The Leicester Tigers thread

[Portnoy]

First topic message reminder :

2012/3 may well prove to be a memorable one.

For once, there seems to be (albeit not unplumbable) strength in depth, a fairly healthy squad and a straightforward, uncomplicated international season.

[formerly known as Sam]

nothing wrong with the letters!! They'd still be wearing them if allowed.

And Bath shouldn't have a number 13. The letters are still on the shirts but under the badge on the front rather than on the back.

Tait is hopefully the next Tigers 15. Murphy is set to retire and the other club options aren't of the same class.

[Portnoy's Complaint]

Does anyone know if, now that WR is no longer a 2015 RWC venue, the stadium development plans have been formally shelved?

[LondonTiger]

Not shelved. The next stage is the car park which will be a big revenue stream for the club.

[Portnoy's Complaint]

But what can be done with the extra revenue LT?

Surely the NCP bit implies the removal of the changing rooms.

Now I have changed for rugby games by a hedge. But I'm not so stupid as to think that even the oldest of oldest Tigers ex-players would have been too happy.

The Crumbie either has to go or, like the Shed, it has to be preserved in aspic.

[Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler]

nothing wrong with the letters!! They'd still be wearing them if allowed.

And Bath shouldn't have a number 13. The letters are still on the shirts but under the badge on the front rather than on the back.

Tait is hopefully the next Tigers 15. Murphy is set to retire and the other club options aren't of the same class.

They have made do for most of the last 3 years without Murphy though, his injury record is starting to resemble Taits. Its certainly about time they unearthed a sucessor. Personaly Im still heavily Tait sceptic, although its hard to beleive how young he is.

[formerly known as Sam]

Surely the NCP bit implies the removal of the changing rooms

The changing rooms will remain under the Crumbie and the NCP leased multi storey will sit behind it on the scrap ground currently used as a make shift car park.

They have made do for most of the last 3 years without Murphy though

He played most of last season, the season before he had issues but he normally manages two thirds of a season. Tait is only 26, move him out of the midfield firing line and let him use his incisive running and he might be a damn good signing yet. He's got a lot of catching up to do though as there are more than a few sceptics in the Tigers fanbase.

[LondonTiger]

LV Lineups v LI. Apart from TOL is that a full strength LI team?

Leicester Tigers (vs London Irish, Welford Road, Sunday 3pm)
15 Mathew Tait
14 Andy Forsyth
13 Matt Smith
12 Dan Bowden
11 Alex Lewington
10 George Ford
9 Micky Young
1 Boris Stankovich
2 Rob Hawkins
3 Fraser Balmain
4 Rob Andrew
5 Ed Slater
6 Michael Noone
7 Richard Thorpe
8 Brett Deacon (c)

Replacements
16 Jimmy Stevens
17 Jonny Harris
18 Kieran Brookes
19 Joe Cain
20 Jordan Crane
21 Sam Harrison
22 Andrew Symons
23 Henry Purdy

London Irish: 15 Anthony Watson; 14 Topsy Ojo; 13 Jonathan Joseph; 12 Shane Geraghty; 11 Sailosi Tagicakibau; 10 Ian Humphreys; 9 Darren Allinson; 1 Alex Corbisiero; 2 Scott Lawson; 3 Leo Halavatau; 4 George Skivington; 5 Matt Garvey; 6 Declan Danaher (c); 7 Jamie Gibson; 8 Alex Gray
Replacements: 16 Brian Blaney; 17 Max Lahiff; 18 Cai Griffiths; 19 Bryn Evans; 20 Chris Hala'ufia; 21 Tom Homer; 22 Steven Shingler; 23 Finlay Barnham

[formerly known as Sam]

If LI can't beat a Tigers second team with their firsts then they are going to have a lot of problems this season.

[Ozzy3213]

Just as a point of order, it's not our firsts. It's a strong side with a large proportion of first choice players in, and yes, really if we get beat this week we have a problem, but it's not our firsts.

Paice, Aulika, Evans, Hala'ufia, O'Leary and Homer would all definitely start in our first choice side, with also possibly Armitage/Ansbro/Sa at 12 over Geraghty.

Also, I know that it's not your best side, but it's a lot stronger than you sent out last week, with the players in jerseys 1,2,4,5,7,8,9,10,12,14 and 15 all having played a number of Premiership games for you (or other sides).

[LondonTiger]

Oh it is a stronger Tigers 15 than last week, and I hope with home advabtage they can do the job that is required.

I look at that lineup from LI and wonder why they are 11th in AP. I had forgotten Paice (oops) but the rest would not materially improve the team - and in the case of Homer could actually weaken it if he was selected.

[Ozzy3213]

LT, sorry mate and no offence but you are way off the mark if you think Aulika, Evans, Hala'ufia and O'Leary don't massively improve the side. They have arguably been our 4 best players this season, and by some distance.

[Portnoy's Complaint]

Has to be said that last week's side was tempered by the Maori fixture.

[Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler]

http://www.espnscrum.com/premiership-2012-13/rugby/story/173164.html

Leicester Tigers' Welford Road home has been named the Venue of the Year at the Rugby Expo awards in London.

Welford Road is an iconic home of rugby. It is the biggest dedicated club rugby stadium in the country, with the biggest home crowds in the country, and we take huge pride in the number of world-class players who have played here either for Tigers or with visiting teams from across the UK, Europe and beyond.

[Portnoy's Complaint]

That'd explain why WR is not good enough to host a RWC game I suppose.

[gregortree]

no, Kingsholm sets that standard !

[SirBurger]

LT, sorry mate and no offence but you are way off the mark if you think Aulika, Evans, Hala'ufia and O'Leary don't massively improve the side. They have arguably been our 4 best players this season, and by some distance.

Replace Hoff with Humphreys and throw in Garvey and yes, you have our 5 best players.

[SirBurger]

LT, sorry mate and no offence but you are way off the mark if you think Aulika, Evans, Hala'ufia and O'Leary don't massively improve the side. They have arguably been our 4 best players this season, and by some distance.

Replace Hoff with Humphreys and throw in Garvey and yes, you have our 5 best players.

On form that is...

[formerly known as Sam]

with also possibly Armitage/Ansbro/Sa at 12 over Geraghty.

Ansbro has a long term injury and Sa has not actually joined you yet so you'd be struggling to improve on Geraghty.

The teams clearly show the clubs different priorities. LI are looking at a different way in to the HEC next season where as Tigers are mote concerned with other games on the horizon. To be honest I think Cockerill would have named a weaker team had it not been at WR.

[Ozzy3213]

Sam, I completely agree that the clubs have different priorities and this is a more important game for us than it is for you.

My point is you were claiming it's your seconds against our firsts, which it's not. Yes you have a stronger squad than us and many of your guys wouldn't be automatic first choices, but you have a lot of premiership experience in your side, so I think your comment about us having a lot of problems if we don't beat you was a bit of an exaggeration.

[formerly known as Sam]

Not really, I fully expect us to lose. We have two looseheads in the front row, one of whom made his senior debut this season and the other has never been the same since a shoulder injury add to that a hooker (third choice) who is coming back from injury and being supported by our 4th and 5th choice locks you should expect to be controlling the tight exchanges. We lack a proper 7 and Thorpe is struggling in the Tigers structure, Deacon is just back from injury and Noone is in his first two months at the club and this level. LI should control the loose.

In the backs Young is struggling for match fitness, Ford is 19 and without decent ball alongside Bowden who's only game time in the past month and a bit was 10 mins vs the Maori. Smith limped off so I wouldn't expect him necessarily make the start but our whole backline defence hinges on him. Tait has played 95 minutes in the last 13 months but Lewington can be dangerous if he gets the ball.

LI should win the battle up front and then monopolize both territory and possession through their AP experienced 9/10/12 combo releasing their first choice wingers and long term answer at fullback. Tigers will need to use the bulk and mobility of their forwards to make the game an arm wrestle and rely on Ford to put them in the right areas. Rolling mauls and the pick and drive will be our friends. A bit of magic from Bowden would also be timely.

[Ozzy3213]

Mate we can all run through our team and find someway of describing them as weaker than they are...

Up front we have Corbs who is only in his second game back from injury, Scott Lawson who only arrived back from Scotland camp yesterday and Leo who only converted to tighthead from number 8 two years ago and they have never played as a front row together.

I won't go on, as it's a bit of a nonsense as are some of the comments you've come out with to decry your own players abilities in a bid to make it seem as if we have a much stronger side out than you.

If that's your belief then fair enough, I'll leave it there as it's a pointless discussion. Best of luck on Sunday.

[LondonTiger]

Personally I am not sure either team is overley worried about this game. (Of course if they win it that changes).

Far more important is trying to get the players into the right place for the return of the AP next weekend. Both sides have tricky fixtures and will want to be fully prepared.

As to this game th eLI team looks stronger than Tigers on paper. Hopefully on grass it will be a different story.

[formerly known as Sam]

Mate we can all run through our team and find someway of describing them as weaker than they are...

I mention the weaknesses and why LI should be favourites then give the Tigers tactics for best chance of victory. Corbs should put away a 21 (bday boy yesterday) loosehead out of position at tight away so the lineout should be the Tigers target. No specialist lineout leader is unfortunate but their best option is to go to the front and maul it anyway. Ford will be key, he'll have little possession to work with so will need to be tactically astute and force LI to play from deep.

[formerly known as Sam]

22-15 win, good result for a young team.

[DaveM]

Worrying for LI though.

[formerly known as Sam]

Extremely. I've not seen the game but I really thought that LI had the edge up front and a backline to do serious damage. Welford Rd is always an advantage to Tigers but LI should be looking to win from the teams on paper.

[DaveM]

There seems to be something very fragile about LI. I predict Sale will get themselves out of trouble. LI should be far too good to go down, but where are the wins going to come from?

[LondonTiger]

I am surprised we won that game. Was unable to make it due to other engagements so no idea how it went - but when Bobo Stankovich was sent off I really doubted our ability to hold on.

When looking at the team LI put out yesterday, and taking Petes comments that only half that team are 1st choice on board, you feel that they should be too good to go down. Yet they continue to lose matches you feel they should win (I bet they wish they could have swapped the win ove Sale in the LV for one in the AP).

Any way back to us. Last season a weakened team like that would have lost - this year they seem tougher.

[LondonTiger]

Brian smith Quotes:

"We got absolutely hammered with the penalties - 14 to seven. That killed us.

"There was an avalanche of penalties which meant we could not get field position and get into the game. Their intensity was better.

"We did get a good start, but that was really a breakaway try and a pen.

"I think they were more enthusiastic than we were in the first half. We corrected that in the second half, but the penalties continued and we suffered as a result.

"If you look at the two teams London Irish had more talent on paper, but you don't win games on paper. You win them on the park and I thought they were very enthusiastic and played to their potential.

"On the positive side we outscored them two tries to one. To do that at Welford Road is an achievement.

"Of course you want to win these games, but it has been a good get-out for us."

[formerly known as Sam]

Intense, pragmatic Tigers team. Two things Tigers have lacked a little in recent times. Front up, keep the score board ticking over and force the opposition to chase the game. We won two HECs with that game plan, yet this season and a good chunk of last we've been happy to chase.

[Portnoy's Complaint]

So the Youngs brothers are secured on long-term contracts. Cushty.
http://www.leicestertigers.com/news/15351.php#.UKtfqYZx5gs

What about Cole and Manu though? How long do they have on their contracts?

[LondonTiger]

I wonder how long a "long-term" contract is?

Cole I thought signed a new contract last year. Manu is probably due this year.

[formerly known as Sam]

I thought Manu had one more year? Cole signed a big contract last season. Ford and I think Mickey Young need new deals.

Good to see two academy graduates committing their future to the club.

[formerly known as Sam]

I have it on decent authority that Parling, Mafi and Salvi all need new contracts. I think Kitchener may as well. I expect a few squad players will have to be sacrificed to get back under the cap.

[Portnoy's Complaint]

Lets not fool ourselves Sam.

Like Billy last season for us and our cherry-picking from the selling clubs out there, there are no loyalties guaranteed just by doling out a wage packet.

[LondonTiger]

Mafi and Parling will be on much lower contracts than they could get elsewhere. Mafi was unknown and Parling uncapped when they signed current contracts. Could see both leave?

[Portnoy's Complaint]

Indeed. I note that Ulster fans are beginning to believe that loyalty comes with the badge.

In these (possibly the height of the) days, loyalty realistically comes with a price tag.

[LondonTiger]

I think that the situation is different with Ulster - in that there is local pride. For so many of those lads playing for Ulster is akin to playing for their country.

[formerly known as Sam]

Mafi and Parling will be on much lower contracts than they could get elsewhere. Mafi was unknown and Parling uncapped when they signed current contracts. Could see both leave?

Maybe. They'll need remuneration consistent with their ability. As long as they don't have two faced agents running their affairs and Tigers get their pen to paper before the 1st Jan it'll be fine. I'd expect a number of clubs to chase both as well as Ford and Young. However, no other team can offer them diddly squat before January so with Tigers already discussing and outlining things ready for next season we should do ok.

Tigers have the advantage of knowing Newby, Woods, Chuter and Murphy's wages will all be off the books so there should be less juggling of budgets then normal but the likes of Thorpe and Brett must be slightly concerned.

[yappysnap]

Does Thorpe cost anything? I thought you had that odd arrangement where you were getting paid for him.

I'm sure Quins will help take a couple of the academy boys off your hands anyway, how's that winger of yours coming along?

[formerly known as Sam]

Keep yer dirty mits off Yappy. Anyway it'd be the young prop Balmain (who has apparently picked up the nickname the Baltrain) or lock Cain Quins would prefer to pilfer. Which winger? Young Purdy and Lewington both signed deals in the summer as did the Guernsey lad. Not sure what has happened to the seriously rapid El Mahdi though.

Thorpe accepted a substantially smaller contract from Tigers because LI bought him out of his final contract.

[yappysnap]

We have loads of good young locks and props coming through now don't you worry.

It's all about the wingers now, Lewington is who I was thinking of... but if he's been silly enough to already sign with you boys we'd happily take El Mahdi, don't tell anyone but we're struggling a little in the back three department at the academy. Embarassing!

[formerly known as Sam]

It's been a while since a Tigers academy winger broke into and cemented a first team spot. We've got some injuries there at the moment so maybe Lewington will get a go against the Pests.

I'm looking forward to seeing Balmain get a go on Sunday, there's mutterings comparing his rise to that of Dan Cole's a few years back. He seems comfortable in both sides and held Corbs in the scrum at the weekend.

[LondonTiger]

With Bobo banned for 3 weeks I guess we should be seeing Balmain back on the loosehead - with Brookes at tighthead maybe?

[formerly known as Sam]

I see we've borrowed Holford from Notts. He is reliably average on both sides. Johnny Harris may get a go at loosehead he tends to do the business at the set piece but not really much of a powerhouse. Brookes may not be fully fit, he was out injured for a long time and seems down the pecking order.

[Ozzy3213]

Quick question gents, is Mulipola currently banned?

[formerly known as Sam]

Injured. Did his knee a couple of weeks back. Should be back for the game after Wasps if we're lucky.

[Ozzy3213]

Wondered why he'd not been playing.

[formerly known as Sam]

If he wasn't injured he'd be with Samoa. With the skills he brings and his ability to play both sides most international sides would want him. We lucked out signing him.

[Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler]

Yeah handy he got injured so he can have a rest during the internatioanl window

[Sponsored content]