I think there is far too much emphasis put on this 'raw' pace ingredient. Most players at pro level have adequate pace to be playing at the level they are at. The way teams set up these days, pace doesn't undo defences too often during a game.
Poor old Ryan Flynn is accused of lacking pace and therefore unable to go past or leave his marker but the Flynn that I see, often delivers a telling ball into the danger zone without leaving his man trailing or going past him like an express train. He also rarely gives possession away and defends exceptionally well. Compare that with say, David Cotterill, who could run and dribble, but rarely delivered and couldn't defend , hence his short spells at several clubs where he warmed the bench more regularly than started.
Any speed merchant is usually catered for in pre match planning and I don't often see these fast lads damage us too much.
