It is Sunday morning, usually a time for reflection on the previous days rugby. In the case of Worcester Warriors, this reflection quite often happens on a Saturday morning, but very rarely do we have reflection Mondays!
Friday night rugby splits our fans, though not as much as some like to think. Although not particularly statistically sound, due to the low number of participants, I have seen 3 different surveys all based around a similar question: Do you like Friday night rugby? All 3 ended with a yes. By no means a resounding yes, but certainly not a no.
What do I think? Personally I love Friday night rugby. The atmosphere is more intimidating, the stands appear to be closer to the pitch, the noise from the East stand carries all around the ground, the smell of freshly cooked faggots, steak pie or more recently pulled pork float around the ground, the lights add to the intensity of the action and it makes for some dramatic shots on those cold winter evenings when the pack engage seemingly on fire. Saying that I also like Saturday rugby. I'm a family man so it means we can take our young children, when it is sunny there is nothing better than a walk up the canal to Sixways, though the walk back can be a bit tough at times.
What don't I like? Sunday rugby. I have to agree with Euan Murray, there are six other days of the week to play rugby, why do it on a Sunday? Not only is Sunday the day of rest, but it is also the day of reading up on the action from Saturday, walking the dog, slow cooking a roast with home made Yorkshire puddings, for the family and a Sunday evening for planning the week ahead and making sure we have packed lunches, ironed work and school clothes and watching trashy American TV. Sunday rugby ruins most of that for me!
So, we have a Sarries Sunday. Looking into the tea leaves what does today hold for us?
A potentially long day at the office.
Missing:
Euan Murray. Has been solid ever since he arrived at Sixways. His replacement, John Andress has clearly improved since he started working with Phil Vickery but against the Saracens pack I think he will struggle.
Andy Goode. This man spent the end of 2012 having his best season for us. He has kicked more points than the rest of the team has scored, put together. All of this said he deserves to be in contention for fans player of the season. On the flip side, ever since it was confirmed after the Wasps game that he was joining them, he has been below his usual standards. At the Irish game it actually looked as if he stepped aside for a try rather than make a tackle. It has been announced that the reason for his omission today is an ankle injury. Be it painful or self imposed I think Danny Gray starting in his place is the right move.
Returning:
Danny Gray has only made 3 starts this season, but in those games he has kicked 19 conversions, 1 penalty and scored 2 tries. Today he will face very different opposition, but it is clear, give him the opportunity today and he is more than capable of kicking the points for us. Having played parts in the Bath, Gloucester, Wasps and Irish games he brings back the attacking threat of positioned kicks from hand.
On the bench we see a return for Jake Abbott and Joe Carlisle. When you read some of my older articles you will see I am a big fan of Jake. Recently he had to undergo surgery after literally putting his head on the line at Gloucester. This is a very hungry young flanker. I really can see him coming onto the carpet, that is the Allianz pitch and making an impact.
Joe Carlisle, has not played for a while. I think I will leave it there.
I'm still of the opinion we will lose this game. Having not won an away league game since Wasps on New Years Day 2012 the odds are not in our favour. One thing that is though is Mr Hill's intended style of play. Week in week out it has been suggested that better weather or better conditions under foot would have seen our intended moves work out better, or that fast flowing rugby would have suited us better... Today is our chance to put that into action.
Verdict:
Fast flowing rugby please, then we have a chance. Slow dogged defending and we will get smashed.
Key Men:
Captain Percy and Danny Gray
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