9. 2023 HALFBACK

booboo

2023 HALFBACK

Who has been the best annoying little ruck rat* in 2002. Nomination methodology below.

Give reasons in support of your nomination so:

You have some justification for your nomination
We can argue against it, or even agree with it by adding more reasons

Discussion is encouraged at the nomination stage.

Nominations or alternatives without any opinions for, and arguments against will be treated as bannable offences.

Refer the laws of TOTY stated in the Sports Talk forum.

Foot note: * term shamelessly borrowed from @Smuts

Victor Meldrew

I'm going to go for Aaron Smith - thought he was superb and just got better as the season went on. DuPont may be better player, but not this year.

Machpants

Aaron indeed was on vintage form, he even did some runs (now that is dry powder!), Dupont was amazing when he played but blotted his copybook by staying on too long in the 1/4s. You gotta know when you're done in (eh Sexcockwomble)

Canes4life

Has to be Aaron Smith, I think Dupont is a quality player but a little overrated by the Northern Hemisphere.

cgrant

Aaron Smith. He was back to his sniping best during the RWC. He was certainly keeping his powder dry in 2022 when it seemed he was just playing to make (good) passes.

sparky

Antonie Dupont was different gravy until he broke his cheek.

Mr Fish

Dupont was exceptional in the Six Nations, poor against NZ, and then strong in all his other WC games.

Thought Smith was in better form this year than years gone but still just decent - not great.

Tordah

Jamison Gibson-Park has had a pretty good year once again. Not necessarily the best halfback, but certainly among the top tier. Helps Ireland have a good half-pairing despite Jonny "lame duck" Sexton.

Catogrande

@Tordah Also, his style of up tempo play suits the Ireland game plan.

DaGrubster

Aaron Smith, rolled back the years to be the best 9. Outplayed Du Pont in a lost side. Scored an amazing try in the semi final.

Showed his leadership this year

sparky

Cam Roigard took to international Rugby like a duck to water. He should have been given more minutes in the Black Jersey this year.

booboo

Nominations closed. Read opening post (and the rest of the thread if you like) and vote.

The Silver Fern

9. 2023 HALFBACK