Harelquins vs. Toulouse

Team's up

15. Mike Brown
14. Seb Stegmann
13. Matt Hopper
12. Benjamin Urdapilleta
11. Sam Smith
10. Nick Evans
9. Danny Care

1. Joe Marler
2. Chris Brooker
3. James Johnston
4. Tomas Vallejos
5. George Robson
6. Maurie Fa'asavalu
7. Chris Robshaw (C)
8. Nick Easter

16. Joe Gray
17. Mark Lambert
18. Kyle Sinckler
19. Charlie Matthews
20. Luke Wallace
21. Richard Bolt
22. Rory Clegg
23. Ugo Monye

Young bench for the Quins, could be a baptism of fire for Kyle Sinckler!

11-14 are very inexperienced at this level, so will be a real test for them. This should prove Quins toughest test to date.

Toulouse team :

1 Poux
2 Botha
3 Johnston
4 Lamboley
5 Maestri
6 Nyanga
7 Dusautoir
8 Picamoles
9 Burgess
10 McAlister
11 Matavanou
12 Jauzion
13 Fritz
14 Clerc
15 Medard

subs: David, Donguy, Doussain, Falefa Johnston, Millo-Chluski, Montes, Servat, Sowerby

The back row battle will be very interesting. Picamoles is such a fantastic 8, and I hope he starts for France with Harinordoquy at blindside come the 6 nations. Nyanga has been so unlucky to not feature more for France, as he is such a talent imo. Add Dusautoir to the equation and that is one dangerous back row.

Robshaw specifically will be really tested here. His future England prospects I think will depend a lot on this game.

This game will be afscinating. A barometer of where the Quins are this season and if ther current form is a flash in the pan or not.

I can't wait.

Get to Mcallister. He's a flakey 10. And Quins have a great chance.

Rory_Gallagher wrote:The back row battle will be very interesting. Picamoles is such a fantastic 8, and I hope he starts for France with Harinordoquy at blindside come the 6 nations. Nyanga has been so unlucky to not feature more for France, as he is such a talent imo. Add Dusautoir to the equation and that is one dangerous back row.

Robshaw specifically will be really tested here. His future England prospects I think will depend a lot on this game.

I totally agree...that some back row for the French. If Robshaw can shine or perform well...then i think he will have to start for England...

Toulouse front 5 does not look as strong as it has in the past - though there are good players on the bench. Their back line does look pretty awesome.

As has been said the back row confrontation looks decidedly juicy.

LondonTiger wrote:Toulouse front 5 does not look as strong as it has in the past - though there are good players on the bench. Their back line does look pretty awesome.

As has been said the back row confrontation looks decidedly juicy.

Toulouse front 5 are basically 2nd choices with Boukerou, Albacete and Steenskamp injured and Servat/Millo-chluski on the bench.
Is Quins pack a big strengh for them?

whocares -

Why do you think Nyanga has been neglected all these years for France?

bad luck and a very nasty injury 2 years ago (if I remember correctly it was after the last harlequin-toulouse game).
also his level of fitness has actually improved since he came back, he's more consistent now than he ever was and can now be good during 80 minutes.

Big fan of Nyanga he has all the physical attributes of a great flanker and is a thorn in the side of the opposition. The combination of him and Dusautoir is one to watch out for. Add Imanol in there instead of Picamoles come the 6N and that will be a backrow to cause people problems, especially with the likes of Julien Bonnaire on the bench.

A lot of experience and a lot of class in the backrow but as already pointed out, McAllister isn't the most reliable 10 and is probabley a better 12. Quins could really do with having a more experienced centre available to them but injury really has taken it's toll, as a Tigers fan it's sad to see that Ollie Smith is still out injured.

whocares wrote:bad luck and a very nasty injury 2 years ago (if I remember correctly it was after the last harlequin-toulouse game).
also his level of fitness has actually improved since he came back, he's more consistent now than he ever was and can now be good during 80 minutes.

Could you see him making an appearance this 6 nations?

formerly known as Sam wrote:Big fan of Nyanga he has all the physical attributes of a great flanker and is a thorn in the side of the opposition. The combination of him and Dusautoir is one to watch out for. Add Imanol in there instead of Picamoles come the 6N and that will be a backrow to cause people problems, especially with the likes of Julien Bonnaire on the bench.

A lot of experience and a lot of class in the backrow but as already pointed out, McAllister isn't the most reliable 10 and is probabley a better 12. Quins could really do with having a more experienced centre available to them but injury really has taken it's toll, as a Tigers fan it's sad to see that Ollie Smith is still out injured.

Agreed, but I would stick Picamoles on the bench instead.

Rory_Gallagher wrote:

whocares wrote:bad luck and a very nasty injury 2 years ago (if I remember correctly it was after the last harlequin-toulouse game).
also his level of fitness has actually improved since he came back, he's more consistent now than he ever was and can now be good during 80 minutes.

Could you see him making an appearance this 6 nations?

on current form he would make at least the bench then its mainly a question on how mobile vs powerful you want your backrow to be and also you have to look at how complimentary with the 2nd row it can be . with someone like picamoles at 8, you better have some serious line-out specialist at 4 and 5 and/or someone like bonnaire or harinordoquy in the backrow. So to have nyanga in the backrow, better have hari alongside him at 8.

Can't wait for this game. I wasn't convinced Quins good run would last once the WC players returned to the AP but they have proved me wrong. They are looking like a really serious outfit at the moment and Friday is the ultimate test as to their european ambitions.

I had Touluse nailed on for this a few weeks ago, I'm not so sure now. I think Quins can win this but they will need to keep it pretty tight and not give anything to what is a pretty intimidating back 3.

Should be a cracking match. Think the second string centre pairing could be a big problem for Quins though.

Evans v McAlister should be a good match up to.

All I can remember from Nyanga in the six nations is if him tripping people up on the sly. Don't quote me on this but I am sure he broke somebody's ankle whilst doing this. I am sure his ommssion from the French side was more down to his attitude and dicsipline than injuries and bad luck.

p.s I am going for a win for Harlequins.

Should be a great match. Harlequins are the top team in the Aviva, By nine points over Saracens. Toulouse are top of the Top14 leading second place Clermont Auvergne by 3 points but the gap between Toulouse, CA and third place Castres is definitive in their league.

Looking at the players selected Toulouse, as expected, are rammed full of the huge names of European Rugby, Harlequins are very much a home grown team.

It's a big "Le Crunch" weekend in the HEC.

I've just remembered I'm busy tomorrow night . Definitely be putting this one on Sky+.

LordDowlais wrote:All I can remember from Nyanga in the six nations is if him tripping people up on the sly. Don't quote me on this but I am sure he broke somebody's ankle whilst doing this. I am sure his ommssion from the French side was more down to his attitude and dicsipline than injuries and bad luck.

What year was this? I remember him having a stormer of a tournament in the 6 nations of 2006, and he was gradually phased out then completely dropped when Lievremont took over. I can't remember anything like this.

Rory_Gallagher wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:All I can remember from Nyanga in the six nations is if him tripping people up on the sly. Don't quote me on this but I am sure he broke somebody's ankle whilst doing this. I am sure his ommssion from the French side was more down to his attitude and dicsipline than injuries and bad luck.

What year was this? I remember him having a stormer of a tournament in the 6 nations of 2006, and he was gradually phased out then completely dropped when Lievremont took over. I can't remember anything like this.

LD you may be confusing Nyanga with Serge Betsen, who broke Stuart Abbott's leg in 2005. But that was in a HC pool match.

Nyanga did obstruct Sean O'Brien playing against Leinster in last seasons HC semi, and SOB clumped him.

robbo277 wrote:I've just remembered I'm busy tomorrow night . Definitely be putting this one on Sky+.

You should unbusy yourself...could be epic!!

Red Right wrote:

robbo277 wrote:I've just remembered I'm busy tomorrow night . Definitely be putting this one on Sky+.

You should unbusy yourself...could be epic!!

My little bro (7) is going away for a month, so we are having a Christmas party for him. The little bugger gets a month in India AND an extra Christmas while I don't even get to watch tie of the weekend in the Heineken Cup.

Hound_of_Harrow wrote:

Rory_Gallagher wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:All I can remember from Nyanga in the six nations is if him tripping people up on the sly. Don't quote me on this but I am sure he broke somebody's ankle whilst doing this. I am sure his ommssion from the French side was more down to his attitude and dicsipline than injuries and bad luck.

What year was this? I remember him having a stormer of a tournament in the 6 nations of 2006, and he was gradually phased out then completely dropped when Lievremont took over. I can't remember anything like this.

LD you may be confusing Nyanga with Serge Betsen, who broke Stuart Abbott's leg in 2005. But that was in a HC pool match.

Nyanga did obstruct Sean O'Brien playing against Leinster in last seasons HC semi, and SOB clumped him.

No I am positive this was in 2009, when Wales played France and lost, they scored a try from Nyanga tripping somebody, might have been Martin Williams, I will concede that Betsen might have broke somebodys leg though, but I am sure scrum V used the footage to see what could happen due to this action, and I might have got the two mixed up, but Nyanga defenitley done this.

Nyanga did obstruct Sean O'Brien playing against Leinster in last seasons HC semi, and SOB clumped him.

Yes I remember the manly cheap shot when Nyanga wasn't looking. No idea how the touch judge missed that one. Was quite a cynical block though.

LordDowlais wrote:

Hound_of_Harrow wrote:

Rory_Gallagher wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:All I can remember from Nyanga in the six nations is if him tripping people up on the sly. Don't quote me on this but I am sure he broke somebody's ankle whilst doing this. I am sure his ommssion from the French side was more down to his attitude and dicsipline than injuries and bad luck.

What year was this? I remember him having a stormer of a tournament in the 6 nations of 2006, and he was gradually phased out then completely dropped when Lievremont took over. I can't remember anything like this.

LD you may be confusing Nyanga with Serge Betsen, who broke Stuart Abbott's leg in 2005. But that was in a HC pool match.

Nyanga did obstruct Sean O'Brien playing against Leinster in last seasons HC semi, and SOB clumped him.

No I am positive this was in 2009, when Wales played France and lost, they scored a try from Nyanga tripping somebody, might have been Martin Williams, I will concede that Betsen might have broke somebodys leg though, but I am sure scrum V used the footage to see what could happen due to this action, and I might have got the two mixed up, but Nyanga defenitley done this.

You seem so positive, but you do realise that Nyanga wasn't actually involved in the 2009 six nations?

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Nyanga did obstruct Sean O'Brien playing against Leinster in last seasons HC semi, and SOB clumped him.

Yes I remember the manly cheap shot when Nyanga wasn't looking. No idea how the touch judge missed that one. Was quite a cynical block though.

He was being grabbed and he swung round without looking. Doesn't sound like a "cheap shot" to me. He shouldn't have hit him, but he did not look and he swung back because someone else was cheating. Nyanga was playing dirty, and should have been yellowed for obstruction.

I am so psyched for this game!!

Just about to finish work, head to the pub for a pint then get home for pie, ale and Quins v Toulouse. Sorted.

Rory_Gallagher wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

Hound_of_Harrow wrote:

Rory_Gallagher wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:All I can remember from Nyanga in the six nations is if him tripping people up on the sly. Don't quote me on this but I am sure he broke somebody's ankle whilst doing this. I am sure his ommssion from the French side was more down to his attitude and dicsipline than injuries and bad luck.

What year was this? I remember him having a stormer of a tournament in the 6 nations of 2006, and he was gradually phased out then completely dropped when Lievremont took over. I can't remember anything like this.

LD you may be confusing Nyanga with Serge Betsen, who broke Stuart Abbott's leg in 2005. But that was in a HC pool match.

Nyanga did obstruct Sean O'Brien playing against Leinster in last seasons HC semi, and SOB clumped him.

No I am positive this was in 2009, when Wales played France and lost, they scored a try from Nyanga tripping somebody, might have been Martin Williams, I will concede that Betsen might have broke somebodys leg though, but I am sure scrum V used the footage to see what could happen due to this action, and I might have got the two mixed up, but Nyanga defenitley done this.

You seem so positive, but you do realise that Nyanga wasn't actually involved in the 2009 six nations?

Are you sure ? The more I think about it the more I think I am right. I was there, it was a Friday night game, I am positive. My memory cannot be that bad can it ? If Nyanga did not play for France, then who did ?

Positive. He wasn't selected at all under Leivremont. Here is the 2009 squad:

http://www.rbs6nations.com/en/france/1434.php?includeref=dynamic&filter=yes&searchyear=2008&searchname=

In fact the last 6 nations Nyanga played in was 2006 I'm fairly sure.

Hey, I just got home with 30 minutes top spare before ko.
What's the betting line on this match?
And does anyone think Quins have a shot in hell to win this?

I know Quins haven't lost yet this season, but I just don't see them as being as strong as their record indicates. And Too-Loose can beat anyone, anywhere.

Whacha think?

doctor_grey wrote:Hey, I just got home with 30 minutes top spare before ko.
What's the betting line on this match?
And does anyone think Quins have a shot in hell to win this?

I know Quins haven't lost yet this season, but I just don't see them as being as strong as their record indicates. And Too-Loose can beat anyone, anywhere.

Whacha think?

Stuck at work as one of the other guys needed to sneak away early today so I won't get to see the game live (pvr is all set). My feeling is a tight game, maybe Quins by 5 say 18-13. I'm total crap at predicting scores and gave up loosing money on sport years ago. Anyway, my prediction should guarantee a french victory if nothing else (it usually does favour the other team), which is a shame as I hope Quins continue their amazing start to the season.

On a side note I hope Robshaw plays well. I'm a little bit unconvinced he has the pace to be effective at the very top level, although I hope I'm wrong.

Not sure why but thinking Harlequins are gonna win this one by a couple of points.

Picamoles is doing some serious damage!

In fact Quins are gonna be doing well to get anything from this game...Toulouse are rampant...

GeordieFalcon wrote:Picamoles is doing some serious damage!

Outstanding player. Should be the starting 8 for France with Harinordoquy at blindside.

He really is Rory....some of those runs have been....dare i say it Lomuesque...

Yeh - expected Harlequins to be in this, they arent at the minute.

Ironically from all the debate about no good England 8's.....the constantly criticised Easter is playing well...

IMO Easter must start for England this 6 nations. He is your best 8 by a fair margin and has the experience. I mean, what other options are there? Waldrom? I wouldn't want him playing personally if I was an english fan..

As crazy as ML was prone to be, I could never understand why he didn't start Harinordoquy & Picamoles together more often. Think he only did twice if memory serves, he seemed to prefer Lakafia or Ouedraogo at 8 if Hari played blindside.

Toulouse definitely on top, just a more dominant forward display, and think Quins second choice centre pairing is depriving them of much needed punch in midfield.

Sorry, but Clancy is reffing the Toulouse 'reputation' here. How he missed the ST player coming in from the side to clear the ruck, and then missed the two forward passes before the try beggars belief. He was in a perfect position to see all of that.

Toulouse are the better team but are getting the rub of the green here.

Is it me...or do the Quins forwards look quite a bit smaller than the Toulouse pack....?

Easter must start...and your right i dont want Waldrom anywhere near the team...

Are you suggesting

6 Harinor...
7 Dusutoir
8 Piucamoles...

Thats one tasty back row...ouch

I don't think ML liked Picamoles in general. He described him as inconsistent.

GeordieFalcon wrote:Is it me...or do the Quins forwards look quite a bit smaller than the Toulouse pack....?

Easter must start...and your right i dont want Waldrom anywhere near the team...

Are you suggesting

6 Harinor...
7 Dusutoir
8 Piucamoles...

Thats one tasty back row...ouch

Yes definitely, though France usually play Hari at 7 and Dusautoir at 6 in a left-right system.. though really they are blindside and openside respectively.

That backrow I think could challenge any other.

Quins are fortunate to only trail by a point. I know Mike Brown scored, but I still think he looks like he belongs in an asylum. Lad makes me nervous.

I think he's a cracking player though...but still behind Foden.