LE18 wrote: ↑Sun Jan 16, 2022 2:49 pm
ABClub wrote: ↑Sun Jan 16, 2022 2:42 pm
LE18 wrote: ↑Sun Jan 16, 2022 2:27 pm
As we have already qualified I would go with our 2nd choice starting 15 and load the bench with the Internationals to ensure we get the win. Give them 20/25 mins to get them ready for Sale. My bench would be Genge, Montoya, Cole, Wells, Reffell, Youngs, Ford and Steward.
I know its difficult to name the 2nd choices but I'm sure you know what I mean!
It's an idea I actually really love for this sort of game. Absolutely stack the bench for impact late on.
With that incentive of a potential home Q/F with a top 2 finish I just can't quite see it happening though.
Don't forget ABC that we won away with a mixed team, so I would hope that we can do even better than that at home, especially with a bench like I selected, bearing in mind how strong the starting team would be anyway.
Agreed, though that was a heavily rotated Bordeaux team as well it should be noted. They will likely send an even more rotated side away of course but still worth noting it wasn't the same Bordeaux team is leading the Top 14. That made it an interesting game in many ways as it was the Prem leaders vs Top 14 leaders with both testing their depth.
As said in my first post here I'd personally like Burns to get another start at least on the bounce with Ford on the bench. So I'd like a mix as is usual my view with selection. Gradual changes week to week rather than wholesale for certain games. I'd love Whitcombe to get another start alongside Clare who was really good when he came on yesterday and is usually rock solid at set-piece.
1.Whitcombe 2.Clare 3.Heyes 4.Green 5.Chessum 6.Martin 7.Reffell 8.Wiese
9.Youngs 10.Burns 11.Saumaki 12.Kelly 13.Moroni 14.Kini 15.Hegarty
16.Montoya 17.Genge 18.Leatigaga 19.Wells 20.*someone who owns rugby boots* 21.JvP 22.Ford 23.Porter
I'd really like to see that sort of side get a run at home with the more attacking tactics we saw at the weekend. Those tactics with Youngs at 9 and our first choice centres could be a very good blend.
As said I think that potential financial incentive for a home QF will see a near full strength side though. Worth noting as well it's potentially the fans last chance to see some England stars in Tigers colours until the Chiefs game at the end of March!