Manu's shoulder

[iceman_19]

I am absolutely gutted. Manu - without sounding too negative - gives our attack most of its direction. He gives England's attack ALL of its direction. I was really looking forward to seeing him and Billy playing together...Here's hoping that it isn't as bad as first feared.

Stick him in an oxygen chamber!!

[vin rouge]

gutted? who drops into England then?

[kpj tiger]

gutted? who drops into England then?

I suspect either Burrell or Joseph

[Bertos]

Don't we also have Terrence Hepetema in the centres? I think he was signed as injury cover for Matt Smith.

For England I'd imagine Joseph would now be first choice as he played 13 in the summer tour with Eastmond next in line.

[jgriffin]

Can I point out that two of our Lions, who RC identified as being risked despite injury, have now suffered significant injuries. It is the continuous season that has not allowed proper recovery.
Manu is discovering he isn't indestructible as he gets older; also the pecs take a huge strain with conditioning, but fortunately unless they tear off totally (NB often a symptom of naughty behaviour in the weight training gym and seen more readily in RL), are quickly repairable with general fitness easily maintained.
Cockers is quite right about player welfare, but Tigers themselves seem to have played several slightly injured players recently. It suggests we aren't as well stocked with replacements as believed.

[Bundy]

In the words of Mr Meldrew 'I don't believe it!!' and just after losing Croft for the season I am wondering if someone up there doesn't like us! I don't know much about Hepetema - anyone know if he is worth a shot at centre??

[drc_007]

A real shame, it was clear at the weekend what an asset he is to any team.

[TigerLad]

Oh for crying out loud. Who's next? The squad is down to the bare bones now. I suppose Goneva will cover 13 with Morris, Thompstone and Scully in the back 3. I think we all need to calm down a bit in a more positive way. He now has a few weeks rest in a part of the season that doesn't really matter instead of the playoffs. Who wants to bet that Lancaster will rush him back and then put down the losses due to 'injuries'.

[Tigerpete]

Terrible shame, he played well on Saturday. Get well soon Manu....

[DickyP]

Whilst Manu's injury is yet another disaster in the discussion above people seem to be forgetting AA and Dan Bowden. Even Ryan Lamb has played at 12 with some success before.

[Old Hob]

Maybe Geordie can come back for half a season and give us options. We looked very well stocked in the back 5 on paper, until the Gods decide that the playing field needs leveling (no - tipping) to give other clubs a chance.

[DickyP]

One glimmer of good news - Miles Benjamin is due to play in the A Team game this week.

[PM76]

Whilst Manu's injury is yet another disaster in the discussion above people seem to be forgetting AA and Dan Bowden. Even Ryan Lamb has played at 12 with some success before.

Feel more comfortable with the Allen/ Goneva partnership than the Bowden/ Allen one myself, especially when it comes to the "bigger games". Given Scully's performance vs. Falcons and the form of Thompstone and Morris I think Goneva at 13 is the best solution. Bowden was impressive vs. Falcons and I am a big fan of his but the Youngs/ Flood/ Allen axis is crucial and Goneva is the closest player to Manu we have.

Good news about Benjamin, Merc article also mentions that Louis Deacon has returned to training.

[Soggypitch]

I agree PM76 I think Allen/Goneva will be the preferred pairing with Bowden providing bench cover.

It will be an interesting selection headache for Cockers on Sunday.

[Ulster1]

Watched some of the barn storming runs this season and sorry we won't see him in the flesh at Ravenhill! Ps also a bit relieved but don't tell anyone. Speedy recovery