jonh wrote:For some reason I’m not able to quote but in response to @Phuzzy, I actually don’t think there is in reality a half back debate because Smith is the only natural half back in the squad.
The debate really should be Williams or Lewis not Smith or Lewis.
Smith is a natural halfback and both Lewis and Williams are highbrid 5/8ths who could do a job at half back.
Whilst Lewis and Smith both wear 7 for their club sides they play different roles and Smith is by far the better half back of the 2 with his kicking game, organisation play and game management.
That’s not slating Lewis because he does things that Smith can’t too particularly as a running threat and whilst both Williams and Lewis could “do a job” playing the half back role neither are as good as Smith is in that position.
that was virtually the pre-match debate, and all 3 former pros (Wilkin, Brown and Peacock) picked Smith because of his control and ability to do it in the big games
Wilkin did show some stats which showed the difference between Smith and Lewis, but it just really showed that Lewis ran the ball more / backed up, as he scored more tries, made more metres and more tackle bursts. We all know that Smith rarely takes on the line, but creates space for those around him, and his tactical kicking in game is outstanding