Spot on. That's exactly how I'd have it.

Amor
Roby
LMS
Soliola
Manu
Wilkin

Walmsley
Masoe
Laffranchi

And then either a utility such as Wheeler/Hohaia or another forward from the many that are left:

Flanagan, Beaumont, Clough, Walker, Thompson

In a game where we now use the fullback as creative pivot, having a playmaking 13 is a case of [itoo many chiefs and not enough Indians[/i, in my opinion. Your much better off with a bruiser.
In a perfect world you'd have a Scully or, to a lesser, extent an O'Loughlin, who have skills without giving up anything on the physicality. Aside from work rate, Wilkin doesn't offer enough on the physical side of the game to compete with our other forwards.
For me, he should be standoff or nothing and, given the salary I presume he's getting, I doubt he's giving us value for money. I'd have flogged him to Salford.

That's not to say I didn't appreciate his efforts this year, transforming himself into a halfback.

Laffranchi
Roby
Amor
Manu
Wilkin
LMS

Leaves Soliola, Walmsley and Masoe on the bench with Wheeler/Hohaia. Plenty of oomph on the bench there, which is what we've been missing for a while.

I'd imagine lomax will be third man (and attacking pivot) down the left and Wilkin playing the same role down the right - so there shouldn't be too many chiefs (in theory) - also in that way it means that in a mix up we have Wilkin who can kick on one side and and turner on the other

I am all for Wilkin at 6 but judging by what's been said it's not gonna happen - but he's still worth a place in the side for mine his work rate, loyalty and improved skills set from this year alone warrants that and should be an upgrade on wellens who play(s/ed) that role.

Also, assuming Manu and Soliola are our other first choice second rowers - Wilkin offers something different to those two who have a much more physical game

I agree with the pack above of:

Laffranchi
Roby
Amor
Wilkin
Manu
LMS

Hohioa
Soliola
Walmsley
Masoe

My only concern is we're a hooker short if they insist on playing lance at 6

Nosey Parker's linked us with McShane, so maybe we'll not be a hooker short...

Just got back from LSV watching Tonga and Cook Islands. Great game, had everything, another good advert for the sport!

Was the ground full?

I have decided that the games between south sea island teams is the brand of rugby that I want to watch.
None of the calculated pre organised game plans, no plans to restrict the opposition, just 2 things to think about
If you have the ball run as hard as you can and pass it to someone in a better position than you if you can
If you dont have the ball belt the bloke who has it as hard as you can.

I am sure that at one time this was how all RL games were played - where have we gone wrong

10,500 on, stadium record. Think it was a couple of hundred short of being full.

Konrad Hurrell was good last night. That is the sort of rugby I'd be happy to pay to watch. He's pure power!

As a Scotsman I'm absolutely delighted by our progress to the quarters, especially as one of few unbeaten sides. Huge credit goes to Steve McCormack and the lads. Here's hoping we get stuck into the Kiwis on Friday.

Tell you what, McCormack seems an outstanding coach. His teams are always hard to beat and look so, so well drilled. He's a far superior coach to McNamara and should IMO be coaching in SL now, wouldn't mind him at Saints.

I'd burn my season ticket if we got him as coach.

Why? He seems to have his teams playing decently. Scotland are punching well above their weight.

And so are the USA. Would you have their coach ?