Watch his stride and compare it with a year ago. Completely different. He canters not runs with half steps with very restricted upper leg movements.
He has improved his movement a bit but not to required standard. He has obviously put a bit of work into modifying his running style. There is a reason people don’t run like this - it’s slow, effortful and he can’t dive out to make a late grab. He is petrified of stretching out and it shows in his play.
Playing slowed with dodgy hamstrings is a worry but if this method of self protection is permanent truly f***ed. He needs to get the tap to run full stretch, have the rest of the year up to sort it out or enjoy QCup.
I suspect we do fall apart a little without Boyd cause of coaching and mental softness of a lot of the squad as much as missing his leadership or contribution on the field. Might as well bite the bullet and face it now if he is cooked. Only way we win this year is big risks cause at status quo we won’t win the current setup.
As for comments no other good fullback options we have two ready made that have been squandered with Milf and Bird who would both need a gruelling pre season to get fit for the job. Isaako is worth a shot. Knik would be worth a go. Allan let go. So 6 options right there without going outside the club and without Boyd could have offered unders for Ponga not to go to Newcastle wishful but master coach should have seen that one.