Does anyone feels like Brad Weber is in a better form than both Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara? His overall running/ruck clearance speed seems to be superior to the other two half backs.
Very quite game for Ioane, he looked sometimes a bit disinterested. Hard to believe he will step in Bridge/Reece's shoes, bar certain unfortunate injuries.
Great work off the tee for Richie Mo'unga and overall impressive distribution/attack on the line as well, it appears that he finally settled in the 10 jersey.
If you look back at my posts I've been saying it for a long time.
All 3 are great halfbacks, all 3 are in very good form.
Aaron Smith seems to be locked in as our starter despite his form obviously being a bit off TJ and Brad in super rugby. Recently Smith has been playing very well, the distance and accuracy of his pass has been amazing. He's been making some big tackles and his leadership and experience is a factor. he pops up in the right places. He did totally hash that take on defense against SA in wellington that cost us the Championship. But its one incident in one game you hope he and others learn from that situation.
BUT HIS CLEARANCE SLOW! Smith constantly takes a step or two before winding up and passing. That's a second or more each phase that allows the defense to get back on the front food. The AB's are trying to unlock rush defenses and IMO that is really not helping.
TJP is a bit better, he's not as nippy as Smith but the ball isn't in his hands for as long.
Then there is Weber. He quite obviously clears the ball faster than the other two. It makes a massive difference and IMO it was the obvious difference at the start of the 2nd half when the AB's attack just clicked and we ran in 5 tries, Weber himself running in two of them.
IMO based on his form this year Weber is maybe the best 9 in the world. Off the back of almost single handed carrying a severely injury ravaged chiefs side into the super rugby finals when they had no right to be there and captaining them as well. His kicking is great, he's holy **** fast, he finishes long range tries. The guys defense is mind blowing. He has great attacking vision. This year his ability to take down big ball carriers with ease has become a trademark of his game. But the big point of difference compared to Smith and TJP for me is that Clearance speed. he gives the backline that extra second or so each phase its so simple but so fundamental.
The problem is its too late in the game now for this WC, Smith and TJ have had all the gametime for the AB's weber has had ~50min in the like ~7? tests we've had, he was not given a chance and now he wont get a chance to face top tier opposition unless Smith or TJ are injured. I think we saw a hint of what we are missing out on against Canada last night, despite the fact that he hasn't played at all recently he was excellent.