Mat Protheroe fires back on Twitter after Sale publicly accuse him of diving

If it wasn’t clear, this isn’t what I said happened, its just what I would fear more than MO’s take. So to add to my second para, I conclude that thought by saying I think you’re right that it was a good learning experience, as my actual take from that game was that Razor tried to use his top squad against Italy so that they’d have a chance of putting 50, or even 100 on them, and in so doing, gain the squad a huge confidence boost which had been lacking. I think that is more likely than him just not realising that if it turned into a real battle that fresher guys would have been better.

I’m not sure if Parker was referenced as not being able to be included in this squad, but I’m pretty sure Razor said he wanted Blackadder as an injury replacement (ahead of CLW?) but, you guessed it, he was injured. I too would like to see more of Howden and few other of the 1.96-1.98m locks.

Fairly similar player to Tizzano, as well as Curry (kinda defeating my point here). Tizzano said he was under 100 last year and the boss said he wasn’t big enough for International footy and to put on 10kgs over the break. He said it felt so good that after adding 10 he just kept going, and as you saw, he bossed the much raved about big lions backrow.

Really nice to see them lure in another Argie as well, would love for the ‘Super’ leagues to be able to transfer players around together if they can’t enter a team into Super Rugby proper.

I have assumed all along that Schmidt was smarter than other coaches but persisting with playing Ikitau away from a position where he is world’s best to accommodate JAS is frustrating at best.

Skelton and Valetini back in seems like we’re half pregnant - why not go all in?

It’s a grey Melbourne day here, and it’s predicted to rain all evening. The sort of game we’re likely to have will suit forwards who never stop and halves with great control. I suspect we’re bested in both, but will make some noise to encourage a different outcome than seems obvious.