London Irish 2013/14 Discussion Thread

[Ozzy3213]

First topic message reminder :

Welcome to the new seasons London Irish discussion thread.  This is where you can talk about all tings   London Irish, good or bad, and it's always good to get the views of supporters of other clubs.
 
 
So here are this seasons senior and academy squads (Full internationals in bold).
 
Senior Squad (38)
 
HK David Paice (England)
HK Jimmy Stevens (England)
HK Michael Mayhew (New Zealand/England)
 
PR John Yapp (Wales)
PR Jonny Harris (England)
PR Matt Parr (England)
PR Leo Halavatua (Tonga)
PR Halani Aulika (Tonga) (injured)
PR Jamie Hagan (Ireland)
PR CJ van der Linde (South Africa) (injured - returned to South Africa)
 
 
LK George Skivington (England)
LK Bryn Evans (New Zealand)
LK Nic Rouse (England)
LK Kieran Low (Scotland)
LK Ian Gough(Wales)

 
FL Declan Danaher (England)
FL Jebb Sinclair (Canada)
FL Ofisa Treviranus (Samoa)
FL Blair Cowan (Scotland)
 
N8 Chris Hala'ufia (Tonga)
N8 Jon Fisher (England) (injured)
 
 
SH Tomas O'Leary (Ireland) (suspended)
SH Pat Phibbs (Australia) (injured)
SH Darren Allinson (Wales)
 
FH Ian Humphreys (Ireland)
FH Shane Geraghty (England)
FH Myles Dorrian (Australia/England)
 
CE Setaimata Sa (Samoa) (injured)
CE Guy Armitage (England) (injured)
CE Eamonn Sheridan (England/Ireland)
CE Fergus Mulchrone (England/Ireland) (injured)

 
WG Marland Yarde (England)
WG Topsy Ojo (England)
WG Sailosi Tagicakibau (Samoa) (on loan to the Stormers)
WG Andrew Fenby (Wales)
WG Alex Lewington (England)
 
FB Tom Homer (England) (injured)
CE James O'Connor (Australia)
 
 
Academy Squad (12)
 
HK Gerard Ellis (England)
HK Justin Oro-Campos (England)
 
PR Tom Smallbone (England)
PR Richard Palframan (South Africa)
 
LK Scott Moore (England)
LK Charlie Davey (England)
 
FL Danny Kenny (Ireland)
 
 
SH Ed Hoadley (England)
 
CE Ian Cross (Ireland)
 
WG Tom Fowlie (England)
WG George Owen (England)
 
 
Preview
 
 
 
My first thought looking at the squad is that we are light on both numbers and a a bit of quality up front.  We have two thirds of a decent front row with Paice and Aulika, but we are missing a proven senior loosehead, and that could be a problem for us going through the season.  The second row is similar, with Skivs and Bryn the only proven performers.  In the back row, much will rest on Big Trev and The Hoff in terms of carrying and providing power.
 
In the backs I am reasonably happy.  TOL and iHumph looked good together before TOL got injured, and in the centre I am looking forward to seeing Sa and Armitage paired together.  They are two big, physical guys, but they also have good hands.  In the back three we have options, not least Marland Yarde who is looking every inch a test class winger.  It would appear though looking at the make up of the squad, that we are likely to see Losi more in the centre than on the wing.
 
The academy looks decent with potential, and all are likely to get LV game time, with some also seeing action in the Amlin, given the noises coming out of the club from Brian Smith.
 
The reality is that there are no big names in the squad, and a lot of new faces, which means they will need to gel quickly if we are to get anywhere this season.  A lot of people have us down to finish bottom, and I can see the reasons why, however with my optimist head on, and my supporters heart I would saythis.
 
 
All of the players we now have, are there because they want to be.  The ones that remain from before have chosen to do so, and have obviously bought into Brian Smith's philosophy.  we also have a number of guys who for a variety of reasons will be keen to prove themselves.  The three lads from Tigers come with an excellent grounding and a desire to show that they can play at this level.  If the whole squad can knit together and have a point to prove, we could well prove to be a side that is more than the sum of it's parts.  Injuries will be crucial as ever, and we cannot afford to lose key players for extended periods.
 
I suspect we will be in the relegation scrap, but I am backing us to stay up.  Either way, one thing is sure and will always be true, and that's the fact that I'd rather be a paddy than a Quin.
 
 
Ozzy's prediction: 10th
 
 
Quick Links
 
 
Official Website

The Craic
 
London Irish Twitter
RugbyLI Twitter
 
London Irish Wild Geese
 
The Fields of Athenry

[SirBurger]

I am also wondering whether we may see the Huff either at blindside, or even occasionally in the second row this season. Cowan's ball-control at the base is arguably better than Huff's, even if his ball-carrying is slightly less abrasive. A move sideways, or potentially forwards like Quins have been considering with Easter could be a positive one in prolonging Chris's impact. I know he has occasionally played lock for Tonga so I am sure he could occasionally provide cover there.

In many ways these sorts of questions and options for Brian make this season incredibly exciting, even if the bookies have us as favourites for relegation.

[Ozzy3213]

I'd leave Huff at 8 to be honest.  Certainly if Cowan has better control then he can pack down at the back on our feed, with Huff on the flank, but in open play I want Huff doing the traditional 8 roll, reading the the play and making yards with ball in hand.

[SirBurger]

Completely agree in the sense that Hala'Ufia is only going to play the game one way, whatever number he has on the back of his shirt. Additionally, with a dominant scrum (unlikely), I would always want him charging at the opposition's fly half. I just meant that with Cowan's better ball-control it could be worth having him there if the scrum is struggling - it might take a bit of pressure off Chris.

[Ozzy3213]

It will be interesting to see how we go in the back row.  Smith seemed to really like Garvey at 6, and I don't see that we have a like for like replacement.  Chris will need managing as he is not getting any younger and will need some rest and recovery.   I am hoping that Jon Fisher can step up this year after his injury blighted season last time out.

[Ozzy3213]

Lots of the right noises coming out of the club about being fitter and starting well this year.  I would however be a lot more confident with one or two additions to the pack.

[Ozzy3213]

A bit of a run down on the London Irish squad for people.

Tom Fowlie - Academy - current Eng U18 player, back 3 or centre. Pacy and strong.
Gerard Ellis - Academy - looks likely to settle at hooker, but can play anywhere in the pack. Big and mobile.
Scott Moore - Academy - Wild Geese lock/flanker.
Ed Hoadley - Academy - scrum half.
Georges Berthonneau - Academy - centre/wing signed from Toulon in the summer.
George Owen - Academy - young winger who played for the Wild Geese last year.
Juliano Fiori - 6 or 8 who plays for Richmond and previously played for Bristol. Plays 7's for Apache.
Will Smith - Ex Cambridge Uni winger who is apparently pretty pacy and plays 7's for Samurai.
Ed Tellwright - I think he's now at Coventry, but was at Rotherham and is a pacy winger. Plays 7's for Samurai.
Geoff Griffiths - Now at Blackheath, formerly of Plymouth Albion and Esher. Regular Samurai 7's player.
Jack Walsh - Also at Blackheath, where he is a scrum half, and also a regular for Samurai 7's.
James Greenwood - Former LI academy player who had spells at Newbury and Cambridge Uni. Plays 7's for Apache.


Although there are none of our senior players, it's actually a pretty decent 7's squad, and will be coached by Peter Richards who has plenty of experience in that form of the game. I can see us sneaking through to finals again to be honest.

[stnick88]

pleased to see academy lads being given a go and the first team squad focusing on training

[Ozzy3213]

Agree completely nick. This would be nice to win again, but given the choice of winning this or beating Saracens on the opening day of the season, I know what I want us to do.

[Ozzy3213]

http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/youthful-london-irish-squad-defend-5389313

[Sgt_Pooly]

http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/rugby/articles/2013/08/14/92126-tuilagi-to-play-for-london-irish-in-nottingham-friendly/

Andy Tuilagi signing?

[SirBurger]

http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/rugby/articles/2013/08/14/92126-tuilagi-to-play-for-london-irish-in-nottingham-friendly/

Andy Tuilagi signing?

Well it looked like he had joined us as a trialist, but as soon as he was named in the side he then pulled out so nobody is 100% sure what is happening.

[SirBurger]

It looks like he is still training with us but was withdrawn from the side for some reason.

[formerly known as Sam]

Probably picked up a knock or a pull in training so wasn't risked. He'd add some bulk to the squad but isn't likely to really help LI impose themselves on the league.

[SirBurger]

Probably picked up a knock or a pull in training so wasn't risked. He'd add some bulk to the squad but isn't likely to really help LI impose themselves on the league.

No - I hope that Sa and Armitage can establish themselves as the starting centre partnership, with Geraghty filling in at 12 until Sa is fully acclimatised to Union. Having said that, Tuilagi would be a decent addition to the squad and would fill many of the criteria Brian Smith looks for in a centre. As things currently stand I would be happier with him than without.

[dragon4life]

Tuilagi will only be good for you if he gets fit which did not happpen at his 2 seasons at dragons

[Ozzy3213]

Tuilagi will be decent enough squad cover. I'm excited to see how the new guys go this week, although I won't be going overboard either way, win or lose.

[Sgt_Pooly]

There was talk of him coming to Falcons, I hope not as he's dross.

[yappysnap]

Geraghty's still kicking around? How's he getting on? I literally can not remember the last time I saw him play.

Is he wasted talent or just turned out to never be quite as good as we all hoped?

[Guest]

New Kit! Now with Rugby League style chevron!



more here:

http://london-irish.com/homejerseyhub.ink

[The Great Aukster]

Very gay.

[stnick88]

Geraghty is reasonably decent. good passer and can be quite creative. some games he seemed good in defence, others poor. better at 12 than at 10. all in all he has never lived up to his hype but is still a decent enough player.

I'd like Tuilagi to sign just for cover. hes not that bad pooly, as a back up especially. sure he would do fine for either of us as its not like were both blessed with stacks of top class centres.

[Ozzy3213]

Loving the new kit, can't wait for the season to start.

[SirBurger]

Geraghty's still kicking around? How's he getting on? I literally can not remember the last time I saw him play.

Is he wasted talent or just turned out to never be quite as good as we all hoped?

I quite rate Geraghty now that there isn't any expectation that he will be the next England fly half/centre. He is very talented and can still make stuff happen. He seems to have matured though - I am pretty happy with him as our back up 10 and 12.

[Ozzy3213]

Great first blow out for the boys against Nottingham tonight, 44-10 win with 4 tries from Andrew Fenby. Hopefully a bit there to build on.

[formerly known as Sam]

Reports I've heatd suggest the Irish scrum wasn't great but they were quite ruthless in attack with Fenby showing a lot of pace on the break.

[Ozzy3213]

I think that about sums it up Sam. Starting front row was Harris, Stevens and Halavatua. Palframan replaced Halavatau on 50, with Smallbone replacing Harris about 5 minutes later. Gerard Ellis moved from flanker to hooker shortly after.

None of those players will be in our first choice front row, so I won't lose a huge amount of sleep about our scrum not going well.

Hopefully next week against Wasps we'll see some of the first choice guys, and hopefully things will go a bit better for us in that area.

[stnick88]

sounds like Gerard Ellis had a good game.

This is the side I'd like to see start at Wasps...

1 Aulika
2 Paice
3 Hagan
4 Skivington
5 Evans
6 Cowan
7 Treviranus
8 Hala'ufia
9 O'Leary
10 Humphries
11 Yarde
12 Geraghty
13 Armitage
14 Tagicakibau
15 Homer

Like to see Fenby get some gametime and maybe switch Tagi to 12 if the humph/geraghty axis is being breached too often. Not including Sa as he isnt fit yet and I've heard Cowan might be injured in which case Danaher at 6 as Sinclair is on int. duty I think? Or at least was last week.

[SirBurger]

sounds like Gerard Ellis had a good game.

This is the side I'd like to see start at Wasps...

1 Aulika
2 Paice
3 Hagan
4 Skivington
5 Evans
6 Cowan
7 Treviranus
8 Hala'ufia
9 O'Leary
10 Humphries
11 Yarde
12 Geraghty
13 Armitage
14 Tagicakibau
15 Homer

Like to see Fenby get some gametime and maybe switch Tagi to 12 if the humph/geraghty axis is being breached too often. Not including Sa as he isnt fit yet and I've heard Cowan might be injured in which case Danaher at 6 as Sinclair is on int. duty I think? Or at least was last week.

Based on the Nottingham selection I think that Fisher is currently in pole position to wear the number 6 shirt...or possibly even Kieron Low. Obviously a lot could change after these next two pre-season games, but I feel that is the way things currently stand.

[stnick88]

Forgot about Fisher. I'd agree put him in at 6.

[Ozzy3213]

I wouldn't have Losi anywhere near the 12 jersey.  If we must play him in the centres then I'd put him at 13.
 
I understand that Eamonn Sheridan played well at 12 on Friday night, and is a big lump, so Smith may well go with him there until Sa is fit enough to start.

I also would prefer Geraghty to concentrate on playing at 10 and fighting iHumph for that jersey. 

This week against Wasps I would go with;-

15. Homer
14. Ojo
13. Tagicakibau
12. Armitage
11. Yarde
10. Humphreys
9. O'Leary

1. Aulika
2. Paice
3. Hagan
4. Skivington
5. Evans
6. Fisher
7. Treviranus
8. Hala'ufia

with a view to leaving some of those guys out next week against Munster to ensure they're not injured for when the real battle begins at the LDH.

[yappysnap]

How's Skivington getting on?

[exileray]

ozzy3213 said the props that played against Nottingham are not our first choice props.
starting a game with aulika and hagan at 1 and 3 so who is the backup, matt parr is not good enough for the premiership.
so that leaves the others that played against Nottingham as back up, I am still hopeing that brian smith finds a quality loosehead prop from somewhere. otherwise we have a big problem in that area.


ray.

[Ozzy3213]

http://www.london-irish.com/flvpopup.ink?videourl=/uploads/video/Irish%20vs%20Nottingham%20.flv&summary=London%20Irish%20vs.%20Nottingham%20Match%20Roundup

[stnick88]

there is another loosehead on the way

[SirBurger]

there is another loosehead on the way

For definite?

[stnick88]

nothing signed but im informed its pretty much a done deal

[exileray]

good news regarding a new loosehead prop, let's hope the info is correct and he is a quality player.
If we don't have a quality scrum there is no point in having a decent 9/10 partnership as they will not see the ball.


ray.

[Gumperst]

Finally got round to making an account on here.

What does everyone think of Gerard Ellis? He looked very good in the 7s and was reportedly good against Nottingham. I can't say i know much about him though, are we likely to see much of him?

[SirBurger]

Finally got round to making an account on here.

What does everyone think of Gerard Ellis? He looked very good in the 7s and was reportedly good against Nottingham. I can't say i know much about him though, are we likely to see much of him?

I think he has huge potential. I am really excited about watching him develop both as a hooker and in the back row.

[Guest]

nothing signed but im informed its pretty much a done deal

Official Now - John Yapp on a season long Loan:

http://www.london-irish.com/news/Irish91865.ink

[Sgt_Pooly]

Decent acquisition, not going to rip up trees but will sort you out in a problem position.

[Ozzy3213]

Pleased with signing Yapp.  Hopefully means that Aulika will stay primarily at tighthead.

[Sgt_Pooly]

He looked great there last season Pete, I was bit confused when you said he was swapping over, could have struggled there.

You're front row looks very solid now, good signing.

[Ozzy3213]

Yapp and Aulika as the starting props with Harris and Hagan off the bench looks way better than Aulika shifting to loosehead.

Would still like to see another lock, back row and centre added to the squad, but I think that's unlikely now.

[Submachine]

Admittedly I've only ever seen Yapp play against Leinster and Connacht but he is a very weak scrummager from what I have seen. Would not be overjoyed by that signing.

[George Carlin]

That was most Edinburgh fans' fears last season too Submachine but to be fair, whilst his international days are clearly behind him, Big John is a very competent squad player and will let absolutely nobody down. He put in some big shifts for a soft Edinburgh pack last season and is certainly Jeff standard.

[Ozzy3213]

There seem to be plenty of naysayers over on the planet rugby forum about Yapp, claiming he is a soft touch, can't scrum and does little of use on a rugby pitch.

Despite this I am still happy with him as a signing, we now have...

1. Yapp, Harris, Parr (Smallbone)

3. Aulika, Hagan, Halavatau (Palframan)

...  as our props, which I am happy enough with.  As always, our issue will be injuries, and potentially losing both Aulika and Hagan during the AI's.

[Sgt_Pooly]

Soft touch or not he's undoubtably better than Harris & Parr.

[XR]

don't listen to P.R people. Being a blues fan, i wanted Yapp to stay as he's a decent option at the loose. He was messed around by the blues and wales trying to make him a tight head and took a while for him to come back from that. Good tackler, will carry the ball and can hold his end of the bargain at the scrum.

[Ozzy3213]

Soft touch or not he's undoubtably better than Harris & Parr.

Absolutely.  He's a proven performer with international experience.

Harris is young still and I think has time to make a name for himself, but he's certainly not a proven AP performer at this stage.

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