May 12, 2006

JP takes a walk on the blindside

Posted by Editor on May 12, 2006 12:03 AM | No comments | Print | E-mail author

Jon Petrie starts at blindside flanker for Glasgow
Jon Petrie returns to Glasgow's starting XV, but it's not in his usual roles of captain and No8.

Donnie Macfadyen led the Warriors against Leinster last Sunday when JP was rested and the openside skippers Glasgow again this weekend. JP starts at blindside flanker after a great display from John Beattie at No8 last week.

With the injury to Simon Taylor putting him out of Scotland's tour to South Africa, JP will be eager to display to Frank Hadden his abilities to fill the Scotland No8 jersey.

Head coach, Sean Lineen explained in The Scotsman: "It's not a reflection on Jonny, but a reflection on the performances of Donnie as captain and John Beattie at No8 last week.

"John was outstanding at No8 - he is a quality player and I feel it's important to give youngsters their chance. And Donnie has been doing a great job on and off the pitch.

"He's leading by example and is revelling in it; he's a natural. You only have to look at what the [Canterbury] Crusaders did when they swapped captains from Reuben Thorne to Richie McCaw, and how it paid off.

"It lifts the burden of captaincy off JP and allows him to channel all of his energies into hitting top form, which is what will impress Frank Hadden.

"He enjoyed having last week off to refocus and get over little niggles, and he's desperate to get back in. But he has a great attitude and wants to support Donnie and John in the back row - the important thing for him is that he's back playing."

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