I think it is great that Karl has dropped under performers this season, and given others a chance in their place.

Tough to do with our injuries, but I think this sets a great message and tone for the year ahead.

I can think of one regular starter this season who won't be needing their boots next week.

I agree faxhali, there arn't many teams who use the drop goal but rather try to get the try.
In my opinion if your attacking you should always try and come back with a point at the very least and as you say, it gives you back posession.
Well done to Fax yesterday but I was pround of the Lions as I sincerely thought we would have been on a bit of a hiding a try in the last 6 0r 7 mins would have been interesting but all in all i was happy that we secured the bonus point especially as it seemed at one point you could have run away with it.

I am all for dropping players who are constantly underperforming but wonder whether sometimes its affecting the players and the way we play - afraid to make mistakes so keep it simple. I can put up with the odd off game, all players will have them, it shouldn't mean we should chop and change, like we did last year with the wingers. We had 2 guys who scored 50ish tries between them the year before, but last year looked completely shot of any confidence.

Very good point.

The problem with dropping players when they are under performing is that it has to be seen to be the same for everyone. At the moment it seems the only people it applies to is Worrincy, Patto, Heaton, and Tyrer, some obvious under performers are able to keep their place in the team which wont go unnoticed by the players who are dropped after the odd mistake.

I hate to single players out repeatedly but Thackery has been poor but only missed one game because he was unavailable for it, Ashall has just been poor obviously playing out of position but what message does it send to the likes of Bowman and even Casey when the positions they are seen to be fighting for they really havnt got a hope of getting in there because of blind loyalty to the players who occupy those shirts.

barlow was not picked for first few games so also applies to other than backs