England World Cup Winner Jason Leonard, will start on the bench for NEC Harlequins in their Zurich Premiership game against Leeds Tykes at the Stoop on Saturday afternoon.
However, Will Greenwood, who was named in the original line up on Thursday and was very keen to play for Quins in front of a packed crowd at the Stoop, has failed a late fitness test on a shoulder injury he picked up playing for England in the Rugby World Cup.
NEC Harlequins make just two changes to the starting XV for the game against Leeds Tykes. Mike Worsley returns to the front row in place of Ceri Jones, having missed out last week against Bath due to illness and Andy Dunne replaces Paul Burke who was injured last weekend. In addition to Jason Leonard coming onto the bench, NEC Harlequins also have Ace Tiatia returning to the twenty two following the calf injury he suffered against Newcastle on 6th October.
"This is a hugely important game for us," said NEC Harlequins Chief
Executive, Mark Evans. "This is the half way point in the season and a win
here will consolidate our position in the top half of the table, and
enhance our prospects of making the end of season play offs. It has been
a great week for English Rugby following the team's victory in the
World Cup Final last Saturday and it has been tremendous to have Will and
Jase back amongst the squad. Will was desperately keen to play on
Saturday, and was very disappointed when he failed the fitness test this
morning. It is important not to take risks with any player and our priority
is to get Will back in a NEC Harlequins shirt when he is fully fit."
"This is the third time in the last five weeks that we have faced Leeds
Tykes, so it would be fair to say we know each other very well. As with
the previous encounters, it will be a very close game, with domination
of the tackle area being crucial. We are looking forward to the
challenge, and looking forward to playing in front of our own tremendous
supporters at the Stoop."
NEC Harlequins Vs. Leeds Tykes
Date: Saturday 29 November 2003
(KO 3.00pm).
15 Josh Taumalolo
14 Simon Keogh
13 Chris Bell
12 Mel Deane
11 Ugo Monye
10 Andy Dunne
9 Ben Willis
1 Mike Worsley
2 Tani Fuga
3 Jon Dawson
4 Bill Davison
5 Jim Evans
6 Pat Sanderson
7 Andre Vos
8 Tony Diprose
16 Ace Tiatia
17 Ceri Jones
18 Jason Leonard
19 Karl Rudzki
20 Roy Winters
21 Rob Jewell
22 Gavin Duffy