Maybe I just thought of bring him back by the bench, don't think Samu's done much to be dropped, first game back off the bench start the next one.We're talking about Hooper for God's sake. If he's back you have to assume he's ready. Start him.
I don't think Holloway deserves the 6 jersey but much of a muchness also Halloway is the lock backup.My only issue with this team u have picked is Hanigan @ 6; somewhat handy Super R player, but not a test starter.
Holloway deserves the 6 jumper, and while Nawaqanitawase is an easy starter, I am certain he will debut from the bench; Wright to play in no. 11..
I don't think Holloway deserves the 6 jersey but much of a muchness also Halloway is the lock backup.
Adam, are you talking about Swain?That tap and go was a garbage decision, thats not a positive example of playing “whats in front of you”
If we are really going to be bringing Will Shelton in, our 6 needs to be a hybrid lock/6. I also think Hooper could expect more jumping (with Skill lifting). It doesn't directly impact the Scotland game but if we introduce that player (and bench) now it can only ease the transition later.
Finn Russell will have no impact on this game, regardless of who we play at 10 - he's not even in the Scotland squadI would be starting Lolesio and Foley on the bench. Can you imagine what Finn Russell could do with Foley at 10?
Samu was equal if not our best player across the whole RC & can play anywhere across the back row surely he has to start at least against Scotland
MS I don't disagree with the idea that we should put forward our best 23 and avoid experimentation. Unfortunately if Will Skelton is to take the field then experimentation is exactly what is on the cards and we would need, I think, to build for it. In that case 6 should be a hybrid lock.
IMO Samu will not displace either Hooper or Valetini. Nor does he fit the hybrid lock/6 scenario. Perhaps Samu to bench in this scenario?
The real question is whether the experiment with Will Skelton is worth that disruption. Maybe held for Italy? I'm not saying it is good, just that it seems to me to be the Skelton option.
WS isnt released for the scot game, so its either pistol pete or JH for the 1st test
I am shocked I assumed he would be first picked. Is he injured or just not picked?Finn Russell will have no impact on this game, regardless of who we play at 10 - he's not even in the Scotland squad
Yes it is definitely worth giving Marky a run….So what does our best XV look like for this game? Is it worth giving Nawaqanitawase a run?
1. Slipper (c)
2. Porecki
3. AAA
4. Frost
5. Neville
6. Hanigan (although I'd love to see Gleeson)
7. Hooper
8. Valetini
9. Gordon
10. Foley
11. Wright/Nawaqanitawase
12. Foketi
13. Ikitau
14. Kellaway
15. Banks
16. Fainga'a
17. Gibbon
18. Tupou
19. Holloway
20. Samu
21. White
22. Hodge
23. Petaia