After some unusual bench interchanges which actually worked, we have a range of possibilities.
Friend's service seemed better, particularly in the first half... though he still didn't run the ball.
Townsend and Johnson both had solid games in my opinion... Chownsend probably earning himself a reprieve for at least one more round?
Tomkins hasn't yet found his groove but he must be persisted with at the back. He and Fish should get in extra high ball practice together.
Rapira and Lillyman were simply outstanding, Matagi his usual solid self and Matulino hopefully won't be out with concussion issues.
Players who still need to step up IMO are Mateo (rediscover his actual role), Bukuya (running game in particular), and Sione Lousi still needs to build match fitness.
Our outside backs all showed defensive and handling flaws with the possible exemption of Vatuvei who didn't do much wrong. Fish + Ropo + Bukuya need to work on their collective defence. It seems a basic cutout play can leave our wingers having to sprint out 10-15 metres and attempt an unlikely tackle.
Hurrell is a really murky one. Amazing impact when he hit the field, but he then went missing after 10 or so minutes and seemed to be hiding out wide looking utterly spent. I would not be comfortable selecting him as a centre for the full 80 yet, as much as I want to.
1 Tomkins
2 Fish
3 Ropati
4 Hurrell
5 Vatuvei
6 Townsend
7 Johnson
8 Rapira
9 Friend
10 Matulino (Gubb if injured)
11 Bukuya (needs to communicate with Ropo and Fish)
12 Mannering
13 Lousi
14 Leuluai
15 Laumape
16 Lillyman
17 Matagi
I really believe Hurrell needs a carrot dangled in front of him to motivate the guy to get back to shape / form. He gets the start, with Laumape also given a chance off the bench. This leaves us short a second rower, but Hurrell can go for a jog there while Laumape comes into centre. We went just fine without a 4th prop for most of last night's game.
Nielsen is a decent defender but with Mannering on that edge I see no need for a defensive specialist. I'd much rather have the extra threat of a Laumape / Hurrell. Between the two of them we should get an 80 minute performance and the extra space this will create for Manu could prove invaluable.
Leuluai to spell Friend after 20 or into the halves should one of them not fire.
