Was very noticeable when Smith was subbed off we completely lost our defensive shape - Lia and Fenton didn't seem to know where they should be and WSW actually looked like they might nick a goal which would have been hard to swallow.
I guess Smith was pretty shagged but really thought Ifill and Stein were just as tired. Was surprised to see Smith's number rather than one of them for Fenton.
Was likewise perplexed by this sub, to the point that I thought maybe Smith was injured. Just seemed very odd, as he was playing really well and with only a one goal lead you'd have thought his defensive tackling and especially his ability in the air were very important to see us through.
On the other it's always a 'damned if you do, damned if you don't' thing for Ricki. He's got so much criticism in past seasons for not playing young players and for grinding out results with resolute but dull defence instead of trying to kill the game off with attacking subs. I like this new Ricki. Maybe the season hasn't caught fire like we all hoped it would but I enjoy watching these promising young Kiwi guys and the chaotic Totori running at tired defences