Let's see how chuffed with yourself you are in 3 years time. Because that's how quickly you can end up down the wrong end of the ladder.
Agreed. This Cheika thing can't just be a flash in the pan.
It is interesting though that we're talking about DD deciding (or being told) to get himself into position to play lock in order to further his Test career and help his province, while the Reds are trumpeting the signing of 17yo Magnay ahead of the Broncos. I have concerns over the Reds youth policy after their recent loss of older talent in the backline particularly.
But anyway - back to Dave.
while he can certainly add 5kg, he'll struggle to add 2-3cms.
At Super level it probably won't matter, but it will depend who is the blindside and/or 8. I'd rather have a lineout with 4 options around 195 than 2 options at 200+, but it all comes down to the call.
At Test level, it will be mainly about covering the position as a contingency. And if his work around the park is good enough, and his arms long enough, then he'll do OK
if he gets in. Lot of competition in the back row though, and he'll have to be fucking good around the park at lock if he wants it, even with Cheika as coach.