The Leicester Tigers thread

by Portnoy Tue 17 Jul 2012, 5:00 pm

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.

by formerly known as Sam Sat 09 Mar 2013, 6:38 pm

We produced a young 10 but annoyingly a rival signed his dad up as a coach and nicked him. Tigers run coaching courses all over the world where they scout young players and try to develop the game.

The academy won every game with a bonus point in the new under 18s league as well as beating Wales under 18s and England schools losing to England under 18s by a point.

Maybe if we had a better backs coach...

by **LondonTiger** Sat 09 Mar 2013, 6:54 pm

We have a backs coach?

by formerly known as Sam Sat 09 Mar 2013, 7:04 pm

Well our head coach does the job but not that you'd notice.

I can't remember a coach being so condemned by the fans with no hint of the club agreeing. Loffreda, fans didn't like him, players didn't like him. He was gone. Moody has already stated his dislike for MOC I wonder how many other players think along similar lines.

by **LondonTiger** Sat 09 Mar 2013, 7:17 pm

Sorry Sam was trying to be sarcastic.

I felt sorry for Loffreda. Pre-season is an important time for a new coach to bond with the team. He did not get that.

by formerly known as Sam Sat 09 Mar 2013, 8:54 pm

I know I was joking with you.

Loffreda never bought into the Tigers ethos and tradition and forced out a local boy or two which left him massively unpopular behind the scenes. Trying to rescue a RWC season at Welford Rd is tough anyway. Agree missing pre season was a major blow to him especially as he had Cockers as the interim coach and his assistant, he was hardly going to lead a revolution with him.

by yappysnap Sat 09 Mar 2013, 10:05 pm

Cockers is similar in some ways but seems to have bought in to the Tigers stereotypes too much eg loving the pack beyong all that's dignified and holy while hating and fearing all forms of back play if not played by someone over 30 (Murphy/Hamilton) or who's a prop that can sprint(Manu).

He did manage to force out some local boys though and buy in plenty of average journeymen.

ps. this is all totally in jest, it's just that Quins have now won a game so I can stop the

by formerly known as Sam Sat 09 Mar 2013, 10:36 pm

Cockers is mainly responsible for the forwards where we have rarely signed average journeymen. In fact we've brought through some rather good players from the academy Cole, Tom Youngs and from external sources Mafi and Slater.

Not sure the same could be said for the backs under MOC. Though his contract is up for renewal.

by yappysnap Sun 10 Mar 2013, 11:21 am

I may be wrong but isn't Cockers MOC's boss so presumably has some say in signings etc for the backs?

Or is Mat O'Connor left with only pennies to play with as all the big dosh has been spent on the pack?

by formerly known as Sam Sun 10 Mar 2013, 3:06 pm

I don't think it's a case of cash as Tigers one first choice pack was largely brought through on the cheap and then cash was spent on keeping it. The backs have largely been bought in because we have been unable to bring players through (outside of 9 and Manu). The tactics of backs is also massively reliant on the 10 to create things from nothing. Far too often our forwards rumble is into position and then the backs offer little penetration, especially when the genius Geordan isn't playing.

A backs coach should be able to get an all international backline to implement a coherent strategy in attack.

by Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler Sun 10 Mar 2013, 5:19 pm

Sale have just done Tigers a massive favour, getting a home semi this year is very important. Top spot would be even better, avoiding one of the big 3.

Quins may be over extending themselves still chasing silverware on 3 fronts.

The Jeff is still wide open.

by **LondonTiger** Tue 19 Mar 2013, 10:31 am

I wonder who will be rested this weekend?
And who is still on the injured list?

Injury doubts have to be present over: Castro, Bobo, Louis Deacon, Steve Mafi and Geordan.

Surely Tom Youngs, Parling and Dan Cole are in need of a rest so that may mean a starting lineup heading down to Devon of:

Ayerza, Chuter, Mulipola, Slater/Deacon, Kitchener, Croft, Salvi, Crane
Youngs, Flood, Thompstone, Allen, Tuilagi, Morris, Tait/Murphy

by formerly known as Sam Tue 19 Mar 2013, 11:16 am

I'd like to see us go big:

Ayerza, Hawkins, Mulipola
Deacon, Slater
Waldrom, Crane, Salvi
Youngs, Flood
Allen, Manu
Thompstone, Geordan, Morris

Bench- Balmain, T Youngs, Cole, Kitchener, Croft, Harrison, Ford, Tait.

Go hard early doors and look to control the set pieces and force the Chiefs to kick. Monopolise possession and frustrate the home team and quiet down the crowd. In the second half look to bring in the bench mobility to freshen things up as the Chiefs big pack tires. The weather will probably be dire so running rugby from the off might well be out of the question.

by **LondonTiger** Tue 19 Mar 2013, 11:45 am

Strangely even as I typed Chuter I meant Hawkins. Only injury will now see Chutes in tigers colours again I think.

by formerly known as Sam Tue 19 Mar 2013, 1:53 pm

He is getting on a bit and now confirmed as not playing for us next season.

by yappysnap Tue 19 Mar 2013, 1:58 pm

Do you think Cockers will rest Cole for more then a game? He was looking pretty shagged by the end of the 6Ns and hasn't had a break in a while, he won't getone over the summer either.

by **LondonTiger** Tue 19 Mar 2013, 2:02 pm

yappysnap wrote:Do you think Cockers will rest Cole for more then a game? He was looking pretty shagged by the end of the 6Ns and hasn't had a break in a while, he won't getone over the summer either.

With Castro injured and the Toulon Match in 2 and a bit weeks, I cannot see Cole being rested for more than this game. With Bobo injured and Brookes up at Falcons, as with Sam I reckon he will still feature on the bench. At this point in the season rest becomes minimal.

by yappysnap Tue 19 Mar 2013, 2:09 pm

Could work out well for Quins or Saints in the Semi's then.

by formerly known as Sam Tue 19 Mar 2013, 3:12 pm

Depends on Mulipola and how well he does with Ayerza combined with how quickly Castro comes back from injury. Young Balmain is a touch average on the scrums at the minute (being only 21 this was the same for Cole) and so Tigers won't want to use him too much though he might feature a little.

With Quins it will be the other side of the scrum and whether Johnston binding on the arm is deemed legal or not. I think Tigers have more pressing squad concerns like Salvi and Benny at present.

by formerly known as Sam Tue 19 Mar 2013, 9:14 pm

Rumours are that Stanko and Deacon are out for the season. Deacon is a big blow and I feel for him as it's more bad luck and in his testimonial year as well.

by yappysnap Tue 19 Mar 2013, 9:38 pm

Will Deacon be looking at retirement? He seems to be constantly injured these days, real shame for a great club servant.

by **LondonTiger** Tue 19 Mar 2013, 9:56 pm

yappysnap wrote:Will Deacon be looking at retirement? He seems to be constantly injured these days, real shame for a great club servant.

It is his testimonial year, he is not getting younger and yes he is suffering with injuries. I doubt he will retire, but with Parling, Slater, Kitchener and then Price and Wells we should be OK

by formerly known as Sam Tue 19 Mar 2013, 10:04 pm

He was fit for a decent stint this season and was playing well. He is such a good all rounder in the traditional lock skill set he releases the pack to focus on carrying and getting round the park. He's given his seal of approval to Slater so it's time for bidpg Ed to step up. He has also been in good form of late (his second try vs Sale was outrageous).

There's certainly a concern we won't see Louis or Boris in a Tigers shirt again.

LT we also have de Chaves arriving in the summer and Joe Cain looked to be over taking Andree in the pecking order before that nasty knee injury last year when on loan at Notts. We will certainly have lots of options at second row going forward. Has Price played a game since his neck injury? I'd like to see him in action again he's going to be some lineout operator in a couple of years time.

by **LondonTiger** Wed 20 Mar 2013, 7:07 am

Joe Cain that is who I forgot. Wells is more of a 6?

Price has been out of action since the injury - which of course also ruled him out of the U20s 6Ns. I guess they will work on rehab for next season.

by formerly known as Sam Wed 20 Mar 2013, 9:53 pm

The under 20s could have used Price's lineout ability. At 6 foot 9 ans built like Crofty he's going to be an absolute menace anywhere in the lineout.

Not sure where Wells will end up, he has the aggression, power and height to make it as a second row enforcer who can jump at front and in the middle. At the same time there is that old school blindside work rate and love of hitting things. He's a mobile unit as well and seems to love the tight exchanges. At another club he'd be a 6 but o think he'll go to lock at Tigers as we like our 6s to be far more expansive ala Mafi and Croft. Could end up playing both for the next few years though. Hopefully he'll get some experience whilst DR'd at Notts ans can push on and pressure for some inclusion next season.

by **LondonTiger** Wed 20 Mar 2013, 10:15 pm

Wells replaced Price in the LV match against wasps - hence me thinking he was a lock, but then with him playing for England U20s at 6 I got confused.

by formerly known as Sam Thu 21 Mar 2013, 6:45 am

He's only played lock for us I think.

by **LondonTiger** Thu 21 Mar 2013, 4:45 pm

All 6Ns players have reported back fit to play and are available for this weekend - including Castro

Confirmed that Louis Deacon has had surgery on his shoulder and is out for the season.

Stankovich has had surgery on his achilles and is "recovering"

Steve Mafi fit for selection - being considered at second row this weekend.

So lineup looking like:

Ayerza, Hawkins, Castro, Kitchener, Slater, Waldrom, Salvi, Crane
Youngs, Flood, Thompstone, Allen, Manu, Morris, Tait

Reps: Youngs, Mulipola, Balmain, Mafi, Croft, Harrison, Ford, Murphy

Cole and Parling to get a complete rest.

by king_carlos Thu 21 Mar 2013, 4:54 pm

Looks a good line-up and a fair assumption to me LT. It'll be interesting to see how Castro goes - I hate to say it but he didn't look great for Italy after the first two games.

I just hope we can now keep the big players fit heading into the backend of the season.

How's Benjamins recovery going does anyone know?

by Portnoy's Complaint Thu 21 Mar 2013, 5:23 pm

When was the last time the Tigers reported a full complement of players on return England duty?

by formerly known as Sam Thu 21 Mar 2013, 5:24 pm

Benjamin will be back next season. Tigers don't want to risk his neck do he'll get a full pre season before competitive rugby.

Castro has lacked form for most of the season. It's a concern and probably behind Tigers decision to negotiate with Toulon.

by **LondonTiger** Fri 22 Mar 2013, 12:15 pm

Toby flood to captain the side, did not see that one coming.

by formerly known as Sam Fri 22 Mar 2013, 2:00 pm

Pretty much the strongest team we could name. Floody captain over Crane is an interesting choice.

by Manu's Boxing Coach Fri 22 Mar 2013, 2:02 pm

Definitely out of the blue. But he does have good leadership qualities and with the experience of Parling, Croft, and Crane dont see the captaincy being too much of an issue There are a lot of leaders in this Tigers team.

Happy with the overall team as well hoping for a really good performance as now we need to kick on have been hanging onto the coattails of Quins and Sarries in 3rd gear all season.

by formerly known as Sam Fri 22 Mar 2013, 2:39 pm

We've gone as high as third gear?

by Manu's Boxing Coach Fri 22 Mar 2013, 2:55 pm

Just.

by **LondonTiger** Fri 22 Mar 2013, 2:57 pm

Second half of WR match v Ospreys.

First half at home to Sarries as well.

by formerly known as Sam Fri 22 Mar 2013, 8:23 pm

Two lots of 40 mins. That's a little worrying especially as we blew crucial leads in both those games.

by **LondonTiger** Fri 22 Mar 2013, 9:54 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:Two lots of 40 mins. That's a little worrying especially as we blew crucial leads in both those games.

Only one of those, Sarries, did we lose from a good position. Against Ospreys we went from 0-10 down to 10-10 at HT and 39-22 win at FT.

by formerly known as Sam Sat 23 Mar 2013, 8:46 am

Ok I.was thinking of the other Ospreys game where we grabbed two tries looked set to snatch a good away win then conceded that late try.

by Portnoy's Complaint Sat 23 Mar 2013, 9:57 am

27 mph Easterly winds forecast by Auntie. Almost cross-pitch.

Difficult for Toby.

by nathan Sat 23 Mar 2013, 10:24 am

greytiger wrote:27 mph Easterly winds forecast by Auntie. Almost cross-pitch.

Difficult for Toby.

eek, that is strong!

by yappysnap Sat 23 Mar 2013, 11:11 am

What was wrong with Castro that meant he couldnt play for Italy but is on the bench for you boys?

by formerly known as Sam Sat 23 Mar 2013, 11:14 am

Calf strain.

by formerly known as Sam Fri 29 Mar 2013, 9:25 am

Tigers are looking to install a 4G pitch at Oval park to replace their sand based all weather pitch. They are also getting quotes for the cost of installing such a surface at Welford Rd though I'd assume that's longer term thinking but given the difficulty in draining Welford Rd it would be an intetesting solution.

by nathan Fri 29 Mar 2013, 12:32 pm

Sounds interesting, wonder if they'll try and make the pitch a bit bigger at the same time?

by formerly known as Sam Fri 29 Mar 2013, 3:59 pm

I don't think that's possible at Welford Rd. The stands are so close in and there is supposed to be a gap round the edge of the pitch to allow medical personnel and vehicles in an emergency and we don't have that sort of room already.

The smaller pitch has been an advantage to us in the past, we've been able to execute high scoring tactics where other teams have found the lack of natural width and length a hinderance, particularly when kicking.

by nathan Fri 29 Mar 2013, 4:33 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:I don't think that's possible at Welford Rd. The stands are so close in and there is supposed to be a gap round the edge of the pitch to allow medical personnel and vehicles in an emergency and we don't have that sort of room already.

The smaller pitch has been an advantage to us in the past, we've been able to execute high scoring tactics where other teams have found the lack of natural width and length a hinderance, particularly when kicking.

that could change when and if they replace those stands

by formerly known as Sam Fri 29 Mar 2013, 5:03 pm

Not really. The location of the roads at either end mean there will be no change in length. Width wise the CAT stand won't move and underneath the Crumbie are the bars and which the club will not want to lose. There is also the issues of the standing section, which if altered must conform to modern football influenced safety standards. That would decrease the capacity in there.

by yappysnap Fri 29 Mar 2013, 6:14 pm

Would be very interesting if Tigers were to make plans to get a 4g pitch at Welford rd. Looking at how it's helped out Sarries forwards running game no end I think if a couple of other teams get them then we'll look at a race for every other club to catch up with them.

by formerly known as Sam Fri 29 Mar 2013, 7:12 pm

The artificial pitch at Oval Park is absolute Poopie. The 4G will be installed there first I'd have thought. If that becomes increasingly beneficial to how the team play, maybe they'll move it to Welford Rd. My source only said they were getting quotes and Oval Park looked certain as there's already improvements planned there for the summer.

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