Next Match

This Weekend, sees Gloucester and London Irish go head to head, in what has the potential to be a fast paced and exciting game. Although both clubs are assured of Heineken cup rugby next season, the game represents both clubs last chance at silverware this season. Irish lost out in their first ever play off to a powerful Leicester display, and whilst Brian Smith over the last few days has claimed that he has a lot of walking wounded, you can still expect the exiles to field a strong team, seeking to claim some silverware to cap off a good season for the almost Londoners.

At the start of the season few would have predicted Irish would have finished where they are or offered such an exciting brand of rugby but here we, or rather they are. In recent weeks our young guns have shown they too are capable of playing some expansive rugby and although we narrowly lost out to Wasps, many fans rightly came away from that game optimistic for the clubs future.

For Gloucester, much depends on how Ryan Lamb goes, if the Irish can get to the young lad, our back line will struggle to get going. Similarly much depends on the performance of Mike Catt for the exiles. By his high standards this season he had a poor game against Leicester and Irish suffered as a consequence. A change to the team sees Barry Everitt come into the team and his excellent kicker could decide the game, although make no mistake Irish certainly can score from anywhere and thrive on turnovers. Hazell will have to play to his consistent self, with support from partners in crime Buxton and Forrester, to secure good ball for Gloucester and slow Irish ball. Although the Irish back row themselves are no mugs, Leguizamon is a similar player to Jango and Declan Danaher is having a great season for the exiles.

Although Pete Richards is likely to start, I'd like to see Thomas get some game time, although Richards causes havoc with his sniping runs, I thought Lamb improved in the second half with Thomas having a better, slicker pass, giving Lamb more time on the ball. Hopefully Allen can continue his rich vein of form and Tindall if fit, will have to be at is defensive best. Hopefully, we'll see Goodridge in place of the unfortunately injured Olly Morgan, Ludo looked shaky (to put it mildly) at full back. We all know what Sinbad can do with good ball, his contributions to two of the seasons best tries last week proving than, and Mark Foster look to be more comfortable in the side now. If things don't go to plan, the much improved Bailey can give Irish problems if called from the bench.

The Irish have pace in abundance in their wings and fullback however, and our defence will have to stay as solid as it as been all season. Tindall, despite the constant criticism he gets in attack, is vital here and hopefully will be fit to start. Despite his ability going forward I thought Armitage looked shaky in defence against Wasps and could be tested by our pacey backs. Still he's a hell of a player and I was looking forward to seeing him and Olly Morgan on the same field.

Gloucester's traditional strength, the pack is not the force it has been, although steps have been taken to improve that for next season. But tomorrow will be intriguing although I expect the exciting prospect of Forster et al to prove to strong for the Irish front row. A intriguing sub plot could be Casey v Brown with both key line out winners we need Brown at his best.

Prediction

Its a tough one to call, and I'm really hoping the weather holds and we're treated to a fast paced game. I'm confident if our back row can protect Lamb he can dictate play, but there's so much pressure on the lads shoulders already, the rest of the lads need to step up and support him. If he remains composed then expect a good platform for Allen, Foster and Sinbad to attack. If our back row can spoil the ball, hopeful are defence can hold out Irish attack. Another key is to keep the penalty count down, as although Flutey cannot kick at the minute, expect Irish to tap and go at any opportunity. So I'm confident of a Glaws win, but then I said that in both league games so what do I know!

written by Russ Brookes 18/5/06

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