Quote: NSW "Will make finishing top a hard task but at least he should be back and firing for the playoffs.
Last year when he missed a similar length of time we opted for French at fullback, with Shorrocks/Hampshire in the halves.
French continues at full back for me.
He’s had a couple of bad performances and everyone’s getting on his back but I feel with a run a games Hampshire would improve and be a steady option.
Farrimond is also an option but seems like a Smith type player, kicker/general rather than a runner.
I would mind see Keighran playing 6, he played there a lot for Catalan last year and could be a running threat in that position. Eckersley’s pace and athleticism could benefit us in the centres.
Leeming in the halves is another option but can’t really recall how he played there for Leeds.'"
If Hampshire is carrying an injury and there is another option in Farrimond i would like to see us explore it, from what i have seen of Farrimond he doesn't seem too slow and has a bit of a step on him. Not saying that instantly means that somebody can make the switch to Stand Off, but giving it a shot against London isn't exactly throwing him to the dogs either. If Hampshire is injured that could be a factor in his poorer performances and if we feel he would benefit from a couple of weeks rest then leaving him out of London gives him the international break also to recover from whatever is niggling him.
Keighran or Leeming could be interesting choices, though in Leemings case it would be a shame to lose him out of the Hooker rotation as it has been really potent for us this year.