So, let's say Nero is killed early in the fighting, and Hasdrubal crushes the Roman army at Metaurus. He then gets through to Hannibal, also sending word that he just killed Nero (and possibly Livius). Hannibal, realizing the Roman consular army facing them is without their commander, links up with Hasdrubal and crushes the army, which is presumably led by a much less experienced man than Nero.
What then? I think at this point, Rome has to capitulate. The Latin allies were already becoming stingy with giving troops to the Romans, with some refusing completely. With two consular armies destroyed in rapid succession again, Rome is really stretched to her limits, far more than after Cannae. More Italian allies would likely defect to Hannibal, and now he at least can threaten to siege Rome, since Hasdrubal brought much needed men and siege equipment to make the threat have merit.
Rome would have little choice but to ask for terms. The terms would likely be something along the lines of handing over Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica, pulling out of Spain and withdrawing support for their allies in Greece and Illyria, and possibly paying Macedon some small indemnity.
What would the future hold? Hieronymus reached an understanding with Carthage to have Sicily in return for him rebelling, but I doubt Cartage would hand over all of the island to him, especially the western coastal areas like Lilybaeum.
What then? I think at this point, Rome has to capitulate. The Latin allies were already becoming stingy with giving troops to the Romans, with some refusing completely. With two consular armies destroyed in rapid succession again, Rome is really stretched to her limits, far more than after Cannae. More Italian allies would likely defect to Hannibal, and now he at least can threaten to siege Rome, since Hasdrubal brought much needed men and siege equipment to make the threat have merit.
Rome would have little choice but to ask for terms. The terms would likely be something along the lines of handing over Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica, pulling out of Spain and withdrawing support for their allies in Greece and Illyria, and possibly paying Macedon some small indemnity.
What would the future hold? Hieronymus reached an understanding with Carthage to have Sicily in return for him rebelling, but I doubt Cartage would hand over all of the island to him, especially the western coastal areas like Lilybaeum.