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

[LondonTiger]

Will miss his columns in the match programme.

[dragon4life]

Can anyone tell me anything about Stankovich as we've signed him? (I know it was confirmed ages agp btw)

[Welly]

Can anyone tell me anything about Stankovich as we've signed him? (I know it was confirmed ages agp btw)

 No nonsense prop as lots of experts have said especially Leicester players like Kay, cockerill, Moody etc, he is proberley the most knowledgeable prop when it comes to scrums, one of the best at Leicester in his day.

 Sounding like he is signed as a player/Scrum coach which is a good move he has helped our young props come through ( currently 2 Italain U20 and 2 English U20 and 1 English U18).

 He wouldn't have cost much at all, reckon you have made a good buy imo think tigers offered him a 1 year deal, and looking at your scrum it not exactly the best atm.

[dragon4life]

Can anyone tell me anything about Stankovich as we've signed him? (I know it was confirmed ages agp btw)

 No nonsense prop as lots of experts have said especially Leicester players like Kay, cockerill, Moody etc, he is proberley the most knowledgeable prop when it comes to scrums, one of the best at Leicester in his day.

 Sounding like he is signed as a player/Scrum coach which is a good move he has helped our young props come through ( currently 2 Italain U20 and 2 English U20 and 1 English U18).

 He wouldn't have cost much at all, reckon you have made a good buy imo think tigers offered him a 1 year deal, and looking at your scrum it not exactly the best atm.

We just need him to hold his weight in the scrums so we can get our own ball and not go 20 meters backwards. Sounds a good buy, also is he good in the loose or...

[Welly]

He will hold your scrum well at least on the Loosehead side have not seen him take a backwards step in many games when it comes to scrumming.

 Loose he gets to the rucks, don't expect any ball carrying really but dragons have some quite big ball carries anyway (I think)

 He is like imo a less aggressive more tactical Julien White which is certainly not a criticism.

 As said he will be very very cheap and he is a prop who knows the scrums inside and out and will certainly help your scrums develop.

[dragon4life]

Thanks for the info

[formerly known as Sam]

You've signed a scrum technician. Don't expect much outside the set piece but his side of the scrum won't be moving much. Very amiable character and only age stopped Tigers offering him the deal he wanted. He'll help your young front row boys out long term as well.

[nathan]

Hawkings is off to Newcastle if it hasn't already been mentioned.

[nathan]

Just watched the Quins game, pretty annoyed by the penalty try. The amount of times Tigers have to earn 5, 6, or even 13 penalties at scrum time before we get a penalty try.

[ChequeredJersey]

To be fair, Easter would have scored immediately after Wrigglesworth blew, so whilst in principle it was harsh, it meant little

[nathan]

To be fair, Easter would have scored immediately after Wrigglesworth blew, so whilst in principle it was harsh, it meant little

very true indeed. I just wish the refs would all sing the same song.

[Manu's Boxing Coach]

To be fair, Easter would have scored immediately after Wrigglesworth blew, so whilst in principle it was harsh, it meant little

very true indeed. I just wish the refs would all sing the same song.

No he wouldn't, Youngs and Matera were right by him and Youngs stopped playing when he heard the whistle. May have still scored but it wasn't a forgone conclusion.

[ChequeredJersey]

Easter would have scored from there

[LondonTiger]

Easter would have scored from there

He probably would, helped by the deliberate wheel of course

[Manu's Boxing Coach]

Easter would have scored from there

Yeah his explosive power would have got him over the line...

[nathan]

Loving how Tigers are starting to use Munipola to carry more, he's becoming a beast at it.

[Welly]

Some sad news Joe Cain retiring @ 21 due to injury.

 Was looking good and potential a Type for younger Type replacement for deacon in a couple of seasons.


 Link
 http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Sport/Rugby/Rugby-star-Joe-Cains-promising-career-ended-by-injury-at-21-20140503060000.htm

 
“One door closes and another one opens, and I’ve started doing my coaches badges,” he said.
“Leicester have been absolutely brilliant, so supportive, and have helped put me through my course.”

 Nice to see us look after the younger lots after rugby.

 Hope all works out for him, had some very good potential.

[nathan]

Tom Croft and Steve Mafia are back in the squad this week.

[formerly known as Sam]

Better than de Chaves to my mind. I suppose you can only rebuild a knee so many times. A real loss to the club but hope to see him involved on the community side and hopefully as a pro coach In the future.

[Geordie]

Tom Croft and Steve Mafia are back in the squad this week.

Is it too late to make the England touring squad? Or maybe get a run out v the Baa Baas?

[formerly known as Sam]

I'd imagine so Yappy he's not played for months and will be a sub at best. Not sure he'll be a sub if included at all in the playoffs. Think we'll be resting players this weekend as will Sarries.

[nathan]

Wouldn't say never, i think it depends on who makes the final. If Tigers don't then i could see him play (if he shows in the limited time left he can do well). I don't think he had much game time before being picked for the Lions.

[nathan]

Further news is that Cockers will field a "mix and match" team against Sarries and that T. Youngs and Allen are passed fit.

[yappysnap]

So Cockers is not fussed about beating Sarries then? Does a win matter now anyway?

[Jimpy]

So Cockers is not fussed about beating Sarries then? Does a win matter now anyway?

Well, they wont want to lose thats for sure. The aim is to consolidate 3rd and nick 2nd if possible. Either way, Tigers wont mind, as they have Saints in their pockets of late - home, or away.

There isn't a big enough gap between them and Bath to be complacent. I wouldn't fancy Tigers to beat Saracens away. Mind you, Sarries may have other fish to fry by that stage, so it would depend upon where theiy decide to focus their energy. HC or AP.

[Welly]

Cockers has spoken with England and all parties agreed that Croft should be rested during the summer tour.

 Players I would rest Ayerza and Mulipola (On the Bench), Salvi, Crane, Gibson, Waldrom

 Would have

 Stankovich
 Hawkins
 Balmain
 Deacon
 Kitchener
 Mafi
 Matera
 Waldrom

 Youngs
 Flood
 Goneva
 Bowden
 Manu
 Morris
 Tait
 
 Briggs
 Ayerza
 Mulipola
 Parling
 Croft
 Mele
 Williams
 Scully

[formerly known as Sam]

I'd be tempted to go Mele and Williams to be honest and then bring on Flood after 55 minutes. Williams looked like he needed a little more game time vs Sale and Youngs has played plenty.

Would have Tom Youngs on the bench as he sat out last weekend. Maybe go left field in selection and go with Slater at 8 with Waldrom and Croft on the bench and rest Parling.

[Welly]

I'd be tempted to go Mele and Williams to be honest and then bring on Flood after 55 minutes. Williams looked like he needed a little more game time vs Sale and Youngs has played plenty.

Would have Tom Youngs on the bench as he sat out last weekend. Maybe go left field in selection and go with Slater at 8 with Waldrom and Croft on the bench and rest Parling.

 Tom youngs went off injuryed against Sale he started.

 Was thinking actually having Kitchener and deacon starting with Slater on the bench to cover 8 maybe.

[formerly known as Sam]

You're right. He sat out the Quins game. Doubt we'll start Hawkins as he's leaving and I don't see Briggs offering us the carrying game we'll need vs the Sarries rush defence.

Don't think Cockers will want to rest Slater when he's taken on the role of captain so well recently.

[nathan]

Tom Youngs won't be travelling to New Zealand due to his wife being ill, hopefully it's something she can make a quick recovery from to enjoy there new born little girl together.

[HammerofThunor]

Hope everything turns out well for Tom and family.

[king_carlos]

Not nice news re Tom Youngs wife given they have a new born. Good to see that a swift and in my opinion correct decision has been made early on him not touring, family should come first. Also from a rugby perspective better Youngs can plan for a full pre-season and England plan for his absence earlier than later.

Croft has also been confirmed as not touring so will have a full pre-season. Another good decision from the England staff   

[Jimpy]

Tom Youngs won't be travelling to New Zealand due to his wife being ill, hopefully it's something she can make a quick recovery from to enjoy there new born little girl together.

  

[formerly known as Sam]

Here's hoping a swift recovery for Mrs Youngs. Given Hartley is not back yet and Webber went off injured last weekend this might leave Lancaster a little concerned.

[Portnoy's Complaint]

The Tom Youngs absence places a huge amount of pressure on Dylan.

Good news (along with Crofty) for the Tigers, though.

btw, If the Tigers actually win the Jeff, along with City's promotion and Mark Selby's success at The Crucible this might have to be modified appropriately : http://www.leicester.gov.uk/EasysiteWeb/getresource.axd?AssetID=7050&type=full&servicetype=Inline

[Welly]

Okay firstly young players leaving
Wells ----> Bedford
Humphreys ----> wuss academy.

And not yet confirmed
Pohe -------> Clermont!!!! (Hopefully only on the loan deals we do with them)

So cockers says all is fit and ready.
So
Ayerza
Youngs
Logo
Parling
Slater
Gibson
Salvi
Crane
Youngs
Williams
Morris
Allen
Manu
Goneva
Tait

Briggs
Stanko
Balmain
Kitchener/deacon
Mafi/matera (leaning more to matera after sarries)
Mele
Flood
Scully

[nathan]

Okay firstly young players leaving
Wells ----> Bedford
Humphreys ----> wuss academy.

And not yet confirmed
Pohe -------> Clermont!!!! (Hopefully only on the loan deals we do with them)

So cockers says all is fit and ready.
So
Ayerza
Youngs
Logo
Parling
Slater
Gibson
Salvi
Crane
Youngs
Williams
Morris
Allen
Manu
Goneva
Tait

Briggs
Stanko
Balmain
Kitchener/deacon
Mafi/matera (leaning more to matera after sarries)
Mele
Flood
Scully

I read that the following are out for the Saints game;

Blaine Scully, Boris Stankovich, Rob Hawkins, Ant Allen, Geoff Parling

[Welly]

Going off this
http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Tigers-news-Cockerill-declares-clean-health-ahead/story-21091342-detail/story.html

Only parling is in doubt due to the strict concussion rules.

[nathan]

The next article explains more

http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Leicester-Tigers-duo-ruled-crunch-Northampton/story-21101573-detail/story.html

I can honestly say i think Saints will beat us this time. It's about time they won one.

[Welly]

Oh shyt, my bt Internet keeps cutting out so hadn't seen the team


Well then can't see saints not winning this tbh.

We are well and truly under dogs

[Scratch]

Definitley a Saints win.

[Jimpy]

Oh shyt, my bt Internet keeps cutting out so hadn't seen the team


Well then can't see saints not winning this tbh.

We are well and truly under dogs

Planet rugby has Saints by 5. They're usually not far wrong. But this is knockout rugby, and the result could go either way. Mallinder seems confident but he's also looking over his shoulder at the European finals, I think Tigers v Quins could well be the final.

[nathan]

Gutted we didn't make it into the final, hopefully it will give us a big kick up the arse for next season.

Looks like saints couple of big name signings has helped them this year, not our style really so i'm guessing we won't have any incoming big names.

Farewell to the lads leaving.

[HammerofThunor]

Considering the start to the season and injuries, etc and the competition at the top now Tigers did pretty well (if poor for your standards). Push on next season, a bit happier injury news and it could be a storming season. A lot of young guys really reaching a high standard.

[nathan]

Looks like Cole now requires surgery. The rest didn't rectify the issue, means he'll be out for another 6 months after the surgery which should happen next week.

[Jimpy]

Have Tigers ever started a new season with anything like a full compliment of 1st team players available? Or is it some kind of kama like handicap bestowed upon the team that half the squad will be out injured for most of the season to give the rest of the league a chance...

[formerly known as Sam]

Gutting for Cole. Best tight head in the league by a distance and now a serious injury in the build up to the RWC after years of good fitness. Hope he recovers swiftly and well.

[formerly known as Sam]

Also Pohe is under contract still for next season along with Hempetema. They'll be around the first team and maybe doing some loan time.

[Welly]

Also Pohe is under contract still for next season along with Hempetema. They'll be around the first team and maybe doing some loan time.

 Yeh it will be Allen and Bai as 1st and 2nd choice, with Prob Heptema as 3rd choice with pohe pushing him.

 Not to upset about Purdy we have some good wingers coming up and with Goneva, Benjmain, Morris, Scully, Loamanu, Camacho all playing on the wing it made sense for him to go.

[Welly]

Matera has apparently signed a new contract.

http://rugbyworldcup-argentina2023.blogspot.com.br/2014/05/aviva-premiership-pablo-matera-to.html#more

 Excellent if true reckon another season and he will be above Salvi.

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