RagingBull wrote: ↑Thu May 25, 2023 3:28 pm
Interesting Kata is mentioned as a centre first, Gopperth replacement more than a wing?
I think he's another Porter in some ways. Useful cover should we find DK being called up. Started exclusively for Exeter at 12, at Moana Pasifika was used more at both 12 and 13, at the Brumbies almost exclusively on the wing.
I'm not sure he will be used as a "cover", I think he can challenge for a starting spot at center or wing, with different game plans, he might work better than other players. In any case, when rotating, I don't think we will lose out. He is a different sort of player to DK and IMHO pretty different to Porter, although I do agree that he is as versatile. If we lose Watson (as well as having lost Potter) and don't get another replacement in, I think we might see him starting on the wing a lot...
Really sad to see Potter go. Given his all and thoroughly enjoyed seeing him play, especially during our winning season when he was magnificent. What a rise he's had over the last couple of years if he makes the Australia squad.
TigerReggie wrote: ↑Fri May 26, 2023 5:49 am
Really sad to see Potter go. Given his all and thoroughly enjoyed seeing him play, especially during our winning season when he was magnificent. What a rise he's had over the last couple of years if he makes the Australia squad.
Leicestertinytiger wrote: ↑Fri May 26, 2023 9:50 am
So worst case scenario during the WC period we’re still looking at a tasty XV.
Cronin Dolly Heyes
Wells Carter
Liebenberg Hatherall Cracknell
Whiteley Shillcock
Porter Scott
Bassett Brown Kata
Yes wouldn’t be far away. Personally I’d have Atkinson in ahead of Shilcock, and with the LCD situation and no real stand out 3rd English hooker Dolly must be in with some sort of shout for the World Cup
Leicestertinytiger wrote: ↑Fri May 26, 2023 9:50 am
So worst case scenario during the WC period we’re still looking at a tasty XV.
Cronin Dolly Heyes
Wells Carter
Liebenberg Hatherall Cracknell
Whiteley Shillcock
Porter Scott
Bassett Brown Kata
Kata likely to be with Tonga, so either Simmons to wing, Shillcock to 15 and Atkinson to 10 and Brown on the bench. Or Brown to Wing, Atkinson to 10 and Shillcock to 15 with Simmons on the bench
The PRC running inline with the RWC group stages helps a lot. The RWC being in France means a short journey back, no jet lag as well. There's no reason that players who are familiar with the systems such as Henderson or Scott if they make the Scotland squad couldn't play R1 of the Prem if fit.
They'd need subsequent rest later in the season if they've had significant minutes during the RWC. That can absolutely be managed with good rotation though.
Leicestertinytiger wrote: ↑Fri May 26, 2023 9:50 am
So worst case scenario during the WC period we’re still looking at a tasty XV.
Cronin Dolly Heyes
Wells Carter
Liebenberg Hatherall Cracknell
Whiteley Shillcock
Porter Scott
Bassett Brown Kata
Heyes and possibly Dolly will go to the WC, they are going to take at least 3 Tight heads
Borthwick has been rumoured to have asked any of the players in contention for the world cup not to be selected for the World XV or Baabaas team. Dolly unlikely to go on that basis which considering his lack of game time post injury makes sense. George, Blamire, Walker, McGuigan and Dunn all likely to be looked at, maybe LCD if he's fit in time.
Heyes will likely be in the training squad but one of he or Cole will be left with us whilst the other accompanies Sinckler and Stuart to the world cup.
I'd hope that we'd start one of the young guys with Wells and then keep Carter in reserve. As long as one of Manz, L Chessum and Carmichael shows some form against the Championship teams before the Prem kicks in. We might well have Ollie Chessum back by the time the Prem starts as well.