Tansey must play 7 next week regardless of who plays 6. I'd have him and Horne together with Whiting at FB, Calderwood on the wing and Hall at centre.

I'm a huge fan of Horne, Paul, but ATM he clearly isn't fit. For that reason alone I believe it would be worth replacing him at least while Long is out. He's also lost weight and pace, and for someone who has always relied on his physical attributes and athleticism for the best parts of his game that's having a huge effect.

Not sure a complete new halfback pairing is the way to go unless Horne is not fit to play? If he isn't fit then try Turner/Tansey but that would be risky.

Could not be any worse than yesterday though could it?

Again can't blame the halves for it all, the forwards were not dominant and the other players were not offering themselves for the halves to utilise.

Looking at the strapping Horne was wearing yesterday and the way he was playing I'd say he's not fit to play now. Sure, he's not so crocked that we can't get him on the field, but there's little point in doing that if he's not going to be effective. It's unfair on him as much as the rest of the side and the fans - he can hardly show whether he's improved on last season when not 100%.

Back in my playing days, I fractured C6. After nearly a year out of the game, I started playing again. When I resumed, my ex-missus used to comment about the lumps & bumps on my face, something that I rarely suffered from before my injury. When I analysed it, I'd completely changed my playing style, I was tackling upstairs instead of round the legs, I also knew that I wasn't running with the ball at anything like my previous pace. Basically, I was subconsciously attempting to protect my neck and it was affecting the way I played the game. It took some time but in the end I knew that I wasn't putting enough in anymore and decided the time had come to hang up my boots.

I hate to say but I seriously think that Rich Horne is still carrying some baggage from what was a very serious injury.

My hubby (an ex-player), has been saying this for a while.

Something that's been at the back of my mind ever since he came back, especially when coupled with the onset of his diabetes. Looking at the way he's playing now I strongly suspect that you're bang on. Hence my comments earlier about him considering retirement.

I agree if he is not fit then he should not play, not fair to him or the team.

He,s lost his confident. and won't get it back

Interesting post that could well have some relevance.