Leicester Tigers Thread 2015/16 A New Beginning Part 1

[Welly]

First topic message reminder :


2015/16 Senior Squad ATM:
Coaches: Cockerill (DOR), Mauger (HC), Hansen (Defence + Skills Coach), Blaze (Ass. Forwards), Murphy (Ass. Backs)
1/3) Ayerza, Balmain, Brugnara, Cole, Mulipola, Pasquali, Rizzo
2) Youngs, Ghiraldini, Bateman, Thacker
4/5) De Chaves, Fitzgerald, Kitchener, Slater
6/7/8) Crane, Croft, Fonua, McCaffrey, O'Connor, Pearce, Williams
9) Harrison, Kitto, Youngs
10) Burns, Williams
12/13) Bai, Loamanu, Roberts, Smith, Tuilagi
11/14) Benjamin, Betham, Camacho, Goneva, Thompstone,
15) Bell, Morris, Tait

2015/16 Development Squad: Oliver Byrant, Jake Farnworth, George Tresidder,  Will Owen

2015/16
Greg Bateman (Exeter)
Mike Williams (Warriors)
Mike Fitzgerald (Chiefs)
Opeti Fonua (Welsh)
Brendon O'Connor (Blues)
Peter Betham (NSW Waratahs)
Lachlan McCaffrey (London Welsh)
Jono Kitto (Bay of Plenty + Cheifs Development Squad)

Transfers Out 2014/15:
Paul Burke (N/A)
Phil Blake (N/A)
Neil McCarthy (Glous)
Tom Price (Scarlets)
Geoff Parling (Exeter)
Neil Briggs (Sale)
Julien Salvi (Exeter)
Pohe (USC)
Brad Thorn (Retirement)
Peterson (Glasgow)
Hamilton (Coventry)
Bristow (Wasps)
R.Williams (?)
Whetton
Hepetema (BoP)
Allen (Retirement)

[nathan]

made me smile when i spotted this:

https://twitter.com/martin_crowson/status/652056774401519616

[LondonTiger]

Yeah , saw that.

[formerly known as Sam]

His throwing at the RWC has been good. The difference is for club and currently for country he has a line out specialist calling the shots.

[Welly]

Manu staying according to L'Equipe.

[formerly known as Sam]

I'd be surprised and disappointed if he left. He's always seemed to appreciate the fans and the club, I imagine he'd only leave if he was no longer selected or fell out with the coaches.

Now to get him fit and see where he fits in our back line!

[LondonTiger]

Are they saying he will stay - or should stay?

[LondonTiger]

Leicester Tigers (v Sale Sharks, Welford Road, Saturday 3pm)
15 Mathew Tait (c)
14 Adam Thompstone
13 Peter Betham
12 Seremaia Bai
11 Matt Smith
10 Freddie Burns
9 Sam Harrison
1 Logovi'i Mulipola
2 Greg Bateman
3 Fraser Balmain
4 Mike Fitzgerald
5 Sebastian de Chaves
6 Tom Croft
7 Lachlan McCaffrey
8 Laurence Pearce

Replacements
16 Harry Thacker
17 Riccardo Brugnara
18 Tiziano Pasquali
19 Joe Maksymiw
20 Mike Williams
21 Ben White
22 Tommy Bell
23 George Catchpole

[formerly known as Sam]

Presume Kitch has a knock. That's a concern as he was awesome last season and would be one I'd want starting in the league every game.

[LondonTiger]

Sale have neamed a 23 man squad, but not the actual lineup.


Sale Sharks Squad: Will Addison, Tom Brady, Daniel Braid (capt.), Neil Briggs, Danny Cipriani, Chris Cusiter, Mark Easter, Bryn Evans, Viliami Fihaki, James Flynn, Joe Ford, Mike Haley, Charlie Ingall, Magnus Lund, Jonathan Mills, Brian Mujati, Andrei Ostrikov, Ciaran Parker, Jake Pope, David Seymour, Peter Stringer, Tommy Taylor, Sam Tuitupou.

[formerly known as Sam]

Strong Sale team there. Be interesting to see how we deal with their flankers at the breakdown as they are a real menace. Hopefully Logo will help secure the scrum on his return as well.

[LondonTiger]

Interesting match.

First half we always looked one man short in defence with Tait twice making cover tackles right in the Caterpillar/Goldsmiths corner, but that was fixed for second half. Lineout was a shambles throughout both on our own ball and theirs. We never really competed against their throw, but neither did we challenge the setup of the maul. Our own throw was never comfortable - worst was the overthrow on a defensive 5m lineout that saw Taylor snaffle the ball and try, but we lost too many others too. Scrum looked really strong while Logo and Balmain were on the pitch.

The attack is making clear signs of progress.

[formerly known as Sam]

Worrying times with our line out and defence looking patchy. They are areas of strength for us normally. Hopefully the return of Kitchener will help that he was a master in that department last season but De Chaves needs to step up as understudy as with Croft, Williams and Fitzgerald as additional options we weren't short of options. Likewise it's a cover Bateman hasn't got his eye in.

Mauger seems to be doing the job in attack. The addition of Betham seems to be a master stroke. Was there any sign of Manu at the stadium? Do we know why Pearce was moved to the bench instead of starting?

[LondonTiger]

I am embarrassed to admit that i had not realised Pearce had dropped out. Not knowing quite what Williams and McCaffrey look like, I really thought Pearce was at 8 and McCaffrey at 6 so was just a touch confused as to why Croft was at 7.

Trip to specsavers for me.


With the defense, in the first 20 minutes we seemed to be committing more men to mauls and then the spacing between Bai and Betham was too large so they cut back a lot. They then over corrected which created space out wide. Two great cover tackles by Tait in the corner though.

I thought Sale were looking good as they hammered on our line at the start of the second half - but then there was the Betham intercept for Crofts try.

[LondonTiger]

Just noticed that we do not have a home Saturday game until Boxing Day

[formerly known as Sam]

Hmm I'm not overly worried about that as I tend to play on a Saturday (when not hampered by my dodgy knee) and that also means they are likely to be on BT Sport which I have rather than ticket only affairs which I can generally not afford.

[LondonTiger]

Sadly means I will not get much use out of my season ticket this side of New Year.

Friday nights mean taking time off work to make kick off, while sundays - especially the 6pm start just suck for me.

We have 6 home matches before the end of the year, each one with a different day/kick off. Have to say that after 19 unbroken seasons I doubt I will be able to justify buying a season ticket for next season.

[formerly known as Sam]

6pm on a Sunday is a stupid time slot. Makes life difficult for travelling fans etc.

Friday fixtures are always contentious. Hopefully you'll have more luck in the second half of the season.

Shame as we should be less dire this season. There's a lot more aggression in the pack and attacking flair in the backs.

[LondonTiger]

42 players in the senior squad. Lowest I can remember.

[nathan]

Cockers saying Manu should sign in the next week

[LondonTiger]

Cockers saying Manu should sign in the next week

Would be nice, but I shall not hold my breath.

A Youngs, Burns, Goneva, Manu, Betham, thompstone, Tait back line actually excites me.

[formerly known as Sam]

42 players in the senior squad. Lowest I can remember.

Academy is looking strong though and could provide more squad players should we need them. We have some talented players with potential. I see Owodugu has got an England under 20 call up.

[king_carlos]

I like the smaller squad size personally. It has encouraged quality of signings over quantity and should also see youngsters who need game time get some.

All 4 guys in the development squad in Bryant, Tresidder, Owen and Farnworth are capable squad players already. Bryant and Owen especially I have hope they will develop into much more than that so wouldn't mind them getting game time.

From the academy squad Beckett, Odogwu and Charlie Thacker jump out as guys who could get game time in a crisis.

[nathan]

Looks like catterpillar are not renewing at the end of the season due to their financial troubles.

Big void to fill

[formerly known as Sam]

Well the economy in general is starting to improve so it's not the worst news ever. Going to be a lot of corporate schmoozing to do between now and next summer. Shame I liked the CAT vehicle appreciation corner.

[king_carlos]

Telusa Veainu and Djustice Sears-Duru have signed for the season.

Kitto is due to arrive tomorrow as well.

Those three will add a bit of depth to the squad which at the moment is struggling once again with injuries!

Slater and Kitch especially we really need to see back on the pitch in order to really get into the swing of things I feel.

Is there any news on Mike Williams after he went off in the 19th minute on Sunday?

[formerly known as Sam]

Any news on when O'Connor is due over? Surely there's not long left in the ITM now.

[LondonTiger]

Any news on when O'Connor is due over? Surely there's not long left in the ITM now.

Semi final was played this weekend, Hawkes Bay won, so he has one more week.

[LondonTiger]

Is there any news on Mike Williams after he went off in the 19th minute on Sunday?

I thought he was only replaced by DeChaves with about 10 to go.

[formerly known as Sam]

He'll need at least a fortnight off after that though he's been playing rugby for a long time straight.

[LondonTiger]

He'll need at least a fortnight off after that though he's been playing rugby for a long time straight.

Indeed. I suspect we will not actually see O'Connor in a squad till after the first two rounds of Europe.

[king_carlos]

Is there any news on Mike Williams after he went off in the 19th minute on Sunday?

I thought he was only replaced by DeChaves with about 10 to go.

Apologies LT.

I was being an idiot with the ESPN match centre system. Their scrolling text commentary indeed has him coming on with 13 minutes to go!

[nathan]

Rugby paper saying that jdv move could be back on, was hoping it wasn't and that SBW could be on his way

[LondonTiger]

Really, really, really not enthused by the thought of JDV

[formerly known as Sam]

I think he'll be a step up replacement on Ant Allen. I don't think he's the creative signing we were hoping for but he'll do a good job in the short term.

Injury front; Kitchener has a rib issue, Camacho has trained all week and will be considered for next week whilst Crane is still a week away. To be honest the only real loss their is Kitch. Ben Youngs has an ankle injury he picked up against Wales and Ghilrildidni has a pulled muscle so are unavailable but Tom, Dan and Niki will all be in the 23.

[broadlandboy]

JDV 6 month contract starting1st Dec

[king_carlos]

I'm not sure what to think of JDV signing tbh.

On the one hand he is still a very good player who would have been starting for the Boks if fit.

On the other hand he is another player with a poor recent injury record to add to the squad, plus it is only a short term fix. He has also lost a lot of pace in recent seasons so I'll be interested to see how he returns.

I hope this means that once Manu is fit we look to move Betham back to the wing and Bai into more of a coaching role. If we are keeping Roberts and Catchpole around the squad then they need game time in their preferred positions. This is even more prudent with Bryant also looking a real talent for the future.

We don't want a situation where we lose talented players because the coaches were too reluctant to give them chances.

[Welly]

Great signing IMO.

Anyway anyone see O'Connor in the ITM final this morning.

He was brilliant i'm so excited,.

[formerly known as Sam]

JDV on a short term deal makes sense to me. He's a high quality centre with masses of experience. He will offer us a big game option in the short term so we aren't overly reliant on Bai but can still bring through Roberts and Bryant.

I agree completely that Bryant looks to be the future in the 12 shirt. His passing game is quality and will get the backs moving.

[king_carlos]

Hopefully my doubts are proven wrong! I rated him very highly but given his recent injuries, increasing age and decreasing pace I guess I just can't help but be a bit concerned.

Given he can play 13 as well as 12 I guess it would give us the option to interchange himself and Manu which would be a good way to see what he offers at inside centre.

Plus he is someone who our young centres can learn huge amounts from of course - similar to Thorn.

Is Loamanu currently injured or just struggling to fit into the coaches plans with Betham doing well at 13?

[propdavid_london]

Who is Bryant? Where has he come from?
Was it JDV who had a stint with Munster? He wasnt too successful there was he?

[LondonTiger]

Who is Bryant?  Where has he come from?  
Was it JDV who had a stint with Munster?  He wasnt too successful there was he?  

Oli Bryant a 10/12 from our academy

[Welly]

As said Bryant is a academy player, hails from Cornwall.

Yes JDV had a stint at Munster, From what i heard from there fans he had a good season there, Just didn't stay long.

In my perfect world the Tigers midfield would develop like this:

This season

12) JDV (34), Bai (36), Roberts (23)

2016/17
12) Marquee Player (SBW or Toomua would be dream world), Roberts (24), Bryant (20/21), Bai (37 player/coach with Academy)

2017/18
12) Marquee Player, Roberts (25), Bryant (21/22), Thacker (20)

IMO there will be a few question marks on backs will they stay or not
Academy backs who are worth watching and will be looking to come up soon IMO:
9) White obviosuly the prefered option between him and Tresidder
12) Bryant & Thacker (Don't think Bryant will be a AP 10 looks a more natural 12 IMO).
11/14) Odogwu (He looks an outstanding player)
15) Worth (as above)

Those are the more immediate ones Sutton looks promising. we also have the likes of the Twins and Umaga who are even younger.

[formerly known as Sam]

I think Tresidder is injured. Having said that there seems to be a lot of confidence in White being able to step up to the mark.

Bryant reminds me of Allen, he's not the biggest but he makes his tackles, can step and has that low centre of gravity. What I want him in the side for is his passing ability. That's the reason he's been playing 10. He can take it to the line and put people through gaps and throw the big twenty metre jobs with heat accuracy. Gets the ball out of his hands very quickly.

I think JDV had a slow start at Munster but was considered a good signing by the end.

[formerly known as Sam]

Bryant has been starting ten at Doncaster with former Tigers winger Hurrell at 12. The Knights are enjoying a good start to the season so hopefully we'll see a Dan Cole/ Tom Youngs esque maturity when he returns to the first team.

[Welly]

JDV confirmed now.

[formerly known as Sam]

Yep. Good short term signing. Be interested to see when he's available to play and when he actually rocks up to Leicester.

[brennomac]

As said Bryant is a academy player, hails from Cornwall.

Yes JDV had a stint at Munster, From what i heard from there fans he had a good season there, Just didn't stay long.

In my perfect world the Tigers midfield would develop like this:

This season

12) JDV (34), Bai (36), Roberts (23)

2016/17
12) Marquee Player (SBW or Toomua would be dream world), Roberts (24), Bryant (20/21), Bai (37 player/coach with Academy)

2017/18
12) Marquee Player, Roberts (25), Bryant (21/22), Thacker (20)

Welly, JDV's year with Munster wasn't great and Tigers fans will hope that he does more at Leicester than he did at Thomond. Hard to know why he wasn't a success at Munster given his pedigree but both sides were happy for him to move on after a year. Was skinned on the outside once by BOD (who had many attributes but blinding pace wasn't one of them) in a Munster-Leinster derby match.

IMO there will be a few question marks on backs will they stay or not
Academy backs who are worth watching and will be looking to come up soon IMO:
9) White obviosuly the prefered option between him and Tresidder
12) Bryant & Thacker (Don't think Bryant will be a AP 10 looks a more natural 12 IMO).
11/14) Odogwu (He looks an outstanding player)
15) Worth (as above)

Those are the more immediate ones Sutton looks promising. we also have the likes of the Twins and Umaga who are even younger.

[king_carlos]

Yep. Good short term signing. Be interested to see when he's available to play and when he actually rocks up to Leicester.

fkaS - Pretty sure I read it's a 6 month deal from the 1st December. I think it was a Mercury article where Cockers announced the signing and said something along the lines of, 'I look forward to him working with the club from then'.

A fractured jaw is around 6-8 weeks recovery I believe so that would fit reasonably well with his recovery time.

[formerly known as Sam]

Fractured jaw doesn't stop you joining up with the said and doing run throughs and learning the moves and how his team mates like to play. Arriving in December they'll be an onus on him hitting the ground running. I hope he settles quickly.

[LondonTiger]

I think Tresidder is injured. Having said that there seems to be a lot of confidence in White being able to step up to the mark.

I have a sneaking feeling that the Development Squad are not currently registered for AP action - thus not counting against the salary cap. As an academy lad White can be included without causing any issues.

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