While we've been cheap in the past, the recent problem hasn't been the bargain bin, its the big money players who simply haven't delivered - Tetevano now looks like a reasonably good second row, and when fit Fusitu'a is a solid winger. But neither has much impact most games. Neither does Sezer, who also will be on a big wedge.
It all smacks of signing overseas players for the sake of it rather than with a plan in mind. Smith didn't have a lot of room for this year, but there are some massive decisions coming up. Get it right and with the good youngsters we have in the squad we should be set for a brighter few years. Get it wrong and we'll be back here complaining for another few years.