By Duncan Wood
November 27 2002

I don't think that Jason Little's influence was really appreciated until late last season and, to a certain extent, after he'd gone. Big boots to fill but Daryl Gibson has been more than up to the task so far.

Prior to Daryl arriving, we had lost the first 3 matches in disappointing fashion.

He made his debut in the Gloucester game and immediately looked very good before having to depart in slightly unfortunate circumstances when he clashed heads with Mike Lipman.

Since then, he has gone about his job in very much the same sort of way that Jason Little did last season. He's made a few breaks, the Newcastle game being a case in point, but it's been more about solidifying the midfield and shoring up the defence.

Andrew Higgins returned from injury shortly after Daryl's arrival and I'm probably not alone in thinking that Andrew's development has certainly been helped by playing outside the likes of Jason and Daryl.

He's provided organisational skills, a safe pair of hands and always seems to give the forwards a target when he takes the ball into contact. It's not been spectacular but it's been very effective.

Similarly, the midfield defence has been excellent of late with the Montferrand game being a prime example. It's not all been about big hits but about organisation as well.

I don't know if the Supporters Club Player of the Month choice for November has been made yet, but Daryl's certainly in with a shout.

He's an experienced All Black who is only 27 years old. We should consider ourselves fortunate to have attracted a player of his calibre to the club and continue to enjoy his performances.