Problem is though, because we have 12 inter-changes, there's a lot of swapping about around the 20-30 min mark. So Houghton won't be as effective in the first half anyway.
My strategy would be to start Houghton to try and get us on the front foot, bring Washy on after 25 and then let Houghton back for the last 25 when defences really are tiring.
This also gives us options in the 2nd row if injuries happen during a game.

I take your point and agree to an extent but we are not talking about two hookers, we have one hooker and one makeshift hooker. For me Houghton has to start the game and be on the pitch longer unless Washy settles into the role really quickly.

Washy at hooker is an interesting one.

Defence is good enough, has good hands, strong go foward.

Not sure his distribution is it quick enough somes times he seems a bit laboured.

Houghton has to start as his all around hooking game is much better than Washbrook, including defence *see stats.

But if we are to play Berrigan at centre, we need someone on the bench who can come on if needed, the good thing about having Washbrook there is that he can cover other position aswell, if the squad stays the same I would give him a couple of warm up games at hooker to see how he goes.

But if the one that is a makeshift hooker does a job for 30-40 mins in the game that allows Houghton to win us a game in his 40 mins then i think it's the move to make.

Lets say for example: (1)
min 0-20 Washy plays 9. He is 60% effective because he's not a hooker
20-40 Houghton plays 9 off the bench. He is 95% effective

40-60 Washy back on. 50% effective
60-80 Houghton back on. 85% effective
Total out of a possible 400% = 290% (avg of 72.5%)

Alternative example 2
Houghton plays 0-80 and is 60% effective due to fatigue
Total out of a possible 400% = 240% (avg of 60%)

Alternative example 3
Houghton plays 0-30 mins at 75% (down from 95% in option 1 due to longer spell)
Washy plays 30-60 mins at 60%
Houghton plays 60-80 mins at 60%
Total possible out of 400% = 262.5% (avg of 65.6%)

Obviously my numbers are slightly bias to win my arguement but again for me this kind of makes sense.

Whiting to Full-back and Tansey to share hooking dutys anyone?

You're a freak!

Do you want me to map out another scenario like the one above with Tansey sharing the hooker duties?

Those are my thought processes!! Freakish they may be, but i think they're right!!

Way too much time on your hands....

2 and a half weeks of my notice period left and i've handed all of my work over!! Happy days!