I think he was certainly better than others used in some aspects, but probably not in others, like work-rate, which seemed to be a metric favoured in those years, right or wrong. He also benefits from being partnered with Rodda now, who is a real worker (and with more impact than the workers used before and mentioned above which is a bonus) which gives him more latitude to do what he does even better. Put him with Coleman, say, and it's maybe not a good a balance. Like Whitelock and Retallick complement each other, but have different strengths. I think also Arnold and Rodda are better than they were a year ago. Had potential, yes. Getting to it, yes.
I think Arnold always had the higher ceiling, for sure. I think he's closer to it now. Maybe, if given better chances before, he might have reached it sooner. Who knows. There were plenty of commentators, on here and elsewhere, frustrated by his apparent lack of follow through from one level to the next. In hindsight, persistence with him might have been better for sure.
Richie Arnold has not showed the same level as Rory at Super level so it is a guess to say he would be the same. Obviously physically more likely, but maybe not mentally. And the old "tearing it up in the NH" (used by some others about him) quite frankly has become a tad overused.
