Just seen Iwan Stephens named in England u-20s squad in union. It did seem odd when we released him. He always looked the outstanding player in academy highlights. https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... 630904.amp

Just seen Iwan Stephens named in England u-20s squad in union. It did seem odd when we released him. He always looked the outstanding player in academy highlights. https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... 630904.amp

For what it's worth I think Thompson is a bit underrated. Saw him have some good games at prop at the back end of last season. Maybe his new "go faster" haircut will take him to the next level. It is worrying though. One more poorly prop and we are in the poop.

Let`s hope Tet has got his tackling technique sorted.

The tank doesn't seem that robust.

Unfortunate for Tommy, he always has an injury in him from what I can see. Hopefully he gets back by round 6/7 as Agar suggests.

I think a lot of it comes to where and how you use Tetevano. For me if you start prior and Mik with Smith at 13 then you can have a bench of Tetevano, Thompson, Dwyer and one other, possibly Mellor.

I think Tetevano for impact and Thompson for steady away is reasonable for interchange. Not perfect but could we worse.

The issue for me is when you start Prior, Mik and Tetevano. Then you have Thompson and you are playing around trying to keep people on the pitch. Two props start, two on the bench. Mellor covers the back row, Bentley can slip into 13 if Smith needs a rest.

Agree if we get another prop injury we will really struggle. Then again if any team lost 2 of the 5 front line props they would struggle. Salary cap means you don’t have as many players as you might like.

I'd say the trouble is that we only really have 4 front line props not 5.