Preview:

The Warrior Saint George and the Dragon

- Saints Anglo/Welsh Cup

Well here we all are with the new PC Anglo-Welsh cup on our hands and a first chance to meet up with our old friends the Saints.

The new pool format of this competition has given us a bit of a one sided opportunity as we only get one home game, the one we face this weekend, but it will be a welcome break from the GP all the same.

What can we expect from the two sides on display?

My suspicion is that we will see some very different teams than we see in the GP. Many more of the fringe players will be used to save the mainstays from too much harsh competition, whilst also giving those same players a chance to shine at a higher level.

Whatever team we see I have no doubt we will see a far more attacking variety of game than we have seen so far.

So what of the Saints? So far this season they have sparkled but briefly and then died. The signing of  Carlos Spencer to add to an already destructive backline has created moments of brilliance but the old adage of forwards winning games is undoubtedly the reason behind the relative failure of Saints to live up to the promise to date. This will change and I feel that we may see more of the attacking flair this weekend.

When loose ball is delivered to Reihana, Cohen, Spencer and the rest you get real attacking flair on show and some great tries, so the key will be in making sure that defensive kicking is accurate. Loose ball will be punished in the extreme!

As is our wont we may find that we keep it tight and control the game up front with some breaks through midfield to create more options for the quick guys when they do get the ball. However, I think we will see some more of Mr Eddy’s back play on display as we strive to find that cutting edge in an environment that is less damaging should the experiments fail.

Saints will be in much the same mind so that should lead to an open game.

I hope!

Can’t wait frankly!!

p.s. A pint for the person who works out what the hell I am talking about with the title (but you have to be accurate!!)

Hywel