Leicester Tigers - 2013/14 Thread

[LondonTiger]

First topic message reminder :

Senior Squad

Props - Ayerza, Balmain, Bristow, Cole, Mulipola, Schuster, Stankovich
Hookers - Briggs, Chuter, Hawkins, Youngs
Locks - Cain, Deacon. De Chaves, Kitchener, Parling, Price, Slater
Back Row - Crane, Croft, Gibson, Mafi, Salvi, Waldrom

Scrum Halves - Harrison, Mele, Steele, Youngs
Outside Half - Flood, Lamb, Williams
Centres - Allen, Bowden, Smith, Tuilagi
Wings - Benjamin, Camacho, Goneva, Morris, Thompstone
Full Back - Hamilton, Tait

Coaches - Cockerill (DoR & Forwards), Blaze (Asst Forwards), Burke (Backs), Murphy (Asst Backs)


Aviva Premiership Fixtures

Sun 8 Sep 14:00 Leicester Tigers   32         Worcester Warriors 15
Sat 14 Sep 15:15 Bath Rugby  27   Leicester Tigers 20
Sat 21 Sep 15:00 Leicester Tigers  33   Newcastle Falcons 6
Sun 29 Sep 14:00 Exeter Chiefs   9   Leicester Tigers  22
Sat 5 Oct 15:15 Leicester Tigers 19   Northampton Saints  19
Sun 27 Oct 14:00 London Wasps 22   Leicester Tigers 12
Sat 2 Nov 17:30 Leicester Tigers  16   Harlequins 23
Sat 23 Nov 15:00 Leicester Tigers 20   London Irish 11
Sat 30 Nov 15:00 Gloucester Rugby 17   Leicester Tigers 22
Sat 21 Dec 15:00 Saracens  49 v   Leicester Tigers 10
Sat 28 Dec 15:00 Leicester Tigers   v   Sale Sharks
Sat 4 Jan 15:00 Leicester Tigers 27  v   Bath Rugby 27
Fri 7 Feb 19:45 Worcester Warriors  22 v   Leicester Tigers 23
Sat 15 Feb 15:00 Leicester Tigers 11  v   Gloucester Rugby  8
Sun 23 Feb 15:00 London Irish  15 v   Leicester Tigers 20
Sun 2 Mar 15:00 Newcastle Falcons  18 v   Leicester Tigers 41
Sat 22 Mar 15:00 Leicester Tigers   45 v   Exeter Chiefs 15
Sat 29 Mar 15:00 Northampton Saints 16  v   Leicester Tigers 22
Sat 12 Apr 15:00 Leicester Tigers   v   London Wasps Welford Road
Sat 19 Apr 15:00 Harlequins   v   Leicester Tigers Twickenham Stoop
Fri 2 May 20:00 Sale Sharks   v   Leicester Tigers Salford City Stadium
Sat 10 May 15:00 Leicester Tigers   v   Saracens Welford Road



Heineken Cup Fixtures

Friday, October 11 8pm Ulster Rugby 22  Leicester Tigers 16
Friday, October 18 8pm Leicester Tigers 34  Benetton Treviso 3
Sunday, December 8 3pm Leicester Tigers 41 Montpellier Herault Rugby 32
Sunday, December 15 4pm (local time) Montpellier Herault Rugby 14  Leicester Tigers 15
10/11/12 January 2014 Benetton Treviso 19 v Leicester Tigers 34
17/18/19 January 2014 Leicester Tigers 19 v Ulster Rugby 22
Saturday, 5th April ASM Clermont Auvergne v Leicester Tigers

[Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler]

Anyone care to remind me how many times they lost in the playoffs to Tigers?

Who? Glaws or Sale?

I only remember off the top of my head meeting Sale once in the play offs and that was in the final.

And we knew it would be their only chance of silverware for a very long time... so we... ahem... threw the game just to make them happy.

Cuz that's just how we roll.

Glaws

The answer (for Gregors benefit) is noit as many as Id thought checking back, although they have blown it against a few other teams as well. The worst being when they ducked Tigers in the final by forfeiting their place!

[Metal Tiger]

Anyone care to remind me how many times they lost in the playoffs to Tigers?

Who? Glaws or Sale?

I only remember off the top of my head meeting Sale once in the play offs and that was in the final.

And we knew it would be their only chance of silverware for a very long time... so we... ahem... threw the game just to make them happy.

Cuz that's just how we roll.

Glaws

The answer (for Gregors benefit) is noit as many as Id thought checking back, although they have blown it against a few other teams as well. The worst being when they ducked Tigers in the final by forfeiting their place!

Was that not the year they topped the league by 15 odd points? That ended Dean Ryans career at Glaws if memory serves.

[Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler]

Actually just realised that was the playoffs for a euro spot not the premiership playoffs  

[Portnoy's Complaint]

Weather in Treviso is set fair for the big game tomorrow http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/3165201

Does anyone know what the ground conditions will be like? We need a firm ground for a full deck of points.

[Brendan]

I see its 13-5 to Treviso. Anyone watching. Is it luck or are they on top

[Manu's Boxing Coach]

Tigers have been abysmal, our defence once again is letting us down. Had the majority of territory and possession but haven't made it count.

[Brendan]

Tigers have been abysmal, our defence once again is letting us down. Had the majority of territory and possession but haven't made it count.

If they have most of the possessiin they can turn it round.

[formerly known as Sam]

Tigers have been urine poor and Poite has allowed Treviso to come in from the side at every breakdown.

[Manu's Boxing Coach]

Mele has to start next week, been far superior to Youngs for 2 consecutive weeks now.

But what a maul that was, great try.

[wolfball]

Game on Ulster Leicester

[Brendan]

Heard the yellow was harsh. Do you think tigers will pick up towards the end of the season as usual. Or is it more than a poor run.

[HammerofThunor]

Good to have Allen back

[yappysnap]

Good old P.Try getting on the team sheet again

[Manu's Boxing Coach]

Heard the yellow was harsh.  Do you think tigers will pick up towards the end of the season as usual.  Or is it more than a poor run.

Hard to say really. You can only predict that upturn in form on the back of previous seasons where it had happened. But lots of Tigers fans are chuffed to see Allen back and hope that he will provide us a bit more structure in defence as he is our organiser. We also haven't been hit too hard by England call ups either which gives us the opportunity to gain some real momentum over the 6N. But our poor defence is a real worry.

[formerly known as Sam]

Allen was the difference in that game. He came on and the Tigers defence was suddenly on top. Nice lines off of Flood held the Treviso defenders in creating space out wide or saw him make a half break. Looks fresh and absolute quality.

Mele reaped the rewards of Crane coming on and adding some much needed composure to the side, Mele's ability to speak to Poite in French seemed to really help as well.

[Metal Tiger]

Good old P.Try getting on the team sheet again

He's done pretty well for us this HC

How are Quins doing?

[Metal Tiger]

Just doing a quick tot up on the various groups... and baring in mind I may have had a few celebratery drinks... my maffs says we are qualified irrespective of next weeks results and through to the 1/4 finals.

So we are playing for home advantage next week.

[Ozzy3213]

You are correct MT

[nathan]

didn't get to watch the game, anyone know if it's repeated anywhere?

[maverickmak]

Good old P.Try getting on the team sheet again

Mr P.Try scored from 20 metres out today! Quite a run!   

[formerly known as Sam]

Nathan, you didn't miss much. So very far from a classic.

[nathan]

Nathan, you didn't miss much. So very far from a classic.

Yeah just wanted to see Benjamin's try.

[maverickmak]

The tries were all good, shame about most of the bits in between.

[nathan]

The tries were all good, shame about most of the bits in between.

hopefully a highlights package then!

[Metal Tiger]

Nathan, you didn't miss much. So very far from a classic.

I honestly can't remember the last time I watched a good Tigers performance against an Italian side. We always seem to be awful but win comfortably... something of a paradox I will admit.

The last really good performance for me was Tigers at home against Nothampton last season.

[yappysnap]

What do Tigers fans think of their chances of making it out of the pool? Do you need a win next week?

[formerly known as Sam]

I think we are already through as we have 20 points. We need a home quarters to make the semis though. Ulster will be tough but the game will be at a sold out Welford Rd and we will have the superb Allen back (played for 30 mins yesterday but was my man of the match).

[yappysnap]

Yea I know a lot of you have been waiting for Allen's return. Hopefullt next week will be a telvised game and we can see him in action.

That's good if you are through! Depending on how Sarries go it might stay at just Tigers going into the play offs this season.

[formerly known as Sam]

Allen's introduction was key to out bonus point win yesterday. Absolute class when he came on.

I think Sarries will sneak through but struggle with an away Quarter Final.

Tigers vs Ulster is the late kick off next Saturday night.

[HammerofThunor]

I really haven't been impressed with goneva this season. He just seems to run into people (and not get that far). Has he been told to fit into the hole left by Manu or is his thinking?

Edit: thinking about it, it might be the lack of proper inside centre to be fair to the guy. Hopefully do better with Allen

[nathan]

I really haven't been impressed with goneva this season. He just seems to run into people (and not get that far). Has he been told to fit into the hole left by Manu or is his thinking?

Edit: thinking about it, it might be the lack of proper inside centre to be fair to the guy. Hopefully do better with Allen

He's been a bit hot and cold. Some games he's been immense like when he first came back from injury. Others he's been a bit meh.

[HammerofThunor]

How much was the return based on the fact you didn't have any centres at the time? He's off to France isn't he? Or was that just a. Rumour?

[nathan]

How much was the return based on the fact you didn't have any centres at the time? He's off to France isn't he? Or was that just a. Rumour?

Just a rumour for now. It could be part of that, but i do think he's class with the lines he runs.

[formerly known as Sam]

Goneva does blow hot and cold, I agree with that. When partnered with Bowden he's really shone as Bowden creates little gaps for him to explode through. Hopefully he'll flourish with Allen as well. He's still best as a winger and running off the shoulder of the 10 from the blindside or off the shoulder of Manu as he crashes through.

He has offers from Castres and Tigers. He recently gave an interview saying that in an ideal world he'd stay at Tigers but at 29 and his career blossoming late on he has to think about his earning potential and his family. That's fair, it's a short career and a big French contract is not to be sniffed at.

[maverickmak]

Ideally, Tigers will want to eventually field Youngs, Flood, Goneva, Allen, Tuilagi, Benjamin, Tait. That is our strongest backline I think. Couple that with our pack, and those are some serious weapons. Allen and Manu really are key.

[maverickmak]

Full Treviso match on YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE4GW-T_p2w

[nathan]

Full Treviso match on YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE4GW-T_p2w

woohoo thanks

[yappysnap]

Ideally, Tigers will want to eventually field Youngs, Flood, Goneva, Allen, Tuilagi, Benjamin, Tait. That is our strongest backline I think. Couple that with our pack, and those are some serious weapons. Allen and Manu really are key.

I guess next season that would be Youngs, Williams, Goneva, Allen, Tuilagi, Benjamin, Tait.   

A very impressive backline that'd probably outplay most it's up against.

Guarante we'll never see it though thankfully.

[HammerofThunor]

Has Benjamin generally come good now then? He's seemed lively when I've caught them and a good finisher as well.

[nathan]

Has Benjamin generally come good now then? He's seemed lively when I've caught them and a good finisher as well.

He seems to be getting better and better, he's certainly been hungry for the ball.

[BamBam]

Ideally, Tigers will want to eventually field Youngs, Flood, Goneva, Allen, Tuilagi, Benjamin, Tait. That is our strongest backline I think. Couple that with our pack, and those are some serious weapons. Allen and Manu really are key.

I guess next season that would be Youngs, Williams, Goneva, Allen, Tuilagi, Benjamin, Tait.   

A very impressive backline that'd probably outplay most it's up against.

Guarante we'll never see it though thankfully.

Burns is likely the fly half there too unless the rumours turn out to be false

[maverickmak]

Benjamin is playing well. He is a genuine finisher. Seems to have a good mix of abilities. Decision making could improve a bit, but his game sense is getting better with matches. Haven't noticed any glaring weaknesses. Tait and Morris seem to be fielding all the high balls. Not sure if they are covering for him.

[formerly known as Sam]

Mulipola, Kitchener and Slater all fit to play vs Ulster on Saturday. Allen and Hawkins came through unscathed as well. Should be a strong squad for Tigers and will give the coaches a few selection headaches for a change.

[king_carlos]

Good news there Sam! What side do you reckon we'll see fielded? Interesting decision for me will be the back row especially with Mafi also returning briefly at the weekend. Do we reinstate Slater there to add some real power to the pack with a 4.Deacon 5.Kitchener 6.Slater or do we keep Gibson there who has impressed alongside Salvi.

1.Ayerza
2.Youngs
3.Cole
4.Slater
5.Deacon
6.Gibson
7.Salvi
8.Crane

9.Youngs - Only just though
10.Flood

11.Benjamin
12.Allen - Huge boost having him back
13.Goneva
14.Morris
15.Tait

16.Hawkins 17.Mulipola 18.Balmain 19.Kitchener 20.Waldrom 21.Melen 22.Williams 23.Smith

Harsh on Kitchener but with him and Slater only just fit again it would be too much of a risk to start both in such a big game. Similar for Mafi with only 20mins of rugby under his belt last week it would be a big punt for a game of this importance. All in all a strong side which at home should hopefully stand up to the occasion.

It's going to be a cracker whatever happens!

[formerly known as Sam]

I think that'll be the team but switch round Mele and Youngs. Flood has that glute issue and he wasn't kicking last week. Mele is a front line kicker so he's the logical option which will allow us to field our best midfield. Part of me wants to see Kitchener and Slater start with Deacon on the bench with Mafi. Can't see it given that Waldrom and Crane are so 50/50 in terms of who is better.

[king_carlos]

Ah yeah hadn't taken into account the glute strains affect on Floods kicking.

The second row and bench is a tough call given how ferocious the game will be combined with players just returning from injury. In fairness to Deacon though he has performed well and gives us solidity in the set piece which will be key to controlling the game as much as we can. As you say I'd keep Waldrom there as him and Crane are neck and neck.

What's the news on Matera? He hasn't featured since Sarries, is that a case of injury or just selection?

[formerly known as Sam]

He did go off injured vs Sarries. He's not registered for the HEC either. Think he'll get some more game time over the 6N but at the minute Gibson is playing well and far more intelligently than when he joined. Matera will need to find some form to grab a spot in the backrow.

Deacon has been a great servant to the club and is still a valuable member of the squad but I'm not sure he's good enough to he first choice anymore. I'm glad he's getting a new deal as he's a lock that does all the hard work. He doesn't offer the same attacking options as Kitchener and Slater though and against Ulster we are going to need those forward runners.

[maverickmak]

I would say Matera hasn't played much because he isn't HEC registered. With all the squad disruption I think Cockers has been reluctant to rotate players in preparation for rounds 3-6. And Gibson has been in great form. We will see Matera get a chance in the LV Cup and should get a lot more games after that. He should be well settled by now.

[formerly known as Sam]

Can't have been an easy for a 19 year old to move half way round the world to share a house with Ayerza and his family (with new born baby) to settle into a new area. I'd like to see him have a run out at 7 during the LV games with Wells and Noone in the backrow. That backrow wouldn't lack power and mobility.

[Metal Tiger]

Really pleased to see Mafi back but not sure he's ready to start especially when, as others have pointed out, Gibson has been playing well.

4 & 5 is a headache as Kitchener & Slater offer power & great attacking carriers but you cant ignore Deacons sheer graft & defence organisation. Personally I would go with Ed & Graham.

Oh how I wish Manu was back... just get him running lines off Allen and that will cause any team problems.

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