I'd rather we stuck to the actual first team getting a run out (so as many of the 27 as possible getting a go) rather than using a first team match to start playing our academy players. That's what all the academy matches are for.

Couldn't disagree more, these games especially friendlies against lower league opposition give the pro's a bit of a run out, they also give the coaches a chance to have a look at some of the young lads playing at a better level than academy, he's been playing in the off season, quite well as it happens, there's a fair chance he'll only feature in the academy all season, so it's a good chance to gauge where he's at.

I agree, but a couple of injuries and people would be slating Agar for risking first teamers when we have a paper-thin squad. Difficult balance to strike.

majority of the starting 1st team for the first half, then interchange with the youngsters in the second half

1. J.Briscoe
2. Lyne
3. Turner
4. Whiting
5. Sharpe
6. Nicko
7. Tansey
8. O'Meley
9. Houghton
10. Dowes
11. Kent
12. Manu
13. Westerman

14. Moa
15. Tickle
16. Lauaki
17. Green
18. Washy
19. Cunningham

Think Fitz and Long wont play due to the risk of injury. Tom will be given the week off due to playing for England, and Yeaman will be given the week off due to his fooy injury.

Dont think you be too far off their mate ,reckon that washy and tansey will also get bit at hooker to see how they go.Great chance for Nicklas see how he goes .

Not far off there Mrs!! however i would say the term "paper thin" is a slight over exageration but i know what you mean however the use of junior players is not so much the class or moves they show but what desire they show when on the island that coaches look for !all junior squad members will get a shunt or two from pros, thats how it always goes in friendlies , then its down to them how they get on with it... many a junior has disappeared from a pre season friendly after a seasoned pro has a quiet word in a tackle or similar.... however our lads at present are most definately fearless so should be interesting

Tansey, J Briscoe, Whiting, L Cunningham, Lyne, Turner, Nicklas, Moa, Washbrook, Dowes, Manu, Kent, Green

Just announced on FB. Bench to follow, apparently.

Bench O’Meley, Lauaki, Crooks, Morrison, Williams, Aldous, J Cunningham

Would like to seen Pearce + bowden

So no Fitz, Westerman, Tom Briscoe, Will Sharp, Yeamo, Horne, Long, Houghton, Tickle? Makes rlthis articlerl seem extremely odd.

Looking forward to seeing how jack aldous gets on he is always the stand out prop forward in the u20s, got an excellent work rate, and hopefully he can take the chance and show what potential he has.

Be good to get some of the young lads on the island and let them have a paddle with the canoes and go hunting for wild animals

Shows how short we are on backs , no yeaman,sharp and briscoe but shows without them second row in the centre and full back on the wing

hilarious