Strange isn't it how we see different things? I have not been a fan of Hornes in that I've always felt he was an average player but one who was committed nonetheless with his best asset being his strength. Never a halfback and playing there all of this time hasn't helped. BUT last night I thought in all of the circumstances he did well , gave out some good ball and surprisingly put in a couple of excellent kicks. His defence was good and he looked fit and enthusiastic until understandably he tired as did long and Fitz making all of their pivot game look laboured by the last 10 - 15 minutes. I thought though that the signs were pretty good and with that under his belt and a bit of cohesion with Longy maybe he's not gone yet.

especially when 50% doesn't count on the salary cap??????(iirc ?)

Ah,so thats why he can`t run around so fast.

I thought in particular, Horne played really well considering and never really put a foot wrong. Longy seemed a bit more laboured but Christ, give the kid a chance, he's hardly been match fit all season.
I think the match last Saturday will have given them both the run-out they wanted, just in time for this week.

I thought the other way round !

Other than 2 shocking passes that cost us and 1 kick out on the full. Horne was evidently rusty.

Both Horne and Long will be better for the run out that is for sure. I thought the ball found its way across the park far better then is does when they are not there.

A tad disappointed in the lack of linking with the full back though ala Tansey this year i thought Hall would relish getting early ball from Long in attacking positions but it never really happened. Not knocking Hall though he played very well especially in defence.

Most pleasing aspect was Berro getting good ball and making the right options every time.

thats my point...big wages, not many games....value for money??? dont think so.....

We looked more dangerous and as Paul said we got the ball out earlier and quicker, I have no doubts with 13 we would have won the game by a good 18 to 20 points but that sums up our season every game seems to be close.

Scored 2 great trys, long had a big say in both of them, with just basic scrum half play.

We play some great rugby when we spread it wide.

Also Long links very well with Tansey, so that should see us having better attacking options.

Whilst I dont think Long & Horne had stand out games against Leeds considering both were in their first games back after lengthy lay offs then in all fairness they didnt do badly considering we were down to 3 recognised props and 12 men for 70 minutes.

In fairness to Long he has missed alot of the season but a turned/twisted ankle and dislocated elbow could have happened to any player young or old. As for Horney well thats a tough one so far he seems to have struggled since it was known he had diabetes but he did start to show he was getting back to some form before injuring his knee/groin. After being out for so long and not knowing if he would ever play again i think has taken its toll on Horne.

As for Fitz the guy as has been mentioned before is a machine and has been a huge player for us this season and will be again next season. SL is getting tougher year on year and every team has their share of injuries we are no different, the difference is we dont seem to have the cover/adaptability available in certain areas as with other teams.

Agree with all of that. The ball definately got wider quicker and we played better rugby, with Tansey at fullback we shoudl be even more dangerous as he will link in a lot better than Hall did.