Tonight's game was a perfect example of the team no having that big forward to keep the momentum of runs by the back 3 or crash over when inside the opponents 10m area. I've written about it elsewhere, there's a massive difference between effort & mental toughness. Andrew Fifita has been the best prop this year & is exactly the type of player the Dragons need. ( plus he's going to improve & will be a force for over 5 years )
It's not just what the leaders of a pack do, it's the flow on effect for team mates & also the impact on opponents who don't want to run as hard at them or drop their head when they know they're being outplayed in those crucial moments that ultimately decide a game.
The 2010 side had guys like Jeremy Smith, Neville Costigan & Beau Scott in it who were ideal players when fighting out those close games. They would inspire their team mates with a big play & the rest of the term would lift with them. The side of that year in particular were renowned for being consistently better than other teams in those tough clashes that needed extra effort with the ball & in defence. It's about sending a message to the opposition & saying we want it more than you do.
