Agreed. I'd definitely not risk Watts or Ellis but with the spine of the team available and a week off I'd go with full strength elsewhere for the first half and see how it goes. To me Green, Bowden and Feka need to up the ante to compete for two places.

Totally agree about these 3, if we are to achieve anything this season it's individuals such as these that need to put in good/effective spells while on the field. It was noticeable on Sunday that when they (and a few others) were on the pitch the intensity of our play drop markedly.

I thought Feka did OK and looked up for it but agree that Green looks ineffectual - no change there for me - whilst Bowden seemed quiet/flat?

I'd welcome 1865's view on BTW's readiness, but IMO we go with Paea, Watts, Feka and one of Bowden, Green and BTW.

Green and Bowden arnt very good anyway. No top club would have these as their main forwards and they could be our undoing as the season progresses.

Depending on injuries and so on maybe Thompson will be used there.

A lot of over analysis of prop performance in a friendly. Most props take a few games n getting a bit match fitness into them before they hit there straps. Bowden been training the house down apparently n if he can make more improvement from last yr to this as he did the yr before he'll go alright imo.