Is it likely that we will put out a weak side next Saturday? Nothing to play for, don’t risk any injuries or bans etc.

Hope not. We need the same team together that will be taking on the semi, so everyone sings from the same hymn sheet. We don’t want some ring rusty team put together who need to find a groove again.

No doubt. A second string would be crazy.

Re your excellent point on another thread Rodney, what about the Front Row? With 160 minutes needed from them across the semi (and hopefully) final, would you risk Joe, Balders and baby rhino on a game that has nothing riding on it?

Maybe take them off after 50 or bring them on for the last 30?

I don't believe the coaches will even be considering the Team for the Final tbh. The Semi Final is potentially our Final so we throw absolutely everything at it and go again if we succeed.

good point. I'd definitely start them but look to bring them off after after 50.

Definitely this. It's a tough one for the coaches on how to approach it psychologically, as it's both a meaningless dead rubber and key for us to get firing on all cylinders and build our confidence.

Falcons will be desperate to make top 8 via a win, so other than blowing the dust off and proving to ourselves that all the key players/structure are operating at 100% in the first half, I'd personally play 40mins at full gas then wrap the 1st choice players in cotton wool.

Meantime, Exe and Sale can smash each other to pieces and  Briz will presumably be keen to keep top spot, which should help our freshness vs whoever we play. In theory!

Just got a call from the ticket office, MaidstoneQuin is going to be in the house for this!