Im getting a feeling that either you (Meth or Iafeta) are related or good mates with ROPO? I have given him credit when he plays strong and well (look at my past comments) however its funny how we forget that he is still more of a liability than tate, moon and brown,ROPO has always been a good ball runner with a vision for gaps - but he shows that good class like every 10 games then back to sh*te or injured. Even though i will be seen as a ROPO hater - I do back myself up most times for why i dont like some players ways of playing the game
You are so far wide of the mark its not even close to being funny. Ropati was poor in both 2008 and 2009. The amount of times I'd be in this forum bagging the bloke for his inability to read spread plays and how so many times he'd be opening up gaps inside and out by coming out of the line and grabbing nothing but air ... his defence was inexcusable. There is nothing wrong with the blokes ability to effect a tackle, his technique is fine and he sticks, but so often blokes would be screaming into gaps either side of him and he'd be in no man's land. I would never though call myself a player hater as is your wont to do, I would like to think my opinion on a player is able to fluctuate dependent on their form, ability and what they offer to the club, which is why I have stopped bagging Ropati out given his good form.
However, it is fair to say that in 2010 it is the right side that is getting breached more than Ropati's side. Tate has let in a few soft ones this year, and Kevin Locke shows no faith in Brent at all, often coming in and leaving his winger open for a try (as shown in the Tigers game). On the other side, our defence seems to be a hell of a lot stronger. You'd get to a point last year where you would cringe when the ball went to Ropati's side of the field because there would be gaps a plenty, this year it's nowhere near that.
Lastly, you say you give credit to Ropati off the back of his runs? I can assure you that was not, and never has been his problem. However, you say that Tate, Moon and Brown are all a lot more effective than him, so I assume from that you're talking about average metres, line breaks etc.
Average metres:
JR 106.4
BT 86.1
JM 50.6
LB 71.2
Line breaks
JR 6
BT 6
LB 4
JM 3
Of course, Joel has played a bit of five eighth and Lewis mostly in the second row so they really aren't like for like numbers. However, Ropo is only behind Manu for line breaks and only behind Vatuvei, Ah Van (1 game only) and Rapira in metres gained.
