Next article
Previous article
Got an opinion?
Discuss this article in the comments section or register with the glasgowwarriors.com forum.

Search this site

September 24, 2004

Donnie may miss clash with The Dragons

Posted by Editor on September 24, 2004 07:18 AM | No comments | Print | E-mail author

Donnie Macfadyen is struggling with a back injury
Glasgow openside Donnie Macfadyen is struggling to be fit in time to face The Dragons in the Celtic League at Hughenden tonight because of a back injury.

Today's Herald reports that if Donnie misses out Glasgow coach Hugh Campbell has contingency plans which would see Cammy Mather return to action.

Donnie has been a key player in Glasgow's back to back victories over The Borders and Edinburgh and his absence would be a blow. His excellent form last season saw him rewarded with a recall to the Scotland squad for the tour to Australia and Donnie thinks he has Edinburgh's Todd Blackadder to thank for his improvement in form.

Speaking to The Scotsman, Donnie said: "Todd has been fantastic for me, so it was a bit ironic I got sin-binned playing against him. But working with him with Scotland this year was the first time I'd been coached by a back-row - it's always been second rows or props - and what I've learned from him about contesting breakdowns, and sussing out what you can and can't get away with, has been invaluable.

"In this position you have to live on the edge and Budge Pountney was always someone I looked up to as being amazing at that. I'm not at his standard yet, but hopefully I'm building towards it. As I mature I'm reading referees more, and learning when to back off, but it's difficult when your head is in there and you think you've got a chance of getting the ball.

"You're not trying to be illegal, just trying to win the ball, but some referees let you work at it longer than others. Against Edinburgh I was unfortunate - I think the ref had been reading my press. It meant I had to stand back a bit in the second half when I had a sniff of the ball and just defend because I couldn't afford to get a red card.

"But I've been happy at how aggressive we've been around the ball in recent weeks and that and our defence have been big parts of the victories. There is a real confidence this season that we can kick on a bit."

Comments

Add a comment to this article