Hull travel to table-topping Leeds Tykes this weekend and will be in confident mood after their convincing victory away against a hard working Huddersfield side who could not find a way to adequately defend against Hull’s movement and support play.
Hull found a way to get over the gain line regularly and with support runners moving at pace they created a good number of try scoring opportunities.
This week’s opponents will provide a different and sterner test in all likelihood. They are unbeaten and have been scoring freely themselves. Hull will have a larger pool of players available to pick from compared to last week.
Centre/winger David Halaifonua, back row man Latu Maka’afi and possibly Joji Logavatu could all be fit again. Bureta Faramina might be unavailable but Hull will still have a potentially strong squad to select from.
Last week’s performance was of a high quality and if that form can be maintained this week it will give Leeds something to think about.
In the backs last week, Matiu Welch slotted in at full-back with Joey Barratt and David Davison sharing the scrum-half role but all three can play in the number nine shirt.
Off-half Reece Dean flourished behind a pack and centres who got on the front foot with Peter Hudson-Kowalewicz and Harrison Astley making good use of the space created.
The back row of Mosese Nasilasila, Evi Uriburu and Will Hall were prominent in all phases whilst the front five lead by Charlie Beech put in a tremendous shift.
Leeds will be very upbeat after their own great start beating Hull Ionians last week who narrowly beat Hull the week before.
The game may well hinge on the forward battle but if Hull can recreate the momentum and attacking flair of last week they can come away from the West Riding with something to show for their efforts.
Richard Gore
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 