The Luck of the Irish…

“Did you know that an Irish player has been injured before even setting foot in South Africa?”
“Oh, really ?”
“No, O’Leary “

Got to feel sorry for the Terrier that snaps at the heels of the Munster pack of hounds. When David Wallace jogged out at the Liberty Stadium mid week, with orders to spoil whatever he could, he didn’t mean to include his mate Tomas’ summer.
The Lions coaching staff will cast around for a replacement, and Dwayne Peel’s name should come to the top of the list. An on form Peel would dance some pretty patterns around the brutish Springboks, and take some pressure off what could be a back line short on attacking flair.
They may go for one of two Scotsmen, Blair or Cusiter, either of whom would offer a sharp passing game. Danny Care would be a liability. He lacks judgement, and will want to play his own game. What ball the Lions pack win needs to be carefully used.

Ryan left singing the Blues

EDF Final at Twickenham
Cardiff 50 – Gloucester 12

The work in progress that is Gloucester Rugby Club again failed to turn up on the day, and surely time is running out for the self styled Big Bad Wolf, Dean Ryan. Although infamous for his no nonsense approach as a player, he has singularly failed to put together a side that can play to win often enough to keep the denizens of the Shed happy.
Meanwhile, across the Severn, Dai Young has assembled a team that plays like one. Unlike Ryan, Young has bought wisely. His foreign imports, Rush, Tito, Blair et al are high quality, consistent performers. The raft of Welsh internationals give them a home team feel, but keep their standards high. The evergreen Martyn Williams was Man of the Match, although Tom Shanklin and Leigh Halfpenny must have been close behind.
Next in their sights are the Tigers over the Bank Holiday weekend. Expect a packed Millenium Stadium to roar the Blues on. The Ruckandroller expects the gnarly Leicester forwards to test out the Blues front row, though…