What to do When Locke Returns?

[vvvrulz]

Finally we had a game where our back line looked settled. Ropati gave an inspired go at the back, Inu injected some much needed spark, Topou as usual does nothing wrong and Benry had the best game he's had at the top. Manu is often a sentimental choice despite his on and off from, so it really begs the question.

When Locke returns assuming everyone is fit, who should get the chop?

 

[Fast Eddie]

Ropati should take a month or two to get that hamstring right....

 

[hitman82]

Assuming Ropati is out injured next week, Inu will hold the centre spot. It will then be up to Ropati to try and knock Inu out of the team whilst playing for the Vulcans.
After Henry shut GI the f down, I don't want him dropped.
Locke straight back into 1 is a no brainer.
Tupou doesn't deserve to be dropped.
Ropati and Hurrell are going to have to fight their way back in.
Good thing is, we have a bit of competition for spots now.

 

[Meth]

What to do when Locke returns.

1. Locke

 

[beefstew]

1. Locke
2. Tupou
3. Henry
4. Ropati
5. Inu

 

[Rich102]

Ropati having a good game at fullback has confused things - though having said that he only had a good game on attack.
Fish had two poor games at fullback. But to be fair he would have thrived yesterday.
For me Ropati is a straight out reserve fullback. Do not let him near the centers.

I am very happy with the way Henry is going. Good defensively and a good thinking footballer. For me he stays. That leaves Inu & Hurrell to fight for the other center spot. Inu has the edge for me with Hurrell playing for the Vulcans to improve his fitness & learn his craft.

Inu added another dimension yesterday. Not just with what he did but also for what the opposition thought he might do - put them in two minds. I want to see him back next week.

Our back line has had two weaknesses -Manu is the other one. I am not sure how long we can persevere with him.

Another game and things may become more clear. Or not.

 

[Meth]

haha yeah- Ropati has a relatively good game at fullback and all of a sudden we've forgotten about his terrible performances at centre.

If Ropati weren't injured, and Locke were to return...

1- Locke
2- Tupou
3- Henry
4- Inu
5- Vatuvei

14- Hurrell

Vulcans

1- Ropati
2- Fisiiahi

 

[Fast Eddie]

Unfortunetly I think we all know who the centres will be and who will be left out. Theres no way McClennan is going to change his stance after yesterdays game, if anything he'll point out how well Ropati ran the ball.

 

[vvvrulz]

Unfortunetly I think we all know who the centres will be and who will be left out. Theres no way McClennan is going to change his stance after yesterdays game, if anything he'll point out how well Ropati ran the ball.

I tend to agree, however worst case if he refuses to drop Ropati he could Vulcanize Manu who to be honest is the weak link at the moment.

My combination.
1. Locke
2. Topou
3. Henry
4. Inu
5. Manu

If Bluey thinks hard:
1. Locke
2. Topou
3. Henry
4. Ropati
5. Inu

What Bluey will really do:
1. Locke
2. Topou
3. Henry
4. Ropati
5. Manu

 

[hitman82]

^ I like option 2.

 

[Fast Eddie]

Option 2 is the least likely. I think the best case senario is that Ropati misses a couple of games through his hamstring strain.

 

[Izz]

I don't understand the sudden love Ropati is getting. Having a good attacking game at fullback is completely not the same as having a good overall game at centre. He'll go back to centre and be diabolical. Reserve fullback is his best position.

 

[hitman82]

I don't understand the sudden love Ropati is getting. Having a good attacking game at fullback is completely not the same as having a good overall game at centre. He'll go back to centre and be diabolical. Reserve fullback is his best position.

No sudden love here. I've always believed Manu is a bigger problem than J-ro. I'd like to see a Ropati / Inu combo tried, with Manu becoming a bench weapon.

 

[vvvrulz]

Manu needs to be Vulcanized not benched, seven rounds should be more than enough time to get your game together. He hasn't really delivered once.

That said, Ropati in the centres is a dead miss and I agree with Izz in that he is a reserve fullback at the moment. I'd rather have a faltering Manu than a hopeless Ropati in the centres, which leaves Manu in for me.

 

[maddest_kiwi]

No sudden love here. I've always believed Manu is a bigger problem than J-ro. I'd like to see a Ropati / Inu combo tried, with Manu becoming a bench weapon.

Yip Manu to the bench... It worked for Manly and T-Rex...

 

[Benek]

Locke obviously back at 1 as soon as he's fit. I agree that JBro as backup fullback is his best position.

Benry deserves his spot after his performance on Sunday. Easily his best game, and the first time he's look fully comfortable and confident in first grade.

JBro had a good game a fullback, but that doesn't mean he'll be good back at centre. For me, Inu showed enough of a threat there to keep his spot next week, even if JBro recovers from the hammy. Inu had a few errors (but not more than JBro would have had at centre) but he created a lot more on attach than jBro ever would. Seems like a no-brainer to give him that spot again.

I'm going to give Manu a few more games before I start yelling to replace him. I'd still rather have him on the field than off.

Taupo offers very little, but who would we replace him with, unless we want Inu on a wing (which is not a bad idea)?

1. Locke
2. Taupo
3. Henry
4. Inu
5. Manu

 

[Meth]

Announcement everybody.

It's TUPOU.

Not Taupo. That's a town in the North Island with a big lake.

Not Topou. I have no idea what that is.

TUPOU

 

[Fast Eddie]

Haha yeah I had noticed that multiple times round here, used to be just as bad when Fien was here, not Fein!

 

[JoeD]

I thought it was a joke like Martel.

 

[Warrior@Heart]

Haha I assumed Taupo was his forum nickname ala Benry or JBro.