Harlequins 2014/15 Thread

by Sam Mon 18 Aug 2014, 2:10 pm

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 HongKongCherry Fri 22 May 2015, 4:47 pm

propdavid_london wrote: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!

I agree, most do have 4 or 5, but Merrick and Twomey starting isn't going to fill a pack with fear. You're probably short of backrowers too, so moving Easter is just robbing Peter to pay Paul.

Then again with all that money freed up from PDJ you could end up with a superstar coming in! Wink

by yappysnap Mon 25 May 2015, 10:47 pm

HongKongCherry wrote: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.

I agree with you there, we'll be s couple of injuries away from one of the weakest packs in the league, like we had this season.

It's made even eorse by that superstar PDJ leaving us just when we needed him most!!

by propdavid_london Wed 17 Jun 2015, 1:35 pm

So, Motpellier, Cardiff or Calvisano - thats the question, which one to visit?

by **RDW** Wed 17 Jun 2015, 6:44 pm

Why is Roberts not signing for 'quins until mid December? Even if Wales made the final that would be the end of October!

Read it in the BBC article saying he's playing in the varsity match.

by **LondonTiger** Wed 17 Jun 2015, 6:54 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Why is Roberts not signing for 'quins until mid December? Even if Wales made the final that would be the end of October!

Read it in the BBC article saying he's playing in the varsity match.

I think you answered your own question. He wants to play the Varsity match, so will not join Quins till after that. It allows him to have a rest, then play a few games for the University to earn his spot at Twickenham. This way too, Quins do not have to start paying him till he joins, though his salary is a fraction of that he got in Paris.

by **RDW** Wed 17 Jun 2015, 6:58 pm

Just seems strange he's taking such a break - maybe we're so used to the money driven professional world!

by **LondonTiger** Wed 17 Jun 2015, 7:49 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Just seems strange he's taking such a break - maybe we're so used to the money driven professional world!

i think we have to take Doc at face value. He said the move to Quins was to further his medical career/training and for a new experience.

by lostinwales Wed 01 Jul 2015, 12:46 pm

Talking of center issues I see JTH has got himself into some bother.

by propdavid_london Wed 01 Jul 2015, 1:16 pm

Yeah, thats the 1st I heard about that too. Not ideal.....but its also been a long time since he's started for Quins too, and even longer since his England caps.

He really needs a decent start to next season, full pre-season and try to get some form back. Cant see him ousting Roberts!

by lostinwales Wed 01 Jul 2015, 2:05 pm

propdavid_london wrote:Yeah, thats the 1st I heard about that too. Not ideal.....but its also been a long time since he's started for Quins too, and even longer since his England caps.

He really needs a decent start to next season, full pre-season and try to get some form back. Cant see him ousting Roberts!

Not when Roberts is fit and available, so if he sorts himself out he could get a decent amount of gametime

by propdavid_london Fri 03 Jul 2015, 2:41 pm

Wasps as an opening match for Quins is a big ask - but at least its at home. I guess the double header is not happening next season due to WC matches. Fair enough.

by SirBurger Fri 03 Jul 2015, 3:09 pm

propdavid_london wrote:Wasps as an opening match for Quins is a big ask - but at least its at home. I guess the double header is not happening next season due to WC matches. Fair enough.

It is, but in November and Quins aren't involved.

by Jimpy Thu 09 Jul 2015, 2:34 pm

Good God, the Quins' away kit for next season is hideous.

http://www.kitbag.com/stores/kitbag/en/product/harlequins-away-short-sleeve-shirt-2015-16-white/162045

by yappysnap Thu 09 Jul 2015, 3:58 pm

Ironic to hear a Tigers fan say someone else's away kit is hideous! Wink

What is the Leicester away shirt like this year?

by Jimpy Fri 10 Jul 2015, 7:50 am

yappysnap wrote:Ironic to hear a Tigers fan say someone else's away kit is hideous!

What is the Leicester away shirt like this year?

We'll find out on 1st August....

by yappysnap Thu 23 Jul 2015, 9:14 pm

Sad to see JTH has had to retire due to injury. When fit he was a key part of our backline and his partnership with Lowe was sublime at times. We'll struggle to replace him.

by Heaf Fri 24 Jul 2015, 9:24 am

yappysnap wrote:Ironic to hear a Tigers fan say someone else's away kit is hideous!

What is the Leicester away shirt like this year?

Ooohhh - he has a point though - what were they thinking?

by yappysnap Sat 25 Jul 2015, 10:40 am

Maybe an app where you can scan the players shirt and get all their info...

by yappysnap Sat 25 Jul 2015, 10:40 am

And London Irish must have had some bad ones in the past!

by Heaf Sat 25 Jul 2015, 10:47 am

yappysnap wrote:Maybe an app where you can scan the players shirt and get all their info...

ah yes - never thought of that Smile

by Heaf Sat 25 Jul 2015, 10:48 am

yappysnap wrote:And London Irish must have had some bad ones in the past!

yes probably - I remember some St Pat's day ones that were a bit iffy

by propdavid_london Thu 30 Jul 2015, 10:47 am

Hi Yappy, and before the Lowe partnership it was watertight with Gonzo Tiesi.
It was a shame that JTH could never get back to those levels after repeated injury - it almost seemed a confidence thing for so long.

Lets hope that the new possible combinations with Roberts, Stanley, Lowe and Hopper can produce the goods. With Sloan and Merchant getting a bit of exposure too.
I guess we may see the end of Botica having to cover in the middle at times.

by Geordie Thu 30 Jul 2015, 12:56 pm

Arent you updating the original post...get your team updated for the new season.

by king_carlos Thu 30 Jul 2015, 7:05 pm

How do Quins fans feel with your signings for next season?

Do you still feel short of a big lump in the boiler room or a big carrying back row? Do you feel NEv has another season in him?

1.Marler
2.Ward, Gray, Buchanan
3.Sinckler, Collier, Jones
4.Matthews
5.Horwill
6.Wallace or Clifford
7.Robshaw
8.Easter

9.Care
10.Evans

11.Visser
12.Roberts
13.Lowe
14.Yarde
15.Brown

It's a strong looking starting line-up back feels a bit lacking in heavy duty carriers in the pack and depth in a few positions.

by propdavid_london Fri 31 Jul 2015, 4:55 pm

And a new back row signing - Loumanu from Treviso.
Do the Pro12 buys know anything about him as I havent seen him play. COS appears to be quite pleased with the aquisition though.

by ScarletSpiderman Mon 03 Aug 2015, 1:43 pm

propdavid_london wrote:And a new back row signing - Loumanu from Treviso.
Do the Pro12 buys know anything about him as I havent seen him play. COS appears to be quite pleased with the aquisition though.

From what I remember of him he is a handy 30-60 min lump with far better hands than a player of his size should have. A perfect 'off the bench' type player imo.

by Geordie Wed 19 Aug 2015, 1:04 pm

I see Danny Care has been made captain....

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/33989502

by ChequeredJersey Wed 19 Aug 2015, 9:31 pm

Think he'll be a risk, but it will be good for him and good to have lots of leaders in the team and good for engaldn to have another player with captaincy experience

by yappysnap Thu 20 Aug 2015, 9:47 pm

Yea I guess they're looking at building up the leadership group within the team, especially as over the next few seasons we could lose Easter and Nev plus we've lost the experience of Robson, Monye and Williams

by sad_gimp Fri 21 Aug 2015, 7:38 am

Horwill dropped from Aus RWC squad. Guess we may get him early?

by propdavid_london Fri 21 Aug 2015, 10:02 am

That will be useful, and even though he is new to the squad he should slip straight into that leadership group too.
Too late for a pre-season with QUins but he presumably is in good shape having gone through the Oz WC training camps.

by sad_gimp Tue 01 Sep 2015, 4:01 pm

Full match vs USA up on YT :

by **George Carlin** Wed 02 Sep 2015, 12:14 pm

https://www.606v2.com/t60323-welcome-to-the-new-aviva-pro-12-season-your-help-needed

by sad_gimp Wed 02 Sep 2015, 2:58 pm

Watched it yesterday...thoughts :

USA are threatening to become a pretty handy side. They have some real quality players, their 10 in particular wouldn't look out of place in any European side on that performance. Lacking a little nous but it's beyond the realms of possibility they could come second in their group is Scotland have a wobble.

Quins:

Loumanu is a big old unit, good to see some hard carries.
OLH is unconvincing at FB still, did not look comfortable under the high ball and Walker is weak in that area too. Hopefully Ross Chisholm can make the FB slot his own in the absence of Brown.
Lineout was excellent

by propdavid_london Thu 01 Oct 2015, 4:34 pm

Quins team for the 2nd leg of the charity series -
Harlequins Team
15. Tim Swiel
14. Marland Yarde
13. George Lowe
12. Harry Sloan
11. Ollie Lindsay-Hague
10. Nick Evans©
9. Karl Dickson

1. Mark Lambert
2. Dave Ward
3. Will Collier
4. James Horwill
5. Sam Twomey
6. Jack Clifford
7. Luke Wallace
8. Mat Luamanu

16. Rob Buchanan
17. Owen Evans
18. Kyle Sinckler
19. Charlie Matthews
20. James Chisholm
21. Tito Tebaldi
22. Ben Botica
23. Matt Hopper
Blank. Seb Adeniran-Olule
Blank. Winston Stanley
Blank. Robbie Nairn

by yappysnap Fri 02 Oct 2015, 9:45 am

On paper a very strong team. That's our 1st team without its International players basically.

Impressive when you add Marler, Robshaw, Easter, Care, Roberts and Visser in to the mix.

by XR Fri 02 Oct 2015, 10:41 am

Adam Jones made an appearance yet?

I saw him sinking a few pints after the Wales/Italy warm up game and completely forgot he'd signed for you guys!

by yappysnap Fri 02 Oct 2015, 11:32 am

No I don't think he has.

Tbh I'm not sure if he's injured or not at the moment. He's probably around the squad to add experience more then being expected to play a major role.

by Geordie Fri 02 Oct 2015, 11:48 am

Whats the crack with Sinkler...will he not be the starting TH this season?

by yappysnap Sun 04 Oct 2015, 6:24 pm

Hey Geordie, I'd say him and Collier will rotate, Collier is more experienced and level headed while Synkler has more natural talent. Both are good players though. I think Synkler will get a chance later on the season as Collier seems to pick up injuries quite often.

by ChequeredJersey Wed 07 Oct 2015, 2:35 pm

As ever, I'm optimistic

Horwill looked good in the RWC warmups and vs London Irish and certainly improves our pack
Our new samoan backrower looked a great buy vs Irish
Roberts is what we need to put momentum and get over the gainline in the backs- he is JTH v5.0 or something, and in decent form. I'd prefer Nonu, but he'll do Wink

Backs looked good vs Irish
Lowe fit
Stanley solid
Brown back and on form
Robshaw going to be more free and he's on form if you actually look at the stats and his performances rather than being misled by his decisions as captain and his awful comrades in the pack
Marler needs fixing but we'll do that. Needs to rebulk and recuperate
Collier fit, AJ a great person to learn from
Ward back properly
Clifford looks immense
Easter back and still only improving
Care back and looked better in the warm ups
I'm worried about Nev but have some faith if the rest of the team help him
Swiel looks like decent 15 cover as well as a decent 10
Would just like one more player

by ChequeredJersey Wed 07 Oct 2015, 2:38 pm

yappysnap wrote:On paper a very strong team. That's our 1st team without its International players basically.

Impressive when you add Marler, Robshaw, Easter, Care, Roberts and Visser in to the mix.

And MB15

by HammerofThunor Wed 07 Oct 2015, 3:26 pm

Roberts (if he's on form) could be a massive signing for you guys. Probably needs most of season to settle in (usually give at least half a season).

Also, CJ I sent you a PM (or tried to). Not sure if you got it thumbsup

by Poorfour Wed 07 Oct 2015, 3:32 pm

HammerofThunor wrote:Roberts (if he's on form) could be a massive signing for you guys. Probably needs most of season to settle in (usually give at least half a season).

Also, CJ I sent you a PM (or tried to). Not sure if you got it

Then Dr Jamie should just about be ready in time for the playoffs - we won't see him til after the Varsity match.

This has probably been the best preseason and best bunch of new signings since the last RWC. Also - Netani Talei, who was around last season as injury cover but is now here permanently looked v good for Fiji - huge work rate and go forward against Oz (and a lovely bloke, too). It could all go horribly wrong, as ever, but if NEv stays fit and the England lot aren't too shellshocked it could be a good season.

by ChequeredJersey Wed 07 Oct 2015, 3:55 pm

HammerofThunor wrote:Roberts (if he's on form) could be a massive signing for you guys. Probably needs most of season to settle in (usually give at least half a season).

Also, CJ I sent you a PM (or tried to). Not sure if you got it

Yeah, but your settings won't let me reply!!!

by HammerofThunor Wed 07 Oct 2015, 3:57 pm

What can I say, I'm antisocial! I've changed it now.

by propdavid_london Thu 08 Oct 2015, 8:37 am

I agree with comments above on the LI fixture - certainly the 2nd one. There appeared to be a bit more hunger in the squad, something we didnt see much of last season.
I did feel that the replacements didnt add much though, there was definately a drop off in intensity. But I am not too concerned as in a full squad a lot of the guys that started this game will be the ones coming on and hopefully having a positive impact.

Adam Jones was involved in the 1st LI fixture I think - won a few scrum penalties.

Horwell looks to be making an impact
Loumanu is the one that stood out for me though - great storming carries, really trucking it up and doing his job efficiently.
Sam Twomey looks to have really improved, bulking up in the offseason and had some very nice runs and sweet hands for a try in the corner. May well have overtaken Charlie Mathews in the pecking order.

by Poorfour Thu 08 Oct 2015, 12:04 pm

Twomey is probably ahead of Matthews right now - but it's not clear how much of that is because Matthews is only just back from injury. I really like Matthews' skills, but he struggles to find the right body position to use his size in the loose.

by propdavid_london Thu 08 Oct 2015, 12:42 pm

Yeah but we have been saying this about Matthews for a good few seasons now. He is handy in the lineout though, and for rescuing cats from trees.

by Poorfour Thu 08 Oct 2015, 1:49 pm

propdavid_london wrote:Yeah but we have been saying this about Matthews for a good few seasons now. He is handy in the lineout though, and for rescuing cats from trees.

True. If they haven't sorted it during this long preseason, we may need to be resigned to him not fulfilling his potential. He's pretty handy in scrums and mauls as well, it's just the loose where he struggles to make an impact.

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