Sa and Jones are the first players that need to be dropped. Our centres have been playing really poorly, and it's time to try something different. Our backline needs to be re-shuffled. I'd bring in both Towers and Williamson. Five-eighth is a problem too, I'd play Maubs there. I think he played there early in Chris Anderson's tenure. We have nothing to lose by trying it.
Minichiello at five-eighth baffles me. Perrett has been playing good at fullback, but Minichiello should be playing back there since he's being retained for 2010.
If Paea is available, Nuuausala should be dropped too. My team for next week would be:
1. Minichiello
2. Hauraki
3. Perrett
4. Williamson
5. Kenny-Dowall
6. M. Aubusson
7. Pearce
8. Myles
9. Friend
10. Shackleton
11. Soliola
12. Mason
13. Fitzgibbon (C)
14. Stanley Waqa
15. Paea
16. Brown
17. Towers
I don't know the specifics involved with bringing up players from the Toyota Cup, but it's time to start planning for 2010 and blooding future players.
Minichiello at five-eighth baffles me. Perrett has been playing good at fullback, but Minichiello should be playing back there since he's being retained for 2010.
If Paea is available, Nuuausala should be dropped too. My team for next week would be:
1. Minichiello
2. Hauraki
3. Perrett
4. Williamson
5. Kenny-Dowall
6. M. Aubusson
7. Pearce
8. Myles
9. Friend
10. Shackleton
11. Soliola
12. Mason
13. Fitzgibbon (C)
14. Stanley Waqa
15. Paea
16. Brown
17. Towers
I don't know the specifics involved with bringing up players from the Toyota Cup, but it's time to start planning for 2010 and blooding future players.