I agree we are building nicely and 8-17 is good. Well, provided that all the recruits perform at their best in a new club. And assuming the likes of Utoikamanu and Blore can both stay on the field and reach their potential, something neither are yet to do. And also, assuming Twal has recovered physically and mentally from concussions. And finally, assuming Pole can build on his reasonable debut season, finding a consistency that often alludes young forwards and avoiding any 2nd year syndrome.That's hard to judge, but it looks very good to me. I can't see a weakness. Still the halves and the backs, especially a couple of game changers like Munster, Lui, Manu etc needed, to complete the package. We are about 80% up the mountain, another year to the top, but i'm an optimist !
And assuming we have a blessed run with injury and suspension as the back ups include Seyfarth and a bunch of kids that would have about 10 games experience between them. So if they are called upon they will need to perform well above any level they have previously performed.