People are too hung up on the Smith selection.
Tuiloma is unlucky, and I would be worried now if Payne got injured. But Billy T was also less than convincing for the Nix with his WC audition, and it looks like Bindon is going to be cover for Payne. Far from Tyler's natural position, but he's all class, and will likely do a better job shoehorned in there than natural RB Elliot.
Could Smith have been added as a '27th player' like it seems the Japanese have done with their WC squad? Yipe, but that's without knowing how the inner AWs sanctum works. Unless Payne does get injured it ain't that big a deal.
Certainly not such a big deal, as to just say outright Bazeley has no idea what he is doing as a selector.
Caveat. If Payne does get injured/suspended then hypocrite me will join the chorus criticising Baze!! I don't want Elliot playing at the WC.
Tuiloma is unlucky, and I would be worried now if Payne got injured. But Billy T was also less than convincing for the Nix with his WC audition, and it looks like Bindon is going to be cover for Payne. Far from Tyler's natural position, but he's all class, and will likely do a better job shoehorned in there than natural RB Elliot.
Could Smith have been added as a '27th player' like it seems the Japanese have done with their WC squad? Yipe, but that's without knowing how the inner AWs sanctum works. Unless Payne does get injured it ain't that big a deal.
Certainly not such a big deal, as to just say outright Bazeley has no idea what he is doing as a selector.
Caveat. If Payne does get injured/suspended then hypocrite me will join the chorus criticising Baze!! I don't want Elliot playing at the WC.