Why didnt Flanno go to second row and let Eastmond play loose - would have mean't less changes and Wello needs to be FB as Eastmond isn't a FB

Maybe he wanted a bit of pace in the kick returns? Maybe he wanted to shore up that centre so put a more defensive player in Wellens there? Maybe he wanted to see what Eastmond could do at fullback?

There are a multitude of reasons for that change, all understandable.

Because he would have got battered at 13. HTH

And he is even less of a loose.

Maybe Potter wanted someone out on that side of the field who knows how to actually catch a ball and doesn't just stand and watch while the opposition kick, catch and score?

... and even less of a centre.

I remember him playing centre against Quins away last year and looking alright, athough we had a lot of momentum our way. I'm sure I saw him running in the centre channel a couple of times last year, in fact.

Although he has the pace and handling ability to be a centre, for me he is too small, alot of a centres work is defense.

there are multiple reasons - many of them experimental, and certainly not to be tried 25 minutes into a derby game that we are getting hammered in. Take Long off, put an actual scrum half in his position and start to play properly....mucking round with the team and positions during the game is hardly going to build stability and confidence in the team.

Did Wellens and Eastmond know what they were expected to be doing in their respective new positions, or where they just thrown in as some sort of wld experimentation?

I'm sure Wellens played centre for GB a few years back.

Christ, we must have been struggling that year.

Why don't you lot move Pryce to the centres and play Eastmond at SO?

Allegedly because he's a primadonna and would refuse to play in any other position other than stand-off.

Team player then

I remember him playing on the wing for England in 2000 WC but I cant ever remember him playing centre.

Like i said, allegedly. Message boards conjecture aside we were going fine with Gilly at centre, and when we've needed someone else to fill in at centre Wheeler has done an adequate job.