I feel for AD and trust he is able to recover. Too early to understand the extent of the injury but if it is an ACL tear the club has to exercise its duty of care and retire him. AD's desire to return shouldn't come into consideration.
His performance today was improved; however, still well below first grade standard. While several of his kicks were better than usual, and the bounce of the ball cost hm a 40-20, most of his kicks lacked control, direction and placement. How anyone can overlook his kicks raining down on the 30m line or skewing towards the touch line is beyond me. It is clear that the outside backs have no idea either as they don't know if they need to chase hard or stand back and wait.
As for a replacement? I have been wanting to see how Laurie goes in the 5/8 role but we haven't had an opportunity so far. His pre-season performance may well be the reason that Sheens hasn't used him. Wakeham didn't cut it and the word on Smith isn't positive either so he may be the last man standing.
Some tough calls need to be made soon.