Bowd Returns!

The Faithful will be pleased to see the name of Gradyn Bowd slotted in the #10 spot for tomorrow's home opener at 1:00 p.m. Vs Meralomas.  Bowd and #9, Pilgrim have featured in some memorable moments for the Tricolors.  Grady has been plying his trade with the MLR professional league.

The selection includes a strong FRF and stalwart, John Humphries and newcomer, Kiwi, McKenzie rounding out a competent tight five. The loosies feature a heap of experience with Nott (C), Pyke and Kehoe.

The backs feature the return of Jordan Tait, along with Bowd, and on debut, at #15 Theo Thardiff.  The bench guarantees punch with Wallace returning and Peters, fresh from a winter in Oz.  Hager is a much-experienced returnee and newcomers, Grellier and Thomas have shown well on the training pitch.

Lomas are always a tough opponent.  With Currie Cup winner 21012, Jebb Sinclair at the helm, they are not short on the aggresion component. Who can ever forget that 'come-uppance' blow on Jean Deysel from the coach??!! (Not that it was not provoked). It presents as a mouth-watering season opener. Hopefully, the rugby starved Faithful will be out in numbers on a forecasted, pleasant afternoon.

                                          NSWT

A starting XV including CW's Gabby Senft at #8 and Julia Schell at #15 takes to the pitch on Sunday at BC Place against France. A win would move the ladies to #2 in the world rankings.  CW's Caroline Crossley and "part-timer", Olivia Apps  will come off the bench for impact. The match will be televised on TSN. Go, you good things!

Related to this WXV Competition, this pundit suggest, BRICKBATS to World Rugby.  This governing body recently published a list of referee appointments and their previous assignments with participant's wins and losses.  This writer would argue that such information could provide aspersions to pre-conceived notions about game outcomes for the referee's current assignment.  Let me be very clear, personally, I am confident about a refreee's absolute impartiality.  This being said , it is not always the case of pundits and attending match fans.  The point is that material for such aspersions does not need to be provided by the governing body.  May the best teams win. 

On this note, we offer best wishes to our ladies club teams and men's 'Divvies'. on the road on Saturday.

nb. Opinions expressed are solely those of the blogger.