Matéo Garcia annoncé à Toulon

If you want to look at it another way, solely regarding useful size, he is the right weight for his height. For instance Bundee Aki is no heavier despite being a powerhouse. If Barrett wants to have the same sort of physical leverage in contact he has to make is weight as comparble to his frame as De Allende and Aki's is.

It's simple the old adage of 'a low center of gravity' played out in physics.

As regards to SCs point that the performance has more weight than it would at SR level, that depends on a whole lot of other aspects. As I said, they were two very hap hazard teams and the only thing I was reading into it was the same sort of scrappyness Ratima failed to cope with and the speed in general this article says is one of the most advantageous assets (as apposed to Roigards strength) in 9's these days.

Ardie to 12, Sititi to 13, and Sotutu and Finau to 8/6.

Everyone already thinks that SR is weak because theres no longer anyone to challenge the top 4 kiwi sides, despite them not challenging them for over a decade already, so you might as well take them down to the other 8 teams level?

If the quality of the comp drops then it will lead to slower player development for those who play in this comp. It will lead to lower standards and a lower bar.

I don't really agree with that in and of itself. A competition where more games are contested is going to drive performances up. You just need to ensure there are those with that top level performance experience, like James O'Connor, they don't actually need them do be delivering that performance they're championing.

If the NZ teams were weakened to where all 12 teams were on a comparable level (theres always 4 NZ sides that are still the best in the world) I'd argue that actually increases everyones development. It's just key that players still know what that highest bar is even if theyre not reaching it.

Of course one of the most important aspects is the marketability of the competition as best in world. But as I say until the ABs return to the top noone is going to beleive that of SR so maybe now is a good time to try some changes?

I'm now reorganizing my thoughts on whether that had anything do to with Razor after how Ratima and Dmac got treated, not to mention a bunch of players closer to Razors own position and style/skills.