When I look at our back row, and try to compare it to options we've had in the past, I'm not convinced at the overall strength we have currently.
We have an absolute stand out performer in Jack Willis, who I'm happy to say would be international class for any tier 1 nation. We have to hope that he comes back the same player after 2 very serious injuries.
We then have an open side who was phenomenal 2 seasons ago, but is seemingly having a bit less impact at the moment - albeit is still a fantastic support/link option
Shields is a strong player and leader. The kind of glue you need to keep everything together, whilst also being a very good player.
We then have Tom Willis, who may be a better all round player than Barbeary, but doesn't have his explosive power and tackle breaking ability.
With the exception of Jack, I don't think any of them makes it into our old back rows such as Lol, Volley, Worsley, even Lol, Hask, Rees. Hughes, Hask, Johnson also felt more dynamic, as did any back row with George Smith.
If Barbeary comes back and is as powerful and dynamic as he was before, then a back row with Jack at 7, Shields at 6 and Barbeary at 8, with either Young or T.Willis on the bench is a pretty fearsome unit.