Both Horne and Washy were awful, a number of times we made the wrong play, specially the kick into the corner when we had Hall and Whiting on the outside of Horne. They also made a habit of trying to step the defender, but simply getting caught with the ball. We have some devastating back row forwards who, when given good service will do real damage, but instead the halves decided time and time again to take it up themselves, and got hammered with the ball time and time again.

As for half back options, I would put Tansey in there, who at least has some spark with the ball, and along side him I would probably lump for Turner to play 6. This would mean we'd need to find a full back, and that would probably have to be Craig Hall, with Calderwood being brought back onto the wing

totally agree that tansey should play @ 7 when sean long is injured (which could easily be roughly 1/3 of the season)

if horne doesn't come good at stand-off then i'd put him to full-back and give him a last chance, otherwise i'd be reconsidering whether to renew his contract or not

Do you not recall last season..

Whiting to f/back

He was bad in every game he played at FB and his confidence was wrecked as a result. Putting him back in that position would rank alongside some of the all time most stupid coaching decisions.

No Hall is not a f/back, he was under pressure and lost his confidence, I would sooner see Moa at f/back

I can't understand why so many people expect Washbrook to step in, in his first game of the year, and be superb. It take a game or two to find the teams rhythm. Even Orford looked off his game the first couple of matches. I seem to remember a few games were Washy has done a good job at 6, Murrayfield last year springs to mind. I hope that Washy is given another chance, the last thing I want to see is the whole team being switched around every time we pick up an injury. Rather than Tansey being moved from a position he really wants to play and make his own, attacking play can be adapted slightly so that he charms into the line more often at first receiver. That still allows Horne/Washbrook/Long to fight it out for the halfback spots.

But the Horne/Washy combination never worked last season did it?

Actually his first game (or maybe two) was pretty good. Things went rapidly downhill from there, however. I'm a big fan of Hall but I wouldn't contemplate putting him back in at FB - too big a risk.

Not IMO, but it seems that some are willing to give it another go - including Agar.

I find it quite worrying that some people have forgotten that Horne/Washbrook are a poor pairing, Horne isn't a top class player, never really has been.

It's no surprise to me that we struggle when our 7 isn't playing, it's been like that for the last 5 years!

I know, bit of a worry that

In hindsight it could of been a case of too many chiefs. Tansey would be the logical choice for me did well when asked to step up last year.

OK - my 2p worth...

Tansey has to move to 7. I know it's not ideal to move him from a position where he's playing so well and where he wants to play, but he's the only player we have with anything like the skills and personality to play there.

My order of preference for players to drop in at 6 alongside him would be Whiting, Hall, Turner. I've ruled out Horne as I don't think he's fit and Washy as he isn't a 6. The problem is that Whiting will need to move to FB (I really don't think we have any other decent options) leaving Hall and Turner. Hall edges it for me as he has the right skills, is most dangerous ball in hand, and has played well there before. Turner OTOH seems to be a better bet at centre judging on the pre-season games.

Far from ideal, and I'll probably change my mind a few times, but ATM that's the best I can come up with.