Lew on League: The aftermath — Leeds v. Bradford
Bradford Bulls 12 v Leeds Rhinos 42
On Thursday Leeds were at Odsal to take on the old enemy, the Bradford Bulls. It had seemed that the match would be a close one and indeed the first half ended Leeds 12 Bradford 6. However it was noticeable that whereas the Bulls hurled themselves at Leeds, expending masses of energy, the visitors remained calm, absorbed the pressure and waited for the fury to expend itself, playing well within their capabilities.
In the second half gaps started to appear in the Bulls’ defences and Leeds began to unleash a series of attacks involving slick passing which quickly cut the Bradford defences to ribbons. When Bradford attacked, the Leeds tackling was ferocious. What was apparent in the defences was that whereas the Leeds’ players shared the tackle count a few Bradford players undertook the burden of defence whilst others where not around when they were needed. In the past, Bradford have relied on a huge pack backed up by hefty backs who wear down the opposition. With the loss of Anderson and the increased weight of opposition packs, Bradford now need to change their tactics, but do they have the right players at the moment?
St Helens seemed to be Leeds’ main opposition for the League leadership. But the following day, lacking the leadership of Paul Sculthorpe, they lost narrowly at Wigan. This means that early in the season Leeds are already four points ahead of the second placed team. The question now is will they lose momentum later in the season, or will they continue to increase the lead to finish as runaway minor premier winners. With McGuire and Diskin still to return from injury the portents are good for Leeds.
Tonight Wakefield visit Headingley. This should be a walkover, if we take current form. I doubt very much whether this will be so. Leeds were on fire against Bradford because it was such an important game. They had made heavy weather of Salford just before that game and there is likely to be reaction in this next match. In the end the score should be a clear cut victory for Leeds but they will be made to work for it by a Wakefield team which has a heavy pack and some clever players who will punish any slackening off of the Leeds effort. It is rumoured that McGuire is returning for this match. If so he is sure to be on the bench and will take it easy as he comes back to fitness.
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