IMO, we need a spine that can control the flow of games. That will allow forwards the best chance to get over the opposition -if they're good enough.Do you think a halfback will enable our current forwards to dominate opposition forwards, thus affording a better attacking and defensive platform?
If they're not, you at least know what types you need going forward.
Without a proper functioning spine, you cannot tell if your players have what it takes or not. And that not just forwards....it's centres, wingers and back rowers.