The 6 has to be mobile and quick in thought and deed. He'll be up against Keary, Tompkins and Rouges, which rules out Pitts and Hoody, so it's got to be Max.

Trouble over in France, air traffic controllers on strike today and Friday. On going problems over the weekend are expected. Let's hope Catalan can get here.

Team feels fairly straightforward out of that squad - the only questions really are whether Croft plays 12, 17 or 18th man, and whether Doyle comes straight onto the bench. Just having two props back makes us look far more formidable. I'd go with Rourke, Walmsley, Hall, Pratt, Johnstone, Jowitt, Lino, McMeeken, Hood, Fa'atili, Nikotemo, Griffin, Pitts. Smith, Hamlin-Uele, Vagana, Scott

I'm generally the same. Not sure on Nikotemo at the moment with Scott picking up after injury.


I'd play Croft but I wonder if he needs a rest after playing prop for 2 weeks.
His speed in defence and 100% success is valuable.

Agree, but Croft for Griffin. I think he's been a revelation. 

Tbf to Griff, I think he's playing as well for us as he has. He's rolled back the years this season and considering how depleted our pack is, he's really stood up as the old pro he is. He's been injury-free nearly every week since his return and has consistently played at a very high level. I've been surprised he's done so well after how he finished the last bit of 2024. He's a different player to Croft, who although has taken to the role really well, I don't think he quite offers the impact Griffin does atm. Croft's tackling is top-notch notch and is a 100% effort player but lacks that punch in the attack that Griffin does imo.


I don't know, it's a hard one for me, all Nikotemo, Scott and Croft all offer something to the team and have all played their part this season.