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]

No, I think Rowntree has brought a lot of positives to the Quins pack - Sure I heard somewhere that they were the most successful scrum in the Prem so far. The Quins lineout though could do with some TLC.

No, I think Buchanan has too many good players infront of him at the moment - I thought the same when Grey first came through.
Ultimately Quins have 3 very good club guys in that position and I think they have all been in the Saxons - I cant see any of them going further than that.

[yappysnap]

Yes GF, Synkler and Chis both have looked good this season.

As Prop says Chis just brings that physicality that Clifford doesn't, also some very good offloads and dummies too. The England academy system seems to be breeding our forwards with the power of the old England players, but far better hands and skills. Chis reminds me of Itoje (don't tell BS!) he captained England at age group and has looked a stand out the whole time, is physical enough to mix with the old guys but his skill levels are so much better. Synkler too mixes insane physicality with the running lines of a back.

The future is bright.

[mid_gen]

Buchanan and Gray are both good but inconsistent. Ward is a great club player with his ability to switch to the back row, and brilliant at the breakdown. I don't think any of them are knocking on England's door at the moment but any of them could do a decent if unspectacular job if necessary.

I'm sure Chisholm will have got himself firmly on EJ's radar with that performance. Probably see him involved in the training squad soon assuming he keeps it up, he'll get plenty of gametime during the international window.

[propdavid_london]

Yes we must remember that for years David Paice was getting caps off the bench and as cover - I would rate all 3 of the Quins lads over Paice from a few seasons back.

[Poorfour]

Possibly a bit soon for international recognition - But I wouldn't be too surprised if he was brought in to the training camps for experience (as EJ seems to have a habit of doing).  

I must admit that I was particularly happy to see the front row stand up well to big and experienced French units.  Collier did well as did Buchanan.

Under normal circumstances it would be a bit early for Chis, but England are losing so many back rows to injury at the moment that it wouldn't be a surprise to see him called into the AI training squad.

The front row seems to have got their act together in the scrum and the lineout has also improved a lot in the last couple of games (though didn't see the Stade game, so maybe there's been a relapse). Good to see Buchanan back to something like his best; although there are a lot of contenders ahead of him, I think there's a decent chance he could tour with either the Saxons or England next year.

[propdavid_london]

Agree - assuming Hartley and or George travels on the Lions.

England senior would still have Taylor and LCD, there would still be some room in the Saxons then (if they tour) - or is there a known game scheduled for them?

Ward seems to be getting limited gametime at the moment - recent rotations have been with Buchanan and Grey.

[Geordie]

Yes GF, Synkler and Chis both have looked good this season.

As Prop says Chis just brings that physicality that Clifford doesn't, also some very good offloads and dummies too. The England academy system seems to be breeding our forwards with the power of the old England players, but far better hands and skills. Chis reminds me of Itoje (don't tell BS!) he captained England at age group and has looked a stand out the whole time, is physical enough to mix with the old guys but his skill levels are so much better. Synkler too mixes insane physicality with the running lines of a back.

The future is bright.

I think that's a crucial comment Yappy and one I actually agree with. It means we are now moving in the same direction of the AB's.

But im glad we are producing the physical players...as its an old England strength and I don't want us to lose our heritage too much

[propdavid_london]

Harlequins team
15. Mike Brown
14. Marland Yarde
13. Joe Marchant
12. Winston Stanley
11. Tim Visser
10. Nick Evans
9. Danny Care (C)

1. Joe Marler
2. Rob Buchanan
3. Will Collier
4. Charlie Matthews
5. James Horwill
6. Chris Robshaw
7. Luke Wallace
8. James Chisholm

Replacements
16. Joe Gray
17. Mark Lambert
18. Adam Jones
19. Mat Luamanu
20. Dave Ward
21. Karl Dickson
22. Tim Swiel
23. Alofa Alofa

Worcester Warriors team
15 Jamie Shillcock
14 Chris Pennell
13 Jackson Willison
12 Ben Te'o
11 Dean Hammond
10 Ryan Lamb
9 Jonny Arr

1 Val Rapava Ruskin
2 Jaba Bregvadze
3 Nick Schonert
4 Donncha O'Callaghan
5 Darren Barry
6 Alafoti Faosiliva
7 Carl Kirwan
8 Phil Dowson (C)

Replacements
16 Niall Annett
17 Na'ama Leleimalefaga
18 James Johnston
19 Charlie Hewitt
20 Dewald Potgieter
21 Luke Baldwin
22 Josh Adams
23 Wynand Olivier

[ChequeredJersey]

Injury wise, we are screwed again

[ChequeredJersey]

Gonna be a long international window

[ChequeredJersey]

Need some injury cover at 12, Sloan out all season.

[stub]

Warriors also hit hard by injuries (no Houghard, Vuna, Heem, Heathcote, Biggs to name a few.) Should be a comfortable win for Quins.

[propdavid_london]

I was a little concerned with the Worcester side - and then I saw Ryan Lamb running the show!

I've said it before, I would rather Swiel be starting for Quins - and I am not sure why we have rested Roberts for the international window next week and are still playing our English and Scots chaps!

Any news on Rory Jackson?

[ChequeredJersey]

Because Wales play an extra game early

[propdavid_london]

Yeah, but they play next week don't they - no problem releasing him under agreement and the (one off agreement the WRU has with PRL) but lets face it, he will come back from the WRU either crocked or knackered anyway and have to be rested then.
I think Quins could have done with him for this game at least...there are a lot of positions for Alofa Alofa to cover (11,12,13,14) with Swiel covering 10 and 15.

[ChequeredJersey]

Yeah, but they play next week don't they - no problem releasing him under agreement and the (one off agreement the WRU has with PRL) but lets face it, he will come back from the WRU either crocked or knackered anyway and have to be rested then.
I think Quins could have done with him for this game at least...there are a lot of positions for Alofa Alofa to cover (11,12,13,14) with Swiel covering 10 and 15.

I agree, just saying what I think the rationale is

[propdavid_london]

I didn't get to this game but sounds very much like a dull 1st half with lots of errors and a general feeling that its going to be one of those games.....then a 2nd have with much more accuracy and intensity.
These half time talks really seem to be making a difference.

[mid_gen]

Ugh Luamanu.

So much potential but undoes it all with reckless, badly judged hits.

He doesn't need to go high to smash people!

[ChequeredJersey]

I think it was a penalty at most, tbh

[mid_gen]

He did duck into it...but it's not like Luamanu doesn't have previous.

[propdavid_london]

http://www.quins.co.uk/news/harlequins-team-to-play-ospreys/

27 players injured or unavailable!

[ChequeredJersey]

If we can beat Tigers next week, I'll believe we can do anything

[propdavid_london]

I haven't seen anything of the ospreys game! Was surprised that they got the win though - wasn't expecting that!

Nice to have finally broken that away form duck! - Lets see what they can do against tigers then.

At least Leicester will be without - Cole, Ayerza?, Ben Youngs. (not as many as I would have hoped for! will they be missing any others?)

Quins still have a pretty extensive injury list - I guess Mulchrone and Alofa Alofa might be back from concussion.

[George Carlin]

So you boys are interested in young Hamish Watson, I hear?

He is superb and is still developing and so would be a very good capture for you.

Particularly as you have Robshaw and not a real openside...

[formerly known as Sam]

I think Luke Wallace and Clifford are more likely to be named at 7 than Robshaw, George. Wallace is as about an all out openside as you'll find.

Propdavid, Tigers will be missing; Cole, Balmain, Mulipola, Mike Williams, Ben Youngs, JPP, Manu, Toomua and possibly Vienau.

How many are Quins likely to be missing?

[ChequeredJersey]

I think Luke Wallace and Clifford are more likely to be named at 7 than Robshaw, George. Wallace is as about an all out openside as you'll find.

Propdavid, Tigers will be missing; Cole, Balmain, Mulipola, Mike Williams, Ben Youngs, JPP, Manu, Toomua and possibly Vienau.

How many are Quins likely to be missing?

Last weekend it was 27, but hopefully better than that. 

At least:

Marler, Sinckler, Holenstein, Twomey, Merrick, Reddish, Robshaw, Clifford, Luamanu, Talei, Care, Lang, Roberts, Sloan, Lowe, Marchant, Alofa, Hopper, Visser, Yarde, Ross Chisholm, Brown.

[ChequeredJersey]

Possibly Stanley

[formerly known as Sam]

Wow maybe Tigers have a chance. Given our inability to secure the ruck in defence or attack I had thought you'd have given us a torrid time.

[ChequeredJersey]

Back line is my worry, I actually want Yarde to be dropped so that we have another back available!

[yappysnap]

Team for Maori:


15. Ruaridh Jackson
14. Sam Aspland-Robinson
13. Gabriel Ibitoye
12. Henry Cheeseman
11. Jonas Mikalcius
10. Tim Swiel
9. Charlie Mulchrone

1. Dan Murphy
2. Joe Gray
3. Adam Jones (C)
4. Mark Reddish
5. Stan South
6. Dan Leo (Guest)
7. Archie White
8. George Naoupu

16. Charlie Piper
17. Owen Evans
18. Matt Shields
19. Bill Harding (Guest)
20. Alex Bradley (Guest)
21. Luc Jones
22. Luke Peters (Guest)
23. Alofa Alofa

[yappysnap]

Shame Evans isn't playing in this one

[propdavid_london]

So we are having to bring in guest players to get a team out! Grreat
Good for the kids though - been a while since we have seen Mickalcus

[propdavid_london]

Stand a better chance of winning with Swiel at the moment yappy.

[ChequeredJersey]

I'd love to see us bring in a player like Piers Francis or Huw Jones for injury cover to Sloan until the Super rugby season starts again. Though Jones now capped so I don't think we can bring him in

[ChequeredJersey]

Did better vs Maori than I anticipated!

[propdavid_london]

Has there been any talk of injury cover CJ?
It definitely seems like we could do with some! Did you see the Maori game live? Any further injuries for us to worry about?

I suspect as Swiel started mid week that they were resting NeV for Sundays game.

[mid_gen]

ffs

[mid_gen]

Well we tried to throw it away at the end by kicking possession away instead of punting the ball off the pitch, was nearly a repeat of Saints last season.

MotM for Clifford.

[Guest]

Time wasn't up, the TV clock was wrong as it failed to stop when Clifford was being seen to. Bizarre that Dallaglio would criticise Quins for not kicking the ball out immediately after he said that Bath had time to go for a lineout as there was 10seconds left

[ChequeredJersey]

Any win right now is a big win, we'll be boosted soon by the England guys, all playing well now, and an actual 12 and Horwill back.

Lots to work on, like fringe defence and not trying to spin wide too soon and actually running with any depth, but happy with some aspects and the win. Thanks yo both to teams for an entertaining match

[propdavid_london]

So, it seems our dismal away form is continuing into the New Year - I continually revise my expectations for Quins and currently feel that they are a mid to lower table team.
I don't want them qualifying for the top European tier if we cant compete with the bigger teams!

[mid_gen]

At least we managed to win when I was back in the UK over Christmas and got to the Big Game Pretty dismal atmosphere as usual though.

There has to be a problem with the coaching, we've got one of the best squads in the AP, no excuses for losing to teams like Worcester with a full strength squad out.

There's a malaise affecting the players, the plays look disjointed. There's nothing natural or dynamic about what we're doing it's all just training ground moves and players seem more occupied with following these moves than doing the basics, like passing and catching the ball.

Dare I say it, we could probably do with a Cockers a like to give the players a kick up the arse.

[mid_gen]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2017/01/05/karl-dickson-ready-quit-playing-career-harlequins-become-full/

Maybe losing Dickson at the end of the year. Never set the world alight but has been a decent backup for Care, we'll need to replace him.

[propdavid_london]

Mulchrone looks to be a good prospect.
DC may well start missing out on international duty (to Robson or AnOther) if current performances are to go by - Good news for Quins though if he is more available.

[George Carlin]

https://www.606v2.com/t64884-harlequins-v-edinburgh-rugby-14-january

[propdavid_london]

Rugby Tonight (last night) - mentioned 2 new signings for Quins.
I had heard of Catrakilis - but who was the 2nd signing?

[propdavid_london]

Team for Worcester in LV Cup -
Harlequins team
15. Aaron Morris
14. Charlie Walker
13. Matt Hopper
12. Winston Stanley
11. Alofa Alofa
10. Ruaridh Jackson
9. Karl Dickson

1. Owen Evans
2. Joe Gray
3. Matt Shields
4. Mark Reddish
5. Charlie Matthews
6. James Chisholm
7. Dave Ward (C)
8. Mat Luamanu

16. Elia Elia
17. Dan Murphy
18. Tyler Gendall
19. Stan South
20. George Naoupu
21. Charlie Mulchrone
22. Tim Swiel
23. Ross Chisholm

[little_badger]

Random question, why wouldn't Quins consider throwing their hat in for George Ford? Nev isn't getting any younger and it doesn't seem like you really have a quality 10 replacement.

[propdavid_london]

Not random at all - but less likely as they have Dimitri Catrikilis coming from Montpellier next season.
I am not massively excited about Catrikilis from what I have seen.
R.Jackson is on the books and starting this weekend and we have Swiel who is inconsistent. With NEv taking more of a coaching role next season that is still 3 10's on the books.

[yappysnap]

Problem is all 3 are flawed, Swiel is probably the best of the bunch. Jackson just seems to have gone downhill and Catrakilis is unknown but hardly bugged up by the French media.

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