I'd go with this and leave Bridge at centre.



Mathers



Hicks

Bridge

King

Riley



V Anderson

Briers



Morley

Monaghan

Carvell

Westood

L Anderson

Harrison



Subs



Cooper

Rauhihi

Johnson

Higham

Good call....Briers is pretty much our pivotal player, so his half back partner can afford to be pretty much a flexible utility player, such as Vinnie Anderson....Any support Briers requires can come from Monaghan, who at least in the absence of Clarke is left in his best position.

Feel sorry for Clarke.. however we have a damn good squad and a damn good chance... don't want to say it but think this could be it...

Only problem with Vinnie at 6 is speed off the mark. I imagine that had Grix been fit his No 1 mission would have been to snuff out Robinson, who IS quick off the mark. Do you think Vinnie can doe this?

he can do a good job of closing kickers down, if he can be d,

Have just heard from a reliable source that the team will be:





MATHERS

HICKS

BRIDGE

KING

RILEY

V.ANDERSON

BRIERS

MORLEY

MONAGHAN

CARVELL

L.ANDERSON

WESTWOOD

HARRISON



BENCH

HIGHAM

JOHNSON

COOPER

MCCARTHY



Would imagine monas would move to 7 when Mickey comes on. Looks like a strong team though with a lot of good options. Feel a bit for Mitchell missing out, but young Tyrone has grasped his chance with both hands.

Absolutely gutted for Clarkey.

McCarthy instead of Rau..... can't see it myself.

I would agree with that too. With Mona's usual halves/hooker switch, it may be what helps us win the game.

With Wood out, our prop rotation looks a bit weak, personally I would go with McCarthy over Mitchell. If needed Harrison and Benny can spell at prop.

do you think higham playing is a gamble seen as he has been out so long, for me could be a mistake like roby playing for saints in semi.

I can. Rauhihi is too slow getting back and quite frankly has not made any impact going forward. Personally i'd be a lot happier with Westwood/Harrison stepping up to prop and Mccarthy covering one of them.