Terry O’Connor called Hamlin a “powerful little player”

Well I'm not convinced that Escaré is any better at "organising and creating" than Powell. He's a greater running threat, yes, but that's only one facet of the game.

I wasn't particularly 'making an assessment' of Powell, either, just saying that half-backs always tend to be targetted in the defensive line, for good reasons, and Escaré, even allowing for his size, seems a worse defender than average to me.

We are probably making different points to be honest. I was more referring to the fact that if Powell was a quality half back performing well, there wouldn't even be a discussion about Escare playing half back. The fact he is limited opens up all kinds of discussion. I said on anither thread, it's not his fault that's he's been given the 7 shirt, it's the coaches. I said at the start of the season that despite his willingness to work, his attitude and defensive attributes, he's just not a quality scrum half.

I don't personally think either Escare or Powell are the answer to who should play 7 for us. Escare, good cover when needed, can slot in to 1, 6/7 and wing. Powell can cover 7 and 9. Neither should be first choice starter in any position in our first 13.