London Irish Away

[westwinds31]

As good as the win felt on Saturday, this season will still have ups and downs I think, as new partnerships bed in and we try and find our way again. Haven't see the Irish game but read the report and it sounded like they literally didn't turn up, so expecting a reaction from them this weekend, plus they'll be fired up to put a marker down in their new surroundings. Consistency has not been a strong point of ours in recent times, so let's see how it goes.

The result on Saturday was amazing of course, but you can tell a lot from a squad when a game has finished, and to see the joy on the faces of the players and ALL the squad was great to see. It looked like there is already a decent bond there and in rugby, that's a big thing.

[JP14]

Let's not forget the shambolic defeat to the Exiles last season, we need to keep composure and not suddenly think we're the best thing since sliced bread (which we were guilty of for the parts of 2017/18 when we were actually pretty decent).

[trendylfj]

Give them all the week off - little training seemed to work and they just had to play what was in front of them - lol - joking apart, you can make a case for lots of the combos but I would keep as many as possible.

[Noggs]

Saturday wasn't fantastic but we can take a lot from the game, particularly in the performance in defence and at the breakdown. The scrum was also impressive.

In addition to others I believe Steward deserves a mention as he had another good game and was solid under the high ball.

I can't see many changes being made for the Irish game but we will see who is fit and who puts their hand up in training. This game is very winnable if we play like we did against the cherry and whites and to go into the chief's game with 9 or 10 points in the bag will make the game all the more interesting.

[PaleoTiger]

Wiggy was fab! Doing what I thought he would, only hope that he can look to coach as well. A must pick for this game.
I thought that Potter had a good game on the wing too, loved that tongue out when running into contact. Again, keep him in.

I'd put Scott in at 12 if fit, though Porter did nothing wrong, I liked his contribution.

I loved Wiese, wow that first rampaging carry, oh my..... I must say that I'd be tempted to play a back row of Brink, Wiese and one of the 7's, then put Hanro at lock. Then you've got a lot of carrying and grunt in the forwards.

Backs looked great and Steward looks very composed, growing in confidence with each game.

I want to see consistency and regularity which is something that we didn't go for after the break last year. This LI game is very important and a must win away game to rebuild confidence on the road. I think he'll pick a big solid team that will be hard to beat.

[fentiger]

I want to see consistency and regularity which is something that we didn't go for after the break last year. This LI game is very important and a must win away game to rebuild confidence on the road. I think he'll pick a big solid team that will be hard to beat.

Agreed, if we become hard to beat that's halfway to winning! The opposition has to then find a way to beat us with the consequences of the game opening up

[strawclearer]

I'm sure Borthwick will select by many more valid criteria than I can think of but I reckon Liebenberg at 6 is probably the first name on my teamsheet.

[OakhamTiger32]

I'm sure Borthwick will select by many more valid criteria than I can think of but I reckon Liebenberg at 6 is probably the first name on my teamsheet.

Agreed. I really liked the balance of the back row vs Glos. Liebenberg Taufua Wiese would be my first choice injuries aside (and that will be some back row with Brink off the bench) but Reffell/Wallace are in fine form at 7 so I’d be keen to keep the balance and play one of them in the meantime

[Tiglon]

I'm sure Borthwick will select by many more valid criteria than I can think of but I reckon Liebenberg at 6 is probably the first name on my teamsheet.

Agreed. I really liked the balance of the back row vs Glos. Liebenberg Taufua Wiese would be my first choice injuries aside (and that will be some back row with Brink off the bench) but Reffell/Wallace are in fine form at 7 so I’d be keen to keep the balance and play one of them in the meantime

We're going to have a problem when Taufua returns if the others stay fit! Who do you leave out?

I quite like Taufua as a "finisher" - he's always impressed me more coming off the bench and the energy he brings is incredible. Liebenberg, Reffell, Wiese looked really well balanced.

[Wayne Richardson Fan Club]

On the odd chance they all stay fit... ..
Wiese will need a break at some point as his season started sooner, the option of Hanro in the 2nd row is there, but he looks close to undropable at present, getting Taufua & Nadolo playing together as per their Crusaders stint could prove critical in some games.

[RagingBull]

Personally I feel with the rules you need a out and out fetcher again.

[OakhamTiger32]

I'm sure Borthwick will select by many more valid criteria than I can think of but I reckon Liebenberg at 6 is probably the first name on my teamsheet.

Agreed. I really liked the balance of the back row vs Glos. Liebenberg Taufua Wiese would be my first choice injuries aside (and that will be some back row with Brink off the bench) but Reffell/Wallace are in fine form at 7 so I’d be keen to keep the balance and play one of them in the meantime

We're going to have a problem when Taufua returns if the others stay fit! Who do you leave out?

I quite like Taufua as a "finisher" - he's always impressed me more coming off the bench and the energy he brings is incredible. Liebenberg, Reffell, Wiese looked really well balanced.

It’s a nice problem to have.. a position we haven’t been in for some time. Wallace is playing extremely well too and Brink will be a great asset once he’s back up to speed and settled. Tough one to call

[loretta]

And, of course, Nadolo can always play 6!

[TigerMac3]

With the continuing postponement of Fiji matches, when can we expect Nadolo and Kini back and ready for match action?

[TigerFeetSteve]

I think Borthwick will love having Wiese & Liebenberg in as they're both genuine lineout options.