I don't mean its down to just Finch and Goulding, what I mean is having Finch at stand off and Goulding at centre is so much better than having Tomkins and Deacon.

yeah i thought that. Tommy L defends inside Goulding on our right hand side

last year when tommy was at hooker, deacon would be on the right. i think its more like mcilorums development into a quality 80 minute hooker rather than finch.

I totally agree that our success is down to our outstanding pack. I am actually not sure that our backs are as good as we all think but because our pack is so dominant it makes the backs look so good?????? This is not to say they are not good and obviously some are world class but I really do think there is a bit of truth in what I am saying???

Dont really agree. The one thing that has impressed this year is the consistency and threat across the entire backline. in recent seasons we have had weak spots and tended to focus on individuals. this season we have 2 centres performing well, 2 wingers that can score tries, half backs that are experienced and sam. if you are defending against us - who do you focus on ?
the same could also be said of the defence. we are solid across the park. Players who were thought to be weak have improved, and new players are up to speed with the system by the team they play 1st team.
overall, the reason we are at the top is because we do the basics well across the park, and have a good, well disciplined set of back up players. its not the peaks of the stars that has improved, but we have raised the minimum acceptable standard for all players.

I disagree, mainly because it's been noticeable that we've not been as effective when our first choices have been missing. Not meaning this as criticism of Hughes, but when he was in for Carmont or Goulding, we were much less effective, and we're definitely missing Pat now (not only for his goal kicking).