The News Review:
- State of Sale – Part I
- Thomas plans end to Test career
- Wales wings in shock fitness race
- Saracens dominate London Irish
- From the cheap seats
State of Sale – Part I
sportnetwork.net – Jan 28, 2007
A bit over half way through the GP programme we are fourth in the Premiership and in the EDF Cup semis but we haven’t exactly set the world on fire. The average number of tries per game scored by each GP side this season is 2. 05 but for us it’s just 1. 7; last season we scored 2.
Thomas plans end to Test career
BBC News – Jan 28, 2007
If I’m playing well enough if I’m selected to go obviously I’ll go I’d love to represent my country in the World Cup. “But that’s a long way down the line and my priority first and foremost now is playing well. Thomas must first face a European Rugby Cup disciplinary panel in Dublin on Thursday after an incident in Toulouse’s Heineken Cup match with Ulster. Thomas is alleged to have engaged in “aggressive exchanges with spectators” while team-mate Trevor Brennan faces a charge of assaulting an Ulster supporter. While Brennan’s charge is by far the more serious Thomas still runs the risk of a suspension that could rule him out of part or all of the Six Nations. "Let’s not get carried away with how good Ireland are let’s talk about how good we are" Gareth Thomas But either on the pitch or off it ‘Alfie’ has proved to be a galvanising influence in the Wales camp. His rallying call for Sunday’s championship opener against an Ireland side tipped by many as favourites is unequivocal.
Wales wings in shock fitness race
BBC News – Jan 28, 2007
“I was at the Liberty Stadium and it allowed me to draw some conclusions but we’ve still got a lot of ‘ifs’ around that selection. “If we were to lose Gareth Thomas Mark Jones and Shane Williams then playing Gavin at 15 is one of the considerations. Thomas and Toulouse team-mate Trevor Brennan will go before a European Rugby Cup panel after an incident in their Heineken Cup match with Ulster. Brennan faces a charge of assaulting an Ulster supporter while Thomas is alleged to have engaged in “aggressive exchanges with spectators”. Llanelli Scarlets wing Dafydd James who last played for Wales in last year’s Six Nations loss to France is thought to be on standby to join the squad if Thomas is banned. “As far as Gareth and myself are concerned he is available for selection” Jenkins added. “I hope that doesn’t change and I hope his political week progresses so that he’s available to play for us on Sunday.
Saracens dominate London Irish
Ireland nline – Jan 28, 2007
The hosts claimed an easy win at Vicarage Road with a first-half penalty try and a conversion and four penalties from the boot of fly-half Glen Jackson. All the Exiles could manage from a deeply disappointing performance was a consolation try two minutes from time by Delon Armitage and a solitary Riki Flutey penalty. The win moves Saracens above Sale into fifth place ? three points behind Wasps and on course for a shot at the title and a place in next season?s Heineken Cup. Irish by contrast are in danger of getting sucked into the relegation battle and were flattered by the margin of their defeat as Sarries missed five clear try-scoring chances. Both sides were missing some big names ? with England squad members Andy Farrell and Shane Geraghty sitting the game out while France flanker livier Magne also took a break. Mike Catt was given the chance to top up his match fitness in midfield for Irish but had his work cut out against a physical home side with an eye on joining the play-off race. The Exiles actually dominated territory for most of the opening quarter moving the ball around with Seilala Mapusua and Topsy jo threatening to create some openings against a well-organised defence.
From the cheap seats
The Age – Jan 28, 2007
What an innovation! In the past we’ve been able to hear and see the action and in the past on a wet day at Moorabbin or the Western val we could even smell the action. Finally fans potentially have the opportunity to FEEL the action. Let’s hope they don’t trial this out here at the kickboxing. SNZER F THE WEEK THANK goodness that the A-League finals will put paid at least temporarily to the ceaseless torrent of fretting ninnyism about the Melbourne Victory’s form in the latter part of the season.