Robinson relishing return to starting line up
Sean Robinson makes his first start of the season in tonight’s European Rugby Challenge Cup game against Grenoble (KO 18:00 GMT) and is excited to be back fit and available selection.
The 25 year old has been maintaining a watching brief while recovering from an extended enforced absence and after making his return from the bench against Bath, cannot wait to pack down from the off in France.
And while he lines up in the number six jersey instead of his more customary position in the second row, he is looking forward to returning to the position where he announced himself in this competition in his first senior season.
“I’m excited, we’ve done well in this competition, it’s been a bit mixed this season, with a couple of good home wins but then not quite delivering away from home. It means these are two big games if we want to progress, which we do and we have to be honest with ourselves and say that we have to win both games and do so well.
“Looking at the other tables, we can still qualify if we go out and perform for two weeks so that’s our aim and we’re really excited to give the competition a real good go.
“It’s been a while since I’ve played in the backrow. I played a few games there in my first year and it’s a nice change from the second row, there is a lot more freedom there.
In the second row, you end up doing a lot more of the grunt and hard work. It is still enjoyable, but it’s also nice to sometimes get a bit more licence to play.”
Reflecting on his return to the fray in the pulsating 24-22 win at Kingston Park Stadium a week ago, Robinson confirms that it was pleasing to get involved in a squad showing consistent progress.
“It was great to get back out there, it was a long eight month period with a couple of injury setbacks so it was fantastic to get out there with the boys after having to watch and admire from the side-lines this season so far
“The side has made real strides and they keep going forward so it was nice to be able to get involved again.”
Turning his attentions to the round five clash at the Stade des Alps, Robinson says the focus is on delivering a positive start whilst respecting the specific challenges that will be posed by a side determined to impress their own crowd.
“Starting well is definitely going to be a key focus for us. We are aware that any French side playing at home will always be very passionate and Grenoble are a very proud club and we are not going to be taking them lightly and are going to respect their side.
“They may have been struggling in the Top 14 they are still capable of putting in strong performances and will still test us so it’s our responsibility to impose our game on them and impose our style of rugby. The first 20 minutes is going to be key for us and we have spoken about how setting the tone.”
