Playing a utility with a tight defence definitely gave us more impotus in attack, when we have more than 50% possession.
We still made plenty of errors and were clunky in attack at times, but showed heart (particularly our front rowers) with strong hit ups and good defence.
As much as he was maligned with the ball in hand, Shibasaki was very good against one of best attacking players in the game.
The difference in my opinion was Haas. He is a once in a generation player, and if he keeps his head and knuckles down will probably end up a future immortal. It's a long road to sow but he has that ability and will only get better.
What worries me at times, is the lack of cohesion in attack. We are still very stop-start at times with forwards taking hit ups from a standing starts, and our attack in the opponents 20 disjointed, relying on individual ability. Hopefully they are working hard, and it clicks.