15. Brown, 14 Goenva, 13. Marchant, 12. Tapui, 11. Ismail, 10. Smith, 9. Care, 8 Dombrant, 7. Robshaw, 6. Kunitani, 5. Lewies, 4. Symonds, 3. Sinckler, 2. Baldwin, 1. Marler
16: Botta, 17. Collier, 18. Crumpton, 19. Freeman/Young, 20. Clifford, 21. Landajo, 22. Lang, 23. Morris/Ibitoye
I think the most contentious deliberation would be over 12. and 6. Do Saili and Clifford get in front of Tapui and Kunitani?
General squad looks more competitive, so hopefully, some of the new guys increase competition in the back row, scrum-half, hooker, second row and wings. I like the look of Will Evans and Luke Northmore, they look like excellent squad players who could make a breakthrough.
We look weaker at 10, but hopefully, Herron can challenge Smith and Lang.
Wow! That is a strong matchday 23!
Clifford v Semi is an interesting one. I would also throw James Chisholm into the mix. Before his injury he was one of our most consistent players and captained the team on a number of occasions. Will he be able to be involved in pre-season?
Benny Taps v Saili is also a tough call! Personally, I would have Saili as the main starter as I love his inspiration and invention. Arguably, Taps is a bit more reliable in defence, though.
Seeing Gabs/Murley potentially on the bench is interesting and a bit of a shock to the system. I expect Goneva and Ismaiel to settle in very well, so it shows us that the competition on the wing is very strong. We need to get the ball out wide as frequently as possible!!!
All in all, Gussy is building a strong 15, 23 and wider squad. Can we finish 3rd (at least)? I think so!!!! Of our main rivals, Sale seem to have imported half of South Africa (+2 decent Geordies) and Gloucester are pretty steady. Otherwise, we seem in pretty good shape to challenge at the top end.
Based on the World Cup training squads, do we yet know who appears likely to be unavailable to us for the beginning of the season?
And, do we know the mandatory rest period before they can play for their clubs after the World Cup (which I appreciate may be earlier for some and later for others)?
We look weaker at 10, but hopefully, Herron can challenge Smith and Lang.
Mmmm you might be a tad optimistic there. I don't want to put a downer on the lad but we are his 4th club in as many years
I did put in my sentence "hopefully". Perhaps he has learned his lesson and will be grateful and try more as well as be getter coached. Well let's hope so.
Surely Cavubatu on the bench as it stands
I totally forgot about him. Let's hope he comes back from the world cup injury free.
Id be tempted to have Sailli at 12. We look more dangerous when he plays. Offloading for fun. Always tries to get his hands free.
For me.. during World Cup:
Brown, ismaiel/Ibitoye, marchant, tapuai, Murley, Smith, Care; auterac, Baldwin, Collier, symons, Lewies, robshaw, Clifford, dombrandt. Subs- Buchanan, lambert, Swainston, Freeman, Baby Chisholm, Saunders, Lang, Saili
I think then marker and sinkler definitely return post World Cup and then i think Goneva will definitely start with Murley and Ibitoye rotating. One option which Gustard liked at the start of the season was brown on the wing and Morris at fullback so I wouldn’t discount that as an option. Saili’s defence seemed fragile but looked more creative than Taps. Marchant nailed on at 13, but good to see he has genuine competition next season with Campagnaro incoming.
I think backrow options are fascinating next season. I’d be tempted to say Robbo and dombrandt are almost certainties to be starting when fit. Crazy to think dombrandt has already cemented that spot, although second season syndrome is a saying for a reason so will be tougher for him. Then you have Clifford and Chisholm. As academy grads they were stars in the england u20s, but have had rotten luck with injury. IF they can stay fit will definitely be pushing. Ten Kunatani who had a storming end to the season, who knows what his ceiling is.... but signs a positive. Then the two newbies, Lawday and Evans. Both earning great plaudits and surely Gustard has brought them in for a reason...
Lawday has looked excellent whenever I have seen him play. Is Goneva involved with Fiji still??
Good news. Im not sure Semi is certain to go either
I seem to be in the minority but don't discount Elia being in the mix. He should be with Samoa at RWC and if he stays injury free I hope he will be pushing for the 2 shirt.
I prefer Siali to Taps but not much in it I think k Ibatoye and Murley will get plenty of game time
Lawday has looked excellent whenever I have seen him play. Is Goneva involved with Fiji still??
He's been listed in the 50 man training squad... but when you look at some of the names there it'll be tough for him!!
Agree x 1
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