No1 Saint wrote:
If the club announced Wilkin, Flash, LMS and Manu were all leaving at the end of the year I wouldnt be at all disappointed, I doubt many would. Replacing the back rowers with a trent waterhouse type and getting a proper rough house nasty prop
Laffranchi leaving frees up the money for "a proper rough house nasty prop" - favourite of which is available being huby.
What happens with our back rowers next year depends entirely on what's happening with soliola. Wilkin soliola and lms makes a decent starting back row (dependant on form) we'd need a line breaker to replace Manu (who are in short supply looking at the ooc lists chris McQueen anyone?) BUT there are going to be ever increasing pressure from below with greenwood, Savelio (and if rumours are believed, Jordan Cox)
None of this requires any of the aforementioned to leave, and just adds competition to places - you can also add clough to the list (though I think he's unlikely to return) - the only one who I would be unsure about is Flanaghan, not good enough to be first choice, and too expensive a choice for backup - especially considering it haven't mentioned the likes of walker, hand and the host of others who now have first team experience.
A proper 6 and replacement 9 (if Fozard didn't look up to it? Haven't seen anything about him good or bad) is top priority.