The News Review:
- Tough task for Tigers claims Moody
- Sharks face Basque threat
- Varndell experiences Hong Kong sevens buzz.
- Northampton Saints – Thoughts from the Chron
Tough task for Tigers claims Moody
Walesnline – Mar 31, 2006
cfm –>Tough task for Tigers claims MoodyMar 31 2006icWalesEngland star Lewis Moody believes Leicester will require a “monumental effort” to reach this season’s Heineken Cup semi-finals at the expense of fierce rivals Bath. The Tigers who last won a major trophy when they were crowned European champions four years ago start as red-hot favourites at the Walkers Stadium tomorrow. But Moody claims Bath will be a different proposition from the side Leicester turned over 19-12 in the Guinness Premiership six days ago. Bath bidding to reach a first Heineken Cup semi-final since 1998 are also boosted by goalkicker and midfield talisman lly Barkley’s return after more than two months sidelined recovering from a thumb injury but captain and England lock Steve Borthwick misses out because of knee trouble. With Borthwick absent James Hudson takes over in the second row alongside Danny Grewcock while Welsh international Gareth Delve features at openside flanker and number eight Zak Feaunati captains the side which also includes a start for Tongan prop Taufa’ao Filise. “They are coming here as underdogs and last week’s game would have been a kick up the backside for them” said Tigers flanker Moody… The Tigers who last won a major trophy when they were crowned European champions four years ago start as red-hot favourites at the Walkers Stadium tomorrow. But Moody claims Bath will be a different proposition from the side Leicester turned over 19-12 in the Guinness Premiership six days ago. Bath bidding to reach a first Heineken Cup semi-final since 1998 are also boosted by goalkicker and midfield talisman lly Barkley’s return after more than two months sidelined recovering from a thumb injury but captain and England lock Steve Borthwick misses out because of knee trouble. With Borthwick absent James Hudson takes over in the second row alongside Danny Grewcock while Welsh international Gareth Delve features at openside flanker and number eight Zak Feaunati captains the side which also includes a start for Tongan prop Taufa’ao Filise. “They are coming here as underdogs and last week’s game would have been a kick up the backside for them” said Tigers flanker Moody. “It will take a monumental effort for us to beat them. It is going to be a fired-up Bath trying to prove a point.
Sharks face Basque threat
BBC News – Mar 31, 2006
The tournament’s reappearance could not come at a better time for fans disappointed by another poor Six Nations. Skill levels were sub-standard and for many observers the Heineken Cup now offers a higher standard of rugby than that found in the Six Nations. However although Saint-Andre has no doubt about the quality of the teams in the last eight he is not convinced the quarter-finals will see the players at their best. “It’s a very high level. There are a lot of internationals on the pitch they are used to playing together they are well-trained and each team is very well-organised” he said. “But it is difficult for the players… “But it is difficult for the players. They need to be focused for three weeks consecutively on first the Six Nations last week the Premiership and now the Heineken Cup. “But I’m sure the semi-finals of the Heineken Cup will be a very high level because you have the guys together for a few weeks.
Varndell experiences Hong Kong sevens buzz.
Free with registration – Europe Intelligence Wire – AccessMyLibrary.com – Mar 31, 2006
Varndell experiences Hong Kong sevens buzz. (31-MAR-06) Europe Intelligence Wire.
Northampton Saints – Thoughts from the Chron
sportnetwork.net – Mar 31, 2006
Before we take on Bath at the Gardens in two weeks time we have the European Challenge Cup quarter final against Worcester at the same venue this Saturday. The EEC still has high importance. Even given Saints rise to sixth place the winner of this competition rates higher in the criteria for Heineken Cup qualification than ending fifth or sixth in the GP so progress is essential. Worcester have been having an erratic time of it themselves lately. Two weeks ago they hammered champions Wasps at Sixways yet last week lost by a similar margin at lowly Saracens. They are no mugs though and having already sneaked a win at the Gardens this season they will be looking to repeat the feat. I think on current form though that we will have the edge on them and progress to the semi finals.