No he didnt. His defence was awful yet again and was so bad that Noble took him off and didnt dare put him back on. In fact the defence on that side of the field was awful and was as bad as the week before. We were just lucky that Harlequins blew their chances.

With Smith being such a liability in defence the only way Noble can play him is if he doesn't have him defending out wide where he is much more likely to get one-on-one tackles to make with fast men running at him at pace.

He needs to defend in the middle but with a minder to help him out.

S Tomkkins and Ainscough both got chances due to injury and suspensions but I can't see how they should be dropped if they played as well as people have reported v Quins.

So, Nobles dilemma is therefore to pick the team on form despite it not being the one he might instinctively think is hie best team.

This could mean for example Smiths at 7 (if he plays at all), TL and McIllorum sharing the 9 spot and Tomkins at 6. If Riddell is unfit playing him does him no favours.

This is way different to what Noble envisaged I am sure but if it turned out that it worked he would be mad to revert to what the assumed would be his best selection.

Noble would get a lot of support if he picked on form even if we lost games because I think most people think the alternative would not make us any better anyway.

Dave

Can anyone else see Smith just getting up one day soon and think.......'Oh fook it'and head back to Aus?

]

And that is where our problem has been over the past umpteen years - if we don't have consistency at half back for 3 or 4 seasons how can we ever expect to win something? Dobson and Tomkins would have been a great little partnership for years to come. Let's face it, Lulu is better when played at 9, so we need to start scouting for a decent halfback partner for Tomkins for next year now!!

Based on his 4 games this year I honestly wouldnt be bothered if he did.

Saturday was Noble's first winning team, he'll stick with it.
Mathers was available after suspension but wasn't selected for the 17. Same fate this week for McIlorum. Agree about them having to fight for their places rather than walking into the team.
Ainscough won't be dropped and we need Pat so Mathers will miss out again. Sam T can't be dropped although I think it's a bit hasty to start him.
Also he looked good when he came of the bench. Noble was right though when he said he looked very composed.
Sam T is far better than he produced on Saturday but when to play him?
Unless there's injuries I think Noble will go with the same again.

I think one things for sure, Mathers is going to be watching a lot of rugby for the rest of the season baring any injuries. And i think the same will apply to Phelps.

Coley needs to be replaced with Prescott, he offered nothing again on Saturday.

Smith took a knock during the game, so you may find that Sam will start and Mcllorum will again start on the bench.

I think people need to remember the club have said they will only play Tomkins in 10 games this season. Do not be suprised if he is not in the 17 next week.

With the injury to Smith im not sure Noble will have a choice.

What's the extent of his injury?

True. Is he actually injured though or just a bit of knock?

If Smith is out I still dont think Nobby will start Tomkins. Just looking at the way the club have held him back to date if they throw him in from the start next week they are going back on everything they have said about easing him in slowly.

Not sure, i know he left the feild and didnt return.

I thought that was for performance reasons rather than injury.

extreme case of crapitis

It may well have been, if thats the case Smith will be gone by mid season.