Brock Lamb is a country mile ahead of our half backs - he is the danger in this game for us.

In his press conference Chester said no one else other than Atkins would be available to return.

Defo nervous re Atkins playing - hope Chester is right.

I think Atkins will be a real asset to us

He’ll give us some real straight direct powerful running, also traditionally plays on bills side so should feel very comfortable covering bill

When ever we’ve played wire over the years he’s always being one to watch out for, I think he is a player London will be very wary of and we need players like that

Agree re atkins and realistically think we drop escape or hampshire to bench

You never know they may be kidding us and big dave is secretly planning on playing in a wheelchair ........

Yeah drop arguably our most consistent performer in hampshire to the bench for an player who hasn’t played for a few months now and only recently joined the club. If anyone should drop to the bench, it should be Brough.

Who are you replacing Escare or Hampshire with?

Hampshire at 7, Jowitt (who scored a hat trick last week for the reserves) at 1, Escare on the wing.

Here we go again worrying about a half back . Miller as looked a lot better these last 4 matches why because our pack is now big and a lot faster and fitter than all season .They did not take a backward step against Wigan or Wires in fact there were times when they were on top for long parts of the game. Brough will be it or miss.,but looks better with a pack that is going forward

I agree.

...

Key word *reserves*, they also lost the game
Escare is also wasted on the wing, where as Hampshire isn't.

London squad
6 – Jordan Abdull
32- Guy Armitage
8 – Eddie Battye
23 – Rob Butler
7 – James Cunningham
5 – Kieran Dixon
14 – Matty Fozard
16 – Matt Gee
21- Daniel Hindmarsh
4 – Elliot Kear
30 – Olsi Krasniqi
31 – Brock Lamb
11 – Will Lovell
18 – Nathan Mason
19 – Ryan Morgan
12 – Jay Pitts
1 – Alex Walker
2 – Rhys Williams
20 – Luke Yates

Couple of lads in there might be playing for us next season.

Same the other way around, just not being talked about.

How so? Hampshire is definitely wasted on the wing IMO

Imagine the criticism Chester would get, if...after 3-4 pretty decent performances on the trot, in the biggest game of the season he suddenly changes full back and scrum half! It’s an absolutely ludicrous suggestion!

I’d just make one change involving a few players...Atkins to replace Hampshire on the wing...his powerful running and hard yards early in tackle counts will be a huge asset. I also like the idea of high kicks to that side in an attacking position as he’s excellent in the air and will beat Dixon every time.

I’d then have Hampshire on the bench..

1) If Atkins does struggle fitness wise he can slot in.

2) Option to come on anywhere in the pivots if things aren’t working out and an option to run at tired London forwards..

Gwaze to drop out of the 17.

Totally agree with you 1 - BROUGH he’s played every game when fit so why change now in a sudden death gain
2_ Atkins has to start on wing - gives us an extra forward when we are driving from line - something we’ve really lacked since bill and Tom were injured

Personally would revert HAMPSHIRE to full back and escare to bench just because he is better under high ball

I agree Hampshire is wasted on the wing but in a game like this we need the experience of Brough so I would rule that swap out straight away, Millers off the cuff rugby plus I wouldn't play him at 6 anyway and Escare at fullback as I see him as more an attacking threat, adding Hampshire on the wing is a waste of his talent but means we've got more going forward in each and every position. Escare doesn't seem to do anything when out wide...

Experience of Brough means jack all now. He’s part of the reason we’re in this mess.

I see your point. My worry for both of them is dealing with their attacking contested kicks. If fit, i would be happy to see Atkins on the wing for a bit of height and strength and Rocky to full back. If Chester doesn't trust Gwaze then Escare on the bench as he could have an impact late on if we need a try but i'd prefer four forwards on the bench.

I don't get the move of Hampshire to fullback for high ball safety. He's had some pretty horrible moments himself.
Jowitt yes of course. Safe as you like. Other two are all about attack.
The extra that Escare brings is beasting the defence. He really gets into them and it clearly works.

Agree r.e Jowitt, think he's best after a run of games though so wouldn't be bringing him back for this one especially when he has been playing 6 for the reserves (i think).

With Hampshire, I would back him to take any kick so long as he doesn't have to out-jump anyone.

I can not make it on Friday. Please please please make some noise and get behind the team. Constant chants and applause from the kick off. Try not to sink if London score first , keep the lads
going from start to finish.

Alas I fear London may do the jumping for the ball thing.

Ending up with Dixon in possession and breaking away, as he does against most teams.

Escare
BJB
Lyne
Atkins
Hampshire
Miller
Brough
Tangata
Randell
Kopczack
Kirmond
Tanginoa
Crowther

Wood
King
Green
Arundel