Leicester Tigers Thread 2014/15 (+ Squad updates for 2015/16) Part 2

[Welly]

First topic message reminder :

Current Tables Positions:
AP: 3rd Losing SF to Bath
CC: Out (Group Stage)
LV: Out (Semi Final)
A League: 4th Northern Conference.
AP Sevens:
Academy AP U18 League: 2nd Northern Conference beating Bath on finals day to finish 3rd overall.

Next Game: V Argetnina (Welford road) 5th/6th September Time: TBD.

Senior Squad 2014/15: (Leaving), (Signed new deal) (Retiring)
Coaches: Cockerill (DOR), Blaze (Ass. Forwards), Blake (Defence + Skills Coach), Murphy (Ass.Backs)
1/3) Ayerza, Balmain, Bristow, Brugnara, Cole, Mulipola, Pasquali, Rizzo
2) T.Youngs, Ghiraldini, Briggs, Thacker
4/5) Deacon, De Chaves, Kitchener, Parling, Peterson, Price, Slater, Thorn, Whetton
6/7/8) Barbieri, Crane, Croft, Gibson, Pearce, Salvi
9) Harrison, Mele, Youngs
10) Burns, Williams
12/13) Allen, Bai, Hepetema, Loamanu, Pohe, Roberts, Smith, Tuilagi
11/14) Benjamin, Camacho, Goneva, Hamilton, Scully, Thompstone
15) Bell, Morris, Tait

2014/15 Development Squad: Oliver Bryant, George Catchpole, Jake Farnworth, Tom Hudson, Ed Milne, Will Owen, Aniseko Sio, George Tresidder, Rhys Williams.

2015/16 Senior Squad ATM: (New Signings)
Coaches: Cockerill (DOR), Mauger (HC), Hansen (Defence + Skills Coach), Blaze (Ass. Forwards), Murphy (Ass. Backs)
1/3) Ayerza, Balmain, Brugnara, Cole, Mulipola, Pasquali, Rizzo
2) Youngs, Ghiraldini, Bateman, Thacker
4/5) De Chaves, Fitzgerald, Kitchener, Slater
6/7/8) Crane, Croft, Fonua, McCaffrey, O'Connor, Pearce, Williams
9) Harrison, Kitto, Youngs
10) Burns, Williams
12/13) Allen, Bai, Loamanu, Roberts, Smith, Tuilagi
11/14) Benjamin, Betham, Camacho, Goneva, Thompstone
15) Bell, Morris, Tait

2015/16 Development Squad: N/A

New Deals 2014/14
Dan Cole (Long term)
Marcos Ayerza (3 years)
Tom Youngs (Long Term)
Owen Williams
Graham Kitchener
Fraser Balmain
Tiziano Pasquali
Harry Thacker
Riccardo Brugnara
Sam Harrison
Tom Croft
Niall Morris
Seb De Cheves
Mathew Tait
Niall Morris

Out Of Contract
Roberts
Camacho
Bell
Smith


Transfers in 2014/15:
Brad Thorn (Highlanders)
Tommy Bell (Jersey)
Jack Roberts (Rotherham Titans)
Aaron Mauger (Canterbury Crusaders)
Jack Whetton (ACT Brumbies)
Greg Peterson (Manly)

2015/16
Greg Bateman (Exeter)
Mike Williams (Warriors)
Mike Fitzgerald (Chiefs)
Opeti Fonua (Welsh)
Brendon O'Connor (Blues)
Peter Betham (NSW Waratahs)
Lachlan McCaffrey (London Welsh)
Jono Kitto (Bay of Plenty + Cheifs Development Squad)

Transfers Out 2014/15:
Paul Burke (N/A)
Phil Blake (N/A)
Neil McCarthy (N?A)
Mathew Tait (Bayonne)
Tom Price (Scarlets)
Geoff Parling (Exeter)
Neil Briggs (Sale)
Julien Salvi (Exeter)
Pohe (USC)
Brad Thorn (Retirement)
Peterson (Glasgow)
Hamilton (Coventry)
Bristow (Wasps)
R.Williams (?)
Whetton
Hepetema


Rumours:
IN
Matt Todd -------> Leicester
Francois Hougaard ----> Leicester, Exeter Chiefs.
Maxime Mermoz ------> Leicester
Burrow ----------------> Leicester

Out
Allen (Retirement)
Manu (Toulouse, Saracens, Racing)
 

[formerly known as Sam]

Thacker always impresses. Question is where does his future lie? Seven or hooker. We need to get him involved going forward. Third choice hooker or second choice seven will be the correct squad position for him next season at 21.

Bell just needs to sort his positioning. Thompstone appears to be back in form.

[Welly]

Would like to see Catchpole and Roberts start against Glous.

[formerly known as Sam]

I'd like to see Roberts and Manu or Loamano personally. Bit harsh on Catchpole but we have a naff record against the scrumpy crew so some midfield power would be nice. We badly need the points.

[Welly]

Loamanu isn't fit from what I have heard (As he would have played this weekend) and Manu is still 50/50.

[LondonTiger]

Yet again Roberts good on the ball but poor passing. Though Catchpole was a bit anonymous. Bell fantastic and morris showed real pace.

Excellent defence in first half, completely dominated second as Cardiff's replacements were not up to scratch.


Oh and harry Thackeray was immense.

[Welly]

Catchpole a bit anonymous yet directly created 3 tries?

Must have heard the wrong reports.

[LondonTiger]

Have to say that I barely noticed him, but it was a late night. Defence was the most impressive bit. Though 6 tries always good.

[LondonTiger]

Just got home and seen the match report. Either me or the guy who wrot ethat need to go to specsaves as I swear he has credited Catchpole with things done by others. A grewat surprise trip to Cardiff though.

[Welly]

On the radio Leicester they credited Catchpole with the 2 two kicks to Thomsptone that led his 2 tries.

Plus the main break which led to Balmain scoring the first try.

Crowson (Head of the merc rugby), Leicester Tigers and Radio Leicester pretty much said the same thing about what he did.

Even Simon Thomas (Think that is his name) the welsh reporter for Wales online tweeted about how Catchpole was ripping it up in the middle.

[LondonTiger]

Strangely I thought Williams put in the chip - but my brother tells me I am an idiot. We left before last try and none of us can remember any significant break leading to a try. Certainly nothing like the couple Roberts and Bell made.

My eyes must be playing up though. I have now read a number of reports stating Ben Youngs was poor on Friday and Hartley was flawless in the set pieces. Both very much counter to what i thought i saw.

[formerly known as Sam]

Agreed on the second paragraph LT. Young being a major factor in the second half revival (though his box kicks were consistently five metres too long). Hartley couldn't be subbed soon enough he didn't have a good day at the office.

Then again people have been raving about Kruis and I thought he was lucky there was no second row on the bench during the first half.

[yappysnap]

My eyes must be playing up though. I have now read a number of reports stating Ben Youngs was poor on Friday and Hartley was flawless in the set pieces. Both very much counter to what i thought i saw.

I'm often very critical of Youngs but I thought he had a very good all round game on Friday, certainly helped set the tone, tackled well and was quick with his service.

[lostinwales]

Agreed on the second paragraph LT. Young being a major factor in the second half revival (though his box kicks were consistently five metres too long). Hartley couldn't be subbed soon enough he didn't have a good day at the office.

Then again people have been raving about Kruis and I thought he was lucky there was no second row on the bench during the first half.

Hartley did have a bad day, missing a couple of throws in the lineout and not shipping the ball out when he made a nice steal in the lineout.

Youngs was very good.

Kruis I think its more a case of shock value. I was worried about him but actually he played well. Nothing like as well as Attwood (must easily have been his best England performance) but probably noticeable because he was a young guy under pressure with plenty of eyes watching, and he held up fine

[formerly known as Sam]

Kruis was poor in the first half and generally much improved in the second. The drop in the maul in the second was pretty school boy mind. The first half knock on for the scrum and Wales try, the easy 3 points he gave Wales and then the moronic support line he runs for the Hartley steal where when Hartley is tackled he's running a parallel line five metres to the left and he then takes an age to finally get there. Another three points.

[Welly]

Short try highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEVAv1_yUd8&feature=youtu.be

[LondonTiger]

It will be interesting to see who plays on Friday night. My guess would be:

Ayerza, Briggs, Mulipola, De Chaves, Kitch, Croft/Gibson, Salvi, Crane
Harrison, Burns, thompstone, Bai, Goneva, Morris, Tait

Thacker, Rizzo, Balmain, Whetton, Gibson/Pierce, Mele, Williams, Bell.


Really annoyed that Manu is training with England rather than with us.

[formerly known as Sam]

I'm a little annoyed that it looks like Manu will follow Cole in making a return for England before having a game at Tigers. We've struggled for large parts of the season and these star players are what we need. Being fit when the internationals role doesn't help those that pay their wages. Having said that Cole stuffing Jenkins did make me smile.

I'd hope Manu would be released so he can get some game time off the bench this weekend rather than just being thrown in against Italy.

[Big]

I'm a little annoyed that it looks like Manu will follow Cole in making a return for England before having a game at Tigers. We've struggled for large parts of the season and these star players are what we need. Being fit when the internationals role doesn't help those that pay their wages. Having said that Cole stuffing Jenkins did make me smile.

I'd hope Manu would be released so he can get some game time off the bench this weekend rather than just being thrown in against Italy.

I'm less fussed about Cole, as it was after a relatively short break - and we did get a good few games out of him before that.  I would be a bit annoyed about Manu though, as far as I can tell it's in his and England's interest to let him get some game time before he has to step up to international level.  I'm also seriously hoping he is continuing to be treated and assessed by the same medical team.  As frustrating as it is that his return has kept getting put back, I have more respect for medics that will make sure he is properly recovered, and not just patching him up and getting him back on the pitch.

Edit - just read that again. Didn't realise he is back available now! So yes, I do hope he is allowed back to his club.

[formerly known as Sam]

Cole played about three games. By the end of the six nations he could well have played more games for England than for us.

Agree on Manu. With ongoing muscular injuries it is best to take your time and get it right.

[Welly]

http://www.leicestertigers.com/news/21779.php

Leicester confirm the signings of
Mike Williams (Wuss)
Fonua (Welsh)
O'Connor (Auckland Blues)

As long as it doesn't mean Salvi is off I am very happy with those.

[formerly known as Sam]

Will if Williams is to replace Deacon, O'connor to replace Gibson and Fonua to replace Barbieri it makes sense.

[king_carlos]

The squad starting to take a bit more shape for next season then:

Prop - Ayerza, Cole, Mulipola, Rizzo, Balmain, Pasquali, Brugnara, Bristow

Hooker - Youngs, Ghirildini, Thacker

Second row - Slater, Kitchener, De Cheves, Williams, Petersen?, Whetton?

Flanker - Salvi, Croft, O'Connor

Number 8 - Crane, Fonau, Pearce

Scrum half - Youngs, Harrison, Mele

Fly half - Burns, Williams

Centre - Allen, Tuilagi, Bai, Smith, Loamanu, Heptema?, Pohe?, Roberts?

Wing - Goneva, Benajamin, Scully, Thompstone?, Camacho?

Full back - Morris, Bell

Still a few question marks on current players.

Following Roberts and Thompstone's recent performances I hope they stay for next season.

Given how resolute the coaching staff have been in their support of Camacho throughout his injury issues I presume he will stay and be given a chance to prove himself when fit.

Whetton and Peterson I haven't seen much of so can't really comment. Similarly haven't seen much of Price since his return from most recent injury. Apparently he has bulked up a bit though which was much needed. Hopefully he stays and kicks on given we are losing Parling, Deacon and probably Thorn also.

Would like to see Catchpole, Pohe and Roberts given opportunities next season. However with Charlie Thacker also coming through I do feel that one or two out of Bai, Loamanu and Heptema would need to move on unless we want a large number of guys not getting gametime.

We will also need another hooker with Youngs and Ghirildini likely to miss much of the season on International duty. Farnworth and Nairn have both featured in the LV but we will surely need a more experienced squad player to support Thacker in a World Cup year.

[Welly]

I know Price is off to Scarlets.

[king_carlos]

Forgot about that one Welly - amended in previous post.

He's Welsh qualified is he not?

[Welly]

Yep, good move for him the amount of young Welsh locks is a lot smaller than English.

[king_carlos]

I still feel we need a marquee signing in the back row if we really want to push on from where we have been this season. A leader like Kaino to push our game to another level in the big games, especially in the tight exchanges and carrying.

If we really want to challenge in Europe I feel we need another big name like Saili or Crotty in the centre but it could lead to academy lads leaving for gametime. Also can't see both that and another back row signing happening.

Has anything more happened with the Pennell rumours or are we expecting Morris, Bell and Scully to fill the 15 shirt for next season?

[Welly]

Bell has sounded promising and his 10 play fits in with what tait does ATM.

Wouldn't mind a marquee back though tbh.

But if Salvi does go a utility forward might be the way to go.

[formerly known as Sam]

O'Connor can play both sides. I'd want a Todd or a Savea class openside on the plane with Mauger. We have a big over reliance on Salvi. We need viable options at 7. We have options at 6 with Croft, Williams, Slater move an 8 there or the young unit Beckett. A leader in backrow would have been good but we seem to be okay on numbers unless Salvi leaves .

I'd like to see us keep at least one of Peterson and Whetton and then bring home Wells from Bedford. Pennell would be a great 15 option. If not we need another option there and to keep hold of Thompstone and to offload Camacho if he hasn't played a game by the end of the season.

A star player would be nice but I'm not sure in what position we need one. Maybe a veteran lock or a quality utility back.

[Welly]

Charlie Thacker (18) been called up to England U20's against Italy. Starting at 12.

One for the future.

[LondonTiger]

Just seen that. A bit bigger than Harry too based on the picture on Tigers Website

He has looked very good when I have seen him, and the sort of player I hope does not have his development hindered our insistence on bringing in guys like Bai and Loamanu

[Welly]

Don't think it would be hindered yet considering he is only 18.

[nathan]

http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Leicester-Tigers-news-Logovi-Mulipola-planning/story-26009392-detail/story.html?utm_content=buffer5c092&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Hopefully they decide to play for the tigers

[king_carlos]

I know the club don't disclose contract details but are there any rumours about the lengths of Bai and Loamanu's deals?

Given we've got a RWC year coming up I wouldn't complain too much about having Bai's experience and versatility in the squad for one more year. However with Roberts and Catchpole impressing, plus Pohe needing gametime if we want him to stay I really feel Loamanu is surplus to requirements. Especially if we want to develop Hepetema any further as well.

12.Allen, Bai, Roberts, Hepetema
13.Tuilagi, Smith, Loamanu, Catchpole, Pohe

With that number of guys I the squad I just struggle to see where game time will come from for some of them.

[Welly]

Bai is a 2 year deal according to French media suggest loamanu is he same.

[formerly known as Sam]

Considering Bai is likely to be off when his Contract expires at the end of next season I don't think it's an issue. I still think Bryant will break through before Thacker the younger. We've got some good young options coming through with Roberts hopefully playing this weekend as a starter.

[LondonTiger]

Don't think it would be hindered yet considering he is only 18.

Not yet sure, but I would much rather next season seeing Roberts and Catchpole around the AP/ECC squads and Thacker and Bryant the LV (or its replacement if there is one) than Bai and Loamanu.

[LondonTiger]

Whilst i am moaning about our reluctance to use our own young players I guess I should acknowledge the contribution our youth system has made to the current england team with 6 of the 23 man squad having gone through it.

[formerly known as Sam]

We produce an outstanding player every year or two. We just aren't producing enough good squad players. That means we are shopping abroad and paying out additional wages on players who are in turn hindering the ability of the next generation coming through and exacerbating the problem.

[LondonTiger]

Seems my belief in Cockers conservatism was unfounded:

Leicester Tigers (v Gloucester Rugby, Welford Road, Friday 7.45pm)
15 Mathew Tait
14 Adam Thompstone
13 George Catchpole
12 Seremaia Bai
11 Vereniki Goneva
10 Freddie Burns
9 Sam Harrison
1 Marcos Ayerza
2 Neil Briggs
3 Logovi'i Mulipola
4 Sebastian de Chaves
5 Graham Kitchener
6 Jamie Gibson
7 Julian Salvi
8 Jordan Crane (c)

Replacements
16 Harry Thacker
17 Michele Rizzo
18 Fraser Balmain
19 Jack Whetton
20 Laurence Pearce
21 David Mele
22 Jack Roberts
23 Miles Benjamin

[formerly known as Sam]

Nice to see some of the lads who put their hands up in the LV get a shot. Would have preferred Thacker to start but I guess at 20 we should be looking to ease him in still rather than give him a big run of games straight off a couple of months of only A league.

Thompstone seems to be back in favour of which I approve but no Morris is a bit of a blow especially against a team like Glaws who aren't afraid to punt long and use the speedsters to chase.

[Welly]

suspect Thacker is mainly on the bench so he can also cover flanker.

Morris has been very rusty of late (As he will be) and Thompstone has been our form Winger ATM.

[LondonTiger]

Mele to stand off if Burns injured?

[Welly]

Maybe Bai @ 10 Roberts @ 12?

[formerly known as Sam]

I'd have thought Bai to ten but Mele would probably come on for Harrison at the same time as the place kicking option. Harrison has paid 10 and kicked for goal in preseason before now.

[Welly]

Rumours gathering that Youngs is off to France.

[formerly known as Sam]

There are quite a few rumours surrounding Ben at the moment. Can't see us securing a like for like replacement. Have to hope Tressider is as good as we think he can be and utilise Harrison until he's ready. Worryingly gives strength to the Hougaard rumours.

[Welly]

Guess Hougaard would be handy as he is an excellent winger though.

[formerly known as Sam]

He's a decent winger. Average scrum half. Waste of money for me. Wasps have already grabbed the ideal replacement in Robson. Henry Taylor or Ben Spencer from Sarries wouldn't be a bad shout.

[LondonTiger]

Rumours gathering that Youngs is off to France.

At just 25 would be an odd move, especially as he is currently first choice SH.

[killer938]

And potentially more importantly, he is England's first choice and he would lose that if he moves. Would be a very strange choice indeed

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