when you watch him I reckon he gets at least half his possessions (I may be exaggerating for effect?) receiving a 15m kick. High % of cheap possessions which reinforce the old slow game plan (because by definition it is short and slow with opposition set up).Higgins seems to glide along without being desperate to get the ball or tackle (unlike Dahl). I wouldn’t mind this so much if, when he gets the ball, he was classy, damaging and could impact the scoreboard directly or indirectly, but I don’t have many memories of Higgins doing this.
I get why MC wants him to play given he is experienced and was very good - if you are having one last crack with this team he is probably better on the day than a Dempsey/Francis/Mitch. But I am with you that if they went old I would rather go Dal (as a sub) than Higgins as he brings that energy.
Personally I wouldn't go with either if we have a full team - and if I had one spot left in the 23 I would go with an emerging player as the game day gap isn't that big