Dont agree both Horne and Long must have been totally knackered after the game it's one thing to train but another to play, anyone that has played will back me on that but hats off they stood up and did well.

We actually looked like we could score some tries last night and with that game under there belts they will be better next week also thought Berrigan/Briscoe combo looked solid as well.

I agree. He did ok but to say he made a huge difference would be totally blinkered. He made some poor, poor choices with the ball in hand. I can think of at least 2 occasions when the ball went to ground due to his passes then there was his kick out on the full which should have gone across the ground.

After being in Hospital for a week and only getting out thursday...that is just the post to make me smile....what a utter load of bolloxs.

Let's put it into context, the Halves didn't play that well but considering the time they've played /trained together there is an excuse of sorts.

it wasnt longy and hornes best games yesterday but what a diffence a propper scrum half makes, even tho we were a man down all game we still shifted the ball out wide and played some good rugby. lets just give long and horne some time to gel together theyve played 4-5 games.

We need to sign a young half back to cover Long and Horne definitely...and Horne has a lot to prove if he is to retain his high salary after next season (the salary cap means we can't carry passengers)

but at the same time all of our 'marquee' players played well yesterday IMO

we will probably need to spell Fitzgibbon next season, but if we can get 40/60mins of that kind of performance from him every week then he will be a massive asset. His workrate was phenomenal yesterday.

Horne will not be at FC after 2011, I doubt he'll be playing the game.

why did horney himself tell you that, or are you going to let him know

I, and others, have spoken to Richard, and he is dejected and struggling. I don't give a to55 what you or anyone else believes, I can see it in him, he is finished.

agreed......

Strange isn't it how we see different things? I have not been a fan of Hornes in that I've always felt he was an average player but one who was committed nonetheless with his best asset being his strength. Never a halfback and playing there all of this time hasn't helped. BUT last night I thought in all of the circumstances he did well , gave out some good ball and surprisingly put in a couple of excellent kicks. His defence was good and he looked fit and enthusiastic until understandably he tired as did long and Fitz making all of their pivot game look laboured by the last 10 - 15 minutes. I thought though that the signs were pretty good and with that under his belt and a bit of cohesion with Longy maybe he's not gone yet.

especially when 50% doesn't count on the salary cap??????(iirc ?)

As a pair they made a difference, the ball went through hands better and the ball got wider quicker. They have been out for months.

Quite unbelievable TBH, I'm amazed by that. Long came back after months out and was superb last night considering it's been so long since he last played, only fitness is a concern next season, as long as he is fit he is and will be out most influential player. Just because someone is younger it doesn't mean they will be better, Long is class and we're a far better team with him in it. Same as Fitz still a quality player, that move for Washy's try last night proved how invaluable both are to the team.

Horne I'm not so sure about his long term future as Standee points out and that is a concern.

Ah,so thats why he can`t run around so fast.

I thought in particular, Horne played really well considering and never really put a foot wrong. Longy seemed a bit more laboured but Christ, give the kid a chance, he's hardly been match fit all season.
I think the match last Saturday will have given them both the run-out they wanted, just in time for this week.

I thought the other way round !

Other than 2 shocking passes that cost us and 1 kick out on the full. Horne was evidently rusty.

Both Horne and Long will be better for the run out that is for sure. I thought the ball found its way across the park far better then is does when they are not there.

A tad disappointed in the lack of linking with the full back though ala Tansey this year i thought Hall would relish getting early ball from Long in attacking positions but it never really happened. Not knocking Hall though he played very well especially in defence.

Most pleasing aspect was Berro getting good ball and making the right options every time.

thats my point...big wages, not many games....value for money??? dont think so.....

We looked more dangerous and as Paul said we got the ball out earlier and quicker, I have no doubts with 13 we would have won the game by a good 18 to 20 points but that sums up our season every game seems to be close.

Scored 2 great trys, long had a big say in both of them, with just basic scrum half play.

We play some great rugby when we spread it wide.

Also Long links very well with Tansey, so that should see us having better attacking options.

Whilst I dont think Long & Horne had stand out games against Leeds considering both were in their first games back after lengthy lay offs then in all fairness they didnt do badly considering we were down to 3 recognised props and 12 men for 70 minutes.

In fairness to Long he has missed alot of the season but a turned/twisted ankle and dislocated elbow could have happened to any player young or old. As for Horney well thats a tough one so far he seems to have struggled since it was known he had diabetes but he did start to show he was getting back to some form before injuring his knee/groin. After being out for so long and not knowing if he would ever play again i think has taken its toll on Horne.

As for Fitz the guy as has been mentioned before is a machine and has been a huge player for us this season and will be again next season. SL is getting tougher year on year and every team has their share of injuries we are no different, the difference is we dont seem to have the cover/adaptability available in certain areas as with other teams.

Agree with all of that. The ball definately got wider quicker and we played better rugby, with Tansey at fullback we shoudl be even more dangerous as he will link in a lot better than Hall did.