Harlequins 2013/14 Season Discussion Thread

[yappysnap]

First topic message reminder :

So a few other teams had their own threads last season, it seemed to work well and seeing as it's far easier to steal someone else's idea then think up your own...

WELCOME TO THE HARLEQUINS 2013/14 SEASON DISCUSSION THREAD!

The Squad for 13/14:
Director of Rugby Conor O'Shea
Head Coach John Kingston
First Team Coach Tony Diprose
Assistant First Team Coach Mark Mapletoft
Assistant First Team Coach Collin Osborne

Hooker
Joe Gray
Rob Buchanan
Dave Ward

Loosehead Prop:
Joe Marler
Mark Lambert
Nick Mayhew
Daryl Marfo

Tighthead Prop
Paul Doran Jones
Will Collier
Kyle Sinckler  

Lock
George Robson   
Charlie Matthews
George Merrick
Sam Twomey  

Blindside
Maurie Fa'asavalu
Joe Trayfoot  

Openside
Chris Robshaw
Luke Wallace

Number 8
Nick Easter
Tom Guest
Jack Clifford

Scrum Half
Danny Care
Karl Dickson

Fly Half
Nick Evans  
Ben Botica
Louis Grimoldby

Inside Centre
Jordan Turner-Hall  
Tom Casson  
Harry Sloan

Outside Centre
George Lowe
Matt Hopper
Charlie Walker

Wing
Ugo Monye
Tom Williams
Sam Smith
Miles Mantella


Fullback
Mike Brown
Ross Chisholm
Ollie Lindsay-Hague

Fixtures:

Harlequins are pleased to confirm an exciting and challenging opening for the 2013-14 Aviva Premiership season.
 
The Londoners kick-off the new season against local rivals London Wasps at Twickenham Stadium during the London Double Header on 7th September, kick-off 4.30pm (Live on BT Sport).

2013 Aviva Premiership finalists, Northampton Saints are the visitors for the first home game at The Twickenham Stoop on Friday 13th September, kick-off 7:45pm (Live on BT Sport).

The second home game welcomes Heineken Cup semi-finalists Saracens on 28th September, kick-off 3.15pm (Live on BT Sport).

Exeter Chiefs will be the visitors to Twickenham Stadium for the sixth Big Game on Saturday 28th December. More information about Big Game 6 will be provided in coming months.

The Londoners will open their Heineken Cup campaign over the weekend of the 11th/12th/13th October, while the defence of the LV= Cup will begin during the second weekend of November. Fixture dates and times are expected by ERC and Premiership rugby later this month.

The only way to guarantee your place at all of the regular season home fixtures is by becoming a Member. Information on the innovative Membership scheme and how to become a Member is available by clicking here or by calling 0208 744 4477.

"There is no such thing as an easy match in the Aviva Premiership and there is no doubt that our opening fixtures are very demanding," said Conor O'Shea, Harlequins Director of Rugby.

"Once again we will be competing in three great competitions against top class opposition from this country and Europe. Our Premiership campaign gets underway with the London Double Header against Wasps on 7th September and is followed during that month with tough home matches with Northampton Saints and Saracens as well as a trip to Sixways to play against Dean Ryan's Worcester.

"Given the quality of the opposition, we hope that our supporters will be looking forward to returning to The Stoop to get behind their team as we set out on the marathon that is the Premiership with all its related ups and downs."

Tickets for the new season's home games will go on sale on Monday 15th July. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 0208 410 6000
Harlequins Fixtures
Please note fixtures after Round 8 are subject to change

Round 1
Saturday September 7: London Wasps v Harlequins (4.30pm, Twickenham Stadium, BT Sport)

Round 2
Friday September 13:Harlequins v Northampton Saints (7.45pm BT Sport)

Round3
Friday September 21: Worcester Warriors v Harlequins (7.45pm BT Sport)

Round 4
Saturday September 28: Harlequins v Saracens (3.15pm BT Sport)

Round 5
Saturday October 5: London Irish v Harlequins (3.00pm)

Heineken Cup
Fri/Sat/Sun October 11/12/13 Heineken Cup

Fri/Sat/Sun October 18/19/20 Heineken Cup

Round 6
Saturday October 26: Harlequins v Sale Sharks (3.00pm)

Round 7
Saturday November 2: Leicester Tigers v Harlequins (5.30pm BT Sport)

LV= Cup
Fri/Sat/Sun November 9 LV= Cup

Fri/Sat/Sun November 16 LV= Cup

Round 8
Saturday November 23: Harlequins v Gloucester Rugby (3.00pm)

Round 9
Sunday December 1: Newcastle Falcons v Harlequins (3.00pm)

Heineken Cup
Fri/Sat/Sun Dec 6/7/8 Heineken Cup

Fri/Sat/Sun Dec 13/14/15Heineken Cup

Round 10
Saturday December 21st: Bath Rugby v Harlequins (3.00pm)

Round 11
Sat December 28: BIG GAME 6 Harlequins v Exeter Chiefs (3.00pm)

Round 12
Saturday January 4: Northampton Saints v Harlequins (3.00pm)

Heineken Cup
Fri/Sat/Sun January 10/11/12 Heineken Cup
Fri/Sat/ Sun January 17/18/19 Heineken Cup

LV= Cup
Fri/Sat/Sun Jan 24/25/26 LV= Cup
Fri/Sat/Sun Jan 31 Feb 1 /2 LV= Cup

Round 13
Saturday February 8: Harlequins v London Wasps (3.00pm)

Round 14
Saturday February 15: Harlequins v Newcastle Falcons (3.00pm)

Round 15
Saturday February 22: Gloucester Rugby v Harlequins (3.00pm)

Round 16
Saturday March 1: Harlequins v Worcester Warriors (3.00pm)

Round 17
Saturday March 22: Saracens v Harlequins (3.00pm)

Round 18
Saturday March 29: Harlequins v London Irish (3.00pm)

Round 19
Friday April 11: Sale Sharks v Harlequins (7.45pm)

Round 20
Saturday April 19: Harlequins v Leicester Tigers (3.00pm)

Round 21
Saturday May 3: Exeter Chiefs v Harlequins (3.00pm)

Round 22
Saturday May 10: Harlequins v Bath Rugby (3.00pm)

Whether you're a Quins fan or not please feel free to discuss, argue, banter and bicker below. And  to 2014's Aviva Prem Champs!!    

COYQ's!!!!

[formerly known as Sam]

You won't beat the French teams this time of year. They start their season next weekend and the AP starts in just under a month. They are well ahead in their preseason.

[ChequeredJersey]

And they had a better team. Nobody expected to win. If you feel Quins were humiliated though Logan, feel free to keep your opinion. Nice to see you adding to the forum as per usual

[logansrun38]

Don't expect to win? Attitude of a Quins loser.

[formerly known as Sam]

It's preseason. Tigers are getting mauled by Montpellier but I don't care. More important to get game time in the legs, get the new lads intergrated and give some youngsters a chance. No point in peaking now. Start peaking after Christmas and try to win something.

[ChequeredJersey]

Fair enough. Trot on to a winner's club

[logansrun38]

I will do. I'm not supporting Quins losers anymore. Rubbish club, run by morons. Can't even get merchandise right. Pathetic.

[ChequeredJersey]

Cool, hope you have fun at your new club

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

Northampton beat Leinster 43 0 in a pre season friendly this time last year. (I sh1t you not)

I suggest you choose Northampton as your new club. I'll see you for a pint at the gardens in December.

[logansrun38]

Saints will be rubbish until they get rid of Mallinder. He is more uselss thank Clueless O'Shea.

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

Saints will be rubbish until they get rid of Mallinder. He is more uselss thank Clueless O'Shea.

2 down 10 to go.

Clearly Sale, London Irish, Worcester and Newcastle are muck. Leicester wouldn't have you. Hmmm. Will you end up a Sarries fan? Or will you have to go further afield? Toulon are pretty good...

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

Commuting to games would be tough though.

[Poorfour]

Speaking from experience, it's only slightly harder to get to Toulon than to Sarries.

[yappysnap]

He wants to be a Bath fan! It all makes sense now!

[ChequeredJersey]

That phrase never makes sense...

[Sam]

Anyone watch the 7s this weekend? Any standout performers for us that could make their mark in the Jeff this season? - Meant to watch the highlights yesterday but forgot  

[logansrun38]

they were rubbish. it was a pathetic perfomance

[beshocked]

Sam I thought your best player was Mantella.

Quins were pretty good overall but Walker was surprisingly quiet.

Quins were their own worst enemies vs Tigers. Should have won but two silly errors cost them dear. Weren't the only side to basically allow the opposition to snatch the win at the death.

[formerly known as Sam]

Sevens is like that though, it can turn very quickly with the team in the ascendancy quickly stripped of their momentum. Quins played a game based on attacking the breakdown and blurring the lines. Worked brilliantly until the ref sin binned a player then they had an awful lot of defending to do with a man down.

[beshocked]

Formerly known as Sam. It was stupid errors though that cost Quins.

Quins lost that crucial lineout - the sin bin came after that.

Quins had progression in their hands but blew it with silly errors at very crucial moments.

[yappysnap]

So has the 7's finished now?

[ChequeredJersey]

JPRyes, but we are in the World Club 7s next sat and hopefully Sunday (as I have tickets for Sunday)

[yappysnap]

Is that with the USA teams?

[ChequeredJersey]

Yeah and a few others like the Brumbies, the Auckland Blues, the Blue Bulls, Buenos Aires, Saints, Gloucester, and some Russian teams. Not sure who the Super rugby teams are sending. Could technically be Marshall, I suppose?!

[Sam]

Sam I thought your best player was Mantella.

Quins were pretty good overall but Walker was surprisingly quiet.

Quins were their own worst enemies vs Tigers. Should have won but two silly errors cost them dear. Weren't the only side to basically allow the opposition to snatch the win at the death.

Thanks for that Beshocked, tried watching the highlights last night on catch up by my useless internet wasn't have it.

As for being our own worst enemies vs Tigers it sounds like last seasons premiership play-off  

Does anyone have any idea when tickets go on general sale? I'm after some for the Northampton game but it's season ticket holders only at the moment , also I assume there isn't a membership without a season ticket that gives you the option to buy tickets before they go on general sale?

[ScarletSpiderman]

Logansrun - Please check your PMs.

[Sam]

Anyone going to any pre-season games?

[logansrun38]

Yep - and the World 7s

[Sam]

Yep - and the World 7s

Looking at going to one of the pre-season games as the tickets are only a tenner. I was interested by the world 7s but tickets seemed expensive when I looked - around £40 each?

[yappysnap]

Was planning on making the Glasgow game. Just going to buy a ticket on the day if I do make it. Then its on to the double header  

[HongKongCherry]

Have you signed Sackey? Are there any other ex-pats you're after??

[ChequeredJersey]

I'm going to the world club sevens, might make a friendly game if I'm free

[ChequeredJersey]

We signed Sackey as cover for Chis, who will miss the whole season and OLH who is out till November. He won't be first choice

[yappysnap]

Nnooooooooooooooo

[bluestonevedder]

I guess he's got a proven track record of performing well, so he's not a terrible replacement signing. However, losing Chisholm for the season and OLH until November is a real hit. That sucks.

How many Chisholms are there? I might be making this up, but I swear in the England U18s highlights therer was a backrow named Chisholm. Any relation?

[Sam]

How many Chisholms are there? I might be making this up, but I swear in the England U18s highlights therer was a backrow named Chisholm. Any relation?

Brothers I believe, I think there is one with the Chiefs too who is also related if I'm right.

As for Sackey not a bad signing this late on, definitely need the cover.

[ChequeredJersey]

Yeah, he's his younger brother, number 8, James, U18 captain

[bluestonevedder]

Looks like very decent player if the highlights are anything to go by.

Ross Chisholm is a very decent player. I thought he was good during the 7s, and his little scuffles with James Short showed another side to his play which I hadn't really seen in a Quins shirt before.

[ChequeredJersey]

Quins saw off London Scottish in their 2nd preseason match 40-15. Sounds like some good play and promise from Walker at FB and Clifford but we need to work on maul defence as we leaked another try through one

[formerly known as Sam]

Maul defence may be harder now there's no Ollie Kohn. Preseason isn't the be all and end all, how strong was the squad?

[ChequeredJersey]

Mixed squad, just like last week. Similar strength really, with players rotated

[ChequeredJersey]

Quins won 2/3 games today in the 7s to make the QFs tomorrow vs Gloucester. Should be a good game. Walker was good again, Mantella too and Burns came to the party by the end. Like last week we started poorly and lost the first match, hope we have warmed up enough to start better tomorrow

[yappysnap]

Got to say I don't think any of these 7s tournaments are worth the loss of players like Chisholm and OLH.

7s is a totally different sport and the players already play too much as it is.

[ChequeredJersey]

Burns and Walker are class (Mantella can sure finish too but we've lost him). However, in future sevens events we need to work on our restart collection as we were dire at that in both games we lost today and that was a huge factor in why we lost them. In sevens you need the ball more than you do in 15s!

[Poorfour]

Burns and Walker are class (Mantella can sure finish too but we've lost him). However, in future sevens events we need to work on our restart collection as we were dire at that in both games we lost today and that was a huge factor in why we lost them. In sevens you need the ball more than you do in 15s!

When you consider that by this morning we'd lost 4 of the most experienced 7s players in the squad, and that nearly all the native Quins had played at least 20 mins on Friday, too, I think they did pretty well. We didn't have much luck on the restarts against Auckland, but they were a strength in the JPM 7s. Honestly, we just came up against a better team (and a pretty unsympathetic ref - there were a few things he let go for the Blues where he penalised Quins in very similar situations).

The really important

[ChequeredJersey]

The ref's calls on holding on at the ruck and crossing/obstruction were definitely inconsistent to say the least!

[yappysnap]

Burns and Walker are class (Mantella can sure finish too but we've lost him). However, in future sevens events we need to work on our restart collection as we were dire at that in both games we lost today and that was a huge factor in why we lost them. In sevens you need the ball more than you do in 15s!

When you consider that by this morning we'd lost 4 of the most experienced 7s players in the squad, and that nearly all the native Quins had played at least 20 mins on Friday, too, I think they did pretty well. We didn't have much luck on the restarts against Auckland, but they were a strength in the JPM 7s. Honestly, we just came up against a better team (and a pretty unsympathetic ref - there were a few things he let go for the Blues where he penalised Quins in very similar situations).

The really important

Who'd we lose?

[ChequeredJersey]

Chis, OLH, Agunda, Manning

[ChequeredJersey]

See Quins were on Masterchef!

[yappysnap]

Yes just read about that on Twitter. Did you watch it? If I recall Skinner is apparently an awesome cake maker...

[ChequeredJersey]

Nah, they were being served the dinner after training by chefs including Hoggard.

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