Nikorima at 7 and Bird at left centre is fine by me.
Nikorima is still our most viable halfback option, and Bird is too out of form to be played in such a vital position.
I still haven't seen anything concrete that Bird only wants to play in the halves or at lock. Niko is a better halfback for now, and we're stacked for options in the #13, so as long as he can do his job defensively then left centre is a good spot for him to work himself in to form. Doesn't have to think about organising. If he wants more ball he can come & get it from dummy half or put his hand up for some ruck runs. Otherwise, he can run as hard as he can, and tackle whatever comes his way, and just concentrate on improving week to week.
Feel sorry for Opacic but at least he's still in the 17.