Harlequins 15/16 Thread

[yappysnap]

First topic message reminder :

Our squad (pinched from CAW):

HARLEQUINS Senior Squad

Name                DoB             Position        Contract
Rob Buchanan        (13/05/91)      Hooker          2015/16  
Joe Gray            (05/08/88)      Hooker          2015/16  
Dave Ward           (21/05/85)      Hooker          2015/16  

Will Collier        (05/05/91)      TH Prop         2017/18  
Adam Jones          (08/03/81)      TH prop         2015/16  
Matt Shields        (12/02/91)      TH Prop         2015/16    
Kyle Sinckler       (30/03/93)      TH Prop         2016/17    

Owen Evans          (19/02/89)      LH Prop      
Mark Lambert        (19/02/85)      LH Prop         2016/17    
Joe Marler          (07/07/90)      LH Prop         2015/16  

James Horwill       (29/05/85)      Lock            2017/18    
Charlie Matthews    (23/07/91)      Lock            2015/16    
George Merrick      (04/10/92)      Lock            2016/17    
Sam Twomey          (09/05/92)      Lock            2015/16  

Jack Clifford       (12/02/93)      Flanker/No. 8   2015/16    
Chris Robshaw       (04/06/86)      Flanker         2015/16    
Luke Wallace        (02/10/90)      Flanker         2016/17    

Nick Easter         (15/08/78)      Number 8        2016/17    
Mathew Luamanu     (04/03/88)      Number 8        ?          
Netani Talei        (19/03/83)      Number 8        ?          

Danny Care          (02/01/87)      Scrum-half      2015/16    
Karl Dickson        (02/08/82)      Scrum-half      2016/17    
Tito Tebaldi        (23/09/87)      Scrum-half      ?        

Ben Botica          (07/10/89)      Fly-half        2016/17    
Nick Evans          (14/08/80)      Fly-half        2015/16    
Tim Swiel           (04/06/93)      Fly-half        ?    

Matt Hopper         (29/01/85)      Centre          2016/17    
George Lowe         (22/10/89)      Centre          2015/16  
Jamie Roberts       (08/11/86)      Centre          ?        
Harry Sloan         (16/06/94)      Centre          2015/16  
Winston Stanley     (11/02/89)      Centre          ?      

Ollie Lindsay-Hague (08/10/90)      Wing/Fullback   ?          
Tim Visser          (29/05/87)      Winger          ?          
harlie Walker      (23/12/92)      Winger          2016/17    
Marland Yarde       (20/04/92)      Winger          2015/16    

Mike Brown          (04/09/85)      Fullback        2015/16  
Ross Chisholm       (19/10/90)      Fullback        2016/17    


A very strong looking squad, with a lot of internationals and experience to help the youngsters coming in. Fingers crossed but this season may be a good one for the men in quarters.

COYQ's!

[propdavid_london]

I do hope it was just a lack of focus as the job was already done.
I've not seen many comments on here but that was one of the worst performances that I have ever seen from a referee!
I am not suggesting that it would have changed the result as Montpellier we the more focused team.
I think he also refereed the Tigers game the week before and was poor in that too.

[formerly known as Sam]

He was alright when reffing us. Very green but then he's a young bloke who's very much still learning. He talks to the players well he just needs to be more aware of certain things (particularly at the breakdown). Better than the Irish contingent Tigers had yesterday.

[yappysnap]

I try not to talk about the ref when Quins play as it's too difficult to not come across sounding bitter.

It was a very poor performance from Quins.

Hopefully a one off and not a sign of what the team will play like without the England boys.

[ChequeredJersey]

As fans, we have to stop see sawing between "we're great" and "we're Poopie". We've done what was needed. We knew that with the competition on and our place in the AP that we would target certain games. There was NO reason to target this one, with a Prem match we need to look for 5 points in this week and absolutely nothing to play for.

[yappysnap]

Definitely CJ. I think that happens far too often on CAW, they get hysterical about the smallest thing.

But I do worry if this is how we play without key players over the 6N's. I have complete faith in the 1st team and in most replacements, but collectively the 'A' team is a little worrying as they've barely had a run out together (no LV) and some of them have barely played this season because of that.

[sad_gimp]

I wouldn't read too much into a dead rubber. Still the best season we've had since 2012, I'm enjoying it The only really nasty fixture during the 6n is wasps away and they aren't exactly consistent at the moment.

[yappysnap]

True dat

[ChequeredJersey]

Comeallwithin is lacking any sense of perspective or bothering to take anything like dead rubbers or our other form this season into account as always and seem convinced we are going to get stuffed by Falcons...

I'm not sure if they've watched any Falcons games...

[yappysnap]

If we were to lose it would only be down to us not handling the weather right, and we would have to play truly shockingly for that to happen still.

I'm not sure about a bp as I think we'll lack a bit of continuity and our pack without Marler and Robshaw just isn't the same, it'll be even weaker if Horwill doesn't play as well.


But we'll still win.

[ChequeredJersey]

Italian international scrum-half Tito Tebaldi makes his first Aviva Premiership start and partners captain Nick Evans in the half backs. George Lowe joins Harry Sloan in the centres as the back three remains unchanged.

Among the forwards, Rob Buchanan is the only change to the front row, as James Horwill and Charlie Matthews complete the front five. Dave Ward starts in the back row alongside Luke Wallace and Mat Luamanu.

Among the replacements, first year Academy member Calum Waters will look to make his first senior appearance for the Club.

In injury news, Karl Dickson underwent surgery on a hand injury sustained last week. The scrum-half is expected to be out for up to ten weeks.

Nick Easter will be available for selection next week having been absent from the squad for personal reasons.

Harlequins team
15. Ross Chisholm
14. Marland Yarde
13. George Lowe
12. Harry Sloan
11. Charlie Walker
10. Nick Evans©
9. Tito Tebaldi

1. Mark Lambert
2. Rob Buchanan
3. Will Collier
4. James Horwill
5. Charlie Matthews
6. Luke Wallace
7. Dave Ward
8. Mat Luamanu

16. Joe Gray
17. Owen Evans
18. Kyle Sinckler
19. George Merrick
20. James Chisholm
21. Calum Waters
22. Ben Botica
23. Tim Swiel


Newcastle Falcons
15 Simon Hammersley 14 Alex Tait 13 Chris Harris 12 Juan Pablo Socino 11 Giamba Venditti 10 Craig Willis 9 Michael Young 1 Rob Vickers 2 Scott Lawson 3 Taione Vea 4 Mark Wilson 5 Sean Robinson 6 Will Welch 7 Nili Latu 8 Ally Hogg

16 George McGuigan 17 Eric Fry 18 Paddy Ryan 19 Mouritz Botha 20 Richard Mayhew 21 Sonatane Takulua 22 Andy Goode 23 Adam Powell

[ChequeredJersey]

Surprised Robinson not involved at all, glad Baby Chis is fit though. If Tito does ok, should have enough

[ChequeredJersey]

And not sure what the point of Bots and Swiel together on bench is. Are our centres injured? I suppose Bots covers 12

[propdavid_london]

Anyone know when Beau Robinson is likely to be available for Quins?
Did he come to us injured or something?

[yappysnap]

No he's played A league games, he's either got injured from those or not deemed good enough I guess

[propdavid_london]

Shame - I was hopeful when remembering his time with the Reds (season they won the Super title).
Perhaps there is just some bedding in time required.

[sad_gimp]

We won't mention the Saints game in here....

Sloan has been improving though. Evans doesn't seem to have the influence on the pitch he used to. In fact the lack of leadership in the pitch when Care, Robshaw, Marler and Clifford are away is killing us. Tebaldi isn't exactly a steady hand.

[yappysnap]

Yes it's that leadership that's a killer. Not sure what can be done about it though

[propdavid_london]

http://www.planetrugby.com/news/smith-linked-with-harlequins-vacancy/

Hope there is some truth in this.

[propdavid_london]

Harlequins team
15. Ross Chisholm
14. Marland Yarde
13. Matt Hopper
12. Harry Sloan
11. Tim Visser
10. Nick Evans©
9. Tito Tebaldi

1. Mark Lambert
2. Joe Gray
3. Kyle Sinckler
4. George Merrick
5. James Horwill
6. Luke Wallace
7. Dave Ward
8. Mat Luamanu

16. James Chisholm
17. Owen Evans
18. Will Collier
19. Charlie Matthews
20. Ben Botica
21. Calum Waters
22. Winston Stanley
23. Tim Swiel

Gloucester Rugby
Billy Burns; Charlie Sharples, Billy Meakes, Billy Twelvetrees©, Steve McColl; James Hook, Willi Heinz; Paddy McAllister, Richard Hibbard, John Afoa; Tom Savage, Mariano Galarza; Sione Kalamafoni, Matt Kvesic, Ben Morgan

Replacements:
Tom Lindsay, Dan Murphy, Paul Doran-Jones, Jeremy Thrush, Jacob Rowan, Callum Braley, Mark Atkinson, Rob Cook

[propdavid_london]

Just got back from Rome!
Headlines I picked up on are Cipriani and possibly Pockock to Wasps! Thats a lot of cash to spend..
looks like NeV might be out for the season while Manu and DeVilliers are scheduled to be in the Tigers squad for next week.

[ChequeredJersey]

Just got back from Rome!
Headlines I picked up on are Cipriani and possibly Pockock to Wasps! Thats a lot of cash to spend..
looks like NeV might be out for the season while Manu and DeVilliers are scheduled to be in the Tigers squad for next week.  

Yep, not a great few days!

[propdavid_london]

Doesnt fill you with hope does it!

[yappysnap]

This game is a must win against Tigers, the players need it more then ever to get some confidence back. If we can scrape a victory any which way then I think straight away we'll see improved performances. Losing is a habit we need to break before it becomes too built in!

Prop, hope you enjoyed Rome. I went there a few years back for the 6N's and it was a lovely city. You got a far better game then I did too!

I hope Quins are looking to splash the cash for next season. Horwill, Roberts, Visser and Jones have all proved how signing the right kind of high profile Int player can make a difference if you've got the team and gameplan to suit them.

I'd like us to sign another front row player similar to Jones, another old head with lots of experience. I'd also like another no9 to replace Dickson and Tibaldi, and another 15 potentially as Chisholm, OLH or Swiel just aren't top quality players. Good squad men though.

OH AND A HIGH QUALITY FLY HALF!

[sad_gimp]

I thought Swiel was pretty handy at 10 when he was playing there.

I'd be fine if we didn't sign any players, we have a decent squad. A DoR would be nice!

[propdavid_london]

Swiel was very good ball in hand but his place kicking was woeful at times!
Had a blinding time Yappy.....not sure the hangover has fully kicked in yet though....which is worrying.

Tigers and Quins teams are out and I am more than a little concerened that this might be a bit of a humping!

[propdavid_london]

http://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12321/10162824/wayne-smith-ponders-several-options-with-harlequins-in-talks
Smith rumour gathering momentum...

[ChequeredJersey]

So happy to be wrong about the result!

[yappysnap]

Yes very happy to be proved wrong!

[nathan]

i'm not, still angry about it this morning!

Wallace is a great player, his turnover on Munipola (i think) where swung around back on to his feet to then win the turnover was brilliant.

[yappysnap]

I know that feeling Nathan. I'm sure the Tigers players feel the same too, hopefully with that anger combined with a greater understanding in the backs you'll win next week.

[propdavid_london]

I cant find the article but I heard somewhere that Yarde has been pulled into England and Visser to Scotland!
Leaves us a bit bare bones for the Wasps game!

[propdavid_london]

Harlequins team
15. Ross Chisholm
14. Marland Yarde
13. Winston Stanley
12. Harry Sloan
11. Charlie Walker
10. Ben Botica
9. Tito Tebaldi

1. Mark Lambert
2. Rob Buchanan
3. Adam Jones
4. George Merrick
5. James Horwill ©
6. James Chisholm
7. Luke Wallace
8. Mat Luamanu

Replacements
16. Dave Ward
17. Owen Evans
18. Kyle Sinckler
19. Charlie Matthews
20. Beau Robinson
21. Sam Egerton
22. Tim Swiel
23. Matt Hopper

Wasps team
15. Rob Miller
14. Christian Wade
13. Charles Piutau
12. Siale Piutau
11. Frank Halai
10. Jimmy Gopperth
9. Dan Robson

1. Matt Mullan ©
2. Carlo Festuccia
3. Jake Cooper-Woolley
4. James Cannon
5. Kearnan Myall
6. Thomas Young
7. George Smith
8. Nathan Hughes

Replacements
16. Ashley Johnson
17. Tom Bristow
18. Phil Swainston
19. Will Rowlands
20. Alex Rieder
21. Jamie Stevenson
22. Ruaridh Jackson
23. Brendan Macken

[ChequeredJersey]

Pretty sure Wasps will win, but I hope Quins prove me wrong again

[ChequeredJersey]

We'll won Wasps, expected the result though not the margin. It's no excuse, but we really need the England players, Visser and Roberts back, our depth is proven to not be good enough

[sad_gimp]

Expected result really...Wasps cleaning up while internationals are away.

Will watch the game when it's up on premiership rugby.

Any further rumours on a new DoR?

[yappysnap]

There was always the risk of this kind of result. Tbh it hasn't troubled me, but it does make the silly missed wins against Tigers, Exeter, Glos, Falcons and Saints even more annoying. A couple of wins from those games and we'd be in a far better position.

[propdavid_london]

That was a bit of a humping.......Thought with our internationals missing that that was the result we were going to end up with.
Wasps still missing Daly, Haskell, Bradley Davies and Cittadini shows some of the real strength they have.

COS says he was pleased with the heart that Quins displayed.........that's about all the positives that you can take from that game!
Quins were out played in pretty much every area.

[LondonTiger]

20th January 2016 - HARLEQUINS ANNOUNCED TODAY (20TH JANUARY) THAT ITS DIRECTOR OF RUGBY, CONOR O’SHEA HAS DECIDED TO LEAVE THE CLUB WHEN HIS CURRENT CONTRACT FINISHES AT THE END OF THE SEASON.

31st January 2016 - Falcons beat Quins
6th February 2016 - Saints beat Quins
13th February 2016 - Glaws beat Quins
19th February 2016 - Quins beat Tigers!!
28th February 2016 - Wasps thrash Quins
5th March 2016 Sale beat Quins

6 matches since COS departure was announced and 5 defeats. How significant a factor has this been in the run, as it also co-incided with 6Ns (so missing Marler, Robshaw, Clifford, Care and Brown) and then NEV got injured. Can this decline be arrested though with COS on his way out? With two home games up in the next fortnight against teams below them in the table Quins surely have to win both if they wish to finish top 6.

Can anything be done, or is this season now written off (still in Challenge Cup though) and the arrival of Wayne Smith awaited?

[sad_gimp]

Has Wayne Smith been confirmed?

I've basically written off this season now and resigned to a year or two of building under a new DoR. Not bitter about it, it's just the way of things. If we get Champions Cup spot it'll be a bonus.

[LondonTiger]

Wayne Smith still just a rumour, but one which the players apparently reacted well too. Unlike the Lancaster rumour.

[propdavid_london]

After the weekends performance I am resigned to mid-lower table now.
Just aiming for top 6 is about as good as it gets.
I fully expect to loose to Bath at home this Friday...............
Our absentees have shown the real lack of depth in the squad and that needs to be addressed by the incoming DOR.
LT - what's the good reaction? Chatter on twitter and the like? You would think that the players may have been given a bit more info than us, and if they are talking about Smith then that could be a good thing.

[yappysnap]

20th January 2016 - HARLEQUINS ANNOUNCED TODAY (20TH JANUARY) THAT ITS DIRECTOR OF RUGBY, CONOR O’SHEA HAS DECIDED TO LEAVE THE CLUB WHEN HIS CURRENT CONTRACT FINISHES AT THE END OF THE SEASON.

31st January 2016 - Falcons beat Quins
6th February 2016 - Saints beat Quins
13th February 2016 - Glaws beat Quins
19th February 2016 - Quins beat Tigers!!
28th February 2016 - Wasps thrash Quins
5th March 2016 Sale beat Quins

6 matches since COS departure was announced and 5 defeats. How significant a factor has this been in the run, as it also co-incided with 6Ns (so missing Marler, Robshaw, Clifford, Care and Brown) and then NEV got injured. Can this decline be arrested though with COS on his way out? With two home games up in the next fortnight against teams below them in the table Quins surely have to win both if they wish to finish top 6.

Can anything be done, or is this season now written off (still in Challenge Cup though) and the arrival of Wayne Smith awaited?

You've got to think it has had a big effect. Not just the results. But the terrible performances leading to those results. Yes we're missing key players, but the guys playing look completely disengaged at times. Some of those losses were just us playing utterly Poopie, and that's a massive change from the start of the season.

[propdavid_london]

Perhaps a lot of these poor performances are down to the players being uncertain about their future...not knowing who is going to be boss.
Yes they are under contract, but not knowing the style that the new DOR is going to demand and who he/she will favour can impact on confidence.

[propdavid_london]

Saw an article on the weekend saying that W.Smith has re-signed with NZRU..........So that ship has sailed!

Does this mean that SL is back as the front runner? Are there any more viable options?

[LondonTiger]

Mike Ford may be available soon

Promote from within maybe?

[yappysnap]

Lots of talk about promoting from within LT. But none of them fill me with confidence tbh

[sad_gimp]

I would rather promote from within than go with SL. I think he's the kind of coach that can make a bad team into a decent team....but he's not going to take a decent team on to being good or great.

We're a decent team at the moment, we need someone better than SL to get us back up to challenging for the title.

[propdavid_london]

Didn't John Kingston cameo for a season in doubling up his roles in the time between COS and Deano?
I don't think that was a particularly successful season.
Although Like mid_gen I would rather that scenario than SL.

Something isn't ticking for Bath either! I wonder if Toby Booth would look for a move back London way? Speculation there...not heard anything.
Matt Smith? the old lon Irish DOR and England attack cameo coach?
Neither get me excited.

Graham Henry might fancy a new challenge.

I have no idea what the financial situation is like for Quins......Are we able to pay top dollar for a top DOR?

[LondonTiger]

I think you may mean Brian Smith, prop.


I was wondering whether they would do something that would involve Nick's Easter and Evans filling coaching roles?

[sad_gimp]

What's Mike Catt up to these days?

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