Wouldn't it be nice in times like these to have a creative 13 to relieve some of the pressure on the likes of Briggs...

It will be interesting to see what route Potter goes down, I can't really decide if we should move Kearney or play Strangey at halfback.

problem with moving l'estrange to scrum half is, whilst it is least disruptive, he's innefective there. He had ample opportunity to show us what he can do there last season and never looked comfortable there imo. Also it places added pressure on diskin of playing full 80 which is in itself disruptive and it shouldnt be forgotten that diskin is only just coming back from surgery and only had a limted pre-season due to this.

From what i've read in T&A, its a case of selecting someone to play stand-off. Briggs will play 7.

So it's probably out of Kearney & Ah Van. Even though Kearney is without doubt at his best at 1, he's probably the next best option at 6 so i'd put him there.


L'Estrange could be moved into halves and Kearney to 1 if needed later on.


Ah Van/Platt
Raynor
Walker
Platt/Ah Van
Ainscough
Kearney
Briggs
Lynch
L'Estrange
Hargreaves
Whitehead
Elima
Langley

Diskin
Scruton
Kopzcak
Sibbit

I'd just be concerned that Raynor and Ainscough are 2 very short wingers, Leeds will probably target them with high balls so their centres will really have to help out.

A little less optimistic without Herbert in the side, but Briggs can put in an even better performance and show Leeds he's SL quality!

And, yeah, the Leeds side looks pretty strong, but they'll play differently to how they did last season so they won't be the finished article yet either.

and thats another reason why I'd stick Royston at FB and leave Ah Van and Platt out wide.

Personally I wouldn't use Platt on the wing unless we absolutely have to. If Ah Van and Walker or Platt are centres they can come and help one of Raynor or Ainscough out. I know Platt should be given a chance to prove himself there, but the 1 time i've seen him on the wing he didn't look comfortable there.

We had a chance of beating Leeds before Herbert pulled out, now we don't. Simple as that for me. Now you might call that pessimism but please...its pie in the sky to think fudged halfbacks will be enough to turn Leeds over.

And if I'm wrong I'll join Bullbuilder. I would be delighted if that were the case.

Well, according to someone on our board Huaraki is playing. Good news for us I suppose.

Has he played in the friendlies?

Nope, visa issues. Could be a very difficult match to get into the swing of things with, could backfire playing him. We'll just have to wait and see I suppose.

Rubbish, we had a chance of beating Leeds with Herbert and still do without him.
It may be we lose, but the loss of Herbert doesn't mean that were now bound for it.

One man doesnt make a team and it's gonna be a team effort 2 pick up 2 points on Sunday.

TEAM!
COYB!

When I said platt out wide i meant as a centre. While I think he could go well at wing I wouldn't try it against Leeds.

Why are people considering Ah Van for standoff, i've watched him for years and can't remember ever seeing him play there.

Yes I know I've had a few done me tonightdd but please follow you're heart on this.

COME ON YOU BULLS . . . . . . . . . . . .

I want to hear this reverberating aroun dthe Millenium Stadium on Sunday