He is a world class 9, he has not delivered for 2 seasons due to being shoved in the halfs, he looks good this year back at 9

He's never played much 9 in his career.

Washy was as ineffective at 6 as Horne was at 7 today. Berrigan needs to play 9 as Houghton offers little IMO.

I know you're trying to minimise disruption but I really think that our only option at 7 is Tansey. If Calders is fit I'd be tempted to shift Hall to 6 with Turner partnering Calders at centre and Whiting to FB. Keep both Washy and Horne away from the halves while Long is out.

We knew that from his efforts at SH in 2007. Horne never has been a leader, even at his best. He's an out-and-out running back and works well alongside a creative SH but is lost without one. Today's HB pairing was doomed to fail and I'm not sure why Agar thought it was worth a try.

Which for me is the worry about Agar, has he learnt anything in his time in charge or is it still going to be same old same old when the influence of Long is not out on the field?

I hope it was just a bad day at the office but it shows alot work is needed on a back up halfback pairing

Blaming Horne is unfair. He did not have a great game but so many times he was left unsupported but the players around him. It's a big season for Horne, if he does not get back to form I can see us signing a SO for next season.

He needs options though and today we gave him none, that said he still needs to make better decision and do things at pace rather than being stood still.

Shadow of his former self, sadly. As much as it pains me to say it, he is weakening our side at the moment. Never looked the same since the neck injury and diabetes problems.

Horne is a total waste of time at 7, as he has proved time after time. Our only option at 7 is Tansey. Berrigan needs to play 9 and we have nobody else who could do the job.

He had a poor season last season, which most put down to him returning from the injury etc...IMO we cannot afford to give him another full season, he should be dropped and other options use, by all means let Horne fight for the shirt, but Craig Hall has been binned on many occasions for less.

I know his main position was centre, I know he has experience in the half,s, but he actually won the Clive Churchill medal at hooker which in my opinion it the position he is most effective at.
You are right in the fact he is versatlie and could cover the halfs, but it still leaves the problem of the 9 shirt and all Houghton appears to do now is scoot out, Houghton not doing much at the minute.
It we move Tansey to play with Turner in the halfs and Berro as 9 I believe this would be a good combination. Whiting to f/back,Hall to centre if Claders back..

Stangely though the best I have seen Horney over the last couple of years is at F/Back, although I do not believe he is even 100% fit!

I've already said it's a huge season for Horne, think he is worth another game or two yet before dropping him. If Long is back in a week or two and Horne is not playing well then I would drop him and bring in Turner in for a go with Long.

Fair point..however if he plays Horne again he must surely put Tansey with him this week, and like you say maybe bring Turner in with Long, this would benefit Turner as he is only a young lad.