Preview: Justin Time - Leeds Home

Few people in and around Headingley would argue that the start of the 2005-2006 season has been particularly bright, especially after finishing last season in such fine form.  The Tykes remain pointless after four premiership rounds and their defence of the Powergen Cup seems destined to flounder at the first hurdle.  But the threat posed by the Yorkshiremen should not be taken lightly.

Early this year, as Harlequins belatedly found some form, many observers tipped Leeds for a return to National One.  How wrong they were!  A stunning Powergen Cup triumph at Twickenham, allied to powerful end of season performances, not only saw the Tykes find mid table safety by the end of April but also provided their second crack at the Heineken Cup.  The signing of legendary All Black scrum half Justin Marshall must have seemed like the icing on the cake as supporters looked forward to the start of this campaign with great anticipation.

A look at the opponents Leeds have faced so far will also place the four defeats in perspective.  A season opener in the HQ double header against London Irish, followed by an away trip to Saracens and home games against Wasps and Leicester can hardly be described as a cushy start to the season.  Even the most optimistic Tykes supporters would not realistically have expected a big points haul from those game.

Coach Phil Davies’ team may well be eyeing this week’s game at Sixways as their first serious opportunity of a win and, in a big week for rugby in Leeds, the Tykes will not want to be upstaged by their 13 a side cousins, the Rhinos, who play in the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford this weekend.

Leeds certainly have a great deal of talent at their disposal.  Warriors supporters will need little introduction to England internationals Tim Stimpson and Iain Balshaw MBE, the former very nearly beat the Warriors single handed last season with spell of inspired back play at Sixways.  In Gordon Ross and Justin Marshall the Tykes have a half back pairing which would be the envy of most premiership clubs.

Like the Warriors, Leeds have seen their first choice XV ravaged by illness and injury over the last couple of weeks and it is to be hoped that influential players from both sides can make speedy recoveries and figure in the Friday night clash which both clubs will view as a ‘must win’ fixture.  Leeds may have some of their toughest games behind them but the Warriors have got some testing weeks ahead and a good win on Friday will be seen as a necessity. Both packs will be pumped up and so will both sets of supporters.

Friday night is the first Premiership game under lights at Sixways this season.  We had some memorable Friday night games last year.  Who will forget last November’s thrilling win against Wasps?  The atmosphere is always something special for these games…. the roar of the pasties, the smell of the crowd!!  Tickets are going fast so make sure you book yours now and get down to Sixways and roar on your team. 

Veston Pants