The News Review:
- Morgan ready to fire the Dragons
- Big-match preview ‘” Blues v Glasgow
- Strong Munster side set to host Edinburgh
- Tigers Keep Hipkiss
- Croke Park approve Heineken Cup semi-final
- Blues v Glasgow (Fri)
- RUDDCK STAYING PSITIVE
Morgan ready to fire the Dragons
BBC Sport UK -
The full-back is on the bench for the clash with Ulster at Newport on Sunday. It is set to be his first competitive appearance this season after injuring his Achilles tendon last summer. “It’s going to be an exciting end to the season. [Heineken Cup qualification] is a big goal for us” said the 44-times capped player.
Big-match preview ‘” Blues v Glasgow
Walesnline United Kingdom -
05pmBluesB Blair; G Thomas J Robinson D Hewitt T James; C Sweeney J Spice; J Yapp G Williams T Filise B Davies P Tito (capt) M Molitika X Rush R Sowden-TaylorReplacements: G Powell R Johnson D Jones B White R Rees N Robinson R MustoePlayer to watch – Tom James The Wales wing makes his comeback from the ban he received following his Heineken Cup sending off at Gloucester. GlasgowB Stortoni; H ’Hare J Maria Nunez Piossek R Jackson C Shaw; D Parks M McMillan J Va’a D Hall M Low D Turner A Kellock (capt) S Swindall J Beattie. K BrownReplacements: F Thomson E Kalman Palepoi C Forrester C Gregor C Kinloch P HornePlayer to watch – Ruaridh Jackson: A shock selection at fly-half in the Scotland Six Nations squad the 21-year-old gets a rare run-out for Glasgow – in the centre. Form guide: Both teams won their final two European group matches before going into hibernation for a month. Simon Thomas’ verdict: The Blues have picked a strong side with 12 full internationals and should record a much-needed league win by around nine points.
Strong Munster side set to host Edinburgh
Scrum.com UK -
Despite being shorn of their Irish contingent the reigning Heineken Cup champions have named a strong lineup for the visit of Andy Robinson’s men. Mick ‘Driscoll leads the side from the second-row alongside Donnacha Ryan while Denis Leamy starts in the back-row. Paul Warwick takes the fly-half jersey and partners Peter Stringer at half-back. Edinburgh hand a debut start to prop Ryan Grant while Ally Hogg leads the side from No. 8 in the absence of Mike Blair.
Tigers Keep Hipkiss
European Rugby Cup Ireland -
The news follows similar extensions by Harry Ellis and Tom Croft and the 26-year-old has identified the Tigers ability to retain English players as this as one of his reasons why he is staying at Welford Road. “The club have kept hold of a lot of home-grown players this year and that influenced my decision. Foreign players obviously bring unique skills with them to the club but it’s important that a club like Leicester maintains its local links. ” said the England international.
Croke Park approve Heineken Cup semi-final
Fermanagh Herald (registration) UK -
The decision to give the go-ahead was taken at last Saturday’s meeting which was held in Hayes Hotel in Thurles the site of the historic foundation of the GAA 125 years ago. The IRFU had put in a formal request for the possible use of Croke Park though it may yet be the case that the venue may not be required. This is dependent on results in the upcoming Heineken Cup quarter-finals which see holders Munster have a home tie against spreys and Leinster travel to London Harlequins. The two Irish provinces should they win will meet in the semi-final and should that be the case then Croke Park would be an 82000 sell-out.
Related from Marcbryant: Munster get home European Cup rugby draw
Blues v Glasgow (Fri)
BBC News UK -
“It’s import to have them back on two counts. ne is they need rugby and two they are a massive part of our team. “Robin is a leader Bradley has been exceptional – he scored they try against Gloucester (in the Heineken Cup win) and Yappy was man of the match against Canada a couple of months ago.
RUDDCK STAYING PSITIVE
Sportinglife.com UK -
Currently 11th nine points above relegation favourites Bristol Worcester’s pre-season ambition of Heineken Cup qualification looks a long way off. But Ruddock said: “I really do believe this group can turn things around. “We’ve got some great young players coming through and they will only get better with more experience. “The margins are small. At 17-14 down against Bath (last Saturday) I felt we were very much capable of winning the game but unfortunately a missed tackle and suddenly we were chasing the game.