I said on the way back from the game that that was the most impressive home debut I've seen from any youngster since Sam Tomkins' 5 try debut. He looked completely unfazed and comfortable both in attack and defense. The break and slip pass at the end of the first half was sublime, as was his break and drawing the fullback for the Wardle try. His tries speak for themselves but arguably the most impressive thing was his support play for Marshy's break. We mentioned Edwards on this thread and that was straight out of his play book. His speed to catch Marshall in full flow was seriously impressive.

What a debut! Not only a worthy MOM but head and shoulders so. Superb!

Thought London played ok personally, but we have some great young players cutting their teeth at the moment. I thought Nsemba was superb tonight

I thought it was interesting that Peet gave Hampshire the organising role and Farrimond the strike role. Maybe a trial run to Farrimond partnering Smith whilst Filed is out?

The kid did well, another poster mentioned it, there’s similarities in terms of impact with the Tomkins debut.

And once again, it looks like smart decisions from MP. He backed the lad, and was repaid in spades.

Fair play for coming back Jonh and saying that.

I said initially that from what i have seen of Farrimond he has a good running game and step, but even though that was London, that was more impressive than i could have possibly expected. Tonight has cemented my thoughts that a partnership of Smith and Farimond could definitely work, for our needs now if Peet feels he is ready for the prolonged exposure but more critically for in the future.

I will also be fair with Hampshire as i have been critical of his recent performances. He was much better last night, had a role to play as the rock of the side, and he did a great job of it too with a few nice touches of the ball sprinkled in. Credit where credit is due.

I thought Hampshire and Walters were both awful again.

Farrimond is (another) exceptional talent coming through our system. If Field is out for a few more weeks and we have the 3 games in a week coming up then he may get an extended run. Wardle and Leeming came off with knocks so possibly Keighran comes back into centre and Ecky moves to his natural side with a run out for Forber.

There is no other option in my view, we are far more cohesive, and dangerous, as a team when Smith and French are 6 and 7. As you say the only debate should be, who plays fullback.

I think awful is a strong term but I would agree they were average. Mind you the team as a whole didn't get out of second gear. I am looking forward to seeing us ramp it up over the next few weeks.

Yeah, your probably right. Hampshire for me just doesn't impose himself on the game and I was expecting to see more from him yesterday but other than doing the majority of kicking he was anonymous again. Walters hasn't settled in properly yet but his carries have no conviction. I was excited by his signing but have been underwhelmed so far although their is itigation with changing sides most weeks since the injury

I think that is fair enough. Walters needs to find some of Juniors aggression. He is a big unit and can do untold damage. I’m not convinced his position is playing out wide though. As for Rocky, I think the experiment of playing him at 6 and Bevan at 1 should be over, it dilutes our attack. We need to find a temporary replacement for Jai and put French in the position where the opposition fear him.

I wouldn’t have been opposed giving Keighran a go as a running steady 6 like he played a lot for Catalan but the Wardle injury might scupper that

Isn't that why we got rid of him first time round? Going away & improving your game is one thing & I think he was out to impress when he first arrived back. But it really does look like old, bad habits have crept back in. Ok in bursts, then seems to go missing for large periods.
Maybe Peet can whisper in his shell-like & stick a wasp up where it'll motivate a little.

I thought the same but this game showed the best option is Smith and Farrimond with French at 1 for me.

Who should play fullback if not French?

Also I thought Hampshire was a lot better in this game taking on Smith's role. Unfortunately that's not really what we need atm.

Forber himself is injured. A shame for the lad because he may have got a run if Leeming is out for any length of time.