He kicked very well indeed and adds further weight to the argument that the injury to Leulaui has made you stronger not weaker due to Smith now playing every week.

It's also clear that he is much more confident now that he hasn't got Hastings playing next to him wanting to touch the ball every tackle of every set.

I think it's really hard to judge when they have different strengths and weaknesses. I agree that Smith's kicking game was a big part of us getting over the line against you, but as I said on the match thread, Tommy's defence in a key position could have played an equally important role (potentially bigger? who knows) in stemming the flow for the spell when you were rolling us over in the second half.

I think you're right about the confidence point too, although I don't think it's a coincidence either that his improvement has come during a season where our forwards are much more competitive. Hopefully a sign of things to come as it's becoming harder and harder for SL teams to recruit top class half backs.

Indeed. If a half's kicking game improves (and we certainly can't claim that Smith has consistently 'found the grass' before as he did against Saints), then surely having that little bit more time and space to make the kick is going to be a big factor. Plus general increased confidence, etc.

Don't get used to it, once Tommy's back Smith will be put back into his box due to nobody having the bollox to say no to Tommy

Zzzzz...

So you don't think Tommy will walk back into position when he's back?
His reluctance to retire is holding Smith and the club back
Everyone knows this is true but nobody wants to say it due to Tommy's legendary status

I will now await the usual Troll accusations etc etc

Tommy has been outstanding this season. We’re very lucky to have a guy like that to help guide Harry Smith and Cade Cust (who isn’t hugely experienced himself). I noticed Tommy sat with Harry Smith at half time deep in conversation. How good must it be to have a World Cup winner to lean on for advice in big games?!

That's fair enough, but when Tommy plays in the half's he holds Smith back, If fans want Tommy on the pitch then it must be at 9, I'd be happy with that but we all know the Golden Boy will have to play and slow us down at 9

But surely, if Tommy wasn't in the squad i.e if he retired, then "golden boy" would be our back up 7.

What are you suggesting here? Tommy shouldn't start, or he should have retired. That's two whole separate arguments imo.

Hopefully Smith carries on his recent good form and keeps Tommy out the team when he is available again. Hopefully Tommy will tutor Smith when he isnt playing