Long to start on bench. Horne 6 Obst 7. Obst to spell Houghton and Long to cover scrum half while Houghton's off.



Apart from anything else - it's Long's first game back from [ianother[/i injury. He needs protecting and keeping fit for the back end of the season.

TBH I feel our hand is again a bit forced. I don't see any other real option but to put Long back at 7 and have Obst cover 9 with Houghton.

It sounded like we lost a lot of direction and momentum when Houghton went off on Sunday. Washbrook just doesn't cut it at hooker.

Obst and Long for me. Then we might actually have something resembling a kicking game.

Horne has to play. Seems like he is getting some form back and he offers us a good short kicking game.

suprised he hasnt been crucified for telling spinmaster Rule the truth n they say honesty is the best pollicy.

To be honest I don't think he told Rule anything really.

Is Long actually fit for Friday?

Not definite I don't think.

Will let you all know if he is training after tomo morning.

Longs kicking game has been the worst aspect of his game while here IMO, has been average at best and I remember a few games were it's been poor, as a 34 year old you would expect the opposite but Long has looked best for us playing his natural game, when he runs at players he still looks dangerous and is still quick off the mark, for me though ith the responsibility he has been given and that he was our marquee signing hasn't done quite enough in my opinion.

I don't think you can look at it from a position by position POV, it has to be in the context of the team as a whole. If all are fit then Horne & Long with Houghton and Obst rotating looks stronger than Horne & Obst with Houghton and Washbrook rotating IMHO.

Definatley, the way I see it aswell.