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!

[yappysnap]

Oh and was that other signing the prop we got in as cover?

[propdavid_london]

Maybe that was him...the prop from Cornish Pirates!

[propdavid_london]

Hadn't realised that Dickson had broken his leg in the last game!

[propdavid_london]

Another shocking performance on Friday night

[propdavid_london]

Bath: Homer; Rokoduguni, Clark, Jennings, Wilson; Priestland, Fotuali'i; Catt, Dunn, Lahiff, Stooke, Ewels, Denton, Louw, Faletau.

Replacements: Batty, Obano, Palma-Newport, Ellis, Grant, Cook, Hastings, Davies.

Harlequins: Morris; Yarde, Marchant, Hopper, Visser; Jackson, Mulchrone; Evans, Buchanan, A Jones, Reddish, Matthews, J Chisholm, Ward (capt), Luamanu.

Replacements: Gray, Gendall, Shields, Merrick, Naoupu, L Jones, Evans, Alofa.

Referee: Craig Maxwell-Keys.

[mid_gen]

Our ball retention and breakdown work is appalling today. Just as well our defense is reasonably solid so far.

[propdavid_london]

A lot of talk of movement on the new signings board for other clubs - nothing of much excitement mentioned in relation to Quins.
Really feels as if JK is not doing anything and waiting for players to be fit again.

[propdavid_london]

Gloucester: Marshall; Sharples, Scott, Twelvetrees, Halaifonua; Burns, Heinz (capt.); Thomas. HIbbard, Afoa, Galarza, Thrush, Ludlow, Rowan, Morgan.

Replacements: Matu'u, Hohneck, Doran-Jones, Savage, Kalamafoni, Braley, Hook, Trinder.

Harlequins: R. Chisholm; Yarde, Marchant, Hopper, Visser; Swiel, Mulchrone; Lambert, Gray, Sinckler, Merrick, Matthews, J. Chisholm, Ward (capt.), Luamanu.

Replacements: Buchanan, Owens, Shields, South, Naoupu, Jones, Lang, Alofa.

[mid_gen]

Away win at last. Top 6 is achievable but we've got a horrible run-in.

Falcon Home
Sarries Away
Chiefs Home
Wasps Home
Saints Away

[propdavid_london]

Yeah, tough run in. I am not optimistic and generally feel that Kingston is just waiting for next season and injury returns.

I am not happy that there appears to be a lot of movement in the transfers market and Quins really aren't involved.

There was mention on the season transfers page that eggchasers were talking about Care and Brown moving away which would be pretty disastrous.

[propdavid_london]

Sundays LV Squad for Chiefs game -
Harlequins team
15. Ross Chisholm
14. Marland Yarde
13. Joe Marchant
12. Matt Hopper
11. Alofa Alofa
10. Ruaridh Jackson
9. Charlie Mulchrone

1. Mark Lambert
2. Joe Gray
3. Adam Jones
4. George Merrick
5. Charlie Matthews
6. George Naoupu
7. Dave Ward (C)
8. Mat Luamanu

16. Rob Buchanan
17. Owen Evans
18. Matt Shields
19. Stan South
20. Ryan Hodson
21. Luc Jones
22. James Lang
23. Charlie Walker

[propdavid_london]

And here is the injury update -
http://www.quins.co.uk/news/harlequins-injury-update-ahead-of-exeter-chiefs/

Released just before the weekends game - so that we aren't too harsh on the coaching staff if we get humped by Chiefs.

[LondonTiger]

Looks like Quins strongest available team?

[propdavid_london]

pretty much as good as it can be. Not particularly enthusiastic about the centre pairing and no idea what Charlie walker has to do to start! Not sure that Loumanu and Naoupu have it in the tank to go 80mins!

[ChequeredJersey]

And here is the injury update -
http://www.quins.co.uk/news/harlequins-injury-update-ahead-of-exeter-chiefs/

Released just before the weekends game - so that we aren't too harsh on the coaching staff if we get humped by Chiefs.

Our away/injured XV would be:

15- Brown
14- Visser
13- Lowe
12- Roberts
11- Morris
10- Evans
9- Care
8- Clifford
7- Wallace
6- Robshaw
5- Horwill
4- Reddish
3- Sinckler
2- Elia Elia
1- Marler

Bench - Holenstein, ___, Collier, Twomey, Chisholm (also Talei), Dickson, Swiel, Sloan


1 hooker aside, we can make a full 23 with that. And aside from Morris, Reddish, Elia Elia, Holenstein, and maybe Sloan, it's our first 23

[propdavid_london]

Doesn't sound good about Reddish.....talking to specialists and is on indefinite leave at the moment. Cant be too careful with concussion!

[propdavid_london]

Not a lot of positives to take from the weekends game.....same rhetoric coming from JK and the group. Try hard bla bla bla..

[mid_gen]

Dirge.

Expect we're going to get another season of JK and our best player only occasionally making the bench.

[propdavid_london]

Standard - good game last week against Falcons, then that game on Saturday!
I have never known a season to be so up and down......Nothing of any note from the coaches after the game......Just how good Sarries were.

[mid_gen]

Hopper off....not a real loss, never kicked on, in fact went backwards after a promising start.

How's Lowe getting on?

[yappysnap]

Bit of a shame to see Hopper go, but he never reached his potential with us. Had a brilliant start to his Quins career then went backwards.

All the best in France though and I hope he gets more of a chance to play 13 and run into some space, rather then crashing the ball up at 12 like the coaches at Quins now make him do.

[ChequeredJersey]

Should be a good match this one. I'm
Optimistic


Would love to at some point see Lowe back

[LondonTiger]

NICK EVANS HAS TODAY (TUESDAY 18TH APRIL) ANNOUNCED THAT HE WILL RETIRE FROM RUGBY AT THE END OF THE SEASON FOLLOWING A STELLAR CAREER WITHIN THE SPORT, AND AT THE CLUB.


On confirming the news, the former All Black said: “I thought leaving New Zealand was hard, but leaving the game I've played since I was eight years old, and professionally for 17 years, is tough. But when you know, you know.
“This game has taught me everything, showed me things I could never imagine and introduced me to people that are not teammates but family.
“I need to thank the clubs I have represented, the coaches- who have helped shape the player I am today- and the fans, both in New Zealand where it all started, and here in the UK, for their support and cheers.
“I will never be able to express how much representing the All Blacks, and living my childhood dream, meant to me.
“I want to thank my parents and brother who are my biggest fans, and thank them for all the support, trips to training and games, and their "constructive criticism" as only family can give.
“But most importantly my wife Sally and kids Olivia, Harry and Billy, thank you for being there through good and bad and making it easy to play the game I love; your support has been amazing.
“I couldn't think of a better shirt and place to finish my career at than Harlequins, I want to thank the Club and fans for making myself and my family feel unbelievably welcome; it has made our time so special.
“Importantly I have to also thank the players for keeping me going over my time here. I am only a little cog in the Harlequins machine and I couldn't have done anything without my mates beside me on the field.”

Joining Harlequins in 2008, he has been nothing short of monumental for the Club. In his 206 senior appearances, he has played 14, 693 minutes of rugby, and amassed a club record 2,217 points across 30 tries, 309 conversions, 476 penalties and seven drop goals.
Regarded as one of the best play makers in the game he has been one of the masterminds of the club’s success, unlocking its attacking potential with his deceptive pace and his ability to expose defensive weaknesses.
Among his many stand out moments, his last gasp drop goal against Stade Francais at The Stoop, kicking the winning conversion in the 2011 Amlin Challenge Cup Final, and scoring 20 points in the Aviva Premiership Final will live long in the history of Harlequins and its supporters.
It was in 2013 that he overtook Club President Bob Hiller’s 37 year record as the Club’s record points scorer and is the highest scoring overseas player in the Aviva Premiership.
At international level, Evans made his Test debut for New Zealand against England and won a total of 16 caps, scoring 103 points. He won the last of his caps at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
Away from the field, the keen fisherman has selflessly dedicated his time to mentoring the developing talent within the Club, and has also taken on the role of coaching at Wimbledon RFC in National 3.
A true professional on and off the field, he has written his name firmly into the Club’s history.

Confirming the news, Harlequins Director of Rugby, John Kingston said: “The word ‘legendary’ is really over used within the modern sporting world, but in the case of Nick Evans and his rugby playing career at Harlequins, it is the perfect description.
“From the moment he arrived in the summer of 2008, he has been at the forefront of taking the Club to heights never experienced before, including being crowned Aviva Premiership Champions in 2012.
“Not only has his on-field play been outstanding, but he has set the ultimate standards of professionalism in everything asked of him during his time here.
“It is a huge statement to make but I genuinely question if any player in the history of the Club has had such an impact on team performances.
“I have no doubt he will make his decision on ‘what next?’ in his usual diligent manner but whatever it is, I wish him, Sally and his children all the very best while thanking him immensely for his incredible contribution to Harlequins."

[yappysnap]

A true club legend.

I've been lucky enough to meet Evans a couple of times and he's always been very quiet and unassuming off the pitch, you can tell though that he loves the club.

He'll be remembered as one of the best players we've ever had, and rightly as one of the best 10's of all time, just unfortunately (for him not for Quins) at the same time as Carter. If he was born in any other country he'd have 100 Int caps to his name too.

[propdavid_london]

NEv was one of the best signings in Quins history.
Prem final and the back to back wins against Stade are the stand out games in my memory.
As Yappy said, a true club legend - I was under the impression that he was going into a coaching role for Quins (presume that isn't happening) Although there is no comment on what he will do next. If I was NEv I would enjoy a break, head home and enjoy the Lions tour.
Perhaps he will enter punditry.

[propdavid_london]

On a different note, that will free up some significant wedge in the salary cap...........Confident that we will sign someone as key as NEv............ZERO

[propdavid_london]

Dickson now retiring too - http://www.quins.co.uk/news/karl-dickson-to-retire-at-the-end-of-the-season/

[LondonTiger]

I had not realised he had been reffing at championship level this season. The kind of person Quins will miss, not on matchday but during the week in training.

[propdavid_london]

Yes, he has been building his refereeing experience for a number of years now. Actually very good and seems to be on a bit of a fast track program. Hopefully, if he decides to we could see him follow Glen Jackson path and eventually get internationals.

[propdavid_london]

Mike Ross hanging up his boots.....
What a great front row that was for Quins -
Ceri Jones, Tani Fuga, Mike Ross.

[mid_gen]

Hopefully Swiel will kick on with more starting game time, I think he's a real talent.

I reckon we have a pretty competitive 1st XV as it stands, it's the cover that worries me.

With the exception of Walker obviously.....it's a shame we can't accommodate him in the starting XV as neither Visser nor Yarde can play any other position.

[Ozzy3213]

I was discussing Quins with some friends earlier, none of whom were Quins supporters but were fans of a mixture of clubs, and all had the same opinion, that you guys have not moved on at all in the past 3 to 4 years and your squad has a strange feel to it where you have a really good 1st XV when you have all your internationals available, but the drop off from them to the rest of your squad is massive.

Most agreed that you probably ought to ship Care and Brown on as they are likely on a decent whack and you do not get value for money from them, largely down to age and the amount of time they spend unavailable to you.

Would be interested to know Quins fans views on the above, as that is a view that comes completely from the outside looking in.

[propdavid_london]

I think that is a fair assessment Ozzy. They are still trying to play this flamboyant style offloading game, even when its not on.
Issues over the last few years have been - competing when core players are out (DC, Brown, Robshaw, Marler - Evans when injured).
Pack physicality and aggressive ball carriers.

Care has had a really strange season 'form wise' perhaps it is time for him to move on - Mulchrone looks to be very good, but with Dickson stepping down I cant see Care going anywhere soon - and he will likely be with England only a bit longer, so Quins will start getting their moneys worth from him.

Brown - I wouldn't want him going anywhere, its been a while since we have seen him busting the line but he offers a physicality that we have lacked in the midfield at times (especially when fielding a partnership of hopper/Marchant etc.)

Most frustration has been with the coaching setup - there isn't a lot of trust with Kingston and co. I am not sure that Kingston will be able to take the team in a new direction....but we will see.
A new 10 in Catrakilis, may take Quins down a more structured route (SA kick and chase - might be doing him a disservice) - Or we may give Swiel the spot that will be more attacking based (but he really needs to get his % kicking up and game management).

[mid_gen]

I think we should hang on to DC and Brown personally...there's a good chance the one or both are going to be available during international windows by next season.

I think Yarde and Visser are both quality players but Walker is just as good, if not better and he's not going to hang around if he doesn't get game time. Looks like Yarde is out of the England setup for now while Visser is in with Scotland, so I'd lose Visser and have Walker in the starting XV.

The pack I think is in decent shape...although maybe some cheap gnarly old ex-internationals that can cover us during internationals wouldn't go amiss.

Marchant is coming along nicely, only problem being he's likely to be away on internationals for the forseeable. Hopefully Lowe can stay fit....

[propdavid_london]

Is Lowe going to be in the picture next season.
There is also Tom Casson and Harry Sloan who were both offering that physical edge in the mid-field. I had heard rumour somewhere that Roberts was leaving soon too! Something about a move for Francis Saili.

[George Carlin]

I think that is a fair assessment Ozzy.  They are still trying to play this flamboyant style offloading game, even when its not on.  
Issues over the last few years have been - competing when core players are out (DC, Brown, Robshaw, Marler - Evans when injured).
Pack physicality and aggressive ball carriers.  

Care has had a really strange season 'form wise' perhaps it is time for him to move on - Mulchrone looks to be very good, but with Dickson stepping down I cant see Care going anywhere soon - and he will likely be with England only a bit longer, so Quins will start getting their moneys worth from him.

Brown - I wouldn't want him going anywhere, its been a while since we have seen him busting the line but he offers a physicality that we have lacked in the midfield at times (especially when fielding a partnership of hopper/Marchant etc.)

Most frustration has been with the coaching setup - there isn't a lot of trust with Kingston and co.  I am not sure that Kingston will be able to take the team in a new direction....but we will see.  
A new 10 in Catrakilis, may take Quins down a more structured route (SA kick and chase - might be doing him a disservice) - Or we may give Swiel the spot that will be more attacking based (but he really needs to get his % kicking up and game management).

I think you'll be surprised with how good Demetri Catrakilis is - a 90% goalkicker with excellent game management. He's not 'one note' at all.

[propdavid_london]

I hope so George - 90% is a great stat.

[Scottrf]

I hope so George - 90% is a great stat.

Yeah would be by some distance the best goalkicker in the world.

[propdavid_london]

I'd be happy with an 80% man

[propdavid_london]

http://rugby.statbunker.com/competitions/KickingStrikeRate?comp_id=525

[ChequeredJersey]

I think that is a fair assessment Ozzy.  They are still trying to play this flamboyant style offloading game, even when its not on.  
Issues over the last few years have been - competing when core players are out (DC, Brown, Robshaw, Marler - Evans when injured).
Pack physicality and aggressive ball carriers.  

Care has had a really strange season 'form wise' perhaps it is time for him to move on - Mulchrone looks to be very good, but with Dickson stepping down I cant see Care going anywhere soon - and he will likely be with England only a bit longer, so Quins will start getting their moneys worth from him.

Brown - I wouldn't want him going anywhere, its been a while since we have seen him busting the line but he offers a physicality that we have lacked in the midfield at times (especially when fielding a partnership of hopper/Marchant etc.)

Most frustration has been with the coaching setup - there isn't a lot of trust with Kingston and co.  I am not sure that Kingston will be able to take the team in a new direction....but we will see.  
A new 10 in Catrakilis, may take Quins down a more structured route (SA kick and chase - might be doing him a disservice) - Or we may give Swiel the spot that will be more attacking based (but he really needs to get his % kicking up and game management).

I think you'll be surprised with how good Demetri Catrakilis is - a 90% goalkicker with excellent game management. He's not 'one note' at all.

Would be. I've got us to be able to play either way.

I'm most interested in what happens at centre. It's key for us, Roberts may or may not be staying and has varied very good games recently and good off the ball lines with some
Dross, Sloan and Lowe's injuries seem worrying severe, and nobody else at 12 has stepped up and we have lost Hopper. I assume someone is on their way, either a 10-12 maybe or a 12 who can cover 13? Saili would be welcome.

The other big one would be a class 9 (don't think Lewis is a good enough replacement for Dickson esp with Danny up and down), and another big lock. Front row should be fine for years in terms of 1st and second team, could do with depth. Back row looks good, we are unlucky with injuries there but Luamanu stepping up. Another workhorse or a fit Talei would be good. 13 needs depth, but Marchant looks like the real deal. Wing fine, 15 depends on Brown and whether he stays

[propdavid_london]

Marchant could do with tightening up on defence, but all the ingredients are there.

There are a number of young prospects too - Lang, Mikalkus stand out when playing 7s - surely they will get a shot at some point. Perhaps still too soon.

Would be nice to have a fully fit squad to select from next season. The form of Chisholm will be hard to ignore, a fit Clifford will need some gametime. As you say CJ, Loumanu has really benefited and stepped up at the end of the season (looks a bit shaky at the start-certainly a penalty machine).
Back row is well stocked, also including Robshaw and Wallace.

You are right CJ - 12/13 is a problem.

Is R.Jackson staying?

Winston Stanley is still on the books.
Charlie Walker is listed as a wing/centre.

[propdavid_london]

So, Now Jackson is confirmed to be leaving........So close to the start of the season. Are we likely to sign another Utility back?

No. 10 - Brown, Chisholm, Aron Morris, Swiel has covered 15, Alofa Alofa?,
No. 15 - Catrakilis, Swiel, Lang, the young 18yr old called up by EJ!

We are a bit short in both of these positions! (I am sure I am missing someone).

[propdavid_london]

Marchant could cover 15 perhaps!

[SirBurger]

I think you have 10 and 15 the wrong way round there, unless Brown has improved his distributing!

Any idea of what your team will look like for the LDH?

[propdavid_london]

Oops - quite right SirBurger...
I have no idea really - I could take a punt and as ever - depending on fitness.
Could have a team like -
Marler, Buchanan, Sinkler,
Horwell(c), Merrick
Robshaw, Wallace, Clifford,
Care, Catrakilis
Visser
Saili, Marchant
Yarde
Brown

Bench - Lambert, Ward, Collier, Charlie Matthews, J.Chisholm\Loamanu, replacement no9?, Roberts, Swiel

[SirBurger]

Looks pretty strong - no real injury worries then? Has Renaldo Bothma arrived yet?

I will be really interested to see how Catrakilis goes for Quins. I really rate him, but I am not sure he is the best fit for Quins unless the style of play changes dramatically.

[propdavid_london]

I have no idea on injuries really - I would hope that the squad is fit and raring to go for the start of the season!
George Lowe has been out for a long time - may be forced to retire if things don't improve. Harry Sloan I heard played in the 1st pre-season against Bristol (no idea how he did though).

The problem with new arrivals is that we don't know if they will be thrown in at the deep end or eased into 1st team action!
We could well see Swiel starting the LDH as he has more familiarity with Danny C.
Bothma is that Namibian back row isn't he?
Also, I don't know a huge amount about the newbies either! Would be good to see some of them hit the ground running.

[propdavid_london]

RE my earlier post - Charlie Mulchrone is the back up no9 - seemed to be pretty sharp at the tail end of last season.

[propdavid_london]

Kingston may well be looking to change the style of play.
A lot of fans were not happy with him and his teams performance last season. Gaining Europe has given him a 'pass' at the moment - but if the team starts imploding like we saw on more than a few occasions last year then the crowds will start turning on him again.

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