johnola
Dean Austin
I guess its a matter of opinion but yes I do think he was and has been significantly better than the other options you mentioned. I also agree with the principle of people earning their spot but in this case he already has and hasn't lost it. He was just not available for selection.
It's bit like with Maddison did you think needed to earn his starting spot or were you happy enough with him carrying on where he left off?
Not consistently he has not been better.
Maddison has been with the team at training and coaching sessions and is acclimatised to the cold and damp. His immediate return was also facilitated by an injury to Lo Celso.
The wider point is I don’t think anyone has a right to a berth - they should be seen to earn it and I don’t care what the reason for the absence was.