hull2524 wrote:
Regarding the dilemma whether to play Houghton or drop him altogether. He was MOM and also included in the SL team of the week. I definitely would like to see him spelled but just don't think he is our main problem. 100 % it would benefit us having another hooker to come of the bench to spell him.
I would start with Houghton at 9, Sao at 13 with Brown on the bench, bringing him on at the 20-25 minute mark when the game intensity level drops as impact hooker (similar to the way rovers deploy Parcell). I would then spell Houghton and Sao at 13 through the remainder of the game.
I just think we will get the maximum effect from Brown in that scenario which, as a NZ international, we really should be exploiting to its fullest. Danny undoubtedly still has a significant role to play for us, his vast experience for one, but he needs to be used correctly and not be thrashed for 80 minutes every week, which we have done for the past ten years plus.
Behind that, I'd have Walker/Hoy/Smith at 1/6/7 and stick with them. There are no other obvious combinations at the moment (until Truman finally returns), we require stability in the middle and need to persevere with this to try to establish a working relationship. I don't know what went on with Hoy last weekend, but chopping and changing the halves every week will only exacerbate the problem.
