Having given league leaders Leeds a run for their money last weekend, Hull take on Sheffield this week who sit just one point behind league leaders Leeds.
Sheffield have lost only once this season and that was to one point against the league leaders. The top three in the league have opened up a 22-point over the rest of the league and are clearly going to provide the one promotion candidate between them.
Hull had the chance to beat Shefield at Chants Ave earlier this season going down by one point in a thrilling encounter.
Mike Umaga’s side will go into this game knowing they have the skills to create an upset as they reflect on last week’s bonus-point loss to Leeds.
Hull scored four tries of which three were fashioned in open play with one try from a close quarter catch-and-drive.
On the other hand Leeds scored all their five tries from catch-and-drives from lineouts which were as a direct result of Hull giving away penalties to enable Leeds to gain field position close to Hull’s line.
Without those penalty awards it would have been very difficult for Leeds to have won the game as they met stellar defence from Hull whenever they moved the ball in open play.
Of course what might have beens never won matches but that game will not be lost on Hull’s coaches and players as they look to see how to win this weeks very important game.
If Hull can restrict their penalty count to the absolute minimum they will be in the game with anyone in this league.
Hull will be without Adam Brankley, their influential backrow forward who has been on of Hull’s top try scorers this season. Scottish under 18’s international Anthony McCormack may come into the reckoning as he can play either second row or back row.
In the backs last week’s man of the match Harvey Harding is also unavailable and Joey Barratt is likely to step in at scrum half after recovering from injury.
Hull have been securing good first-phase possession all season, and if they can maintain that supply of ball and ensure top quality discipline and deny Sheffield scoring opportunities from penalties, they are capable of coming away with more than just plaudits for playing open rugby.
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