Myler is absolutely key to our attack though, partly because our halfbacks aren't the best but in the core skills of fullbacks he's lacking a few. Maybe Hooley can develop into a real alternative.
It has the feeling of a bit of complacency having got into the squad after last season and what seemed like a good off season in terms of training.
I hope this 'passive' defence isn't an ongoing part of the plan as it just doesn't work against powerful packs if they have strike in the backs. That was about as big a pack as we could pick, they ought to be able to hold their ground as a unit. I think the wings/centres were the wrong way round (Roberts and Olpherts have been playing there and Fusitu'a/Handley will never be centres no matter if they played there as kids) and Smith should have started ahead of Tetevano, who has done zero to be in the 17. Also, no disrespect to him, but given our signings Donaldson shouldn't be in our starting squad.
I expect a few changes next week, especially in attitude, but we don't have a lot of options in the backs. Forwards we have McDonnell, Walters and Ruan. McDonnell and Ruan might be raw but they both bring aggression, which for some reason too many of our forwards lack, except when Tetevano goes for a cheap shot.
