The team are developing a cohesion which has transformed them from one of potential to delivering confident performances. The addition of Leuluai won't upset this balance, rather boost the variety of open-play options.
So who should feel the most threatened? Townsend or Nathan Friend? I think Friend is the most vulnerable. Leuluai has more strength in everything he does.
His impact when confronting the tackle, his ball-playing ability around the ruck and kicking game elevates him above Friend.
The incumbent hooker has done nothing wrong but doesn't provide what Leuluai can either off the bench or in the starting line-up.
Asking questions out of the ruck is invaluable and McFadden knows this. But how does he tell one of his more consistent performers that he will need to share his playing duties?
Friend is a tenacious defender but hookers must provide more attacking qualities and this is where he is found wanting. McFadden will be looking at the form of Leuluai, more so than Townsend.
It will be interesting to see how they all respond.
