It's not about sprinting everywhere and showing 'effort'. It's about positioning. There are many slow DM's and defenders in world football that jog around just fine. Unfortunately, neither Smith or Lia have good positioning either. Smith especially - he is a nothing player. Lia can at least distribute decently at times and tackle alright.
I also think that Leo being at right back might've played a part in all this - I think he's done very well this season, but there is no doubt he gets caught out of position a lot still and half the time it seems like he's still playing as a winger. This means that Lia needs to cover for him and that leaves a huge hole in the middle + Lia is usually spent by half time.
Well for some reason we are certainly lacking any depth. One DM beaten, dispossessed or giving it away (take your pick, we do it all) a bit forward and the floodgates open. Suggests the line is not pushing up enough and the positioning defensively is not sorted.
On a happier note Mitch McClenaghan 10-2-20-4 and SA 186/9
best debut figures by a NZ bowler