Ryan urges Gloucester players to keep it real

DEAN RYAN believes the hype surrounding Gloucester’s exciting young England hopefuls is “distracting from reality” as his team look destined for an early Heineken Cup exit.

The form of players such as centre Anthony Allen and Olly Morgan could be recognised today when England head coach Andy Robinson names his team and replacements for a Bonfire Night showdown with World Cup favourites New Zealand.

While Morgan might ultimately see his immediate Test match hopes ruined by a recurrence of shoulder trouble, Ryan claims speculation surrounding Robinson’s selection has now forced a reality check.

Gloucester’s 32-26 defeat against Kingsholm visitors Agen left the west country club with just one point from their opening two group games — and Ryan offered some blunt general observations.

“For the last few weeks, I have had nothing but headlines and phone calls, and all we are is what people saw against Agen,” said Ryan.

“We are a young side that lacks physicality at this level, and we lost.

“The more headlines I see about that, the more realistic things will be.”

Centre Allen scored two tries for Gloucester, but Agen secured a bonus point to set up their home and away appointments with Leinster in December which should decide who wins Pool Two.

Wasps, European champions in 2004, slipped up 19-12 against Perpignan at Stade Aime Giral after producing a mediocre performance. It was overshadowed by a knee injury to England star Josh Lewsey which could rule him out of All Blacks contention.

Perpignan lock Colin Gaston’s early try made the difference, with Wasps looking devoid of ideas in attack as all their points came from three Jeremy Staunton penalties and a late Alex King kick which at least secured a losing bonus point.

Northampton coach Paul Grayson showered praise on England World Cup hooker Steve Thompson after Saints’ 37-13 Pool Six victory over Borders.

Thompson continued his comeback from injury by scoring two tries, and Grayson believes he is on course to re-establish himself in England colours.

Grayson said: “We want Steve to get himself back to the top of the pecking order in the England set-up, because if he can play himself back into that position, it means he is doing the best for us. Being out injured for the last month has put him out of the frame as far as England’s autumn Tests are concerned, but if he can show the selectors what he can do, it should not be too long until he is back up there.”

While Saints savoured a bonus-point success, group favourites Biarritz moved clear at the top after destroying Overmach Parma 50-7, with Dimitri Yachvili (2), Sereli Bobo, Damien Traille and Thomas Lievremont among their try-scorers.