1315trinity:Butcher:
Squad's out. No surprises, but notable that Nikotemo's in (though won't play) and Stephenson's not. Nikotemo easily replaced by Vagana, and Rodwell's absence covered by 4 top props. I'd like to see Croft picked over Griffin, but don't think I will. And I'd definitely like see Walmsley back on it the wing.
The debate rages on, and I'd still prefer to see Max at 6. You've explained your thinking, Trojan, and I fully get your points, but let me explain mine. It's not - as you've mentioned previously - to get Rourke in the team. Max is clearly a better full back, but the drop from Jowitt to Rourke at 1 is much smaller than the gulf between Max and Pitts at 6.
My team would be:
Rourke
Johnstone
Pratt
Scott
Walmsley
Jowitt
Lino
McMeeken
Hood
Uele
Vagana
Croft
Pitts
Smith
Atoni
Faatili
Cozza
Very good reasoning .That would be my team
I agree that the drop from Jowitt to Rourke at 1 smaller than having Pitts at 1.
That said do you think it would be even less of a gap to leave Max at 1 and use Rourke as a running 6, especially at Catalans where I?m expecting it to be pretty good weather and relatively hard pitch. Pitts could go back to 13 as suggested too.
