Always a Wasp

For me it's De-valued the whole tournament. I can't think why they didn't build contingency days in or have other venues lined up as alternatives.

Its not all about cash. Samoa got cash, look how that turned out.

Its about raising the level of contribution and result.If these guys serve a 4 year period out of the AB fold, they will never represent the AB's again, why shouldn't they and their home nations have the opportunity to play again.

At the end of the day who loses out?

Personally I think the integrity of the international game loses out. Where does it end? If someone performs so well can they go back to the tier 1 nation? Can people summararily move the other way i.e. A 21 year old Tongan does well and gets promoted to a tier 1 team. The notion that the Piatau's and Luatua's will suddenly pitch up for a Pacific island team is a bit fanciful for me. The main reason they've given up their chance to play for NZ is cash. They're unlikely to give that up having already sacrificed a tier 1 opportunity to get it.

Can't see that players switching international teams once they've already earned full caps could possibly work. It certainly wouldn't help the Pacific Islanders who would be flooded with a load of thirtysomething NZ rejects.

Yes, makes sense. DY using this Cup exactly as it should be used - basically pre season friendlies. Positives coming out of it are Willis, Carr and Umaga. Taylor also getting game time and our wide options look great. Nice big win at home against Irish and off we go.

Ha! That's what makes it fun isn't it Hymoneptera. Maybe a position or two for us has a hint of heart ruling head but I do genuinely think we can be top four. In terms of Sale the seasons are littered with teams who've made big signings and struggled year one whilst settled squads that have gelled but not caught the recruitment headlines surpass them. That's where I see Sale. I do think positions 2 to 9 are incredibly open so I certainly won't be laying odds!

I think everyone is still some way short of Saracens. Even in a World Cup year which can make things odd they are a distance clear. How they have the depth is a different argument not for here. After that for me it's much of a muchness. Exeter must dip soon and I don't buy the Sale argument this year. They don't win away much and they've signed "names" but for me are weak in too many pivotal positions. Bath will win some lose some as will Northampton. Gloucester are an interesting case but I think they may have peaked last year. Who knows with Tigers but they have a long way to go and I can't see they've strengthened. I think they'll be mid table with Quins. Wuss, Bristol and Irish to occupy the lower reaches. Final table for me to be something like:
Sarries
Exeter
Wasps
Gloucester
Saints
Tigers
Sale
Bath
Quins
Bristol
Wuss
Irish

Nothing wrong with getting optimistic about a win at Franklins gardens. Lots more positives than negatives for me - Carr exceptional.

Interesting team. A microcosm of what the season may unfold like ie strong back row and wing options, solid in the front three and hoping for the best in the second row and at 9 and 12.