Quote: moto748 ""...the 2013/2014 Matty Smith" indeed. Like you, I think, I've been a supporter of Smith, but there's no doubt he looks jaded now, and a shadow of the player he was a season or two ago. Why this is, who's to say; does he miss Green? Well, he's a senior pro now, should be able to stand up for himself. Worst of it is, a bit more from him would certainly have helped Williams's game this season, cos he has looked a little lost at times. But I think Wane was right to stick by Williams, and it's to SW's credit that he's shown faith in the lad, because he clearly is a talent. That said, so is Hampshire, and he looked lively last week.
And it gives me no pleasure to say this, but our issues in the halves haven't been helped by the fact that Lockers has been very ordinary on the rare occasions he's played this season, so if were looking to him to add an "X-factor", we're largely looking in vain.'"
I was a huge fan of Green but I didn't quite think we'd miss him like we have and I did have high hopes that Smith would lead the way and help Williams a bit more. He's been ok at points but poor at others and that inconsistency hasn't helped Williams. In fairness to Smith I actually think his form has been a bit better of late but Williams has lost form and neither are being helped by a powder puff set of props.
It's the lack of go forward from the props that makes me want to see more of Hampshire in the halves. No halfback can excel on the back of a beaten pack but this lad has that bit more individual threat about him and can make things out of nothing for himself.
Hampshire isn't a miracle worker and he's probably been over hyped to an extent but he's been appallingly under used at a time when his qualities are much needed.