I agree Kershaw is not very good but is better than Olpherts .

No other team really wanted either of them

Olpherts gets in before the young kids. I’m ok with that

It will sort itself out over the season.

Sangare and Bentley are under some pressure this year. We are thin in cover for some positions but not at 9, back row or outside backs. It’s clear RS rates Simpson and Smith among others.

I don't really see the pressure on sangare tbh. I think as long as he's fit, he gets a bench slot. Bentley I agree; there'll be a lot of competition in the back row

I thought Olpherts pulled a hamstring chasing back at the end of the first half ? and I I would have Roberts way ahead of him anyhow.
O’Conner and Bentley ( if fit ) are the choices for the 14 shirt at the beginning of the season.
With the youngsters all older the competition for places this season is quite good.

I think on balance I would have him in the team because he brings so much bulk and he is an energy-sapper for the opposition.

Issues are around his skill level and discipline at times, and he could play his weight more effectively.

I think in practice that injuries will pretty much select our props this year anyway.

I just think O’Connor is Mr Utility, decent at hooker and good in the back row. His ability to cover for injury in various positions is very useful. Bentley could be similar yes. Very interested to see who RS picks at first choice for second row.

What position did Ruan play when he was on? Looks a strong lad now.

[quote="Simmo71"]Good god, we haven't kicked off yet and we're already down to Olpherts starting and Donaldson on the bench (quote)

Don’t know if Chev Walker is still registered to play? If so, he start in front of Olpherts for me. If Hetherington has kept his boots and shoulder pads he comes into the squad as well. Doubles up as goal kicker which is a bonus. We will need a bucket of sand obviously.

Millar,
Fusitua, Newman, Momirovski, Handley
Croft, Frawley
Oledski, Ackers, Goudemond
McDonnell, Martin
Smith

O`Connor, Sangare, Bentley, TNW