You have no idea how good it is for someone else to say that. People don't see Smith in every highlight reel, therefore think other players are better. There is no better defensive player in my opinion than Smith. His tackling it text-book perfect and he is the best at putting his man in the gap. That, and he is a lawyer...just saying, that's pretty cool.
Maitland won't get near the AB's. He good and consistant, but he's in the most efficient attacking team around. Rokocoko, Jane, Masaga and Sivivatu are all a better shout. Ranger is too slow for a winger. He's played there because he's unlikely to get an AB spot at Centre, but that is by far and away his best position. Hosea Gear is a better winger anyway, but people are quick to forget him from his few weeks off. Cowan isn't half the halfback that Weepu is. He's better defensively, but that's about it. I prefer Nonu over SBW.
In terms of my centres, I'm going to have to say Nonu and Smith. Conrad Smith is the best centre in the world, even if he's playing for a terrible S15 team. Nonu is also a game breaker, and has over 50 tests of experience. SBW and Fruean are very exciting to watch, and have been amazing with the Saders, but I would rest easier with Conrad Smith in the team over Fruean, and SBW/Nonu is probably a 50/50 call. Ideally I would like to alternate Nonu & Smith with SBW & Fruean this Tri Nations, as well as the RWC. So far however, Smith and Nonu will be in my final team.
He's no slower than Ranger, but I agree that he's not quick enough. His first and only game for the Hurricanes (which I was at) was at fullback, and he wasn't too bad for the time he got. I hate putting centres on the wing, it never works out that well. Wingers can become centres, but you either have the raw pace, or you don't, and I don't think Fruean or Ranger have it (Ranger used to back in 2008).
I like the idea of Ranger and SBW in the centres, but I like Ranger/Nonu or Ranger/Fruean in the centres as well.
