Dewi weighs up the contenders as two of the Premiership heavyweights go head-to- head.
Dewi says no quarter will be given as Gloucester clash with Leicester
The weekend just gets better and better. Closely following on from the Northampton v Worcester game, comes a game I am really looking forward to seeing. There is certainly unfinished business here.
Everyone remembers that play-off game down in Kingsholm where Leicester turned Gloucester over and quite rightly so.
Gloucester did not play well that day -- in fact they were atrocious. After finishing top of the domestic season, once again they came away with nothing.
They cannot afford to do that this season -- the pressure is really on them. Tom Walkinshaw has given Dean Ryan the money to go out and buy the players he wants. The time for excuses are over and Ryan knows that if Gloucester do not deliver this season, well heads will roll.
They have to get something out of this season. Finishing top is all well and good as is playing attractive rugby, but they have to get that nasty arrogance, get that winning mentality like the Wasps boys have.
At the moment they have not got that mean streak which can determine how many trophies they will win but this season they have to get it. They cannot fall back like they did last season. It is a matter of consistency, they will still be hurting from last season and I really hope they can justify playing some spectacular rugby and get a trophy.
As for Leicester, well they have a lot of injuries at the moment. Martin Corry won't be there; Martin Castrogiovanni won't be there; Lewis Moody won't be there and Harry Ellis is not fully fit but Leicester are a proud rugby side with a fantastic rugby heritage.
Their fans probably demand more than anyone one else and we will see what they can do.
New coach Heyneke Meyer is a fascinating character who has a very astute rugby brain on him. He is honest and forthright and coaches for the love of the game and not for the money. I think he will fit in well with the Leicester ethos, although he does have a challenge ahead with all his injuries.
New signing Toby Flood will be looking to nail down the number ten berth and behind a powerful pack, he should be able to express his vast talents.
I think both Leicester and Gloucester will be up in the top four come the end of the season. But as I have said before, getting off to a good start is vital -- especially for these two sides who will probably feel the brunt of the internationals more than most.
For Gloucester I think Ryan Lamb is going to be vital for the way they go. He should get a bit more space due to the new laws and I expect to see the same great rugby from the Cherry and Whites that we saw last season.
