Perhaps MM sees them more as ‘finishers’ - per the current vogue in rugby - don’t always start your best team?

Alternatively, this time of year, wouldn’t be surprising if there’s some flu in the camp - players fit enough for the bench but not to start? Who knows? Perhaps Mellon thinks he can get a small advantage by putting out a starting 11 that must be different from what the opposing coaches would have been expecting.

Let’s just hope the football isn’t as dull as the weather.