Kingsholm revels in fantasy land

Gloucester may be two points clear at the top of the Allied Dunbar Premiership as England's professional élite moves into the second half of a frantic campaign, but the hard-bitten cynics in the Kingsholm Shed remain a mighty suspicious lot. "We don't go in for this top of the table lark," said one Cherry and White regular yesterday. "We prefer to think of ourselves as 12th from bottom. After the run we've had over the last few seasons, there's no danger of us letting a few wins go to our heads."

Gloucester may be two points clear at the top of the Allied Dunbar Premiership as England's professional élite moves into the second half of a frantic campaign, but the hard-bitten cynics in the Kingsholm Shed remain a mighty suspicious lot. "We don't go in for this top of the table lark," said one Cherry and White regular yesterday. "We prefer to think of ourselves as 12th from bottom. After the run we've had over the last few seasons, there's no danger of us letting a few wins go to our heads."

Even so, victory at Bedford tonight will surely persuade even the Doubting Thomases of the Cotswolds to start believing, especially if Northampton slip up at Wasps and fall five points off the pace. After eight Premiership games, Bedford remain pointless - figuratively as well as literally, although it seems cruel to say so. Gloucester, on the other hand, are playing more confidently than at any time in the last decade.

Gloucester's big-game players, from Byron Hayward at full-back to Kingsley Jones on the open-side flank, are hitting all the right spots, and they have crossed a psychological Rubicon by picking up points on the road. Until very recently, they considered Cheltenham to be a trip too far. Nowadays, though, they feel they can win anywhere.

Philippe Saint-André, the former French captain who rejected overtures from Stade Français to finish the job he started in the heart of rough and tumble country last season, has gone out of his way to field a settled side in Premiership fixtures, but he may have to do without Ed Pearce, his out-sized No 8, for tonight's game. Still, one door opens as another one closes. If Pearce is forced to give best to a calf injury, Saint-André will have a first opportunity to play Junior Paramore, the exceptionally potent back-rower from Samoa, alongside two other international loose forwards in Jones and Steve Ojomoh.

Northampton have so many injury and availability problems that their entire side is in a state of flux ahead of the difficult trip to Loftus Road. Craig Moir is fit enough to sit on the bench, but another wing, Jon Sleightholme, is definitely out. One confirmed change sees Federico Mendez, probably the best hooker in the world, replace the brilliant young English prospect Steve Walter. Wasps, meanwhile, will be without Josh Lewsey, who suffered a knee injury during last week's 50-point demolition of Harlequins at The Stoop. Shane Roiser starts on the right wing.

By contrast, the Newcastle director of rugby, Rob Andrew, feels almost spoiled for choice as his key players return en masse after injury lay-offs. The most significant re-appearance is that of Gary Armstrong, Scotland's World Cup captain, at scrum-half. The Falcons have struggled for direction since the 33-year-old broke a collar bone at Wasps in October and his presence, along with that of Doddie Weir and Stuart Grimes in the second row, should ensure a first league win of the campaign against Sale at Kingston Park, especially as the visitors are likely to go in without their best forwards, Phil Greening and Alex Sanderson.

By way of adding further ballast to his side, Andrew has recalled the England outside-half, Jonny Wilkinson, after resting him at the weekend. "It's the first time this season that I've been able to choose from a full squad," he said. "You can't really do without a player of Gary's ability, so it's a relief to have him back. We feel very strongly that this is the start of our season." Not before time - tonight's matches mark the midway point of the championship.