Gustafson relishing front row challenge (From South Wales Argus)
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Gustafson relishing front row challenge
7:00am Thursday 10th January 2013 in Sport
By Chris Kirwan
BAYONNE v DRAGONS (Tonight, KO 7.45)
HUGH Gustafson knows from experience how tough the front row tussle is against the French on their own patch, but tonight the Newport Gwent Dragons forward will battle Bayonne with a 2 on his back rather than a 1, writes Chris Kirwan.
The 25-year-old is in his first full season as a hooker after making the switch from loosehead prop.
He has done well – as shown by his 15 regional appearances to date – but this evening will be a real test of his progress.
Gustafson, who is still listed as a prop on the Dragons’ website, will be in the middle of the front row against Bayonne at the Stade Jean Dauger and he has a point to prove.
It is five games since the former Wales Under-20s prop has started and he has been kicking his heels on the sidelines while Sam Parry has been preferred, something Gustafson is determined to change.
“Both me and Sam are very competitive,” he said.
“He has had the last five starts but I am not here to share the jersey, I want it to be mine.”
Which will need a strong set piece performance in the south of France, traditionally a heartland of strong scrummaging.
“It’s nothing new for me,” said Gustafson. “I’ve played in France as a prop and I know how important it is to win my one-on-one battle.
“The game is always won and lost up front and if we lie down and have our bellies rubbed by them they will win the game comfortably. We want to go out there and throw everything at them.”
Whatever happens, Gustafson vows to learn from the experience as he gets to grips with life as a hooker.
“I am proud of what I have achieved in a year,” he said.
“I learnt my trade at Pontypool and Bedwas, at times it has been tough but I have enjoyed it.
“I have given it my best shot and feel that I have come through but you are never the finished article and I will be learning for the rest of my career.”
l The Dragons have registered Wales Under-20s hooker Elliott Dee in their European squad as a replacement for Steve Jones, who is currently out with a bicep injury.
Dee, 18, will act as cover in case Parry or Gustafson is unavailable for their final Amlin Challenge Cup game against group winners elect Wasps at Rodney Parade next Thursday.
Comments(7)
Robert Shillabeer
says...
11:03am Thu 10 Jan 13
rhinestine wrote:Or perhaps they do! They see the player in a different way to the rest of us, like every day at training and speak to them and get right into their thinking about the game. It at least give Hugh a second string too his game and he has come on well at it just needs to get his throw in a bit better.
should have stayed at prop, he is the best loose head at the dragons. Could have been in the mould of Tom Smith, but the coaching staff don't see things in players at the dragons!
SWBorderer
says...
5:53pm Thu 10 Jan 13
foxy3rd
says...
6:57pm Thu 10 Jan 13
Robert Shillabeer
says...
7:16pm Thu 10 Jan 13
foxy3rd wrote:They are allowed to put 16 or 17 year olds into European games the competitions rules don't allow it.
I wonder how many other teams put so many 16,17 + 18 yr. olds into European matches at times I am ashamed of the Dragons.
Robert Shillabeer
says...
7:19pm Thu 10 Jan 13
Robert Shillabeer wrote:Give should have been gave and too should have been to. Yep it pays to check it after you type it, Sorry for the errors. There I did admit it, how about you?
rhinestine wrote:Or perhaps they do! They see the player in a different way to the rest of us, like every day at training and speak to them and get right into their thinking about the game. It at least give Hugh a second string too his game and he has come on well at it just needs to get his throw in a bit better.
should have stayed at prop, he is the best loose head at the dragons. Could have been in the mould of Tom Smith, but the coaching staff don't see things in players at the dragons!
Robert Shillabeer
says...
7:21pm Thu 10 Jan 13
Robert Shillabeer wrote:Seriously, just settling down to watch the game on Sky, getting a different non anti Dragons view for a change.
rhinestine wrote:Or perhaps they do! They see the player in a different way to the rest of us, like every day at training and speak to them and get right into their thinking about the game. It at least give Hugh a second string too his game and he has come on well at it just needs to get his throw in a bit better.
should have stayed at prop, he is the best loose head at the dragons. Could have been in the mould of Tom Smith, but the coaching staff don't see things in players at the dragons!
rhinestine says...
10:01am Thu 10 Jan 13