Genuinely think I'd rather Hogg in the Test squad at 22 over Farrell after that game. Obviously the Combined Country team were rubbish, but Hogg distributed well and got the back-line going probably far better than Farrell could have managed. He might struggle with the pressures of backing up 10 during the Tests but I mean really, anymore than the perennial bottle-job that is Owen Farrell would? Doubtful.
Warburton needs gametime against the 'Tah's and/or Brumbies and a HUGE game somewhere there for me to even considering him more deserving of the 7 spot than Tipuric, who once again had a good game. I really don't see what else Warburton adds, other than 'leadership' in a team that is already full of leaders and strong characters, and supposedly a bit more physicality than Tipuric which I think is overstated (Tipuric actually looks bigger). Otherwise, Tips is just as good at the breakdown (arguably more skilled, but probably not as aggression or physical there), and provides remarkably better link play. I said before the game SOB, Heaslip and Tipuric should be the back-row going in to the tests and I maintain that.
The amount of turnovers was worrying though, but I honestly don't feel this is where the game will be won and lost anymore. I'd rather just go with a skilled back-row who can link the play to the backs, and a strong front 5 to do most of the grunt work around the rucks and to ensure we dominate the scrum.
