I agree with your first two sentences. However, while we definitely lose intensity when Api is off the field(same could be said for Klemmer), giving him a rest with Jake has helped tremendously towards the back end of the game. Also, giving Jake the game time is only going to do good things for him, especially if he has to cover when Api plays origin.
Honestly before this week our subs were poorly managed:
- Pole playing long minutes only to eventually get rotated out for Twal who had already played about 40 straight.
- Jake and Api swapping immediately after half time, Jake was coming out against fresh men and Api doesn't need 2 breaks.
- Stefano / Klemmer starting & Offa / Twal off the bench doesn't work. We put 2 passive men on for 2 aggressive ones. This is why I think we fall off massively. I will say Twal has added another dimension to his game and does look more aggressive, but its not enough with Offa as his partner.
- We need a 13 that can ball play. I honestly think Twal has thrown more passes this year than Pole (That's not saying Twal is a 13, that is me giving perspective on why I think Pole isn't)
I have been thinking for weeks our pack should be.
8. Stefano
9. Api
10. Klemmer
11. Papali'i
12. Bateman
13. Matamua
14. Simpkin
15. Twal (Sub for Stefano)
16. Pole (Sub for Klemmer)
17. Blore (Either sub for Matamua, or come in at one of the second row spots and shift Bateman mid game.