London Irish 2016/17 Championship Thread

by **Ozzy3213** Tue 11 Aug 2015 - 23:53

First topic message reminder :

Welcome to this seasons thread for talking about all things London Irish. London Irish 2016/17 Championship Thread - Page 2 5

Senior Squad (39)

Technical Director: Brendan Venter
Director of Rugby: Nick Kennedy
Assistant Coach: Clark Laidlaw
Forwards Coach: George Skivington
Defence Coach: Declan Danaher
Skills Coach: Paul Hodgson

Hooker: David Paice, Gerard Ellis, David Porecki, Jason Harris-Wright, Todd Gleave (dual registered with Rosslyn Park).
Prop: Tom Court, Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi, Tom Smallbone, Ben Franks, Richard Palframan, Ollie Hoskins.
Second Row: Sebastien de Chaves, Jerry Sexton, Jebb Sinclair, George Robson, Will Lloyd.
Back Row: Blair Cowan, Ofisa Treviranus, Luke Narraway, Connor Gilsenen, Joe Trayfoot, Mike Coman, Max Northcote-Green, Senitiki Nayalo.
Scrum Half: Brendan McKibbin, Scott Steele, Darren Allinson (on loan to Bath).
Fly Half: Greig Tonks, Tommy Bell, Theo Brophy-Clews.
Centre: Johnny Williams, Fergus Mulchrone, Ciaran Hearn, Tom Fowlie
Back Three: Topsy Ojo, Alex Lewington, Aseli Tikoirotuama, James Marshall, Ben Ransom

Senior Academy Squad (12)

Hooker: Matt Kouris (dual registered with Esher)
Prop: Harry Elrington (dual registered with Rosslyn Park), Austin Hay (Academy Plus)
Back Row: Isaac Curtis-Harris (dual registered with Esher), Jack Cooke (Academy Plus)
Scrum Half: Conor Murphy, Rory Brand (dual registered with Rosslyn Park)
Fly Half: Tom Parton
Centre: Ross Neal, Matt Williams
Wing: Joe Cokanasiga, Jacob Atkins

Fixture List

Date	Time	Opponents	H/A	Venue	Competition	Result	Scorers

Sat 13th Aug	15:00	Harlequins	A	The Stoop	Friendly	W 28-12	T: Cowan, Neal, Nayolo, Atkins C: Bell 3, Tonks.
Fri 19th Aug	19:30	Nottingham	H	Hazelwood	Friendly	W 43-14
Fri 26th Aug	19:30	Loughborough Students	H	Hazelwood	Friendly	W 46-21
Sat 3rd Sep	15:00	Doncaster Knights	H	MadStad	Championship	W 19-0	T: Fowlie, Tikoroituma P: Bell 3.
Sat 10th Sep	15:00	Richmond	H	MadStad	Championship	W 36-12	T: Paice, Cowan 2, Ellis, McKibbin, Elrington. C: Bell 3.
Sat 17th Sep	15:00	Bedford Blues	A	Goldington Road	Championship	W 30-23	T: Franks, Williams, Ojo, Northcote-Green. C: Bell 2. P: Bell 2.
Sun 25th Sep	15:00	Ealing Trailfinders	H	MadStad	Championship	W 32-12	T: Ransom, Trayfoot, Marshall, Steele C:Bell, Marshall 2 P:Bell 2.
Fri 30th Sep	19:45	Nottingham	A	LadyBay Sports	Championship	W 29-7	T: Steele Tikoroituma Northcote-Green Mulchrone C:Bell 3 P:Bell.
Sat 8th Oct	15:00	London Welsh	H	MadStad	Championship	W 35-12	T: Mulchrone, Paice, de Chaves, McKibbin. C: Bell. 3 P: Bell 3.
Sat 15th Oct	15:00	Ospreys Prem Select	A	The Gnoll	B & I Cup	W 25-14	T: Neal, Ransom, Nayalo, Palframan. C: Tonks. P: Tonks.
Sat 22nd Oct	15:00	Connacht Eagles	H	MadStad	B & I Cup	W 34-3	T: Elrington, Hoskins, Harris-Wright, Parton, Cokanasiga. C: Tonks 3 P: Tonks.
Sat 29th Oct	15:00	London Scottish	A	RAG	Championship	W 62-12	T: Paice, McKibbin, Cokanasiga, Bell 2, Tikoirotuma, Steele, Cowan C: Bell 8, P: Bell 2.
Sat 5th Nov	15:00	Yorkshire Carnegie	H	MadStad	Championship	W 41-17	T: Ransom 2, Tikoirotuma, Marshall 2. C: Bell 5. P: Bell 2.
Sat 19th Nov	13:00	Cornish Pirates	A	Mennaye Field	Championship	W 35-24	T: Ransom 2, Franks 2, Northcote-Green C: Marshall 2. P: Tonks 2.
Sun 27th Nov	15:00	Jersey Reds	H	MadStad	Championship	W 42-29	T: Ransom, Paice 2, Palframan, Fowlie C: Bell 4 P: Bell 2 DG: Bell.
Sat 3rd Dec	14:00	Rotherham Titans	A	Clifton Lane	Championship	W 38-10	T: Cokanasiga 2, Bell 2, Steele. C: Bell 5 P: Bell.
Sun 11th Dec	15:00	Cornish Pirates	H	MadStad	B & I Cup	W 33-24	T: Atkins, Gilsenan, Porecki, Nayalo, M.Williams. C: Tonks 4.
Sat 17th Dec	14:30	Cornish Pirates	A	Mennaye Field	B & I Cup
Sat 24th Dec	15:00	Richmond	A	RAG	Championship
Sat 31st Dec	15:00	Bedford Blues	H	MadStad	Championship
13/14/15 Jan		Connacht Eagles	A		B & I Cup
Sat 21st Jan	15:00	Ospreys Prem Select	H	MadStad	B & I Cup
Sat 28th Jan	15:00	Ealing Trailfinders	A	Vallis Way	Championship
Sun 5th Feb	14:00	Nottingham	H	MadStad	Championship
Sat 18th Feb	14:00	London Welsh	A	Old Deer Park	Championship
Sat 25th Feb	15:00	London Scottish	H	MadStad	Championship
Sun 5th Mar	15:00	Yorkshire Carnegie	A	Headingley	Championship
Sat 18th Mar	14:00	Cornish Pirates	H	MadStad	Championship
Sat 25th Mar	14:00	Jersey Reds	A	St Peter	Championship
Sat 8th Apr	15:00	Rotherham Titans	H	MadStad	Championship
Sat 15th Apr	15:00	Doncaster Knights	A	Castle Park	Championship

Season Preview

Well it's been an interesting summer in the aftermath of relegation. It was clear from the outset that we would lose some players and would have to cut our cloth accordingly. Initially it appeared that Tom Coventry was staying, but a late u-turn from him meant a new coaching set up was required. New coaches, loss of big names, new players to integrate, sounds like a recipe for disaster, and we've certainly been there many times over the past few years. This however, does not feel like that at all. Perhaps it's because we are a league down, but there is real optimism around, primarily because of those things. The holy trinity of Nick Kennedy, Declan Danaher and Paul Hodgson have been promoted to the first team after overseeing a successful academy season last year, and have Brendan Venter overseeing them as technical director. This is exciting. A proven winner overseeing a young, hungry and exciting coaching team. On the playing side, the main losses being Matt Symons and Sean Maitland are more than offset by the likes of George Robson, James Marshall and Tommy Bell coming in. If anything it feels as if we may have a stronger squad this year than we've had for the past 4 or 5.

Two games into pre season and things look positive. Comfortably beating an admittedly understrength Quins, and a high scoring win against Nottingham have given plenty of optimism for the season ahead. There were still defensive lapses, which will need to be ironed out, but barring complacency or an absolute stinker in terms of form, we should have more than enough to comfortably make the dreaded play offs, where it then becomes a test of mental strength rather than ability.

Ozzy'sprediction: Champions

by exileray Thu 10 Sep 2015 - 21:45

just watched a bit of video on the London Irish Facebook page from yesterdays training.
I noticed a big guy with long black hair with the initials cs (I think) on his shorts I don't know the player and was wondering if anyone has any info on him.

by Margin_Walker Thu 10 Sep 2015 - 22:22

exileray wrote:just watched a bit of video on the London Irish Facebook page from yesterdays training.
I noticed a big guy with long black hair with the initials cs (I think) on his shorts I don't know the player and was wondering if anyone has any info on him.

It's out new 10

His name's Blair Cowan.

by exileray Fri 11 Sep 2015 - 4:07

thanks,

new 10 tomorrow maybe...

by SirBurger Sat 12 Sep 2015 - 21:21

Glenn seems to indicate on this week's podcast that we are definitely looking to add to our options which is positive news. I can't see many guys who are available, but perhaps someone from one of the smaller nations without a contract will impress at the World Cup.

by Margin_Walker Sun 13 Sep 2015 - 0:02

AJ McGinty the obvious one getting a few mentions who has been a bit of a late developer and is looking good in a fast improving USA team. Would probably be a squad depth option though, given it would be his first pro contract.

In other news the St Pauls had a decent win against Ivybridge in the week. Connor Hayhow (I think) looks a unit at 12

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rb5Rf3W_OE&feature=youtu.be

by SirBurger Sun 13 Sep 2015 - 1:12

Has McGinty been getting mentions other than that Quins fan who seems to be recommending him? He looks decent, but what is his goal-kicing like? I will definitely be keeping an eye on him at the World Cup.

by SirBurger Sun 13 Sep 2015 - 1:14

And yea, the 12 looks very promising!

by Margin_Walker Sun 13 Sep 2015 - 2:13

Not seen enough of him to know what his kicking is like. Nailed a nice last minute winning drop goal against Canada a few months back.

Will be interesting to see who is actually on the market this late. Certainly don't expect to see anyone high profile.

by SirBurger Sun 13 Sep 2015 - 5:00

As I have had little else to do I have started watching the USA-Australia match from a few weeks ago and McGinty looks very good indeed. Accurate goal-kicking, a real ability to make line-breaks, excellent length on his touch finders and a tenacious defender (if positionally naive to an extent). Despite my initial scepticism he could be a very good bet indeed, although I don't know how accurate the links to him are.

by Margin_Walker Sun 13 Sep 2015 - 6:03

Don't think there have been any credible links really. More just a few people mentioning him as an option.

by Margin_Walker Wed 23 Sep 2015 - 18:38

So, Rob McCusker and possibly James Marshall in.

Our depth is likely to be a lot better than it was last season pretty much across the board. Which will be needed as there are no easy LV weekends to rest the first team this season and fewer easy European weekend as a result of the tougher group (depending on whether we take that seriously anyway). It's going to be pretty attritional.

by ScarletSpiderman Wed 23 Sep 2015 - 19:06

Margin_Walker wrote:So, Rob McCusker and possibly James Marshall in.

Our depth is likely to be a lot better than it was last season pretty much across the board. Which will be needed as there are no easy LV weekends to rest the first team this season and fewer easy European weekend as a result of the tougher group (depending on whether we take that seriously anyway). It's going to be pretty attritional.

Rob the Gog has joined for sure now. It has come as a bit of a bolt out of the blue for Scarlets fans, but he has gone from being the club captain who bled for the side (putting his international chances at risk by switching from 6 to 8 for the good of the club), to being totally out of favour with the new coach. He may not be the most exciting of players but he is a pretty solid option at blindside, and can cover lock and number 8 well too. I think he could turn out to be a good bench option for you.

http://www.scarlets.co.uk/eng/news/10761.php#.VgJcr02FO71

by Margin_Walker Wed 23 Sep 2015 - 19:13

ScarletSpiderman wrote:
Margin_Walker wrote:So, Rob McCusker and possibly James Marshall in.

Our depth is likely to be a lot better than it was last season pretty much across the board. Which will be needed as there are no easy LV weekends to rest the first team this season and fewer easy European weekend as a result of the tougher group (depending on whether we take that seriously anyway). It's going to be pretty attritional.

Rob the Gog has joined for sure now. It has come as a bit of a bolt out of the blue for Scarlets fans, but he has gone from being the club captain who bled for the side (putting his international chances at risk by switching from 6 to 8 for the good of the club), to being totally out of favour with the new coach. He may not be the most exciting of players but he is a pretty solid option at blindside, and can cover lock and number 8 well too. I think he could turn out to be a good bench option for you.

http://www.scarlets.co.uk/eng/news/10761.php#.VgJcr02FO71

Yeah, saw it had been confirmed ('possibly' was for James Marshall).

Pretty much out of the blue at this end too, as I thought we were done for forward recruitment. He looks a similar player to Dave Sisi (although with more experience), so we've a couple of unflashy versatile lumps available this season in the back row. Sounds like a good bloke to have around the squad anyway, so looking forward to seeing how he gets on.

by SirBurger Sat 26 Sep 2015 - 19:48

Brief review of last night:

Positives:

Youngsters in the backline looked very good. Fowlie caused problems whenever he got the ball, Lewington was electric as ever and scored two very good tries and Williams and Brophy-Clews went well when they came on. McKibbin has a terrific, quick pass and gets the ball out very sharpish. Geraghty looked classy in the first half before going off. Unfortunately, there were fewer positives in the pack. Ellis and Stevens both played well in their respective cameos at hooker and Symons added impetus when he came on. The line-out was good.

Negatives: Primarily the injuries to Palframan and Symons (both of which looked fairly bad to me). Additionally, the discipline was appalling and the scrum got marched backwards a fair bit, especially in the first half when Smallbone and Cross were packing down. Defence was average and will also need to improve. McKibbin's goal kicking was very poor. Again, as expected, we lack ball carriers when Guest and Treviranus are out of the side. Hopefully McCusker can help us out a bit in that respect. I'm not sure if Sisi quite has the ballast for the 8 role.

Overall, a fair bit to work on but also some positive signs. I think the big trouble for TC will be picking his 23 as especially in the 10-12-13 area we have a lot of players who are of a similar calibre. For me, going into the season it should be Geraghty, Mulchrone and Fowlie, but based on what I saw last night Williams will be pushing Mulchrone very hard by the season's end.

by SirBurger Sun 27 Sep 2015 - 21:53

TRP running with Stanley and Marshall to us. Slightly mixed feelings on those.

by Margin_Walker Mon 28 Sep 2015 - 6:16

Cheers for the write up from Friday night.

I like the look of our backs this year, with lots of exciting options. Injuries to Palf and Symons really would throw a spanner in the works though, hope they aren't too serious. Saw the TRP mention, am fine with Marshall who I think will add a lot, but less so with Stanley. I've resigned myself to kicking being an issue again this season, with a Shane, Noakes, Mckibbin merry-go-round.

Was at the Scotland USA game in Leeds today and was watching Maitland pretty closely. He looked sharp and took his try well, but seemed to be struggling with his back all game. Didn't look entirely happy and was on the floor stretching during breaks in play. Hopefully nothing serious.

by SirBurger Mon 28 Sep 2015 - 7:24

Maitland did look fairly sharp I thought. Obviously I didn't see the stretching, which sounds like a bit of a worry. I expect he will be ok though. I wonder if he will start the next game anyway.

And agree on Marshall and Stanley, although if we did get Marshall I would expect him to play more of a utility role than as a definitive starter at 10. I am kind of resigned to us having to wait until 2015/16 to have a top class fly half.

by Margin_Walker Mon 28 Sep 2015 - 7:34

Likely to be nothing in hindsight. Expect they would have taken him off if it was a serious issue. Would be good to see him get a start in the next game, the last back three place (after Hogg and probably Seymour) in their strongest team seems to be fairly interchangeable with Lamont, Visser and him all in with a shot.

Yeah, I wouldn't see Marshall as purely a 10 either. Has played most of his rugby away from 10, but he definitely adds some top level versatility and experience. If he's good enough to start the Super 15 final for the Hurricanes, he's good enough for our match day 23.

by SirBurger Sat 3 Oct 2015 - 23:55

Pretty worried after yesterday's match. We looked a lot better in the second half, but still not especially convincing. For all of Fergus and Griffin's qualities, we really lack a ball carrier to get us over the gainline, either in midfield or in the back row. Guest and Treviranus are big losses for the start of the season. Trayfoot's injury doesn't help.

by Margin_Walker Sun 4 Oct 2015 - 0:08

Hard to comment too much, having not seen the two Quins games.

However I'm definitely pretty worried about how depleted we'll be for the first few games, especially up front. I'm assuming Guest (who has become hugely important) and Trayfoot won't be fit, as you say. Trev and Cowan probably won't be playing for a week or two, despite one of them probably being out of the cup by then.

How did the scrum go without Palf involved?. See Halavatua bagged a couple of tries.

Centres really are anyone's guess, will be pretty interesting to see who they end up going for. Would agree that Griffin and Mulchrone are probably a little two similar to pair together. Need either a strike runner like Fowlie or a playmaker like Shane involved imo. Good to hear that Lewington is looking sharp

by SirBurger Sun 4 Oct 2015 - 21:57

Cross got absolutely pummelled. Palframan is a big loss. Wonder if Aulika will have to slot back in. Scrum improved with Leo on but it didn't exactly look secure.

by Margin_Walker Wed 7 Oct 2015 - 18:43

Right then, what sort of team are we looking at for the first game of the season against Leicester?

I'm assuming the following are likely to be unavailable due to injury:
Waldouck, Trayfoot, Guest (not sure I've heard it confirmed he's injured, but he has had no pre season involvement), Skivington, Palframan, Rouse (assume he's also injured)

The following are involved in the WC:
Franks (will go through to the knockout stages)
Maitland (Likely to go through to knockout stages)
Cowan (Likely to go through to knockout stages)
Treviranus (Likely to go out in group stages but looks in need of a rest)
Aulika (Going out in group stages. Possibly available as has had limited gametime)
Tikoirotuama (Tournament already finished. Possibly available)
Sinclair (Tournament finished. Possibly available)

Which leaves us something like this
Court
Paice
Halavatau
Symons
Sheriff
Narraway
Gilsenan
McCusker
McKibbin
Geraghty
Ojo
Mulchrone
Fowlie
Lewington
Fenby

Smallbone, Ellis, Aulika, Sinclair, Sisi, Steele, Noakes, Tikoirotuama

A decidedly second string look to the back row and as mentioned before, Palf likely being out is a real pain at TH. On a brighter note (given how games against Leicester usually go) their entire first choice front row should be out either still with Argentina (Ayerza) or rested after the WC (Youngs, Cole and possibly Ghiraldini).

by Welly Thu 8 Oct 2015 - 20:09

Looks an interesting team Symons, recuited well with McKibbin and Symons.

Reckon our 23 will be:
1) Mulipola, 2) Bateman/Thacker, 3) Balmain
4) Fitzgerald, 5) Kitchener
6) Croft, 7) McCaffrey, 8) Pearce
9) Harrison, 10) Burns
12) Bai, 13) Betham
11) Goneva, 14) Thompstone, 15) Tait

16) Leo/Thacker/Bateman, 17) Brugnara, 18) Pas
19) De Chaves, 20) Williams,
21) Tresidder, 22) Bell, 23) Smith/Loamanu/Catchpole.

by SirBurger Fri 9 Oct 2015 - 8:46

I am going to assume that all WC players are out and then be pleasantly surprised if any are included.

My team:

Court
Ellis
Halavatau
Symons
Sheriff
Narraway
Gilsenan
Sisi

Steele
Geraghty
Lewington
Mulchrone
Fowlie
Ojo
Fenby

Bench: Paice, Harris, Cross, Curry, McKusker, McKibbin, Noakes, Griffin

We could definitely be stronger, but have to hope that the next couple of weeks of pre-season go really well and the boys come out firing.

by **Ozzy3213** Tue 13 Oct 2015 - 8:26

I reckon the team for Sunday will be along those lines SB. I have a feeling that Halani may come straight back in at tighthead, or at least be on the bench, and that McKibbin may start at 9. Tikoirotuma may also come straight in as well, and when I spoke to Skivs last Thursday he tentatively said that he should be fit to play.

by **Ozzy3213** Wed 14 Oct 2015 - 18:49

Great news that Tom Fowlie has signed a contract extension to the end of the 2017/18 season. I am really hoping that he gets the opportunity to make the 13 jersey his own this year.

by SirBurger Thu 15 Oct 2015 - 6:31

Totally agree Ozzy. He is potentially our best centre. He looked dangerous in pre-season as well so I am expecting big things. He just needs to stay fit.

by **Ozzy3213** Thu 15 Oct 2015 - 7:46

The good news on Fowlie extending is tempered slightly by the news that Gilsenan is out for Sunday, and Ellis and Smallbone are doubtful, as is Shane. With the injury list as is, world cup returnees may be straight back in which isn't ideal!

by SirBurger Thu 15 Oct 2015 - 7:52

Blimey!

by Margin_Walker Thu 15 Oct 2015 - 8:07

Well that's a real pain. What back rowers do we have available? I make it

Narraway
McCusker
Sisi

With Jebb and Trev back from the WC. Trev is the most obvious openside there, but I'm sure they'd be reluctant to start him. Running low on looseheads as well. Oh well it is what it is.

by SirBurger Thu 15 Oct 2015 - 8:52

Sisi played a fair bit at 7 for us during his early years and Narraway can do as well. I guess it will be those three with Curry on the bench.

by **Ozzy3213** Thu 15 Oct 2015 - 22:26

Trev is not back I don't think. As captain of Samoa he returned home prior to coming back to the club.

Jebb and Halani are back and expected to play I believe, back row likely to be McCusker, Jebb and Narraway, although not sure on shirt numbers, as all have played 6, 7 and 8 before.

by **Ozzy3213** Thu 22 Oct 2015 - 22:03

Tough result on Sunday, I genuinely feel we deserved something from the game. Lots to work on for sure, but it was refreshing to see us at least trying to play some rugby, and by all accounts Tom Coventry spoke very well at the LISC AGM last night, with most people I've spoken to coming away very positive about the direction the club as a whole and the team specifically are heading in.

by **George Carlin** Thu 22 Oct 2015 - 22:05

Judging by what we understand are official SRU recommendations, you should get Sean Maitland and Blair Cowan back within a forthnight or so.

by **Ozzy3213** Thu 22 Oct 2015 - 22:14

Will be good to have them back. We missed Blair at 7 on Sunday, where we basically had a lock and to 8's playing in the back row.

by **Ozzy3213** Mon 26 Oct 2015 - 20:44

I'm anticipating a significant announcement today!

by **George Carlin** Mon 26 Oct 2015 - 20:49

Ozzy3213 wrote:I'm anticipating a significant announcement today!

You've lost weight?

by Heaf Mon 26 Oct 2015 - 21:08

We've signed Dan Carter? Smile

by Margin_Walker Tue 27 Oct 2015 - 4:13

Okay, the suspense has been built enough now. Any danger of an actual announcement, or have your sources sold you a dummy?

by Heaf Tue 27 Oct 2015 - 4:14

Nothing on the offy at the moment ...

by Heaf Tue 27 Oct 2015 - 4:16

Maybe I was right and we're waiting for NZ to wake up to make a joint announcement Whistle

by Margin_Walker Tue 27 Oct 2015 - 4:25

Yep, sounds like the plan. Only possible explanation as far as I can see

by Heaf Tue 27 Oct 2015 - 4:45

by **Ozzy3213** Tue 27 Oct 2015 - 19:47

I believe there was a delay as some papers didn't come through until late yesterday evening!

by Heaf Tue 27 Oct 2015 - 20:18

So we should hear today?

by **Ozzy3213** Tue 27 Oct 2015 - 20:35

I am lead to believe so.

by Heaf Tue 27 Oct 2015 - 21:35

fingers crossed then Smile

by Guest Tue 27 Oct 2015 - 22:10

Assume this is what you were waiting for?

Colin Stewart ‏@ColinDStewart91 3m3 minutes ago
.@LiRFC & @Saracens to become first @premrugby teams to play league match in USA. March 12th match taking place at New York's Red Bull Arena

by Heaf Tue 27 Oct 2015 - 22:32

Guess so - good yes, but I was hoping more for a new star player or some major new money so we could ~~cheat as well~~ compete on a level playing field with the team we'll be playing at that event ... not wishing to play down the great job the club have done to make this happen of course as hopefully it won't just be a one-off event but will somehow benefit the club in the future ...

by Guest Tue 27 Oct 2015 - 22:42

Heaf wrote:Guess so - good yes, but I was hoping more for a new star player or some major new money so we could ~~cheat as well~~ compete on a level playing field with the team we'll be playing at that event ... not wishing to play down the great job the club have done to make this happen of course as hopefully it won't just be a one-off event but will somehow benefit the club in the future ...

I'd hope that the club will be rewarded Financially somehow for taking part - no real point otherwise. Better gate receipts or just a payoff from PRL for agreeing to it.

by Sponsored content