Magners League Official Website : Baber targets Leinster scalp

The Dragons' Robert Sidoli

Baber targets Leinster scalp

27 January 2005, 12:37 pm

By Jonathan McConnell

Dragons' scrum half Gareth Baber is hoping his side can upset Leinster at Lansdowne Road on Sunday.

“Leinster at Lansdowne Road is a huge match for us on Sunday. We faced them there at the end of last season and it was a fast, open, free flowing match," the No.9, who returns to the Dragons squad for the game, said.

"Likewise at Rodney Parade it was again another open match. Traditionally the matches between the two sides have been hard fought. They have reached the quarterfinals of the Heineken Cup and are third in the league so it will be a big test for us. However, they will be annoyed by their loss to The Borders last weekend so will no doubt come out wanting to correct that.

"Our away form hasn’t been as consistent as we would like and we need to improve on our performances away from home. This is an important stage in our season as we want to continue our assault on the Celtic League and challenge for one of the top places. We want to finish in one of the top four places to ensure we gain a home draw in the Celtic Cup competition so there is still a lot to play for."

The Dragons are currently in fourth place in the League whilst Leinster are one place above in third two points ahead but crucially The Dragons have a match in hand. The Dragons are looking forward to reacquainting themselves with Leinster coach Declan Kidney who was with the team briefly at the start of the season.

Lock Peter Sidoli has featured in twelve of The Dragons Celtic League matches this season and is set to feature again on Sunday. Looking ahead to the match he commented, “Leinster are a very strong team they have a large pack of forwards who can cause damage.

"Even without their international players they still have talented players and youngsters throughout their team. A number of their young players have come through their academy system and have featured for Leinster already this season. Whilst their international players were away Leinster recorded a draw against Cardiff Blues and beat Ulster at Ravenhill as well as Munster so they definitely have a very talented squad.

"It was pleasing to get back on the winning track against Glasgow last weekend but there are still areas of our game that need to be worked on and improved. Training this week has been geared around working on those areas that need improving and we are looking to perform against Leinster.”

Coach Chris Anderson added, “Sunday provides us with another big game and a chance to prove we can win away from Rodney Parade. Last weekend we did not play to our full potential.

"The conditions were awful and dictated the way we had to play which meant we were not able to play our natural free flowing game. However, we did come away with the win and the spirit in the camp has been better than last week as we all came to terms with our Heineken Cup disappointment.

"It is set to be a tough match as the encounter against them at Rodney Parade was. We played some fantastic free flowing rugby that night and that is the style of play we want to play as a team."