I like Smith and hope he's given time to learn from the disappointments of this season (so far). The inconsistent form is an issue. The coach is only part of the equation though. A missing element since the McDermott era is youth development. There are signs this is improving (especially in the forwards) but Newman aside I'm nervous about the lack of obviously good quality outside backs and halves coming through.
Smith frequently alludes to the policing of the ruck and the flow of the game. I could be well off the mark with this, but it seems that we struggle most against teams using cynical tactics to slow down the ruck when we are in possession, but Smith doesn't want us to resort to the same tactics. It is noticeable how much referees are letting teams get away with laying on in the tackle this season. Clearing up the ruck would make a big difference, but at the same time I wonder whether Smith just needs to adapt better to the way the game is being refereed over here.
