Scott can also move up into the forwards if needed, but for me he starts, Carlos on the bench

Don’t think it would be a surprise playing Sutcliffe at 6.
He’s familiar to the role and one of only a few rugby smart players in the squad.

I get what your saying Dave but in this case with it only likely to be for one game until McNamara is back I'd rather have Sutcliffe in at 6 than Lovodua which for me seems a better option on the whole, as I just don't see Lovodua offering anything playing at 6. Another option could possibly to go with Litten to FB, Hoy to 6 with Scott or McIntosh on the wing.

I think its safe to say that Smith sees Sutcliffe predominantly at centre so the utility aspect like when he was at Leeds is pretty irrelevant in comparison.

Yeah hopefully for a one off

I'm sure Carlos has played at 6 for us too before, could be an option, then keep Scott at centre, put Sutcliffe in at left centre, Griff to second row

Yes, Carlos played a fair bit at six in 2016 - including at Wembley.

Personally I'd edge towards Sutcliffe at stand off and leave Scott in the centres who has done well there. Lovodua just not cuttting it at present so I would leave him out this week.

We really shouldnt be using the first team for match fitness for players recovering from long term injury.
With no reserve fixure if Smith does include him then he has to start on the bench.
We saw what happened to Savelio first match.He is a fit lad but was way off the pace.

If Cator is in the team may as well play Houghton at 6,Cant be any worse than Lovodua at the moment

If we've got an option to change things a little in the halves , Then we should . Lovodua at 6 is just as bad as Houghton there .

We effectively played with one half back last week which probably cost us the game.