinbad and Lamb missing Gloucester will need new boy Balshaw to show some of the creative spark he's capable off and against his old club its the perfect time to bring it. Hopefully Morgan's Jaw won't hinder his young player of the season performances and he bring his A game to the table. Defensively will need to be at our best, which hopefully will be driven by Tindall again.
So once again it looks another Gloucester v Bath game that is too close to call. Looking at the Bath team its difficult to see how so many have tipped them to struggle this year and I think its going to be a one score game tomorrow. We need to come out the blocks running tomorrow, we can't afford to loose at home this year if we're to push for honours, and with a fired up Kingsholm crowd, I expect us to edge it.... just!
written by Russ Brookes 31/8/06
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