Quote: Saint Simon "problem is they are both running half backs, you need one running and one passing half back ideally'"
Why can't you do both? Just because you are nippy doesn't mean you can't pass.
I don't get this viewpoint of Eastmond not having a passing game, he does. He's got a better passing game than Long now, he's also got a better kicking game than Long did at his age. What he doesn't have is the experience to make the right choice at the right time. He was always going to be a step down from Long in his first season as first choice seven, anyone who expected different is either naive or a fool. He still needs to learn the game, no matter how talented he is.
He would benefit from having a more experienced organising half back next to him though, just as Long did from Martyn. But that doesn't mean he's only a runner.