Hull play against near rivals Leeds this weekend and will be taking on a side that has beaten Chinnor and Esher in recent weeks as well as losing to Cinderford. Hull have the chance of opening their account despite not having won so far as they come to terms with the higher standard on National League 1.
Hull have out scrummaged every side they have played against so far and three bonus points to the fact that when they have the ball they can score tries at this level. The lineout has been up and down, but last week’s game at Birmingham saw it function quite well.
The talent is available to start winning games, but at this level conceding possession for any reason can result in real set backs. Similarly scoring opportunities have to be taken and Hull have often done great work to fashion scoring chances, but the final pass has sometimes gone astray and that can be the difference between getting into a winning position or not.
This was no more exemplified than against Darlington where Hull dominated the whole of the first half and a late try by the opposition changed the mood of the game.
Hull will check if Steve Johnson is fit again after a knock received against Rosslyn Park and influential back row player Laurence Cowen-Leak is nearing fitness and might be back in contention this week. Combative scrum-half Harvey Harding should return to the squad.
Hull’s front five have played well this season and they are all fit to play at present so Hull will have strong side for this weekend. Director of rugby Gary Pearce will be urging the players to have the mind set to dominate in the set pieces and respect possession. If Hull can keep control of the ball they have enough potential try scorers to pose Leeds problems and come away with more than a bonus point.
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 