- My Account
- Logout
- Register
- Login
We can give Scarlets the blues if we handle them with Care
Related Articles
10 October 2008
It offers a bigger stage than the Premiership because the best of England are playing the best of Europe and consistency across the board is the aim.
The key to our success at Harlequins will be making the team believe that when we put it together for a full 80 minutes we are capable of beating anyone.
One of the key men for us when we travel to Llanelli to face Scarlets tomorrow will be our England scrum-half Danny Care. Harlequins are a young side that's getting better and his play is a key factor.
Danny is in great form and it's a measure of his ability that he has continued at the same high level he showed at the end of last season.
With the November internationals on the horizon, Danny is showing everyone what a great footballer he has become. He is a tremendous athlete and could have been a success in a number of sports but, despite having this incredible natural talent, Danny recognises he must keep working at the technical parts of his game.
Being a great athlete at No9 without a great pass means you won't get a look in at the highest level and Danny works extremely hard on all aspects of his game.
Andy Gomarsall, who has a huge amount of experience at No9, has been working well with Danny on those key areas and will only make him a better player.
Sadly, this week we have lost Danny's international team-mate David Strettle to a foot injury for the third time and it's hugely disappointing that he won't be able to play in these early matches in the Heineken Cup.
Strets was performing really well and had been one of the key factors in our start to the season. He was hoping to get more England honours by breaking back into the squad and now it's a case of dealing with the rehabilitation to ensure he is back and firing on all cylinders as soon as possible.
Injuring the same foot again is a real concern and it's important we get the right advice from the experts to make sure it doesn't happen again. We are looking into every avenue and we have said five to seven weeks out for Strets and it may turn out be a bit longer.
Injuries are just part of professional sport and it means someone else in the squad will get the chance to play tomorrow.
Compared to the Heineken Cup last season, there is far more international experience in our squad and we are starting to mature as a side. Last season we brought in Springbok hooker Gary Botha and we now have All Black fly-half Nick Evans, who is recovering well from injury and should be available shortly.
Ceri Jones has won a couple of caps for Wales while another prop Mike Ross, has gained experience and is developing well.
The Scarlets also have some fantastic players and we expect a quality performance from a quality team. I never played at Stradey Park for Leicester and so it will be fascinating to be a part of the penultimate match there.
As a result of the Scarlets' impending move to a new stadium, there will be a lot of emotion involved in this match, but if you focus on your job and put other things to one side then I don't see it making a big difference.
Comments
Top stories in Sport
Top stories in Sport
-
Locked up and banned: The Tube drunk whose vile racist rant was caught on film (video)
-
British housewife facing FIRING SQUAD over Bali drugs smuggling charge was 'neighbour from hell' -
London 2012 Olympics: Raising the bar and the Games haven't even started yet. Price of toasting Team GB is £6 a pint! -
Video: Intruder bursts into Leveson Inquiry to brand Tony Blair a war criminal -
British woman Lindsay Sandiford facing death penalty over Bali drugs haul is mother of violent robber who carried out raids in London
-
First victory for campaign to save famous pie and mash shop -
'Normal' clothes inspire new designer at Central Saint Martins fashion show -
Usain Bolt is quick to tell fans he’ll be lightning fast again -
Invasion of the book snatchers: Brent Council sneaks into Kensal Rise library at 2am to strip it bare -
Video: Is this the World's most OTT marriage proposal? Hilarious film
The O2
Check out the cool stuff happening under our tent such as the hottest gigs, comedy, sport, films, clubs, bars, restaurants and much more.
A home to be proud of with Halifax
Download the Halifax's brilliant, free new Home Finder app, and take all the pain out of finding your dream home.
Can you imagine a career in teaching?
Be inspired to teach - let real teachers show you how rewarding the job can be.
Playing a game-changing role during the Games
Cisco is providing the solutions for London 2012's complex IT needs.
Win a Silverstone track day with Zantac 75
Feel the burn of a different kind - 20 Silverstone motoring experiences to be won
Celebrate with MARTINI®
This weekend toast one royal with another and make your Jubilee sparkle with a MARTINI Royale.
Reader Offers email A fantastic selection of
offers, giveaways and
promotions.
Hulk to Chelsea is '90 per cent done'
TV Baftas - in pictures