The Leicester Tigers thread

by Portnoy Tue Jul 17, 2012 5:00 pm

First topic message reminder :

2012/3 may well prove to be a memorable one.

For once, there seems to be (albeit not unplumbable) strength in depth, a fairly healthy squad and a straightforward, uncomplicated international season.

by yappysnap Wed Sep 05, 2012 11:53 am

It's not just them all the top teams props are very good on the floor. I am pleased though that in this area at least we seem to have players as good as the very best in the world and who can do everything required of their position.

by Portnoy Wed Sep 05, 2012 12:20 pm

Didn't props always scavenge for the ball? They have since time immemorial (so far as I can remember). That's part of the requisite DNA (plus that of handing the flankers all the glory...

by bluestonevedder Wed Sep 05, 2012 1:41 pm

Yeh, props do scavage for the ball, so does every single other player on the field. All I'm saying is that Cole and Corbisiero seem to do it very very well. A lot of props seem to be excellent at slowing it down, but struggle with the actual steal. During the six nations especially, I can recall a lot of times that both of them excelled.

by Portnoy Fri Sep 07, 2012 12:11 pm

If you want a seated season ticket, don't worry. there are a about 500 left. http://www.tigers.talent-sport.co.uk/PagesPublic/ProductBrowse/productseason.aspx

Does that mean that Tigers have a guaranteed minimum reported crowd of 15000 (min)?

by formerly known as Sam Sat Sep 08, 2012 9:14 pm

They say they've now sold over 14,000 season tickets.

http://www.leicestertigers.com/news/14905.php

That means only 10k seats on sale each week though that didn't seem to matter as only and extra 5kish bought tickets for today anyway.

by **LondonTiger** Tue Sep 11, 2012 10:40 am

A good runout for the A team last night Smile

Offset by the not unexpected news on Newby Sad

by bluestonevedder Tue Sep 11, 2012 10:48 am

There a report from the A team's game LT?

by **LondonTiger** Tue Sep 11, 2012 10:53 am

From Tigers site:

Leicester Tigers Development XV scored seven tries in registering a first win of the Aviva Premiership A League season, beating Newcastle Falcons A 45-23 on Monday evening.
Adam Thompstone scored two of the tries and his fellow summer signing Dan Bowden was also on the mark on their first appearances at Welford Road.

Wing Henry Purdy scored a brace of tries in the first half and there was a try each for forwards Michael Noone and Fraser Balmain. Captain Matt Cornwell kicked the rest of the points on his return to Welford Road.

Thompstone and Bowden were joined in the Tigers team by fellow summer arrivals Richard Thorpe and Matt Cornwell. George Chuter took his place alongside Fraser Balmain and Kieran Brookes in the front row while Brett Deacon was named in the back row with Thorpe.

The visitors took an early 3-0 lead when fly-half Joel Hodgson picked himself up from Noone's high tackle to land a simple penalty.

Noone then made an impact at the other end. The No8 stole possession on the floor before darting through the Newcastle defence and angling his run from halfway to the left corner for the first try.

Tigers scored their second try in the 12th minute. The Tigers forwards piled on the pressure close to the Falcons line and Bowden made it pay, his quick feet creating the gap to score under the posts. Cornwell converted.

Falcons hit back with their first try when Michael Tait collected Chris Harris' offload to dot down on the left, and Hodgson added the extras.

Tigers grabbed their third try from the restart. Alex Lewington's run off the left wing created the opportunity for centre Thompstone, who darted over from 20 metres.

Tigers grabbed their bonus point score as the game entered its second quarter, wing Henry Purdy bustled his way past a couple of Falcons defenders to score at the right corner. Cornwell added the touchline conversion to put Tigers 26-10 ahead.

A solid scrum laid the platform for Purdy's second try moments later. Morris's run took him up to the line and he had Purdy on his outside to finish.

Hodgson landed his second penalty just before half-time to leave Tigers 31-13 ahead at the break.

Chuter was replaced by Jimmy Stevens at half-time.

Tigers were quickly out of the blocks at the start of the second half, and a sweeping move involving Scott Steele, Bowden and Morris was finished on the left by Thompstone for his second try. Cornwell converted before Hodgson kicked his third penalty of the game moments later.

Hodgson's kick signalled a period of Newcastle pressure in the Tigers 22. Tait was held up under the posts before Tigers overturned possession on their own line moments later.

Tigers held firm before Cornwell's clever kick took them back into the Falcons 22. Tigers stole possession at the lineout and a couple of phases later Fraser Balmain burrowed over from close range. Cornwell added the extras to extend the lead to 45-16.

Newcastle threatened to score a late consolation try through Zach Kibirige but he was wrapped up by Cornwell and forced into touch in goal.

However, Tigers were unable to secure possession at the lineout and George McGuigan scooped up the ball at the back and crossed unopposed for the last try of the game, which was converted by Hodgson.
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Sadly Benjamin had not recovered from his knock in last week's game. Bowden's recovery from the ankle injury sustained last season is making good progress.

ps can he play FB?

Lineup was:

15 Niall Morris
14 Henry Purdy
13 Adam Thompstone
12 Dan Bowden
11 Alex Lewington
10 Matt Cornwell (c)
9 Scott Steele
1 Fraser Balmain
2 George Chuter
3 Kieran Brookes
4 Harry Wells
5 Joe Cain
6 Brett Deacon
7 Richard Thorpe
8 Michael Noone

Replacements
16 Jimmy Stevens
17 Jonny Harris
18 Ryan Bower
19 Jake Albon
20 Luca Guillame
21 Harrison Lee-Everton
22 Pasqualle Dunn
23 Rhys Williams

Slightly odd to see Chutes there, but it was to help the coach the young props.

by bluestonevedder Tue Sep 11, 2012 11:00 am

Nice one, thanks LT.

Not sure if Bowden can play FB. Don't think I've ever seen him play there, but I imagine he would fair ok at 15. He's good under the high ball, and a quality runner.

Cracking result for the A team, and a good run out for a few of these youngsters. Thompstone's a quality signing I feel, and i'm really looking forward to his and Benjamin's inclusion soon.

Quality experience for the two young props, and so glad Brookes is back in the frame. Balmain's very decent for his age isn't he?

Now all we need is Tait to make a full recovery and join up with the first 15!

by **LondonTiger** Tue Sep 11, 2012 11:02 am

Balmain looks like he will be a cracker. i would like to see him getting first team game time ahead of Stanko.

Tait looked pretty fit in the training exercises pre-match on Saturday. Worryingly though he did not participate in groin stretches - suggesting it is still an issue.

by bluestonevedder Tue Sep 11, 2012 11:09 am

Agree regardeing Stanko. To me, he looks like he's declining a lot now, and I don't really rate him anymore. Bench option at best.

Was Tait running around and everything though? If he was, I doubt the groin's still a major issue, but maybe the stretch just aggrevates it a little too much.

by Portnoy Tue Sep 11, 2012 11:49 am

LT.

Have you attended any of the official Tigers' London meet-ups? And if so will you comment.

by **LondonTiger** Tue Sep 11, 2012 11:58 am

Portnoy wrote:LT.

Have you attended any of the official Tigers' London meet-ups? And if so will you comment.

I haven't. I considered going to the one last Monday, but as my eldest daughter had her 11+ that day decided to take her out instead.

by Portnoy Tue Sep 11, 2012 1:00 pm

It'd be interesting to hear about how they develop as a culture LT.

Christ! 11+s. That takes me back 50+ years. Hope your daughter does well.

If only all MPs were forced to send their kids to bog-std comps and NHS hospitals etc. (in my dreams).

by **LondonTiger** Wed Sep 12, 2012 2:20 pm

Youngs, Croft and Deacon expected to be back within a month - maybe in time for the trip to Toulouse.

http://www.espnscrum.com/premiership-2012-13/rugby/story/169724.html

by formerly known as Sam Thu Sep 13, 2012 8:58 pm

Not suprised Tait is being wrapped in cotton wool, Cockers has already stated he could be rushed into the side now but is instead being rested until the A League game on the 1st of October. Should think he's building up ahead of that, no point in taking unnecessary risks seeing as it was in a warm up he did his groin last time.

Stanko has not been the same since his shoulder injury and I think will be rapidly overtaken by more dynamic options, especially now his set piece strength is diminished. Balmain seems to have benefitted from his exchange place at Clermont last season. He seems to be a very dynamic young prop, Ayerza would be hte perfect loosehead for him to emulate.

Gutted about Newbs, I hope they bring him in as a breakdown coach as he is a good leader and Herring really helped when he took on that role.

by DaveM Thu Sep 13, 2012 9:45 pm

LondonTiger wrote:Balmain looks like he will be a cracker. i would like to see him getting first team game time ahead of Stanko.

You may require a change of coach before that happens........

by **LondonTiger** Thu Sep 20, 2012 2:09 pm

Voting for Tigers player of the month started:

https://www.facebook.com/GoldsmithsUK/app_482758661748310

You do not need a facebook account to vote.

by **LondonTiger** Tue Sep 25, 2012 5:43 pm

Dan Bowden did not appear for the A team yesterday. I am not aware of an injury, so may we see him feature on Saturday?

by formerly known as Sam Tue Sep 25, 2012 7:38 pm

Dunno about Bowden but I heard on the radio that Slater and Manu should be fit for the weekend. Ben Youngs could be fit for the Sale game next week.

Personally I'm hoping Lewington will get a run out over the next two weekends we need some more creation in the backs.

by **LondonTiger** Sun Sep 30, 2012 11:45 am

Had an email inviting me to pre-order the new European Shirt.

On the onde hand I think this is the best of the Canterbury kits for us (though non traditional of course) but hate the blatant commercialism.

~Any way some pictures:

http://www.leicestertigers.com/images/news/web650tigerseurokit.jpg
http://www.canterbury.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Tigers_300x300.jpg
http://www.canterbury.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Tigers_300x300.jpg

by formerly known as Sam Sun Sep 30, 2012 1:59 pm

On the onde hand I think this is the best of the Canterbury kits for us (though non traditional of course) but hate the blatant commercialism.

Black was the original Tigers shirt colour. It's a nice shirt, why could this not be th away kit? Especially as we will play away against two teams in Europe who wear black as their home kit.

by **LondonTiger** Sun Sep 30, 2012 2:23 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:
On the onde hand I think this is the best of the Canterbury kits for us (though non traditional of course) but hate the blatant commercialism.

Black was the original Tigers shirt colour. It's a nice shirt, why could this not be th away kit? Especially as we will play away against two teams in Europe who wear black as their home kit.

Hell yes.

The current away kit is abhorrent. Already I feel nostalgic for the ~~beige~~ platinum away kit of the last couple of seasons.

Oh and yeah, the email stated taht was our first shirt colour. Just a bit before my time though Very Happy

by bluestonevedder Mon Oct 01, 2012 11:41 am

Lovely European kit that. Really, really like it! Could be well worth an investment...

by yappysnap Mon Oct 01, 2012 1:12 pm

That is very nice!

It's the Wasps fans and their alternate kit that I feel sorry for!

by **LondonTiger** Mon Oct 01, 2012 4:40 pm

Tigers starting team for tonights A league game, great to see Tait and Forsyth making first starts since getting injured last season:

15 Mathew Tait, 14 Henry Purdy, 13 Andrew Forsyth, 12 Andy Symons, 11 Alex Lewington, 10 Matt Cornwell (c), 9 Scott Steele
1 Fraser Balmain, 2 Harry Thacker, 3 Kieran Brookes, 4 Harry Wells, 5 Joe Cain, 6 Lucas Guillame, 7 Joe Atkinson, 8 Michael Noone

That is a very young pack with 4 teenagers in the front row and a back row i am not especially familiar with. Compare that with a Worcester pack including Ed Shervington, Craig Gillies and Neil Best. A good test for the lads.

by bluestonevedder Mon Oct 01, 2012 4:58 pm

Fantastic to see Tait back! Exellent news.
Busy fews days for Balmain too- great experience for him

by formerly known as Sam Mon Oct 01, 2012 6:25 pm

You may require a change of coach before that happens........

Well Dave hate to say I told you so... But I did. Balmain earned his chance and got promoted onto the bench ahead of Brookes and Harris.

It's a good A team but it is a very young one. Great to see Steele, Forsyth and Tait all back from injury.

by Geordie Mon Oct 01, 2012 7:57 pm

Great to see Brookes back in action.

Thats a great young set of props...

by **LondonTiger** Mon Oct 01, 2012 8:17 pm

Brookes got the first try of the evening

by **LondonTiger** Mon Oct 01, 2012 8:38 pm

Try for Matt Tait - so happy for the lad.

by Geordie Mon Oct 01, 2012 8:48 pm

Hows brookes playing?

by formerly known as Sam Mon Oct 01, 2012 9:25 pm

I heard he'd turned out for Lough Uni with a couple of the academy boys the other week, he's been playing in the A league as well. Think they are slowly bringing him back in the same way they are slowly bringing Tait back so that when they are needed they will be fully ready for the rigours of the AP.

Great for Tait that he got a try on his come back nice to see young Purdy grabbing another one, he is accumilating a good A league scoring record.

by DaveM Mon Oct 01, 2012 11:33 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:
You may require a change of coach before that happens........

Well Dave hate to say I told you so... But I did. Balmain earned his chance and got promoted onto the bench ahead of Brookes and Harris.

Is he ahead of Stankovich? In fairness Brookes is a TH who has been injured for a year and Harris is another ignored Leicester youngster, so I need a bit more evidence yet before I think Cockerill has adopted a Quins like attitude to giving young players a chance.

by **LondonTiger** Tue Oct 02, 2012 9:14 am

To be fair Dave, at 19 Marler was loaned out to a lower league club to get experience (Esher?).

When injuries demand it Quins have given young players a chance, but then revert back to the more experienced players. They have been very good in sending players off to lower league teams to gain experience.

by bluestonevedder Tue Oct 02, 2012 9:54 am

Brilliant result for the A Team last night. Read the report on the website, and sounded like the props had great games- Brookes especially. SO glad to hear Tait played well and that he received resounding appreciation from the crowd when he left the field.

by **LondonTiger** Mon Oct 08, 2012 5:07 pm

I see that Welford Rd has not made the shortlist for RWC 2015 grounds (~~Walker~~ King Power stadium has though)

Sad

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/19868520

by **LondonTiger** Mon Oct 08, 2012 9:18 pm

HEC Squad (as found on a Fansite dated 3rd October):

Backs
Allen Anthony, Bowden Dan, Flood Toby, , Ford George, Goneva VERENIKI, Hamilton Scott, Harrison Sam, Morris Niall, Murphy Geordan, Phibbs Patrick, Smith Matt, Tait Matthew, Thompstone Adam, Tuilagi Manu, Young Micky, Youngs Ben

Forwards
Andrew ROB, Ayerza Marcos, Balmain FRASER, Castrogiovanni Martin, Chuter George, Cole Dan.
Crane Jordan, Croft Tom, Deacon Brett, Deacon Louis, Hawkins Rob, Kitchener Kitch, Mafi Steve, Mulipola LOGOVII, Parling Geoff, Salvi Jules, Slater Ed, Stankovich Boris, Stevens Jimmy, Thorpe Richard, Waldrom Thomas, Youngs Tom

With the exception of Miles Benjamin all the current injured players included. Gives an indication of the extent of various injuries perhaps.

Other notable inclusions/omissions - Balmain and Tait in, Brookes, Lewington and Forsyth out.

by formerly known as Sam Mon Oct 08, 2012 9:47 pm

I think players under a certain age are eligible even if not named in the squad. Also we have plenty of players who can cover wing and centre but prop and hooker are more specialist. Tait, he's a gamble.

by **LondonTiger** Mon Oct 08, 2012 9:52 pm

The rules state that you have to have 10 specialist front row players in the squad.

by Portnoy's Complaint Wed Oct 10, 2012 5:56 pm

Promising news at last about Croft. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/19896755 . Shame it's not before Toulouse/Ospreys

by yappysnap Wed Oct 10, 2012 6:23 pm

Will be so good to finally see Croft back in a Tigers shirt. And hopefully with Crane.

I literally can not remember the last time those two played together!

by formerly known as Sam Wed Oct 10, 2012 6:30 pm

The rules state that you have to have 10 specialist front row players in the squad.

Makes sense. Good to sew Balmain coming through all the same. Stanko is being hindered by that shoulder injury and Marcos will miss a third of every season on international duty.

Mafi is back for Tolouse which is the next best thing to Croft being fit. At least we'll have some muscle with Crane, Waldrom, Slater and all the props and hookers bar Hawkins fit. I fear the lack of guile will be our undoing. Hamilton back to add more positional nous to fullback as well.

I literally can not remember the last time those two played together!

AP final vs Sarries.

by **LondonTiger** Mon Oct 15, 2012 8:44 pm

37-3 Tigers lead v Sale at half time in A league match.

2 tries for Lewington. Further tries for Tait, Forsyth, Young and Purdy.

by formerly known as Sam Mon Oct 15, 2012 8:50 pm

Purdy seems to be a real talent. More tries for Lewington. I'd like to see him given a go in the first team. Tait's second try in his second A league game is a good sign.

by Rava Mon Oct 15, 2012 9:30 pm

Sam, is that the former Newcastle Tait?

by formerly known as Sam Mon Oct 15, 2012 9:33 pm

Certainly is and with a bit of luck Matt will be the long term replacement to the Tigers legend Geordan Murphy. 61-20 with a Lewington hattrick. Phibbs, Noone, Cornwall also grabbing tries in the second half.

by LeinsterFan4life Mon Oct 15, 2012 9:35 pm

Good to see Noone getting gametime with the A's.

by Rava Mon Oct 15, 2012 9:40 pm

Hope he gets a chance then Sam. He has the talent.

by pjm1 Tue Oct 16, 2012 10:37 am

Still can't get used to the name Noone... Half of me thinks they mean no-one and the scarier half is worried we have Jamie Noon turning out for us!

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