Assume you’re joking? Can’t say I’ve ever seen Dave give anything but 100% for us

He’s our talisman

So tough to pick a team. I don’t envy CC.

FWIW here’s who I’d go with.

Gigot
Johnstone
Tupou
Lynn
Kaye
Miller
Hampshire

Tangata
J.Wood
Orona
Ashurst
Kalepi
Westerman

Fifita
Navarette
K.Wood
Pitts

Some tough omissions but that for me is our best (on paper) starting 17.

I agree that Dave should start from the bench - he's an impact player. Koppy has to play, so for me Tangata drops to bench in pace of Navartte.
I hope Gigot does it for you guys putting him straight in at FB.- Did wesign him for that position? If so I'd have kept the money in my back pocket ,when we have at least three others who are very capable in that position!

Naverette was our best prop by some way before lock down. He’s was definitely a pleasant surprise, hope he keeps it up.

I liked Navarette also. After a shaky start he started to prove himself. I'd like him to be here for the long term.

Is he actually training ?

He's on the photos released last week during the group training session. It was only a "Still" so maybe he was just chatting alongside Arona??

Gigot would be cover for one or two back positions for your side, I'd have thought?
It will be interesting to see how teams go with what would be fully fit (or near to it as possible) squad. Looking forward to some competitive games in the opening weeks.

For me the younger lads should play if they are fit as anybody else Alex,Jordan and especially Max , I think we overlook Max far too much as he's improving all the time but we'll see what formation Chris decides on next week can't wait.

I think he needs to find his strongest settled squad ASAP, yes we need to try the younger players at times, but while ever we’re in the CC, we need to get the strongest team on the pitch. I think the top 5/6 teams will be chasing the grand final, let Trinity chase the CC.

Did Hampshire return to training?

My thoughts exactly.

Well I wouldn't be upset if Navarette was called over Tangata. Nice position to be in!

It is clear from today’s game that under the current rules you need to be very fit and there is no place for the less agile forwards.

Or half hearted half ft players, shame it’s not the cup game next week , see macnamara has worked his usual magic