Harlequins 2014/15 Thread

by Sam Mon 18 Aug - 14:10

First topic message reminder :

Squad for 2014/15 Season:
Hookers: Rob Buchanan, Joe Gray, Dave Ward
Props: Will Collier, Paul Doran-Jones, Mark Lambert, Darryl Marfo, Joe Marler (c), Kyle Sinckler
Locks: Charlie Matthews, George Merrick, George Robson, Sam Twomey
Backrow: Chris Robshaw, Joe Trayfoot, Luke Wallace, Jack Clifford, Nick Easter
Scrum Half: Danny Care, Karl Dickson, Sam Stuart
Fly Half: Ben Botica, Nick Evans
Centre: Tom Casson, Matt Hopper, George Lowe, Jordan Turner-Hall
Wing: Ugo Monye, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Charlie Walker, Tom Williams, Marland Yarde
Fullback: Mike Brown, Ross Chisholm, Ollie Lindsay-Hague

Players in: Asaeli Tikoirotuma (Waikato Chiefs), Marland Yarde (London Irish)

Players out: Tom Guest (London Irish), Sam Smith (Worcester Warriors), Samoa Maurie Fa'asavalu (Oyonnax), Nick Kennedy (retired), Tim Molenaar (London Welsh), Nic Mayhew (North Harbour), Paul Sackey (retired)

Pre-season:
FC Grenoble - Harlequins 16/08/14
Harlequins - Pau 23/08/14
Glasgow Warriors - Harlequins 23/08/14

Come on you Quins!!! Fingers Crossed

by offload Tue 31 Mar - 20:35

This is probably old news but I just saw that Visser is going to Quins. Wondered what Quins fans think? I remember him "bursting" on the scene with some claiming that he was already the best NH winger! Now it seems there are plenty of Scots that wouldn't put him in the national shirt.

by yappysnap Wed 1 Apr - 9:25

Over all i'm torn on the Visser signing.

If we get him PLUS Roberts and then at least one of a new 4, 6 and/or a 10 then I'll be happy.

If on the other hand it's just him, then I'll be very concerned. The problem isn't on the wings, we have three top quality wingers right now, potentially 4 if Williams stays. We don't need a wing, he's a good player and a strike threat but we NEED a bigger more capable pack and a new fly half if we are to get any where near 6 or above next season.

by beshocked Wed 1 Apr - 9:51

Yappysnap you say you've got 3 top quality wingers now. Where would you rate them against the other sides in the AP?

Quins have struggled to score tries - Visser would give you a very proficient try scorer indeed.

by lostinwales Wed 1 Apr - 10:04

Yarde was a more than decent wing before he joined....

by **LondonTiger** Wed 1 Apr - 10:19

Get the ball to a winger in space and they look good, mess it up in the cenrtres and they look dreadful.

For England Nowell and Watson are scoring tries - far more than any winger has since Lancaster took over.

Is this because they are much better than the likes of Ashton, Strettle, Brown, Foden, Yarde and May (ok in the case of the FBs on the wing yes) or is it because England are creating more chances?

by beshocked Wed 1 Apr - 10:35

Londontiger perhaps. I guess it's how you utilise them.

Quins had numerous turnovers against Saracens - you think that would have been perfect counter attacking ball yet barely anything came of it.

Hasn't Conor O Shea said that Quins top the likes of defenders beaten,most offloads and clean breaks? It's the tries that have been the issue. Surely this shows that finishing has been a big issue.

by **LondonTiger** Wed 1 Apr - 10:40

quins top the list in knock-ons and forward passes.

The offloads and breaks are usually close to the ruck.

by beshocked Wed 1 Apr - 10:45

Surely that just shows poor skills and execution.

A line break can be converted into a try with sufficient support and of course keeping hold of the ball.

Bringing a proficient finisher to Quins should strengthen them.

Of course there are other areas Quins can improve - I am sure they would love Gorgodze and Roberts to give them a bit more power.

by yappysnap Wed 1 Apr - 18:23

beshocked wrote:Surely that just shows poor skills and execution.

A line break can be converted into a try with sufficient support and of course keeping hold of the ball.

Yes very poor skills from 10-13 unfortunately.

Visser has the potential to be deadly, but that's only if he actually gets any ball and space to use it in!

I think he may be a waste of money but I'd love to be proved wrong. Oh and I rate Yarde,Tiks and Walker as very good Prem players.

by niwatts Wed 1 Apr - 22:28

What was the reason for Sam Smith's departure at the end of last season? He had 14 starts and 8 tries for them in the AP that year and has picked up 13 tries for Worcester in 17 matches this season.

Was it an issue of him thinking he would get less playing time with Yarde's arrival, or just a better monetary offer from Worcester even if it involved playing in the Championship? It can't have been that there wasn't enough room for him because he & Sackey left and Yarde & Tikoirotuma were brought in, Yarde announced first but Tikoirotuma announced months later which suggests as a replacement.

He always seemed a very useful club player and good fit for Quins that knew the side and ethos well having come through the academy. With Monye retiring this year and Visser now being brought in, could/should Quins have done more to keep Smith?

by george doors Thu 2 Apr - 7:40

Oh No. Joe Marler to go to Exeter. Tell me its not true

by **LondonTiger** Thu 2 Apr - 8:05

george doors wrote:Oh No. Joe Marler to go to Exeter. Tell me its not true

1) that was suggested last year, but he signed an extended contract.
2) Story was posted on Quins board yesterday (1st April)

by yappysnap Thu 2 Apr - 9:09

niwatts wrote:What was the reason for Sam Smith's departure at the end of last season? He had 14 starts and 8 tries for them in the AP that year and has picked up 13 tries for Worcester in 17 matches this season.

Was it an issue of him thinking he would get less playing time with Yarde's arrival, or just a better monetary offer from Worcester even if it involved playing in the Championship? It can't have been that there wasn't enough room for him because he & Sackey left and Yarde & Tikoirotuma were brought in, Yarde announced first but Tikoirotuma announced months later which suggests as a replacement.

He always seemed a very useful club player and good fit for Quins that knew the side and ethos well having come through the academy. With Monye retiring this year and Visser now being brought in, could/should Quins have done more to keep Smith?

I believe the management didn't want to renew his contract as we had Yarde and Tiks coming in. In hindsight that was a mistake! He was a very good finisher and worked well in our backline, we should have kept him really and not wasted money on Tiks who's played about 5 games this season.

by dragon4life Thu 2 Apr - 13:00

You've signed Owen Evans our LH not a bad squad player

by yappysnap Thu 2 Apr - 14:44

Would you say he was more a third choice prop DfL? Or could he potentially bench warm for bigger games?

by Guest Thu 2 Apr - 15:09

He's very much our third choice prop, so yes. Personally I don't think he's too big a miss for Dragons.

by **LondonTiger** Thu 2 Apr - 15:19

With Kylke Sinkler joining will Collier and out for the rest of the season, will PDJ finally make an appearance?

by dragon4life Thu 2 Apr - 16:22

yappysnap wrote:Would you say he was more a third choice prop DfL? Or could he potentially bench warm for bigger games?

He'll put in a big shift in the loose and is prpbably a better impact player than starter. He also had a good scrummaging when he came off the bench against stade in europe but from watching him he need a good TH with him for the scrum to go forward.

by InjuredYetAgain Thu 2 Apr - 16:37

As an Edinburgh fan, I have mixed emotions about Visser joining Quins. He is an outstanding finisher but has been off the boil a bit recently possibly because Nick De Luca moved to France. He needs someone to help create the chances but, by lord, is he good at taking them or what? The bit that makes me not too disappointed about him going is his defence. It is truly awful. Exposed to the likes of Christian Wade, George North, Chris Ashton, he might be even more exposed than he is at the moment in the Pro12

by yappysnap Thu 2 Apr - 20:05

That does not fill me with joy, especially as the rest of the backs tackling is... Flimsy, to say the least.

by InjuredYetAgain Fri 3 Apr - 10:54

Better employ a second guy to work the scoreboard, yappy, as they are going to be busy. Visser did have a reputation as a bit of a turnstile BUT it really came down to whether the good stuff outweighed the bad stuff which, latterly, it didn't.
He used to be fairly lazy and stay on his wing but latterly he did go looking for work and was particularly good at taking the ball of the stand off close to the try-line. He is a big lad so is difficult to stop on the crash ball.
On balance, i think he will be a good signing for you

by HongKongCherry Fri 3 Apr - 10:58

LondonTiger wrote:With Kylke Sinkler joining will Collier and out for the rest of the season, will PDJ finally make an appearance?

Quins better not injure our star signing Cool

by **LondonTiger** Fri 3 Apr - 11:00

HongKongCherry wrote:
LondonTiger wrote:With Kylke Sinkler joining will Collier and out for the rest of the season, will PDJ finally make an appearance?

Quins better not injure our star signing

I suspect he has so many splinters in his arse it will take a Swiss Clinic a month to remove them all. So any injuries probably more likely to be due to mooning Haskell or whatever "fun" stuff they get up to.

by sad_gimp Wed 8 Apr - 14:57

BBC reporting we've re-signed Swiel on a permanent contract.

Didn't realise he was only 21! Handy player for his age, worth hanging onto and developing imo.

by yappysnap Wed 8 Apr - 15:26

English qualified too so doesn't effect the rfu payments

by yappysnap Wed 8 Apr - 15:29

Still think 10 will be an issue next season. We have an ageing and now Sadly past his best NEV, he's been a brilliant player for the club and by all accounts a gent off the pitch but next season may be a season too far. Especially with how much he's getting paid.

Then we have Botica who looks high risk, struggles to manage games and takes poor options.

And then Swiel who while has potential is no where near the finished article.

by propdavid_london Tue 14 Apr - 15:33

Whats happened to George Lowe? Is he injured again?
And I think there is ruour on the transfer page that Ticks might be talking to LI....is he not happy at Quins?

Anyone heard more about a new centre signing for us?

by propdavid_london Thu 23 Apr - 11:32

http://www.quins.co.uk/news/harlequins-sign-samoan-international-winston-stanley/

Guess that puts rumours of Roberts coming to Quins to bed!

by propdavid_london Thu 23 Apr - 15:37

Just as I said it!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/32431088

by lostinwales Thu 23 Apr - 16:22

Maybe the Samoan is there to cover for all of the games that Roberts will miss with injury niggles...

by thomh Thu 23 Apr - 18:27

niwatts wrote:What was the reason for Sam Smith's departure at the end of last season? He had 14 starts and 8 tries for them in the AP that year and has picked up 13 tries for Worcester in 17 matches this season.

Was it an issue of him thinking he would get less playing time with Yarde's arrival, or just a better monetary offer from Worcester even if it involved playing in the Championship? It can't have been that there wasn't enough room for him because he & Sackey left and Yarde & Tikoirotuma were brought in, Yarde announced first but Tikoirotuma announced months later which suggests as a replacement.

He always seemed a very useful club player and good fit for Quins that knew the side and ethos well having come through the academy. With Monye retiring this year and Visser now being brought in, could/should Quins have done more to keep Smith?

The thing was that almost all his tries last season came after his departure was decided. He always had potential but his form for two years had hardly screamed out "pass on the chance to sign an England international to retain me".

Once he hit that run of form people developed an astonishing hindsight.

by propdavid_london Tue 5 May - 9:26

The Roberts thing appears to be gaining more momentum - There is a BBC article about him agreeing terms with Quins, but still needs to address the release from Racing Metro.
Does this suggest that Roberts might be buying himself out of his contract?

by XR Tue 5 May - 11:50

As a blues fan, if Quins sign Roberts i'll be very happy. This is a bullet we need to dodge.

by propdavid_london Tue 5 May - 12:12

gcBlues - How come? Is it injury history or availability due to call ups that you think will be a problem?

I guess if its availability then that might be the thinking behind Quins signing Stanley as another straight running powerful centre option.

by XR Tue 5 May - 12:36

Value for money and his performance being the key issues for me.

Apparently we were going to offer him 3 years - 1st year fully funded by us and the other 2 would be a dual contract with the union.

We'd be spending probably around £300k for him in year one and he won't be around until late November and then he'll play a few games and then disappears late january for six nations. Just not worth the money.

No doubt we need a centre but not someone of his stature, it's jus not good value.

by **LondonTiger** Tue 5 May - 12:48

Quins will be unable/unwilling to buy out Roberts contract. So it either needs him to do it or for Racing to waive any monies owed.

by propdavid_london Tue 5 May - 13:54

Yeah that was my thinking LT. I dont think there is much money left in the bank/salary cap.
Quins are spending big for the first time in a long time - I guess they have been saving a bit for a few years! After the ground investment.

by **LondonTiger** Tue 5 May - 13:55

Remember the salary cap effectively increases by £1m next season.

by propdavid_london Wed 6 May - 13:48

Ticks leaving for LI -
http://www.quins.co.uk/news/aseli-tikoirotuma-to-join-london-irish/
Must say I am a little dissapointed! I guess it makes more space in the cap though.

by propdavid_london Fri 15 May - 13:01

Kind of a weak team for this last game - Sort of a half way A-league and senior side.
I guess there isnt much to play for.

15. Ollie Lindsay-Hague
14. Marland Yarde
13. Joe Marchant
12. Harry Sloan
11. Charlie Walker
10. Nick Evans
9. Danny Care©

1. Darryl Marfo
2. Dave Ward
3. Matt Shields
4. George Merrick
5. Charlie Matthews
6. James Chisholm
7. Jack Clifford
8. Netani Talei

16. Joe Gray
17. Rob Buchanan
18. Seb Adeniran-Olule
19. Sam Twomey
20. Joe Trayfoot
21. Karl Dickson
22. Ben Botica
23. Tom Williams

by sad_gimp Fri 15 May - 13:19

Ward, Gray and Buchanan? Presumably one of them is going to prop?

Haven't seen Marchant or Adeniran-Olule before, any good?

by propdavid_london Fri 15 May - 15:19

Olule came on at the end of the last game I think. Did OK in the short time that he was on.
Both of them are E U20s I think and quite useful although will take time to find their feet at this level perhaps.
I guess there is a bit of a shuffle option there - Grey or ward could cover the back row if needed.
I dont think Marfo can but perhaps Shields and or Olule can cover TH and LH.

Seems a bit like a cobbled team - Is Luke Wallace injured?

by yappysnap Wed 20 May - 7:41

Really excited about next season already what with all the new signings!

If all fit our first choice team looks very strong now and with lots of experience.

Something along the line of...

Marler
Ward
Collier
Horwill
Mathews
Clifford
Robshaw
Easter
Care
Nev
Visser
Roberts
Lowe
Yarde
Brown

Lambert, Gray, Synckler, Merrick, Wallace, Dickson, Swiel, Walker

Guys in Italics are EQ players
Guys in Bold are Internationals

Obviously the bench isn't as powerful as the very top teams who can bring Internationals on at 60 mins but it's still a huge step forward from this season. Especially as with all that we only have 4 non EQ players and all of them are established internationals in their late 20's early 30's.

by thomh Wed 20 May - 10:31

mid_gen wrote:Ward, Gray and Buchanan? Presumably one of them is going to prop?

Haven't seen Marchant or Adeniran-Olule before, any good?

Didn't see the game, but I think Buchanan was a Hooker/Prop at u20 level.

Marchant is excellent for his age, one of the stars of the England u20 team, but no experience at this level yet.

by ChequeredJersey Wed 20 May - 22:37

Need another backrower

by yappysnap Thu 21 May - 6:42

Yea a guy that can play like big Mo is needed, and with some experience too. Gorgodze or Williams woul have been useful.

What's your thoughts on lock? I personally don't think we have the cover there either, with Horwill not being available a lot and Mathews being a bit weak.

by propdavid_london Thu 21 May - 10:07

You wouldnt have Adam Jones in the side Yappy?

by propdavid_london Thu 21 May - 10:30

And isnt Talei that ball carrier that we are looking for? Or is he really just there as cover?

by HongKongCherry Fri 22 May - 14:03

Who do you have as back up at lock? Horwill is a great player, but Matthews hasn't really pushed on yet and Merrick is still very raw. One or two inuries here and you could be scuppered.

You've got a great backline, but I do fear you're going down the route Glaws went where you have these dazzling backs but don't have the forwards to give you a platform.

by propdavid_london Fri 22 May - 14:24

I guess short term that Easter will be stepping into the 2nd row.
Merrick and Twomey have had plenty of 1st team exposure too but as you say are a bit raw as starters.
The real hope is that Matthews will start delivering consistently.

Wouldnt you say that most squads have 4 or 5 2nd rowers!

by Sponsored content