Backup 10 options?

[NellyWellyWaspy]

I know, people will cry Miller, but surely not, as a plan? Does this mean we need to call Umaga back?

[Chunky24]

MLB can play 10, WLR started as a 10, anyone else who can be summarised in 3 initials?!

[mike909]

Yes - probably needs to happen unless Jimmy is not too far off

[Neils]

Asked this on the match thread and forgot Jimmy.

[wasps]

Although Umaga seems to be doing well at Carnegie, when was the last time he really played at 10?
As I understand it, he's played full back all season.

While it's impossible to be sure, I wouldn't necessarily feel comfortable about a 20 year old who's been playing a lot at full back being our back up 10.


I think a lot depends on how close Jimmy is to fitness. If he's just a few weeks away, then I'd be ok using MlB or Miller as cover.
If he's 6-8 weeks away or more then maybe a rethink is needed

[Neils]

Also depends on the type of agreement we have with Carnegie.

[welsh wasp]

I seem to remember that Cipriani played FB in his first season & transferred pretty well to No. 10 - so why not Umaga.

[westwaleswasp]

Need to know
A when Jimmy is fit
and
B how bad Searle's injury is
.....

[AKWasp]

I think Jimmy might just be back in time to spare us some grief, but maybe this extra responsibility and pressure on Lima might bear some fruit. Billy was impressive today and Lima has got a free chance to play his hand

[Rossm]

We'll find out next week.

[Rossm]

All the best, Billy.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dze_nqdXQAA8Acq.jpg

[Jac A]

The updates on Jimmy have suggested that he's nearly fit and looking likely to be back for us in March: that means only another 2 or 3 games.

Lima has played the full 80 quite a bit so far and has had a decent amount of rest over the last few weeks so should be good to play out the next few. I'd be more that happy with Rob Miller on the bench in case he gets a knock.

If there is a plan for Jacob to play and develop at Carnegie (I notice he's at 12 this Sunday) then I think he should stay there and get some more 80 minute games under his belt rather than come back early and spend three games sat on the bench for us.

[RBB]

The other option would be to get a loan in, however I can't think of anyone who may be an option, and Super Rugby has restarted so can't see anyone coming from the SH for a block of games. Dai has some big decisions to make this week (as he does every week).

Billy's injury is a real shame as it looked like he really clicked last night, back on his old stomping ground - good call from Dai.

[wasps]

I seem to remember that Cipriani played FB in his first season & transferred pretty well to No. 10 - so why not Umaga.

Without wanting to sound facetious, Ashley Johnson has played hooker for us and done pretty well, but I don't expect us to move Thomas Young there if injuries strike again.


I know it's not the same thing, but just because something happened for Cipriani, it doesn't mean it will happen for every player.

You can just as easily say that Miller has played well at times at 10, so why do we need another option

[Chunky24]

Everyone is saying how long it takes a former all black 10 to fit into the system so why would we bring in another new 10, umaga or other, now if only a handful of games until Gopps returns, would need to be someone familiar with the system as back up so seems like Miller or MLB although imagine both would be targeted in defence.