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A sample of the video evidence used in the discipline hearing following the citing of Stade Francais's Juan Cruz Guillemain - 17/01/2013 11:39
Leeds Tykes produced an incredible last-gasp win last week against Perpignan, and are looking for a similar result this weekend, but amongst the feverous fans in fiercely proud Perpignan, the prospect of victory is a tough challenge.
“It will be a massive challenge for us as a group but it is one that we have prepared well for and are looking forward to,” said Tykes boss Phil Davies.
“We are giving a few people an opportunity to play and it will be a real examination of our character. Perpignan will be very intense, they like to play a forward dominated game and once they have gained the upper hand they have the strike power in the backline to make that possession count.
“It will be a tough game for us but we are aware of the task that awaits us. We have made quite a few changes from last week and for the first time in over a year we have almost a fully fit squad to select from with the exception of Shelley, Stimpson and Balshaw. We have got real strength in depth now within our squad and I think the players are now realising that there is competition for every position.
And Davies knows exactly how indimidating the Catalan crowd can be.
“Aime Giral is famous for its partisan atmosphere but I’m confident that will bring out the best in our group of players. We have played in some pretty intimidating atmospheres in this country like Gloucester, Leicester and Bath and produced quality performances.
“We’ve also played at Toulouse a couple of years ago so we have an idea of what we are going into. Tim Stimpson and Chris Murphy have both played there before and have given the lads an idea of the atmosphere and our test players like Justin Marshall and Gordon Bulloch have played in some of the most intimidating stadiums in world rugby so it is not something we are overly concerned about.
“There is a great deal of expectation from the home fans for Perpignan to do well and win so it is important that we start the game well and make sure that we don’t allow that expectation to give them the momentum to perform.
- 26/09/1998 14:30
Perpignan recorded a 12-8 victory over Leeds Tykes at Stage Aime Giral, a win that keeps them in touch with Pool leaders Cardiff Blues.
But they were made to work for their vicotry as Leeds had led for most of the game thanks to David Doherty’s try and a penalty by captain for the day Gordon Ross.
Samueli Dawai Naulu second try after 64 minutes was the difference between the sides at the end of the match, and Leeds will travel home with heasd held high, and a losing bonus point.
Leeds Tykes sit at the foot of the Guinness Premiership and few would have given them much of a chance at Perpignan who have only lost two of their 17 games in the Heineken Cup at Stade Aime Giral.
And their chances looked even slimer when Naulu caught his own kick ahead to score in the corner just six minutes into the game. Nicolas Laharrague converted for an early 7-0 lead.
The Tykes pack competed to gain a fair share of possession but it was a classic counter attack from deep inside their own half that brought about their first score following a break by captain Gordon Ross.
The Scot was at the centre of their controversial win over Perpignan last week when he was allowed to re-take his last-minute conversion that he subsequently converted. This time he used his pace to split the Perpignan defence just yards from his own goal line.
Ross galloped out of defence before finding Andre Snyman on his shoulder. The former Springbok used all his experience to draw in the last defender before slipping the pass out to full-back Doherty who crossed in the corner.
Ross missed with the conversion but five minutes later was on target to convert his first penalty and give Leeds a one-point lead. He had the chance to extend that lead but pushed his speculative long-range effort wide to the left on the stroke of half-time.
The second half was a tight affair with neither side giving an inch. However it was Perpignan who profited from a rare lapse in concentration by Leeds.
Manny Edmonds sparked the counter-attack that was finished by Dawai Naulu for what was to be the winning try.
Leeds were in the game until the final whistle after Laharrague missed the conversion as well as a later penalty but they could not find their way through in a final push to the line.
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