2013/14 Players to Watch

Well been another great season of rugby and before we know it, it'll be starting all over again.

Now there has been some interesting player transfers, new lads coming on the scene etc...i was just wondering who you'd be particularly watching this season.

Be it for potential international honours, just for your clubs progression etc...

A couple of noteable premiership moves i think are interesting are

Matt Garvey & Jonathan Joseph to Bath
and
Matt Mullan to Wasps

JJ needs a big season, he was poor last year and hasn't been great on tour with England. His link up with Eastmond in the centres will be interesting, but neither are guaranteed a start, not by a long way, with Banahan, Williams and Roko also challenging.

Garvey will add some much needed grunt to our back row and should allow Louw to play more of a traditional 7 role.

Continuing the Bath theme, the development of Attwood and Eastmond is the most exciting from an England EPS perspective, both could possibly sneak in. 

However, the most interesting one for us will be the 10 shirt, with two young pretenders fighting it out. Both need big seasons!

At Munster:

JJ Hanrahan at Munster. With Ronan O'Gara retired its a chance for last years IRB Young Player of the Year Nominee to shine.

CJ Stander at Munster. One of South Africa's promising young backrows he arrived last season but a broken hand stifled his first season. Carries very well and has shown an eye for the tryline before he broke his hand.

At Ulster I would pick out Stuart Olding, he has looked sensational at 12 everytime he has played for us despite playing 10 a lot at youth level.  His performances have been so good that many an Ulster fan will tell you that Luke Marshall, who is Ireland's incumbent 12 right now is going to have his position come under threat in the Ulster team.  Either that, or one of Marshall and Olding will be moving to 13 where we are pretty thin.

Aside from that I'm looking forward to the return of Paddy McAllister who was really starting to look the real deal at loosehead for us before a very nasty ankle injury ruled him out for all of the 12/13 season.  Hope he comes back strong.  Finally, I think this season Iain Henderson is really going to breakthrough, barely in his 20s, hes already capped for Ireland and has been a big presence in the Ulster pack.  A big season from him and he could be heading towards being an Ireland regular whilst in his early 20s.  One of the challenges will be determining whether his future lies at blindside or lock.

From Newcastle , 

The 3 players who could be big players in fight for 8th place could well be Andy Saull , Mike Blair and Will Welch.

There is a lack of the traditional english 7 and Saully says it's what he hopes to strive on playing in more a free lance role for Falcons.

I am looking forward to seeing how Jack Nowell gets on next season. He seems like such a balanced runner, whilst being quick, elusive and deceptively strong. He reminds me a bit of Mark Cueto, only with more gas and athleticism.

Would Christian Wade be too obvious an answer? I want to see if he can back this season’s performances up.

I'm interested to see Owen Williams, has arrived at Tigers with an emerging reputation and I'm interested to see how he goes. Looking forward to seeing more of our trio of England under 20s in the LVC (bloody hell Price has bulked up). Benjamin's return from injury will be interesting as well.

Outside of Leicestershire, I want to see if Joe Ford and Joel Hodgson can step up to AP level and show the skills they did last year in the Championship. Miller at Sale will be an interesting one as he faces a lot of competition and will need to develop his game (which may well put him onto the England radar).

I think Jamie Elliott could become an up and coming name, kept a fairly low profile whilst grabbing tries from all over the place last season (only Wade and Varndell scored more in the AP) and looks a damn good player for his age.

In the Jeff, the guys I want to see are the ones that already come with big reputations - Kvesic, Wade and Ford have to deliver on their promise.

For my teams, Glasgow have to start giving Mark 'the Messiah' Bennett some time to prove that he is indeed the lovechild of Mike Gibson and Brian O'Driscoll and Adam Ashe needs to get a chance to show his class at 8 even though he's barely out of short trousers. Edinburgh's Sean Kennedy needs to grab the chance he's been given to show that he is Scotland's future at 9 which may well be the case. We will all be keeping an eye over the channel at Scotland's next 10 Tommy Allan, as he beds in for Perpignan.  

In the Rabo - I want to see Hanrahan, Marshall and Olding be given game time because there is talent to burn in the Irish midfield now. For Wales, the time is ripe for their young fly halves to step up - Sam Davies and Rhys Patchell deserve proper game time and I hope that they get it.

Zane Kirchner - Joe Schmidt wanted him for a reason even though he's been criticised by SAs here.  Problem is he won't be meeting Joe as coach now but ex-Leicester assistant Matt O'Connor.  Potential is there for him to shine within the Leinster brand of rugby.

I've been hoping for Dave Kearney to finally come out from the shadows of bit-player and still believe he is potential untapped in a more central position than his current wing/full back role.

From an Irish persprective : Dominic Ryan, Jack McGrath, Paddy MacAllister, Chris Farrell, Adam Byrne, Luke McGrath.

Praying that JJ, Henderson, Olding, Henshaw, Marshall, and Sherry, really kick on as well.

At Quins as ever we'd like to see our young squad progress but especially Sinckler, Walker, Buchanan and Botica

From a Leicester point of view I hope to see Fraser Balmain making further progress up front, while hopefully we will get to see Miles Benjamin this year.

Elsewhere it would be great to see Sam Jones really kick on at Wasps after his experiences with the Barbarians.

George Carlin wrote:We will all be keeping an eye over the channel at Scotland's next 10 Tommy Allan, as he beds in for Perpignan.  
.

Wasnt aware of this guy joining Perpignan (where is he coming from?). tough ask though as he will have Hook and Lopez (newly capped for france) to compete against for the 10 jersey.

From a Glaws perspective Koree Britton should become a regular starter this year. He has improved his lineout throwing as he can now hit a barn door, but only at the hinges, so he still has some work to do.  But there is no doubting his scrummaging and ball carrying ability.

Tom Savage was my one to watch last year, but he could be again as he is widely expected to be named Glaws captain and will be focusing on lock.  So this could be a huge season for him.

If Kvesic can keep making 29 tackles a game I'd be rather happy!  He'll have a hell of a tussle with Qera, who I'm expecting to crop up at 6 a few times this coming season.  

The bolter for me is Ryan Mills. If Burns and 36 become a regular fixture in the England set up he can priovide the much needed cover.  Hopefully he can remain injury free and start building on his early promise.

Outside of Glaws it would be good to see some of Exeter's youngsters come to the fore.  I'd be particularly interested to see if Cowan-Dickie and Slade can get some decent game time.  Charlie Matthews at quins is often talked about, but my old favourtie Casson should hopefully have his break through season, unless JTH can perform a miracle a re-find some form!

whocares wrote:

George Carlin wrote:We will all be keeping an eye over the channel at Scotland's next 10 Tommy Allan, as he beds in for Perpignan.  
.

Wasnt aware of this guy joining Perpignan (where is he coming from?). tough ask though as he will have Hook and Lopez (newly capped for france) to compete against for the 10 jersey.

Western Province, Seth Efrica whocares. He's been our U20's fly half for a couple of seasons and he looks good. Real pedigree - his uncle John Allan played as hooker for Scotland and South Africa, his dad played provincial rugby in South Africa and pro rugby in Italy and his mum played for the Italian national team.

George Carlin wrote:

whocares wrote:

George Carlin wrote:We will all be keeping an eye over the channel at Scotland's next 10 Tommy Allan, as he beds in for Perpignan.  
.

Wasnt aware of this guy joining Perpignan (where is he coming from?). tough ask though as he will have Hook and Lopez (newly capped for france) to compete against for the 10 jersey.

Western Province, Seth Efrica whocares. He's been our U20's fly half for a couple of seasons and he looks good. Real pedigree - his uncle John Allan played as hooker for Scotland and South Africa, his dad played provincial rugby in South Africa and pro rugby in Italy and his mum played for the Italian national team.

Wach out, if he is eligable for Scotland and Italy and he plays at Flyhalf then you could well see them in for him sooner then not.

Patchell, Navidi & Owen Williams for the blues

I think looking at the Scarlets Kyle Evans will be making a break into the region scene and IMO will get some rave reviews, and I think Gareth Maule may be pushing to be involved in the welsh squad (and be overlooked) with a few more games, most likely on the wing, showing his versitility.

Ryan Bevington v Gethin Jenkins for Wales will be a good battle I think.

Oh and Rhodri Jones at the Scarlets is another one to keep an eye out for, been injured and rested this season, but should be back to starting games this coming season, and with Samson Lee and Ken Owens should provide some real tough scrummaging options.

HongKongCherry wrote:From a Glaws perspective Koree Britton should become a regular starter this year. He has improved his lineout throwing as he can now hit a barn door, but only at the hinges, so he still has some work to do.  But there is no doubting his scrummaging and ball carrying ability.

Tom Savage was my one to watch last year, but he could be again as he is widely expected to be named Glaws captain and will be focusing on lock.  So this could be a huge season for him.

If Kvesic can keep making 29 tackles a game I'd be rather happy!  He'll have a hell of a tussle with Qera, who I'm expecting to crop up at 6 a few times this coming season.  

The bolter for me is Ryan Mills. If Burns and 36 become a regular fixture in the England set up he can priovide the much needed cover.  Hopefully he can remain injury free and start building on his early promise.

Outside of Glaws it would be good to see some of Exeter's youngsters come to the fore.  I'd be particularly interested to see if Cowan-Dickie and Slade can get some decent game time.  Charlie Matthews at quins is often talked about, but my old favourtie Casson should hopefully have his break through season, unless JTH can perform a miracle a re-find some form!

I remain to be convinced by Koree Britton.  Always get the feeling he's a yellow card waiting to happen and I'd still be far more comfortable with DD and Edmunds in the 23 and sharing the majority of game time.  In fact last season I think my opinion of Britton went down slightly.  I hope to be turned around however and he has all the natural attributes to succeed, just needs to wind his neck in a little.

Like you say, the back row should be great next year, with a top quality group in rotation.

I'd like all the established youngsters to continue their progress - I'm a little concerned about some 'second season syndrome' type effects but as long as they keep their feet on the ground (ND will make sure of this) they should be ok.

Coleman wrote:

George Carlin wrote:

whocares wrote:

George Carlin wrote:We will all be keeping an eye over the channel at Scotland's next 10 Tommy Allan, as he beds in for Perpignan.  
.

Wasnt aware of this guy joining Perpignan (where is he coming from?). tough ask though as he will have Hook and Lopez (newly capped for france) to compete against for the 10 jersey.

Western Province, Seth Efrica whocares. He's been our U20's fly half for a couple of seasons and he looks good. Real pedigree - his uncle John Allan played as hooker for Scotland and South Africa, his dad played provincial rugby in South Africa and pro rugby in Italy and his mum played for the Italian national team.

Wach out, if he is eligable for Scotland and Italy and he plays at Flyhalf then you could well see them in for him sooner then not.

thanks guys. does U20 caps  makes him uneligable for other teams? otherwise after 3 years in France, I bet you know what is going to happen !

Only Welsh U20 caps

ChequeredJersey wrote:Only Welsh U20 caps

I think it is Welsh U20s, French U20s and Baby Blacks, as well as anyone else who doesn't have an A side, and only so long as they have played another nations U20s that don't have an A side.

All Black Maori don't count?

Nope, Paul Tito was a NZ Moari (hard to believe looking at him), but still was on the verge of being a welsh international.

jeffwinger wrote:

HongKongCherry wrote:From a Glaws perspective Koree Britton should become a regular starter this year. He has improved his lineout throwing as he can now hit a barn door, but only at the hinges, so he still has some work to do.  But there is no doubting his scrummaging and ball carrying ability.

Tom Savage was my one to watch last year, but he could be again as he is widely expected to be named Glaws captain and will be focusing on lock.  So this could be a huge season for him.

If Kvesic can keep making 29 tackles a game I'd be rather happy!  He'll have a hell of a tussle with Qera, who I'm expecting to crop up at 6 a few times this coming season.  

The bolter for me is Ryan Mills. If Burns and 36 become a regular fixture in the England set up he can priovide the much needed cover.  Hopefully he can remain injury free and start building on his early promise.

Outside of Glaws it would be good to see some of Exeter's youngsters come to the fore.  I'd be particularly interested to see if Cowan-Dickie and Slade can get some decent game time.  Charlie Matthews at quins is often talked about, but my old favourtie Casson should hopefully have his break through season, unless JTH can perform a miracle a re-find some form!

I remain to be convinced by Koree Britton.  Always get the feeling he's a yellow card waiting to happen and I'd still be far more comfortable with DD and Edmunds in the 23 and sharing the majority of game time.  In fact last season I think my opinion of Britton went down slightly.  I hope to be turned around however and he has all the natural attributes to succeed, just needs to wind his neck in a little.

Like you say, the back row should be great next year, with a top quality group in rotation.

I'd like all the established youngsters to continue their progress - I'm a little concerned about some 'second season syndrome' type effects but as long as they keep their feet on the ground (ND will make sure of this) they should be ok.

I have always been decidedly unimpressed by Britton until last year.  I do completely understand your thoughts about him being a yellow card waiting to happen as he definitely has an edge about him, but hopefully it's one that can be controlled.  DD had an injury hit season, but I felt he failed to push on from the previous season, so for me this will be a vital year for him if he is to go on to become first choice.

Am i getting confused...but arent Britton and DD both tiny as front rowers go..more Lee Mears stances...

Dawidiuk is on the smaller side for a front rower these days. Listed on wiki at 5'11" and a little under 15st. Probably about right, he's not huge but he is good technically and I'd put him in the solid all rounder bracket.

Britton is more along the lines of the new breed of hookers coming through.  Somewhere in the 17-18stone region, big powerful running game and likes to throw his weight around.  But as HKC and myself previously alluded to, can be prone to overstep the line on occasion.  Also big questions about his line out throwing.  Very much in the Tom Lindsay mould, but I'd say a lesser version.

Top 3 for me:

1) Rob Buchanan
2) Tom Savage
3) Matt Kvesic

Interesting isnt it...how many hookers coming through are monsters yet dont seem to have the hooker "skills" of actually hooking (due to dodgy feeds) and lineout throwing.

Lindsay looks an absolute beast...but simply must improve his accuracy. He's actually one of my ones to watch. Interesting like Youngs hes another centre thats moved to Hooker...

Yeh, hookers nowadays are more like an extra backrower I think.

With the rule changes regarding straight feeds though, apparently hooking is going to become a big part of the game again. Can't remember whether it was Barnes or Kay that were saying it, but they expect a few a few players to struggle with the scrummaging next season.

For Quins it's the potential front row of Marfo, Buchanan, Synckler which is most exciting. A lot of power in those three!

Backs won't really change too much, just more of the same really. Will be interesting to see how Care backs up his IMO best season ever with us. 

Chisholm if he doesn't get injured is the one to watch I guess.

bluestonevedder wrote:Yeh, hookers nowadays are more like an extra backrower I think.

With the rule changes regarding straight feeds though, apparently hooking is going to become a big part of the game again. Can't remember whether it was Barnes or Kay that were saying it, but they expect a few a few players to struggle with the scrummaging next season.

I've never played front row but will straight feeds and having to actually hook now help the smaller hookers and hinder those who are a lot taller? As hookers always used to be short arses didn't they?!

Whats the craic with Will Collier Yapp? Is he up to much?

Driver wrote:Whats the craic with Will Collier Yapp? Is he up to much?

He was pretty good last season, more established but less talented than Sinckler. Frankly I'd be starting him over PDJ initially

yappysnap wrote:

bluestonevedder wrote:Yeh, hookers nowadays are more like an extra backrower I think.

With the rule changes regarding straight feeds though, apparently hooking is going to become a big part of the game again. Can't remember whether it was Barnes or Kay that were saying it, but they expect a few a few players to struggle with the scrummaging next season.

I've never played front row but will straight feeds and having to actually hook now help the smaller hookers and hinder those who are a lot taller? As hookers always used to be short arses didn't they?!

Depends just how short the are yappy! If someone is wedged between Sheridan and Hayman for instance, and happens to be only 5'7, they are going to struggle hooking with their feet off the ground!

Collier will be a good squad player and fine cover for PDJ and Synckler, honestly though I think both of those have far more potential then him. His problems are a lack of damage at scrum time and little input around the park, PDJ should be able to offer a lot in the loose while Synckler if he keeps growing is going to be a monster.

yappysnap wrote:

bluestonevedder wrote:Yeh, hookers nowadays are more like an extra backrower I think.

With the rule changes regarding straight feeds though, apparently hooking is going to become a big part of the game again. Can't remember whether it was Barnes or Kay that were saying it, but they expect a few a few players to struggle with the scrummaging next season.

I've never played front row but will straight feeds and having to actually hook now help the smaller hookers and hinder those who are a lot taller? As hookers always used to be short arses didn't they?!

A good, technical (and perhaps short) front row will be able to take the monsters so low that the opposing hooker is actually unable to lift their leg to hook.

Sadly I can see the interpretations of the "new" law changes being relaxed.

GeordieFalcon wrote:Am i getting confused...but arent Britton and DD both tiny as front rowers go..more Lee Mears stances...

Geordie,Darren Dawiduik is quite small,  but Koree Britton is 5'11 and just under 17 stone and is still only 21.  I wouldn't put him in the same bracket as Mears. To my mind Britton's problems have been his temper and his throwing,  but both can be fixed.

5 foot 11 and over 17 stone would give him bigger size stats than the England number 1 Tom Youngs.

I think Kvesic at Glaws and Joseph at Bath will be two exciting players to watch.

I also think Mathew Tait's continuing development at 15 should be keenly followed.

If Wade at Wasps continues at his current trajectory the sky is the limit basically, and another could of Wasps I think could step up this season is Tom Lindsay at hooker and Daly at 15 or centre. So much potential.

Henry Thomas at Sale would be another.

thats true sam. i didnt realise Britton was that size actually. 

i think Attwoods current performances need watching and can Lawes get a decent run. 

can youngs continue his impressive move to hooker amd work on his lineouts....likewise can Lindsay come through. 

can barritt show he is more than a defender now he has a serious challenger from 36. likewise can Farrell progress...

I have to say I did wonder how Tom would get on with the Lions. His general play I had no doubts over but there's a lot of pressure on him and that has in the past led to some throwing issues, the AP final only highlighted this. So far (touch wood) he's been the best hooker at the lineout on the Lions tour. His move to hooker was a stroke of genius on Meyer's part, he's so aggressive and physical but combined with those centre based skills and pace. Best hooker we've had at Tigers since Kayser left.

The Barritt vs Twelvetrees vs Eastmond (possibly) could be rather interesting. There are questions over Barritt's creative ability, Twelvetrees defensive positioning and consistency and, Eastmond's attempts to concentrate his undoubted abilities into a single position instead of the jack of all trades he's used as at the minute.

I don't think there is any contest between Barritt and Twelvetrees. If England are to become the side we all want them to be it has to be Billy. He makes Farrell look a much better player for a start.

Problems with Billy are all to do with his defensive positioning. As dull as Barritt is in attack you don't see players ghosting past with the same ease Daly went past Billy in the Baabaas game. I think whichever of them adjusts and improves their game first will grab that 12 shirt. I still have a sneaking suspicion that Eastmond could be a dark horse.

If England are going to play an expansive game than the removal of Farrell from 10 must be the first port of call. Any 12 has to stand very deep with him at 10 and the likes of Manu and Ashton who thrive on playing close to the gain line are struggling as playing that deep and passing that slow means they are easily gang tackled.

From the welsh regions, one's to watch are:
Rhys Patchell
Cory Allen
Rob Evans (I know we have Rhys gill and Bevington as well but this kid is the future looshead for Wales, once Gethin has hung up his boots)
Jake Ball
Dan Baker
Morgan Allen
Jack Dixon
Hallam Amos
Eli Walker and Hanno Dirksen
All will without a doubt be capped in the not so distant future for Wales, some great talent coming through our regions and I hope to see them play more

Top 3:
Rob Evans
Rhys Patchell
Eli Walker

Billy Vunipola will be worth watching in a powerful Sarries pack he should be devastating coming off the back of scrums.
He should be able to put some serious pressure on Morgan for the England shirt.

Matt Mullan is a good shout Geordie we just need to get a solid TH to play with him.

The Yorkshire lad who Wasps had at tighthead this season did a great job for them. His name alludes me, if I remember rightly he's fairly young in propping terms.