Very happy with the team. I was excited when Porter & Atkinson were announced at 9 & 10 last week and after their confident performance, I’m really pleased Blackett has rewarded the young half backs with another start. Similarly with West, Morris, Alfie and even Le Booj. If we want squad depth that leads to interchangeability in key positions without impacting quality (like Exeter), then this is the absolute right way.
But Robson can be on the bench?
I'm confused.
Robson could well have had two weeks off and is picked without training or potentially allowed to take his second week break another time.
Willis and Launchbury definitely went abroad for a full r&r break
Umaga needing two weeks off is ridiculous but at the same time he has played a lot over the last six months
Umaga was injured, it's nothing to do with internationals. He had an HIA, but I think worse, was his cheek, looked potentially broken.
He may well be injured but I took the quote from BB's live report on the team selection.
He’s not on BB’s updated injury list so hopefully he hasn’t suffered a broken cheekbone (I think Gleason had confirmed that already). I think it’s his second HIA so best to be cautious.
I'm concerned how strong Sale are going, hopefully we give them a good game, but that's a very strong Sale side.
They've lost 3 on the bounce...but are always a tricky side for us.
And remember this is their first Prem game without Diamond.
Willis and Launchbury definitely went abroad for a full r&r break
So maybe they have to isolate on return like most people going abroad so makes sense to fulfil the 2nd mandatory week that way.
I believe they both went to Dubai, so no need to self isolate after arriving back in the UK, unless the club has more stringent protocols (which would make sense in this current environment). Anyway we do have Exeter and Bath next where we will need our heavy hitters back, fit and fighting.