Cokey wrote:
Herbie Farnworth in for me
Welsby full back for me, can't have him on the bench
Ackers definitely in for me too with Leeming also
Lees? not sure tbh
Watkins 2nd row to replace Farrell and Bateman in
Farnworth, probably a starter if fit and on form bur he'll be going in cold after a good few months injured.
Welsby can over all the backline and allow us another playmaker, Australia favour this approach too although they may change with the loss if Cam Smith who could always play the 80. Wouldn't argue with another hooker there instead but in that case I too would be inclined to move Welsby to 1, he will be an important player for us wherever he is on the pitch.
Second hooker spot is open, our depth here is terrible frankly. Ackers in the best form but Leeming probably next in line. McShane not good enough for me.
Lees starts primarily for his line-leading defence, bench props providing more impact later.
Watkins' game is the same down that edge, I wouldn't be too concerned about moving him out a touch. We are strongest at back row and this allows us to get more of our best players on the pitch, he's been a revelation this season.
giddyupoldfella wrote:
Your line-up has good balance. It's a brave choice looking front row with the two young props. Not sure if either are ready for this level yet but we won't know that if they're not given the chance. I think Tom Burgess is our senior prop right now and will likely be a starter.
I personally like Percival as a player but he's had chances before at the top level and let himself down. I'd prefer Hardaker in there. I also think Bateman must be in. It's a good line-up you chose though.
I've got no problems with either of the starting props and it allows Thompson and especially Burgess to perform the interchange roles they have been doing all season (when fit in Thompsons case).
Percival has been in and out of the international side with no good run to speak of. Played briefly before and after the last World Cup IIRC. Another who's coming in fairly cold but form and availability of others makes him a must pick for me. Hardaker is a good option to have granted, I wouldn't have any issues if he was in the 24 due to his versatility.
Wigg'n wrote:
I thought Young had pledged for Jamaica? Only reason I left him out.
His coach at Newcastle let slip a couple of weeks back that he had been selected for England, I've seen nothing more than that either but he would have to go straight in on form.
