Look at which splinters are available, your opponent is just as limited as you are.
If Earth and Death are unavailable for example, then put him up the back as sneak insurance.
Very unlikely your opponent has Shin Lo.
Otherwise it's all about the rulesets.
Weak Magic and Up Close and Personal mean he's only vulnerable to poison.
Supersneak and Melee Mayhem mean you can bury him in the middle of your lineup and he can attack from anywhere without being easily targeted by magic dealers.
His armour means he can survive retaliation and thorns from doing so. (although again, check which splinters are available. Death and Fire each have poison retaliators.
That said, they only have a 50% chance to retaliate, and an additional 50% chance to poison, so maybe roll the dice anyway)