The Leicester Tigers thread

by Portnoy Tue 17 Jul - 17:00

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 Portnoy's Complaint Sat 30 Mar - 17:30

Saints away is one thing. Toulon away is such a different one.

by Artful_Dodger Sat 30 Mar - 17:37

Great result for Tigers - congrats lads. Whilst Saints are one of the most inconsistent teams around putting this sort of score on them at FG isn't to be sniffed at. Perfect preparation for Toulon.....and by the way whilst they are pretty invincible in the Top14 I think have been very bitty in the HC and were fortunate with how easy a group they got. Plenty of hope for Tigers in that match.

by Portnoy's Complaint Sat 30 Mar - 17:40

Damned by faint praise then AD.

No problem with the HEC then?

by Artful_Dodger Sat 30 Mar - 17:41

greytiger wrote:Damned by faint praise then AD.

No problem with the HEC then?

What do you mean? Do I have a problem with the HEC?

by Portnoy's Complaint Sat 30 Mar - 17:50

Artful_Dodger wrote:
greytiger wrote:Damned by faint praise then AD.

No problem with the HEC then?

What do you mean? Do I have a problem with the HEC?

I think have been very bitty in the HC and were fortunate with how easy a group they got.

As though the HEC was a balanced competition.

1 ASM Clermont Auvergne 100.00 1 no change
2 Harlequins 93.38 3 up 1
3 Leinster 90.32 2 down 1
4 Toulon 87.20 4 no change
5 Saracens 86.92 5 no change
6 Ulster Ireland 85.09 6 no change
7 Racing Metro 92 80.79 7 no change
8 Toulouse 79.26 8 no change
9 Perpignan 76.28 9 no change
10 Montpellier 74.19 10 no change
11 Castres Olympique 73.38 11 no change
12 Leicester Tigers 73.37 12 no change
13 Glasgow Warriors 72.28 13 no change
14 Northampton Saints 70.97 14 no change
15 Ospreys 70.61 15 no change
16 Munster 69.68 16 no change
17 Bath 64.95 17 no change
18 Gloucester 64.17 18 no change
19 London Wasps 64.03 19 no change
20 Stade Francais 62.00 20 no change
21 Grenoble 61.55 21 no change
22 Exeter Chiefs 61.45 22 no change
23 Bayonne 57.82 23 no change
24 Scarlets 56.03 24 no change
25 Biarritz Olympique 55.37 25 no change
26 London Irish 54.52 26 no change
27 Sale Sharks 50.95 27 no change
28 Connacht 50.11 28 no change
29 Benetton Treviso 47.83 29 no change
30 Cardiff Blues 46.25 30 no change
31 Worcester Warriors 44.36 31 no change
32 Begles-Bordeaux 41.44 32 no change
33 Agen 37.30 33 no change
34 Newport Gwent Dragons 36.58 34 no change
35 Mont-de-Marsan 34.32 35 no change
36 Edinburgh 31.98 36 no change
37 London Welsh 26.29 37 no change
38 Zebre 18.26 38 no change

by Artful_Dodger Sat 30 Mar - 17:58

I'm really not interested in having another debate about potential HC restructuring....I have contributed as much as I will on the threads about it already which I think have been more than done to death.

What I will say is that Treviso being knocked out (as well as Zebre) would be to the detriment to European rugby baring in mind the massive strides that Treviso have made having been exposed to this level of rugby....They are now mid table in the Rabo, yet under the proposals of many including yourself there would be only 6 Rabo teams in the tournament which would mean no Treviso and no Italian representation - not good.

by Portnoy's Complaint Sat 30 Mar - 18:05

Nah. I'd include one team from each 6Ns nation and let the rest sort themselves out on performance.

by Manu's Boxing Coach Sat 30 Mar - 18:30

Too be fair Toulon have had very little competition so far this HEC and one real test (Montpellier away) they faltered. Not as in-fallible as some are suggesting. Tigers have built some momentum with that win, a cracking game awaits

by formerly known as Sam Tue 2 Apr - 11:11

Tigers put in a lot of tactical work to cut down the Saints big ball carriers are rolling maul early. A similar job to nullify the carrying of the Toulon pack would see the French boys ground to a halt and see them reliant on Wilko's boot. Do that early and quiet that crowd and we are in business. Let them get an early head of steam, the fans will get vocal and we'll be in trouble.

by Portnoy's Complaint Tue 2 Apr - 12:45

Oh Jeez. I just remembered that either a (or an iteration of him/her) mutant bugler or a pre-recorded PA loop will be blasting out the bull-fighting dadediddelydiddelyda - Ole! theme steam

.

As if I needed a extra lift on my journey to complete insanity.

Still. I'll count my blessings - It's not the Chiefs.

by formerly known as Sam Tue 2 Apr - 14:04

Pfft they're fine. Now if you want to complain we can discuss Stand Up for the Saracens. That's painful.

by Manu's Boxing Coach Wed 3 Apr - 9:58

According to the Guardian and Tait himself, he hasnt got a contract for next season yet and is hoping his performance in Toulon can secure one. Is this true? Surely we would have signed him up considering Murphy is gonna be on his way this season and if not the next.

Link here http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2013/apr/02/mathew-tait-leicester-toulon-heineken-cup

by Jimpy Wed 3 Apr - 10:13

Tait just really doesn't inspire me like Geordan does. Tait just looks out of his depth somehow.

by **LondonTiger** Wed 3 Apr - 10:15

Hopefully we will, but it all comes down to value I guess. Tait signed on a low contract - so would want more. Tigers though have effectively paid 2 years salary for one season - and will want to be certain that the injuries are sorted.

This weekend his performance under the high ball was reminiscent of Geordie of old and showed just how much work had been done. In warm-up and during the toulouse game Tait just could not time the leap - against Saints he was like a salmon.

While Toulon have run the ball against Sale etc, theyhave shown over the years that in key knopckout matches they tighten up and resort to kicking a lot - and not always well.

They did it in last years Amlin final and before against Cardiff in an Amlin final (or semi). Back 3 should expect a lot of bombs.

by Manu's Boxing Coach Wed 3 Apr - 10:21

Could it possibly mean that Anthony Watson has signed for the Tigers? Also has Geordan fully confirmed his retirement or is he wavering?

by bluestonevedder Wed 3 Apr - 11:22

Is fullback Tait's definite position?

Like a few people have already voiced, I don't have full confidence in him playing there just yet. I agree with Jimpy in that he just seems a little out of his depth.

Has he lost some of his speed too? I know it's inevitable considering his injury and length of treatment, but he seems to have lost quite a bit

by **LondonTiger** Wed 3 Apr - 11:26

Actually I feel that through the winter he has been our main attacking threat, without quite breaking off all the shackles. Looking at him running in warm-ups and support lines etc, there seems to me no issue with his pace.

Whilst he is still finding his feet again, he is close to match fitness now and I felt was superb on Saturday in attack (which has been fine already) and especially in defence.

I may be a minority of one, but pesonally I think he is starting to look like a very good Geordie replacement.

by Manu's Boxing Coach Wed 3 Apr - 11:36

It's always gonna be hard to replace Geordie LT, but if he continues with the form shown against Saints then I agree that he will be a great replacement.

by **LondonTiger** Wed 3 Apr - 11:38

sunday evening will be an acid test - for the whole team.

by bluestonevedder Wed 3 Apr - 11:48

Sounds like I might be in the minority LT. Maybe i'm expecting too much considering how long he has been out of the game.

by **LondonTiger** Wed 3 Apr - 11:56

He has yet to set the world alight - and after the Toulouse match (which admittedly were horrid conditions) I was worried about his (and Morris and Thompstone's) defence.

The key improvement for me has been defence - slow but surely. Now as we move (maybe) to warmer weather and harder ground we will really see things fly.

Biggest problem for Tait has always been living up to expectation. While he will never get the chance to live up to the early hype - I still feel that he will do a cracking job for us, or if he goes someone else. Not dissimilar to the work we have had from Anthony Allen - another who is not quite international class, but damned close and much better than he gets credit for.

by bluestonevedder Wed 3 Apr - 11:59

Yep, his defence has improved immeasurably. Hopefully as you say, the hard ground conditions arriving will open up his game a little so we can see more from his attacking game.

Can't agree more about Allen. Tait's still got time on his side, but the competition for the international 15 shirt is fierce. We''ll see how he goes.

Certainly, a lot is riding on his performance this weekend.

by mrrugby365 Wed 3 Apr - 12:16

Can't we bring more South Africans into the team? They might provide much-needed muscle to the pack. Not the brightest boys obviously, but enough weight to get a little momentum and set up more of a foundation. One just needs to watch the Blue Bulls to get an idea. The Toulouse match would have been perfect conditions for a Bakkies Botha-like human to thrive. As for Tait, couldn’t think of a better replacement.

by formerly known as Sam Wed 3 Apr - 17:25

We have Ed Slater progressing nicely, he'll add the grunt the pack needs going forward. Add to that both of Waldrom and Crane fully fit, there's plenty of beef on option currently. Andrew was an attempt to add some Bok muscle and see how that turned out!

Taut had a good game vs Saints, he's adapting to his position slowly but surely. When he does make mistakes It's often whilst attempting something positive, he never ships bad ball or pulls out of tackles. I like his commitment and as LT says his defence is improving and that is mostly positioning.

by **LondonTiger** Sun 7 Apr - 18:40

Hopefully Tait has earned another contract on the back of that.

Shame that the HEC is up for another year, hoping we can take this disappointment and kick on in the League.

A couple of weeks ago I suggested to my brother that that if we get to the final, then to embarrass my nephews (and maybe daughters if they go) we should wear tiger's Onesies as fancy dress. He refused point black saying people would think he was an idot for wearing it and he would look silly. I pointed out that people would know it was fancy dress and that it could not be as bad as the hairy arsed group we were behind walking up the steps last year - all dressed as St Trinians hockey club. My brother claims he would rathe wear drag - si I will suggest this (again IF we get there ):

http://www.joke.co.uk/fever-tiger-costume~74292/

hopefully he will not spot this one and make me wear it:

http://www.joke.co.uk/borat-mankini-thong-swimsuit-tiger-print~70736/

by yappysnap Sun 7 Apr - 18:46

Yea Tigers and Quins can now both focus on the prem, Quins to find some form and defend their title, Tigers to get some silverware for the first time in a little while.

To be honest both teams probably couldn't have fought on two fronts, only Sarries have a realistic chance with the squad that they have.

Oh and here's a costume for you LT...

http://members.ebayshopdesign.com/main/user_uploads/51club/uploads/costumes/animals/IMG_5927.jpg

by **LondonTiger** Sun 7 Apr - 18:53

Ta yappy, the costume would work well - sadly I am far too old for the girl.

by yappysnap Sun 7 Apr - 19:10

You're only as old as the girl you feel...

Or something like that Whistle

by **LondonTiger** Wed 10 Apr - 12:45

Losing Marcos for the rest of the season is a major blow.

by Big Wed 10 Apr - 13:34

I assumed that would be the case, but hadn't seen anything official - it certainly is a blow. Any news on Croft?

by **LondonTiger** Wed 10 Apr - 13:47

The post match statement said Croft had suffered a back spasm with no lasting effects.

If Mafi is fit enough to play I would rest Croft this week anyway.

by Big Wed 10 Apr - 13:51

Fair enough, I must have missed that one. Agree on Mafi, I'd rather give him a chance to get match fitness back now than in a couple of weeks time if anything does happen to Croft.

by formerly known as Sam Wed 10 Apr - 13:59

I'm hoping we rest most the forwards this weekend. Something like:

Mulipola, Hawkins, Castro
Slater, Kitchener
Mafi, Waldrom, Salvi
B Youngs, Flood
Allen, Manu
Thompstone, Tait, Goneva

Bench: Balmain, T Youngs, Cole, Parling, Crane, Harrison, Ford, Smith.

by Jimpy Wed 10 Apr - 14:03

This is a match Tigers MUST take 5 points from, therefore they should field their strongest pack as you understimate Wasps at your peril.

I expect Cockers is thinking the same.

by **LondonTiger** Wed 10 Apr - 14:10

I cannot see Cockers making too many changes, but some may be necessary. Against Wasps you need lineout to be strong, so I cannot see Parling getting a rest.

I would expect to see a lineup with possibly just two changes to the starting lineup from Sunday - Mulipola for Ayerza and Castro for Cole. As I said I reckon Croft should be given every chance to heal up, but if fit I expect cockers to select him.

by formerly known as Sam Wed 10 Apr - 15:10

Wasps have got a good pack but that which we have there should be sufficient to retain possession and the first choice backs should control play. We need to rest the likes of Parling and Tom Youngs soon as they've played a lot of rugby lately and Youngs looked pretty beat up after putting his body on the line vs Toulon.

by **LondonTiger** Wed 10 Apr - 15:15

I do not disagree Sam - but cockers does not tend to rotate too much, especially at the business end of the season.

He may well feel that they have a rest when the Euro semis are on.

by beshocked Wed 10 Apr - 15:15

Sam that team you would suggest still looks very good. I agree that giving T.Youngs and Parling a break is the right thing to do.

Give Croft a week off to properly recover in my opinion too.

You want your key players fighting fit and fresh for the playoffs.

Jimpy are 5 points really that necessary? You have basically got a top 2 finish sealed up.

by Portnoy's Complaint Wed 10 Apr - 15:31

Jimpy wrote:This is a match Tigers MUST take 5 points from, therefore they should field their strongest pack as you understimate Wasps at your peril.

I expect Cockers is thinking the same.

5 points would be aspirational. The insects will have their own real agenda to attain an HEC qualification.

There is a real question as to whether the Tigers have learned to digest the unpleasant lessons leant from the opposition in the past.

by Jimpy Wed 10 Apr - 15:58

beshocked wrote:Sam that team you would suggest still looks very good. I agree that giving T.Youngs and Parling a break is the right thing to do.

Give Croft a week off to properly recover in my opinion too.

You want your key players fighting fit and fresh for the playoffs.

Jimpy are 5 points really that necessary? You have basically got a top 2 finish sealed up.

Nothing is sealed up yet, a loss against Wasps and then away to Bath could see Quins make up the points difference easily.

by beshocked Wed 10 Apr - 16:08

Jimpy wrote:
beshocked wrote:Sam that team you would suggest still looks very good. I agree that giving T.Youngs and Parling a break is the right thing to do.

Give Croft a week off to properly recover in my opinion too.

You want your key players fighting fit and fresh for the playoffs.

Jimpy are 5 points really that necessary? You have basically got a top 2 finish sealed up.

Nothing is sealed up yet, a loss against Wasps and then away to Bath could see Quins make up the points difference easily.

You are indeed right but I expect Tigers to win both those matches - looking at the way you have been playing recently and the way Wasps and Bath have.

I think Quins will find it difficult catching Tigers. If you do lose both those matches it will be two big upsets.

by **LondonTiger** Thu 11 Apr - 11:43

Marcos out for at least 3 months - will put his place in Argentina team this summer in doubt.
Kieran Brookes recalled from Falcons.
Cockers angry that ERC ignored the citing officers recommendation that Botha should be cited.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22105632

by nathan Thu 11 Apr - 13:53

LondonTiger wrote:Marcos out for at least 3 months - will put his place in Argentina team this summer in doubt.
Kieran Brookes recalled from Falcons.
Cockers angry that ERC ignored the citing officers recommendation that Botha should be cited.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22105632

Just looking at the replay, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAPiUeXJqkg

Can't make my mind up, from one angle looks like he lifted he knee up but from another it didn't

by Portnoy's Complaint Thu 11 Apr - 13:58

nathan wrote:
LondonTiger wrote:Marcos out for at least 3 months - will put his place in Argentina team this summer in doubt.
Kieran Brookes recalled from Falcons.
Cockers angry that ERC ignored the citing officers recommendation that Botha should be cited.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22105632

Just looking at the replay, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAPiUeXJqkg

Can't make my mind up, from one angle looks like he lifted he knee up but from another it didn't

Botha didn't appear to jump into the tackle.
No citing justified imo.

by lostinwales Thu 11 Apr - 15:37

I havnt watched the video yet but if the citing officer suggests there is an issue I tend to think they should take it further even if the result is no case to answer.

by Jimpy Thu 11 Apr - 15:57

lostinwales wrote:I havnt watched the video yet but if the citing officer suggests there is an issue I tend to think they should take it further even if the result is no case to answer.

Yes, they could always have admonished the guy - at least Cockers would have seen the lad up before the beak.

by jeffwinger Thu 11 Apr - 20:34

I'm sorry but this is a complete nonsense and Cockerill is really embarrassing himself here in my opinion. If this was the head coach of my club I'd be really disappointed with this behaviour. Botha runs straight and hard, Ayerza puts his body on the line and tackles him. Absolutely no foul play whatsoever. It's rugby, injuries happen. To come out straight afterwards in the heat of the moment might be understandable but to carry on days after the event is ridiculous.

Inconsistency of discipline is a bit of a blight on the game at present, but what inconsistency is there here? Surely to cite a player for being tackled would be a bit inconsistent? Unless you want to start handing out 200 citings a game and make the sport non contact.

Not the first time he's come out complaining about various things. Doesn't come across very well. In the words of Nigel Owens: "this is not soccer". Perhaps someone at the club should be having a word with him because this really is outrageous and is detrimental to the image if himself, his club and his sport.

Apologies for the rant but these sort of complaints really annoy me and its not the first time Cockerill has been the guilty party. He needs to understand that rugby doesn't exist purely for the benefit of Leicester Tigers. I think 99% of his clubs fan get that, why doesn't he?

by formerly known as Sam Thu 11 Apr - 23:25

The complaint is because Bakkies jumps into contact. That is illegal. Is it anymore than a yc? Probably not. Cockerill is annoyed because on the day the officials were very quick to card Cole (despite the ball going backwards) yet not only missed this but also ignored the recommendation by the citing official to hear the case. What's the point in a citing official if the ERC can just over rule and ignore.

by Hood83 Fri 12 Apr - 8:16

Have to say I understand your point Sam, but I agree with jeffwinger - He really is becoming the Alex Ferguson of rugby (possibly without the winning record!)

He may have a point, but he's going to do himself and the club credit if he doesn't have a whinge. Sometimes dignified silence is preferable.

by formerly known as Sam Fri 12 Apr - 9:21

Considering the incident was largely missed and this is an area of the game where the law is not being applied I'd say he was right on this occasion.

I do agree that generally subtly does work more in your favour though. See Cockers handling if the Hawkins arm break last season.

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