It's worth noting that Marshall was also the top Taranaki tackler with 12. I don't think he is a brilliant defender by any stretch, but I don't think it's really a weakness for him.
Prior to last night he had only missed 13 tackles, which meant his percentage for the season was about 80%, which isn't anything to frown about. His metres gained for the season is astoundingly high, I'd imagine it's second only to Codie Taylor, who spends most of his time on the wing anyway
After tonight's match Marshall's tackling percentage is now
78%. Acceptable...... for a back
However for a hooker it is a very low tackling percentage. As far as I can see that is the lowest tackling percentage of any hooker in the competition that has played substantial minutes (Nathan Harris has only made 50% of his tackles, but hasn't played much rugby). Quentin MacDonald has the same tackling percentage (and I think defense is the weakest part of his game too), and I think the next lowest in terms of tackling percentage is Matu'u (85%), who can be a bit hit and miss on defense (though when he hits it is very impressive). Most of the other hookers in the competition have tackling percentages around 90% - e.g. Coltman (90%), Taylor (89%), Funnell (92%), Moulds (90%), Parsons (94%), Dixon (89%) etc. I do think this a bit of a concern for Marshall - his tackling percentage was even lower last season (73%).....
He's certainly a very good ball runner. As far as I can see Quentin MacDonald, Taylor, and Moulds are the only other hookers who have run more than 100m with ball in hand this season. I wonder whether any Super Rugby franchise will consider picking Moulds? He's an excellent ball runner (he's played quite a lot of 7's), and is a strong defender. However like many NZ hookers lineout throwing is a bit of an issue.
Assuming each NZ franchise is looking to sign 3 hookers there may be open spots at the Blues, Hurricanes, and Highlanders:
Blues: Mealamu, Parsons, +1
Chiefs: Harris, MacDonald, Marshall
Crusaders: Funnell, Taylor, Robinson
Highlanders: Coltman, Dixon, +1
Hurricanes: Coles, Matu'u, +1
I would assume Brayden Mitchell will get a contract somewhere (perhaps at the Highlanders again?). For me Moulds would be the next in line, followed by umm... Royal? Favia? Anderson-Heather? Taufalele? I wonder how Hika Elliot is going for Poverty Bay...
Visinia also had a good game last night for Auckland. Post 2015 I'd be surprised to not see him in an All Blacks jersey.
I'm a massive fan of Visinia, and agree he has a good shot at the AB's post 2015. I would like to use his team-mates a bit more, but apart from that there is a lot of like about him!