call it controversial if you like



but I'd seriously consider bringing Berrigan back at centre. Our backs are still weak and Berro would offer a bigger threat out-wide than Whiting (who I rate, but he isn't a centre) and Houghton simply can't be consigned to short spells off the bench in form like this.



none of the players missing tonight should be able to just walk back into the side when the 'lesser names' are playing like that

I fully agree.

I wouldn't disagree, probably at the expense of Turner. He took his try well, but in defense he has a habit of getting caught ball-watching and drifting out of position.



I do actually think that Lauaki should walk back in, for Cusack with Radford moving back up to prop. The fact that 3 of the 4 props have been singled out for threads about their performances speaks volumes about the 4th IMO.

I'm really not convinced that Berro has the pace to play centre to a high standard any more. And I know that he definitely wants to play hooker. My guess would be a Berro/Houghton partnership again but with Houghton having a larger role than before.

Indeed. I really noticed the lack of impact in the second row when Manu went off. Having Lauaki aswell allows us to have a real threat in the 2nd row on at all times.

TBF our current centres aren't exactly lightening. I just think that our 3/4's are our weak link atm, we seem to concede so many tries out wide and Berrigan's experience would help out a great deal IMO.

I agree, and I think it would be unfair on Turner who, IMO, is coming on leaps and bounds in the centre. Getting better each week and starting to make it his own.

I'm not so sure it would, as the problem seems to be with the sliding defence leaving the wing/centre partnership exposed rather than individual failures most of the time.



Fair point about the general lack of pace in our centres though.

TBH I thought he and Whiting were our weakest links tonight. At one point I considered whether or not one of them might have a restraining order out on the other their positioning was so poor. Took his try well but seriously needs to work on his concentration.

Fair point. I'll be honest and say I'm not too clued up on defensive structures and the like but would having an older head out wide helping to marshall the defence help at all?

I meant as a solution until Calderwood returns to offer more options on that side.



and I doubt Berrigan is any slower than Whiting who've we've played at centre most games this season

as far as im concerned berrigan could slot in at centre no probs, but i do like turner there......if berrigan returns to hooker, houghton surely must get longer stints.....as much as i like whiting, the man has no pace and thus is no winger...we could play turner at wing and berro at centre leaving houghton to rip it up...