I am just disappointed I didn't get an invite... I will have to make do with the wedding I am going to in London in a few weeks time.

I agree Clarkson should start with Hauraki more of an impact player off the bench. However I would start Cross as he cannot be considered an impact player but has shown he can tackle with a question mark over his go forward play. We need to show Saints a strong defence early in the game so they don't get on a roll.

Your point re: Cross is well made. But when he came off the bench against Wolves he really struggled to get up to the speed of play. I am concerned that the same would be on the cards against Saints. He was banned stupidly in that game, so to come straight back into the starting 13 after a poor performance and ban doesn't sit too well with me. Also on the back of that, last weeks starting props (JJB + Kirke) did their bit, so they should get another crack this week IMO.

In reality though whether he starts or not I can't see there being much difference. We didn't miss him last week and that's a whole other problem in itself.

Whilst the jury remains out on Cross lets not write him off yet.
I agree BB that his instant recall to the 13 isn't ideal after a ban but i think he should start rather than coming off the bench and kirke should be benched to come on with Biffa if fit.
The starting back-row if Abbo isn't selected at centre should be Ali ,Abbo with Clarkson at 13 imo.

Webb
Hardaker/Smith
Watkins
Senior
Hall
Sinfield
Burrow
Cross
Buderus
Jjb
Abblet
Ali
Clarkson.

Hauraki
kirke
Burgess
Pitts/Mcshane.

I would bring Ali off the bench for impact with Burgess starting and JJB back in the 2nd row

Pitts played for U20s so is seemingly not playing tonight. U20s won 28-24 by the way.

Well all the speculation came to .....