I echo your thoughts above.
I'll add that:
-
Ben Franks is dumb. Don't need to do what he did, especially since the other player (didn't seem) to be starting anything. And when he came on, had a near Bismarck-like elbow which he got away with, and seemed very thuggish. He can cut that out, thanks.
- there were some moments (not many) where Dagg would do his no-trademarked "fall over once a defender attacks you one on one" move. Luckily, there was usually a defender to help. But man, I missed Mill's clinical defence at the back.
- Savea is a beast. #mancrush
- JDV was inspirational. Great guy as always, love his little quips sometimes. Can't hate the guy for being class - all the props.
- Le Roux is dangerous.
- Habana is back. Does no favours for wingers of the future for when they eventually hit their wall - as people will look to Habana and reference his comeback to great form.
And to the current thread debates'
RE Ben Smith:
- NO he's not fast. But hew lacks in speed, makes up for vision and timing, and clinical. Though, he can get burnt by pure speed or athleticism at times.
- Still scores tries. now whether he creates them at times, is not really the point, the skills above (particularly his vision and timing) are what sets himself up for being at the right place and the right time.
RE Aaron Smith/Halfbacks:
- When is this guy going to get his props from some people? Has a good workrate in attack and defence. Yes he'll get bowled over but seriously, just look up his measurable and compare that to the average forward/centre/winger.
- Comparing Aaron to TKB is ridiculous. TKB is probably the most defensively complete 9 in the world. And vice-versa, Aaron Smith is pretty snipey on attack, and f you don't have your eye on him, he'll exploit you. TKB's game is different./ Not better, not worse. THey just tend to attack differently.
- In saying that, I think TJ deserves a shot on the bench.
