While we will be long-odds of remaining in touch with the Bunnies this week, there is some interest in our depth, and progress on the 'next man up' depth of recent recruitment.
I'd expect Schoupp has to play - if he can't win a spot with 14-15 players injured then why sign him. Guy seems a pretty beastly build for a 183cm centre - 102kg of him (Koula = 80, Talau = 92). Legs like tree trunks, could be a good return carrier. Would keep Talau in his current Wing position, and would compete with Ray (who would push Talau to Centre). As I prefer Talau as a centre however, I won't mind if thats the way we go.
Humphries surely gets his debut this weekend. Lets see if he meets the hype his freakishly hulkish frame suggests.
Ben Condon had a big weekend with 3-tries, and hasn't had much opportunity since Seibold took over. I'd prefer Lawton dropping back to 2nd-row this week - he did that against the Drags with aplomb, and with Simpkin we now have capable 9-cover (who woulda thought...half the team out, but we have spare 9's). Fit Condon is as a benchie this weekend while his tail is up, and if Simpkin even needs a backup, Gordie in as 14.
The Props are a worry though. Bully gets a spot surely, but his impact was as a benchie on the weekend. Damn impressive though, so he has to get a spot. Brown as well can slot in at prop I guess, but he could easily blow a fuse in the early game if he plays his normal reckless - but amazingly fun to watch - gameplan. Last thing we need is him going down early and losing his experience as he will be crucial this weekend.
I'd be tempted to bring in Parker, but admit I haven't seen his development in the 2nd row. Same uncertainty goes for other forwards in Navale, James, Sykes, Dias, Dunford, Rugless - not even sure which of these can play for us within the rules. The Souths fwd pack will be short Cam Murray, but they still have Moale, Kolomatangi, Arrow, Burgess and Damian Cook eating easy middle metres with a likely home-game ref to make sure they get their fair share of posession. Our full-strength pack would be hard pressed to overpower them. Guess they have Keppie, but he'll also know which of the newbies to go after.