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!!!!

[ChequeredJersey]

Fair enough. I only put in the word unfortunately in order to be polite

[HongKongCherry]

It is so much funnier reading these threads when this message comes up rather than the actual post. My guesses at what is said are always much more erudite, enlightening and humourous than reality.

LT, you are quite right, this foe lark is quite good.  In fact, I'd suggest for logan to keep up the good work

[yappysnap]

Putting someone on your foe list is actually very satisfying...

[ChequeredJersey]

Yep. Also foe is a great word


Back to Quins, anyone had any thoughts on who we could bring in for Kohn?

[HongKongCherry]

Who can you get at such short notice? You may be able to pick up a S15 player in a month or two, but they'll have no off season. There is the lock from Richmond (I've forgotten his name) who is highly regarded, but whilst he's a prospect he's unlikely to fill Kohn's boots. I think Easter will be used mostly at lock this year, but that'll be good news for Guest and Clifford.

[yappysnap]

There has to be a whole host of SA/NZ forwards playing to a high level that aren't getting a look in at SuperRugby level that CoS could take and mould.

I really want a NEQ player so that they wont get called up and are free to play for us across the season.

So points to consider:
Need to be big-6.7 and 18stone+
Need to be fit and not injury prone (25-30 y/o)so we can get plenty out of them
Need to buy in to the Quins way
Need to be physical

[yappysnap]

So our pack for the London Double Header could be:

1. Marler 2. Gray 3. Collier
4. Robson 5. Easter
6. Fa'Asavalu 7. Robshaw
8. Guest

Hhhhmmmm

Honestly I'm concerned about that but we won't really know until they play.

Or we could see:
1. Marler 2. Buchanan 3. Paul Doran-Jones
4. Robson 5. Mathews
6. Guest 7. Robshaw
8. Easter

Looks much better to me.

[LondonTiger]

Charlie Matthews was kept at the Quins academy when Launchbury was released. Time to trust him and thtrow him into the team.

Any recruitment should be merely back-up. Perhaps we may let you have Joe Cain or Tom Price on a season's loan?

[Sam]

I do think we need another second row option, and maybe another tight head of some quality.

If we don't get another second row, I think Matthews should play there, Easter is our best 8 and should play at 8.

[Geordie]

Yeah i think Matthews will be given a chance this season.
Didnt know Ollie Kohn had to retire...whilst i still think Matthews would have started ahead of him this season...he's a big loss...

[yappysnap]

I don't think Mathews would have started ahead of him to be honest. And honestly Mathews is a long way off the finished article (I also think this about Launchberry though) and really shouldn't have the burden of being the only 5 in the squad on his shoulders as well. A bit of back up at least would be good.

[propdavid_london]

Faasavalou looked really tired at the end of the season. Hopefully the off-season has revitalised him and gives him the hunger back.
I can see Guest getting more game time as these 2 are rotated. And would also like to see Wallace getting more time too.
Not sure if Jack Clifford will see much 1st team action though - he will probably get more LV Cup, and A-League stuff.

[LondonTiger]

Where do Quins train? Just asking as depending on where their players live, the probably have the highest living expenses of any player in the country. Thus it is quite likely that players are on a higher salary than they would be at other clubs.

this would thus reduce the amount of cash available to bring anyone in.

[logansrun38]

Surrey

[propdavid_london]

They used to train New Malden way - training ground just off the A3.
Now they are based at Surrey Sports park - all very swanky and state of the art. Its just outside Guildford.

[formerly known as Sam]

LT Cain is already confirmed as on dual reg with Notts and given that he missed 6 months with a dislocated knee he will need time before he's read for high top flight rugby. Price and Wells however should be chomping at the bit after the JWC. Is imagine they'll be both a Notts as well with Purdy and Bower but if Quine asked very nicely we could send one down south to help them out a bit.

[propdavid_london]

Its a fair point LT - I did wonder whether or not the Salary cap could or should be slightly adjusted for London based clubs - much like there is a London Waiting salary increase for Key workers.

[logansrun38]

Nick Kennedy is leaving Toulon. He wont come to Quins because they are rubbish.

[Ozzy3213]

Nick Kennedy is leaving Toulon. He wont come to Quins because they are rubbish.

 Jayzus you are tedious mate.

[logansrun38]

I guess the truth hurts sometimes  

[Ozzy3213]

Doesn't hurt me fella, I'm a London irish fan, but you are getting seriously boring!

[logansrun38]

And so are some of the always postive posters on here. Or is this board only for people like them?

[Ozzy3213]

The board is for anyone who wishes to contribute, and if people feel negatively about something then they are of course entitled to convey that.  However, you might find that people were more receptive to your point of view if you posted something constructive once in while.  Just a thought.

[logansrun38]

I did say that Collier and Sinkler were good propects

[ChequeredJersey]

Not always positive, I think we'll fail to win anything next season, but then I don't automatically see that as a massive failure or certainly not as a reason to stop supporting Quins. I do think we'll do better than your frankly insane predictions but may struggle to make the Top 4, but not always being optimistic and being nothing but insulting (as well as pessimistic) whilst just dismissing any logical attempt to look into or alter your perception with phrases like "absolute tosh" without any attempt to reason or think or any apparent interest in discussion over anything is not what any forum is for mate, except hate-fora, the kind Directioners use to insult Swiftites or whatever they are called (and vice versa) despite having never met them. Constructive criticism is encouraged and should be everywhere. That is not what you have done at any point. It's getting old

[yappysnap]

Where do Quins train? Just asking as depending on where their players live, the probably have the highest living expenses of any player in the country. Thus it is quite likely that players are on a higher salary than they would be at other clubs.

this would thus reduce the amount of cash available to bring anyone in.

They train at Surrey Sports Park, as to living I know a few live in Weybridge and the surrounding area, which is about as expensive as you can get in Surrey.

[logansrun38]

Not always positive, I think we'll fail to win anything next season, but then I don't automatically see that as a massive failure or certainly not as a reason to stop supporting Quins. I do think we'll do better than your frankly insane predictions but may struggle to make the Top 4, but not always being optimistic and being nothing but insulting (as well as pessimistic) whilst just dismissing any logical attempt to look into or alter your perception with phrases like "absolute tosh" without any attempt to reason or think or any apparent interest in discussion over anything is not what any forum is for mate, except hate-fora, the kind Directioners use to insult Swiftites or whatever they are called (and vice versa)   despite having never met them. Constructive criticism is encouraged and should be everywhere. That is not what you have done at any point. It's getting old

Your the insane one with your predictions. I shall enjoy reading your pathetic excuses when Quins get hammered next season.  I hope you gave plenty because it will happen a lot.

[formerly known as Sam]

I think it's the same everywhere Yappy, all the Tigers players live in the posh villages South of Leicester. The only I heard of who didn't was Mafi, well until he got burgled then he moved.

Of course the posh areas down your way probably cost at least twice what they do up here.

[Ozzy3213]

On house prices, I know where Olly Kohn lives and looking on rightmove, a two bedroom house in his road sold in 2008 for £320,000!

[ChequeredJersey]

Excuses will most likely be "they were better than us". And if we do as badly as you predict, I shall apologise to you on here, especially if there is no sign of talent in the players you have decided are terrible or no signs for optimism in future seasons. I am happy to admit when I am wrong. Are you man enough to do the same if Quins do we'll in Europe? Or make the playoffs? Or if players or COS prove you wrong?

[yappysnap]

You're really expecting him to be here by then CJ? I'm hoping he's got bored and f*cked off long before that!

[ChequeredJersey]

No I don't expect it but I'm giving him the chance to back himself here

[logansrun38]

Quins won't do well in Europe or the Prem. There are plenty of teams better than them on both leagues. I'll be back. Mainly to laugh at deluded posters like yourselves. I bet you'll even find a winless HC run positive!

[logansrun38]

Mind you, Quins have just signed Nick Kennedy

[MBTGOG]

Nick Kennedy has been linked strongly to Quins after his release from Toulon. What are your thoughts?

[logansrun38]

It will be announced today/tomorrow. Must admit, a good signing.

[LondonTiger]

Kennedy is a decent player, for me not quite International quality but a bloody good club player. My issue with him at Quins is that he is very similar to George robson in what he brings - so he looked good alongside a more robust partner like Casey or Bakkies - and as such is not really a replacement for Kohn.

Get him at the right price and a good signing I say.

[Ozzy3213]

I agree with LT that he would notbe a like for like replacement for Kohn and as such he should avoid going to play for the Hairy Queens at all cost!!!

[LondonTiger]

I agree with LT that he would notbe a like for like replacement for Kohn and as such he should avoid going to play for the Hairy Queens at all cost!!!

And go back to the Madj for free?

[Ozzy3213]

I agree with LT that he would notbe a like for like replacement for Kohn and as such he should avoid going to play for the Hairy Queens at all cost!!!

And go back to the Madj for free?

Now you're talking my language LT.

[bluestonevedder]

Cracking signing for Harlequins, and I have to admit, it's going to be good to see Kennedy back playing in the Prem. Always liked him as a player.

[ChequeredJersey]

Danny Care's Twitter implies that Kennedy is indeed coming here.

[HongKongCherry]

He may not be a like for like replacement for Kohn, but he'll give you added strength at the lineout. In light of how late Kohn's retirement was announced you could have ended up with far worse replacements!

[Ozzy3213]

Gutted that Kendo is going to Quins. You have got yourself a really good player and a top bloke. He will be excellent for you guys!  

[HongKongCherry]

Ozzy, do you know if Irish were even speaking to him about returning?

[propdavid_london]

Confirmed on Quins website - Yay.

http://www.quins.co.uk/news/7206.php#.Ud1bjqNwaM8

[Sam]

Nick Kennedy is leaving Toulon. He wont come to Quins because they are rubbish.

 

[MBTGOG]

Have to agree with HongKongCherry, for a signing at such a late point, Quins have done really well in this.

[Ozzy3213]

Ozzy, do you know if Irish were even speaking to him about returning?

I don't think we were to be honest HKC.

[yappysnap]

He'll be a really good partner for Mathews and its great to have signed him, also it'll mean there isn't so much pressure on Robeon across the season. Just hope we don't try playing Robson/Kennedy together.

Al in all I'm pleased

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