I'd go with exactly the same team only a couple of positional changes, Bridge is better in the middle due to his kicking ability.

Me too.

thats what im worried about has he even played a game since getting injured??

I think this will be decided on the day and if Higham plays and we win TS will be hailed as a genius (as he is).

A one off winner take all game - surely it's a risk worth taking!!!

Come on the Wire!!!!

mathers

hicks
johnson
king
reilly

briers
bridge

morley
monaghan
carvell
l.anderson
westwood
harrison

cooper
v.anderson
rauhihi
higham

but who knows!

The only problem with this is that if we're playing a few players who are carrying injuries, we could end up with only 15 players taking any major part, leaving no options for rotation.

Having said that, with Clarkey and Grix out we don't have many options

Here's hoping it all works out

so long as he doesn't get sin binned for a late tackle!

Johnson got pulled all over the shop away at Hudds a few weeks ago. His decision making was awful on that day. If he plays I hope he can produce the form he is capable of. Can't wait.

I'd prefer Bridge at centre and VAnderson in the halves putting Johnson, Higham ( ), Cooper and Rau on the bench.

I'm really impressed with McCarthy, but Rau has a lot of big match experience and that'll be important.

Really disappointed for Clarkey.
Higham will be a weak link simply because he's not played for weeks and match fitness will be an issue.
I imagine him being targetted by Hudds.

For me Monas is the key man because of his pivotal role at 9 and then going to the halves. (Obviously Briers is a key player but he was aways going to be).

Rauhihi and Cooper are a must from the bench.
We can't go in to this game with only 3 props.

McCarthy and Mitchell to miss out.

Second that regarding the two to be missed out.

Would agree with the last 2 postings, we must have four Props in the 17.

I agree with four props, and I would be very surprised if Rau doesn't get a spot on the bench. I know there are other people who could fill in or 'do a job' for us, but this is a cup final, and there is no substitute for experience. We have enough players not in their favoured position, for me to worry a bit about our positional play in defence. Playing a non specialist makes us a bit too venerable around the ruck area. I know he's slow back into the line, perhaps he should just stay at marker!

As far as Higham goes, would normally agree that it is a massive risk, but does give us cover in the backs. By moving monas, and therefore Bringe/Anderson. Not many other options, I think Smith may have had his hand forced a bit with this one. Twenty decent minuets from Higham would do for me.

Glad I'm not having to pick the Team, and if Smith can organise the interchanges effectively, he will have to be hailed by all as a genius.

i'm a bit bemused at the fact that people say we need a fourth prop on the bench, due to experience, big games etc, and ignoring the fact that rah's been playing absolute dog this past few weeks, it's all very good having experience in the big games, maybe when he starts playing well again in the bog standard games, he'll warrant choosing for a big game, maybe the grand final, certainly not this week.