V Highlanders

[Mikey Brown]

Daly and Payne are interesting ones given they could viably be the best back 3 options too.

[Banquo]

I would imagine that McGrath will be on the bench for the tests at worst, also Sinckler, Rory Best won't be in the test mix as far as I can see as all he has really done is cement his reputation for choking on the throw, Stander has a decent chance of making the bench.

I think it's quite even between the bench loosies. And I thought Stander did his chances no favours. In fact, I'd suggest we're more likely to see one of Tipuric or SOB in the 20 shirt.

I also think (hope) that 13 is still up for grabs, with Joseph hopefully getting a fair crack of the whip.

A fair crack of the app doesn't currently see JJ start. I'd currently have him behind JD2 and I'm no fan of his and very much a fan of JJ. Given I'd be starting Henshaw at 12 I'd pick Payne at 13 for the Maori if he's fit but it seems to me he isn't, or failing that Daly.

JJ had a good game going forward, but two bump offs haven't helped him. But if you are bothered by defence at 13, Daly isn't your man. Backline outside 10 all in the air for me; I'd likely have Teo at 12 at present.

[Banquo]

Daly and Payne are interesting ones given they could viably be the best back 3 options too.

Not sure you'd say that about Payne post Tuesday- put in a great tackle, but laboured a bit I thought. I do like Daly in the back three, but wing by preference,

[Stom]

I'd have SOB at 6 as it stands currently.

Tempting, but I'd worry about balance in that backrow against NZ. SOB can be a great player to have, but he's not a POM, Robshaw, etc...

What is it you think he does less well than Robshaw?

Organisational skills for one.
Defending the fringe (but SOB doesn't usually do this, does he, so I guess we don't really know...)

And as the selection proves, Gatland agrees, with SOB and POM together. I like glue at 6. If they also have a hard carrying game and linking hands, then of course I'd pick them, but primarily I want glue.

[Mikey Brown]

Why Stom? Why did you start this?

[Eugene Wrayburn]

Tempting, but I'd worry about balance in that backrow against NZ. SOB can be a great player to have, but he's not a POM, Robshaw, etc...

What is it you think he does less well than Robshaw?

Organisational skills for one.
Defending the fringe (but SOB doesn't usually do this, does he, so I guess we don't really know...)

And as the selection proves, Gatland agrees, with SOB and POM together. I like glue at 6. If they also have a hard carrying game and linking hands, then of course I'd pick them, but primarily I want glue.

Will if you agree with Gatland...

As for "glue" at 6, if that means anything then it's provided by Warburton at 7.

[Mikey Brown]

How is Tipuric not in the frame?

[Mikey Brown]

6. Robshaw (c) 7. Tipuric 8. Denton

No question about it.

[bruce]

How is Tipuric not in the frame?

Gatland.