Jason Tovey out of Newport's Heineken Cup opener
Jason Tovey has been ruled out of the Newport Gwent Dragons' Heineken Cup opener against Glasgow on 8 October.
The 21-year-old fly half has been struggling with a hamstring injury that he picked up in the Magners League match against Glasgow last week. He has been ruled out of action until mid-October at the earliest.
"It's a real blow for us. We will try to get him fit as soon as we can," Newport rugby manager Robert Beale said.
Tovey is a very important person in the Newport set-up. His absence from the team will be a big blow to fans, coaches and players. However, an opportunity now arises for someone else to come in and make
an impression.
A big miss
Tovey is a big miss because he's a very enthusiastic and dynamic player. He throws himself into every single match with a great attitude. This can rub off on the rest of the Newport team and would have
been vital in a nervous European match.
Tovey has been playing very well and he would have figured in Newport's plans to bring down Glasgow at the start of October. The team could have been built around him as he's been very influential with
the boot and scoring tries so far this season. His injury may force the coach to come up with some new tactics.
However, one man's misfortune is another man's gain. Matthew Jones looks the most likely player to come in and play at fly half while Tovey is ruled out of action. Jones should be going all out to make
the most of a chance he would not have been expecting.
"One door closes another opens. Matthew Jones came on [for Tovey against Glasgow] and showed what a good player he is," said head coach Paul Turner.
Betting advice
Newport has the edge over Glasgow so far this season. The Dragons has won the only match between the two clubs so far this season, which came in the Magners League at Newport. Back them to win again and
back Jones to score a few points at fly half.
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