Ahead of Luamanu at No 8 are a current international captain, an England international (albeit one who seems to be permanently crocked) and a former JRWC captain (who you would hope would get a crack at the senior squad if he stays fit, in 2020 if not before). It’s not surprising that we don’t see him much in the first team.

I’d like to see if Gustard and Quins can do for Mat what Sarries have done for Will Skelton. Skelton was an overweight lump last season but has lost about half a ton over the summer and looks far better for it. I think Luamanu could be far more effective at both lock and No 8 if he could lose some of the bulk.

... a former JRWC captain (who you would hope would get a crack at the senior squad if he stays fit, in 2020 if not before).

Who was also Junior World Player of the Year.

No Marler again??

On the bench after a dead leg kept him out last week, came on at half time & scored a try

Quote from: Quinky on Saturday 15-Sep-2018, 11:33*

Luamanu won't have as much impact from lock. When he joined us he seemed to be swatting players off, and making ground. Last season he seemed to be doing not so well, but that could be said about most of the squad.

Whatever people think of Big Mat, he continues to be selected in the Samoa squad. Maybe he just hasn't been used by Quins very well?

It could be that Samoa don't have a lot of depth and aren't very good. Tier 2 rugby sides pick whoever they can, and he's the only 8 in their squad. Hell, they've been forced to rely on a bunch of 35+ year olds recently.

There's a good player in there somewhere but his fitness doesn't appear to be up to the task of making a regular impact.

This.

Saying that a player must be good because they play for their national team is a bit of a nonsense when that team is Poland, Namibia or a tier 2 nation with limited options. Of course the pacific island teams have some great players, but also some distinctly average ones