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]

Ward used to play for Saints, then Pirates then we brought him in as 3rd choice (maybe 4th at the time...) Hooker. Now that he has had regular gametime (with Brooker moving on and Gray and Buchanan - and also Allen- injured fairly long term) he has improved his hooking (stole one gaainst the head against ASM at the death) and throwing and his loose work has always been immense. He's not that young but just needed his specialist skills fixing. His lineout throwing has generally improved so so much recently. He wins turnovers, rips the ball better than any other player I know and plays sevens with his pace. Ward is currently first choice a steh shirt is his and he deserves it. Buchanan injured his biceps months ago, should be back soon. Gray is also just about back. We have had way more injuries this season than in the last couple

[ChequeredJersey]

CAW seems ever more sure that we are signing Yarde and losing Smith

[thomh]

Let's hope so Re: Yarde. Smith would be a shame to lose as Monye and Williams are both out of contract next year, but if he wants to nail a Premiership starting spot he probably has to move, especially if Quins are looking to have both Yarde and Walker on the books next year.

[ChequeredJersey]

He'll get a place, he's a solid winger who can score some lovely tries. But he's not an outright pace merchant nor finisher and he doesn't have the guile of TW or the "manna" of Ugo

[BamBam]

If you do sign Yarde, having him alongside Brown and Walker looks bloody dangerous, potential future England combination there.

[Ozzy3213]

I will be absolutely gutted if Marland joins Quins. More so than with the recent exodus to Bath. We are now in a position to build a decent squad and start competing, so losing him at this point would just be a hammer blow!

[quinsforever]

I will be absolutely gutted if Marland joins Quins.  More so than with the recent exodus to Bath.  We are now in a position to build a decent squad and start competing, so losing him at this point would just be a hammer blow!

why are you letting him go? does new ownership have someone bigger and better in mind?

[ChequeredJersey]

I think I've heard trophy chasing etc being used

[Heaf]

I will be absolutely gutted if Marland joins Quins.  More so than with the recent exodus to Bath.  We are now in a position to build a decent squad and start competing, so losing him at this point would just be a hammer blow!

why are you letting him go? does new ownership have someone bigger and better in mind?

We're not 'letting' him go - as far as I've heard he's been made a very good offer to stay so fingers crossed he does.

[quinsforever]

fair enough.

[yappysnap]

Prop, may well be at Stade Francais, I guess it's a good tome for them to steal some support off Racing after they cancelled their game.

Geordie over the last season or so we've played at least 5 hookers! It's a crippling addiction...

Ward is about 28 and originally a championship player before getting scouted late by Quins and now coming very good in his second season. He used to play flanker as well so you can see where the insane step and pace may have cone from!

Still a little light in the scrum though like most small hookers.

Before that we had Buchanan and Gray battling it out but they both got injured. Buchanan is the best all rounder, bit more old school and a lot more physical. Gray is the weakest but technically very good, little light in defense and doesn't offer as much as the other two though.

[propdavid_london]

Agree with that Yappy - Quins are fortunate to have 3 very good hookers. Ward was very much 3rd choice behind Grey and Buchannan but has taken his chances well and I would say is now 1st choice pick - its down to the others to lift their games back up. Its great that all 3 have had Saxons honours too.

[Sam]

If you do sign Yarde, having him alongside Brown and Walker looks bloody dangerous, potential future England combination there.

Walker has played fullback, wing and centre, do we think he will settle on the wing?

[propdavid_london]

If he stays with Quins he will likely get more game time on the wing.
Would be behind Brown and Chisholm (when fit) at 15, possibly even OLH. Evans has coverd there too.
Wing at the moment we only have Tom Williams, Ugo and OLH covering and Sam Smith/Marland Yard

[ChequeredJersey]

Yes, because that's where he's most needed. He won't stick at FB (except as mid game cover) for us with Brown, OLH and Chis there, if Lowe makes it back, Lowe and Hopper are there at 13. He can probably cover 12 adequately but it's not his best position. But he has so much pace, and a step and has been really good this season at wing, and Ugo and TW are getting old.

[yappysnap]

To be fair with the way injuries plague Lowe Walker may get a fair bit of time at 13 over the seasons anyway. I'd like him starting every match on the wing and then just moving in as the game goes on.

Any one else think it may be a good idea to start Botica in the Amlin? It's a low priority tournament (yes any silverware is good but with the limited resources we have I'd like our focus to be Prem success) and he needs to be given more game time and trust outside of 10 min cameos and LV rugby. Nev came into this season stating he'd like to play more so now we're out of HC it seems likea good chance to rotate.

[propdavid_london]

Yappy - I thought Nev had said that he wanted to play less to try to prolong his career!
Agree totally about Botica getting more game time though.

Whats the injury news - I heard from reports that Collier was injured, Nev had a leg injury which is why Botica came on in the Scarlets game. Guest was crocked again from a late hit or something!

Hopper being called up for Saxons with Ward also included.
EPS in camp.
What sort of a team are we going to be able to put out for Tigers this week?

[ChequeredJersey]

Wasn't a late hit, was an off the ball shoulder charge in the flank

[ChequeredJersey]

At a guess?

15- OLH
14- Williams
13- Casson? Molenaar?
12- JTH
11- Monye
10- Botica
9- Dickson
8- hopefully Guest, if not it may have to be Easter unless Clifford is back
7- Mo
6- Trayfoot
5- Kennedy
4- Merrick
3- PDJ
2- Gray, hopefully
1- Lambert

Marfo, that hooker we borrowed from Sarries, Sinckler, Twomey, god only knows in backrow, Stuart, god only knows (England under 20s away too), Sackey

[Sam]

Marfo, that hooker we borrowed from Sarries, Sinckler, Twomey, god only knows in backrow, Stuart, god only knows (England under 20s away too), Sackey

Are you available to take a seat on the bench?   

[propdavid_london]

And from the Tigers page -
Formerly know as Sam feels that they will field a team like this -
Bristow, Thacker, Balmain
Cain, de Chaves
Wells, Noone, Matera
Harrison, Williams
Pohe, Catchpole
Purdy, Humphreys, Thompstone

Bench: Stankovitch, Hawkins, Mulipola, Price, Mafi, Mele, Lamb, Smith.

[ChequeredJersey]

No one at number 8? Should help us

[Pm76]

And from the Tigers page -
Formerly know as Sam feels that they will field a team like this -
Bristow, Thacker, Balmain
Cain, de Chaves
Wells, Noone, Matera
Harrison, Williams
Pohe, Catchpole
Purdy, Humphreys, Thompstone

Bench: Stankovitch, Hawkins, Mulipola, Price, Mafi, Mele, Lamb, Smith.

Based on today's team news in the Leicester Mercury (http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Leicester-Tigers-injury-nightmare-hits-LV-Cup/story-20477766-detail/story.html) Tigers side could well look like this:

Bristow, Hawkins, Balmain
De Chaves, Wells
Noone, Waldrom, Matera
Steele, Williams
Hepetema, Catchpole
Thompstone, Hamilton, Scully

Briggs/ Chuter, Pasquali, Stankovich, Mafi, Owen/ Guillaume, Mele/ Tressider, Lamb, Purdy

[ChequeredJersey]

No one liked my joke

[Sam]

No one liked my joke

I liked it   playing 14 men always helps!   

[lostinwales]

I am assuming Noone is one of those players who get through a lot of unseen work..

[yappysnap]

Hhhhmmm doesn't look like many of our first teamers are going to get a rest at this rate!

Yappy - I thought Nev had said that he wanted to play less to try to prolong his career!
Agree totally about Botica getting more game time though.

Honestly that's what I meant! Must lay off the mind bending opiates...

Nev's played almost every game this season so is due a rest!

[ChequeredJersey]

Harlequins have announced the team to play Leicester Tigers in Round 3 of the LV= Cup, at The Stoop on Saturday, kick-off 3:00pm.The side is a mix of both youth and experience as Tom Williams, Harry Sloan, Jordan Turner-Hall and Joe Gray start, making their first appearances after returning from injury; Maurie Fa'asavalu continues his return after a substitute appearance last weekend against The Scarlets.

Karl Dickson captains the side and is joined in the half backs by Ben Botica. Ollie Lindsay-Hague is named at full-back with Williams and Paul Sackey making up the back three.

In the forwards, George Merrick partners Nick Kennedy in the second row, while Joe Trayfoot, Fa'asavalu and Tom Guest complete the back row.

Among the replacements, John Fisher School's Kieran Treadwell will look to make his first senior appearance for the Club. The England U18 second-row forward has progressed through the EPDG (Elite Player Development Group) and featured in the Aviva 'A' League earlier this season.

Harlequins Team

15. Ollie Lindsay-Hague
14. Paul Sackey
13. Harry Sloan
12. Jordan Turner-Hall
11. Tom Williams
10. Ben Botica
9. Karl Dickson (C)

1. Mark Lambert
2. Joe Gray
3. Paul Doran Jones
4. George Merrick
5. Nick Kennedy
6. Joe Trayfoot
7. Maurie Fa'asavalu
8. Tom Guest

16. Nic Mayhew
17. Darryl Marfo
18. Kyle Sinckler
19. Kieran Treadwell
20. James Chisholm
21. Sam Stuart
22. Louis Grimoldby
23. Ugo Monye


Lamb playing 10 for Tigers. Hello Mo Crashball...

[ChequeredJersey]

Good to give gametime to players back from injury (JTH, Mo, Gray, Williams, Kennedy still), 2nd choice players whom we will need but look like they are rusty (PDJ, Botica, Dickson, Guest) and young players (Sloan, Merrick, Trayfoot, OLH). And Sackey but hopefully he'll show some desire

[Welly]

Tigers team

Leicester Tigers (v Harlequins, away, Saturday 3pm)
15 Scott Hamilton
14 Blaine Scully
13 Matt Smith
12 Terrence Hepetema
11 Adam Thompstone
10 Ryan Lamb
9 David Mele (c)
1 Tom Bristow
2 Rob Hawkins
3 Fraser Balmain
4 Steve Mafi
5 Sebastian De Chaves
6 Michael Noone
7 Pablo Matera
8 Thomas Waldrom

Replacements
16 George Chuter
17 Boris Stankovich
18 Tiziano Pasquali
19 Harry Wells
20 Will Owen
21 Scott Steele
22 Owen Williams
23 Henry Purdy

[ChequeredJersey]

Should win but as long as the players get the time they need and play well and look ready for our double campaign, it doesn't matter

[ChequeredJersey]

The Fail say we've signed Yarde

[Ozzy3213]

I'll be gutted if it's true. I have some knowledge of the offers that he had ont he table, and if he has gone to Quins, then it says a fair bit about where he sees Irish being over the next couple of years.

[ChequeredJersey]

It's only the Mail, Ozzy, can't make assumptions yet

[formerly known as Sam]

Nice to hear Lamb was still good for the 7 point interception yesterday. Can't believe he is still getting games.

Any news on damage to the stadium. I presume nobody wants a rematch.

[ChequeredJersey]

Well as we were 20-6 up with 10 mins left and looked in control, probably not!

Lamb really has been Poopie for you guys

[Rugby Fan]

Lamb really has been Poopie for you guys

It is a bit peculiar how so many of England' promising fly halves have a penchant for exploring career depths - Geraghty, Lamb, Burns and, to some extents, Cips.

[formerly known as Sam]

Cockerill has already said that the win was already decided but he had hoped that Tigers could have grabbed a LBP. Don't think anyone wants a rematch. There's enough games still to play without another midweek outing.

If Lamb could gain some tactical nous and stop the floaty passes then he'd be a good 10.

[doctor_grey]

Nice to hear Lamb was still good for the 7 point interception yesterday. Can't believe he is still getting games.....

My friend, Lamb is a model of consistency and always has been.  He has been so consistently consistent, he can throw intercept tries in his sleep.  

I hope Cockerill doesn't forget the arrangement which was made when Lamb was stolen away from Saints - He is MUST play against Saints.  
Please make this happen.
Thank you.

[formerly known as Sam]

Doc if we break the deal does that mean we have to give him back? If so...

[doctor_grey]

Oh. Good point.
Under no circumstances is he allowed to the south of Junction 20.

[yappysnap]

I'll be gutted if it's true.  I have some knowledge of the offers that he had ont he table, and if he has gone to Quins, then it says a fair bit about where he sees Irish being over the next couple of years.

You might be in luck Ozzy. Seems like we've signed Chiefs winger Tikoirotuma now. I guess that means Yarde is off the cards as I'd be amazed if we were signing two wingers now!

sportif has secured Fijian-born Tikoirotuma a two-year deal with English giants Harlequins, where he will link up with former All Blacks first five-eighths Nick Evans.

After attempting to win a third successive title with the Chiefs this year, the 27-year-old can look forward to supporting his wife and three children on a similar salary to Leiua.

Personally i'm happy with that signing. He's older and more experienced then Yarde, a big powerful winger similar to Monye but quick and has been impressive for the Chiefs!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlXrk7LgMbc - He is bloomin rapid!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGJYk3xZB3o

Worth noting that recently we've played against teams that have big powerful wings and mostly come out second best (Clermont, Saints, Bath). Perhaps the coaches are now looking at our optins and while Walker, Smith, OLH, Williams are all talented none of them are physically imposing while our two more powerful wingers are either injury prone (Chis) or getting on and a little blunt (Monye).

[Ozzy3213]

I'll be gutted if it's true.  I have some knowledge of the offers that he had ont he table, and if he has gone to Quins, then it says a fair bit about where he sees Irish being over the next couple of years.

You might be in luck Ozzy. Seems like we've signed Chiefs winger Tikoirotuma now. I guess that means Yarde is off the cards as I'd be amazed if we were signing two wingers now!

sportif has secured Fijian-born Tikoirotuma a two-year deal with English giants Harlequins, where he will link up with former All Blacks first five-eighths Nick Evans.

After attempting to win a third successive title with the Chiefs this year, the 27-year-old can look forward to supporting his wife and three children on a similar salary to Leiua.

Personally i'm happy with that signing. He's older and more experienced then Yarde, a big powerful winger similar to Monye but quick and has been impressive for the Chiefs!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlXrk7LgMbc - He is bloomin rapid!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGJYk3xZB3o

Worth noting that recently we've played against teams that have big powerful wings and mostly come out second best (Clermont, Saints, Bath). Perhaps the coaches are now looking at our optins and while Walker, Smith, OLH, Williams are all talented none of them are physically imposing while our two more powerful wingers are either injury prone (Chis) or getting on and a little blunt (Monye).

I did wonder that when I saw about Tikoirotuma on Twitter earlier.

[ChequeredJersey]

I'll be gutted if it's true.  I have some knowledge of the offers that he had ont he table, and if he has gone to Quins, then it says a fair bit about where he sees Irish being over the next couple of years.

You might be in luck Ozzy. Seems like we've signed Chiefs winger Tikoirotuma now. I guess that means Yarde is off the cards as I'd be amazed if we were signing two wingers now!

sportif has secured Fijian-born Tikoirotuma a two-year deal with English giants Harlequins, where he will link up with former All Blacks first five-eighths Nick Evans.

After attempting to win a third successive title with the Chiefs this year, the 27-year-old can look forward to supporting his wife and three children on a similar salary to Leiua.

Personally i'm happy with that signing. He's older and more experienced then Yarde, a big powerful winger similar to Monye but quick and has been impressive for the Chiefs!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlXrk7LgMbc - He is bloomin rapid!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGJYk3xZB3o

Worth noting that recently we've played against teams that have big powerful wings and mostly come out second best (Clermont, Saints, Bath). Perhaps the coaches are now looking at our optins and while Walker, Smith, OLH, Williams are all talented none of them are physically imposing while our two more powerful wingers are either injury prone (Chis) or getting on and a little blunt (Monye).

Is that not also a rumour?

[ChequeredJersey]

Oh.  Good point.  
Under no circumstances is he allowed to the south of Junction 20.

I hear Gloucester are losing a 10, maybe Lamb could head back there?

[Heaf]

Interesting tweet by Marland that his favourite tune at the moment is "LOYAL" ... fingers crossed that means what I hope it does.

[ChequeredJersey]

I'm optimistic about the AP, guys. Our next 4 games are good ones to build some confidence and get the injured and second strong guys up to speed before we get the England 4 back for Sarries, hopefully full of form. Mo and JTH looked good against Tigers (and really help both plan A and B), and Nev has found form in the HEC. Players still coming back. I feel good about top .

[propdavid_london]

Shame about Yarde - but in the long term a option that isn't likely to be called up for internationals is a good bet. You are right Yappy - we could do with a bit more size in our back line, makes a difference and if we can get a better balance of size and skill then it can only be good.

For the first time in a quins shirt I saw Sackey do something good - took his try really well.
JTH and Mo are looking destructive again and look frustrated at being out for so long.

Shame the game ended early but wow - that weather was exceptional - never seen it like that at the Stoop before.

[ChequeredJersey]

The rumours are still heavily there that Yarde is coming over...

[beshocked]

Why is there still speculation? I thought it would have been sorted out by now whether he is going to Quins or not.

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