Leicester Tigers Thread 2015/16 A New Beginning Part 1

by Welly Fri 04 Sep 2015, 3:07 pm

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)

by **LondonTiger** Mon 18 Apr 2016, 9:02 am

So who do people want to see at the City ground?

Assuming Ed is still not at full fitness I would hope, and expect to see minimal changes thus:

Marcos, Harry, Cole, Kitch, Dom, fitz, BOC, Locky, Lenny, Burns, Niki, Manu, Betham, TV, Tait

Leo, Logo, Balmain, Ed, Croft, Sam, Owen, Thompstone

by Welly Mon 18 Apr 2016, 9:08 am

Would be happy with that BOC is the main one.

Wonder when we will announce more signings.

Although looking at the league everyone will prob be doing end of season now.

Side note Umaga, Evans and Simmons all involved in the end U19 game.

by **LondonTiger** Mon 18 Apr 2016, 9:30 am

Good for Umaga to be involved a year early, and gives Evans a chance to at least make a case for the JWC.

by **LondonTiger** Mon 18 Apr 2016, 10:32 am

Racing's second string lost away to Toulouse and drop to 4th in T14. Never sure if having a full week off like that is counterproductive for a side.

by formerly known as Sam Mon 18 Apr 2016, 10:54 am

I'd have Bateman on the bench ahead of Leo. Leo has been out too long and Bateman should be match fit. I'd rest Thacker and bring in Leo for the Worcester game.

by **LondonTiger** Mon 18 Apr 2016, 11:00 am

I would hate the thought of us taking a narrow lead into the last 10 minutes and Bateman having to throw into a defensive lineout.

by formerly known as Sam Mon 18 Apr 2016, 11:51 am

Had Leo shown any real form this season I'd be easily swayed but he's never really got going so I wouldn't risk it. Bateman has been playing much better of late as well.

by king_carlos Mon 18 Apr 2016, 1:42 pm

Some of the comments online about an Umaga representing an England age group side have been entertaining! Laugh

Jacob does look a real talent though. He has the distribution and kicking to play 10 but also the size and strength to play 12 and take the bull to the line. Hopefully Mauger is helping him develop game control too. Often bigger half backs come through age groups and academy rugby able to muscle their way out of bad situations when needed. It rarely works in Prem rugby though where poor game management just kills sides chances.

As for the semi, I agree man for man with that side from LT. Bateman has looked strong recently but we will need our line-out at its very best to beat Racing. Charteris and Franco Van Der Merwe are both strong jumpers so we need to give Kitch every help he can get.

by **LondonTiger** Mon 18 Apr 2016, 1:55 pm

king_carlos wrote:Some of the comments online about an Umaga representing an England age group side have been entertaining!

Indeed, though at times some of the comments became rather unpleasant especially with the likes of Umaga, Yawayawa and Ibitoye doing well.

by Welly Tue 19 Apr 2016, 5:30 pm

Pretty sad the ignorance of some, although haven't seen many comments about Umaga TBH.

I'm hoping him and Bryant will be playing @ 10/12 in the LV cup type games and LV games next season, As I reckon Williams might be off back to wales end of next season esp if Freddie keeps his form up so could be interesting to view them as his replacement rather than bring in an expensive outside option. Although Umaga esp might still quite not be ready.

by nathan Tue 19 Apr 2016, 6:04 pm

I see burns is still able to play after saints fans decided to start posting on social media a still apparently showing burns with his hand in the face of mallinders

by formerly known as Sam Tue 19 Apr 2016, 6:35 pm

I'm not surprised. I understand many were annoyed the ref decided not to card him for reacting to young Mallinder's cheap shot. It's not a nice thing to see though, fans trying to get a player banned.

Williams will get back to form soon and then the difference between him and Burns isn't much at all. I'm looking forward to the continued competition between the two. Let's face it there's sod all opportunities in Wales for a ten at the moment with only the Dragons lacking an international flyhalf and that's not a pack you'd want to play behind.

I'd like to see Bryant get a run of games in the LV with Thacker and Worth being involved as well. Might be a season too early to bring Umaga into the first team but A league action and maybe some loan time at Lough.

by king_carlos Tue 19 Apr 2016, 6:39 pm

Yep, comments like that aren't just a recent keyboard warrior thing though sadly. I've heard about plenty from when Victor Obogu played for England. Even in more recent times I've heard comments about Ugo Monye, Topsy Ojo and now Maro Itoje as well. It's truly pathetic that we still have to hear comments of that type thrown at people because they are excelling in what they do.

As for the LV cup we do have some interesting backline combinations that could be trialled. Tressider, Umaga, Bryant, Charlie Thacker, Odogwu and Worth from the development squad will all be either expecting or hoping/pushing for chances next season.

Plus of course Roberts and Catchpole who are surely going to need opportunities next year if they are going to continue at Tigers. With Roberts seemingly viewed a 13 now, and picked there for the A-team ahead of Catchpole, I do wonder whether Catchpole will be lined up as a guy capable of a similar role to Matt Smith at 12.

by Welly Tue 19 Apr 2016, 7:23 pm

Don't think Roberts was picked ahead of Catchpole TBH as Catchpole was ill for a few months I believe (After he played v Bath i think), although i do think roberts is more of a 13 than 12.

Would like to see an LV cup team of (New signings, leavers and Injuries) next year:
1) Genge
2) Bateman
3) Balmain
4) Maksymiw
5) Wells
6) Beckett (If he still plays 6 by then)/Owen
7) Evans
8) Crane
9) Kitto
10) Bryant
11) Brady
12) Thacker
13) Catchpole
14) Odogwu
15) Tait

16) Van Vurren
17) Brugnara/Hills
18) Hogan
19) Galletly
20) Milne
21) Simmons
22) Umaga
23) Roberts/Worth/Yawayawa

by formerly known as Sam Tue 19 Apr 2016, 8:51 pm

Simmons, are we losing White and Tresidder?

I'd also expect to see one of the locks who isn't in the match day squad dropping down to keep match fit.

by Welly Tue 19 Apr 2016, 9:06 pm

Tresidder will prob be off.

Brett deacon was talking about the 9's last week on radio leicester and Simmons and White where mentioned as the ones to watch, Simmons been injured this season i think, but was on the bench for the Eng U19's v France.

by king_carlos Tue 19 Apr 2016, 11:43 pm

Welly wrote: Don't think Roberts was picked ahead of Catchpole TBH as Catchpole was ill for a few months I believe (After he played v Bath i think), although i do think roberts is more of a 13 than 12.

The one A-league game they both featured in it was Roberts at 13 and Catchpole at 12. 'Picking ahead' was probably poor phrasing though. I was more stating that it seems that Mauger views them as better suited to the reversing the 12/13 preference they have previously favoured.

Catchpole could be a perfect replacement for the role Matt Smith has played for so long, both as a utility back when he was quicker and now as a 12. The coaches just need to find him the game time to keep progressing.

Tressider moving on has been rumoured for a while. It would be a shame as I've always liked how he played, especially how slick his pass. He's similar to Harrison in that his main strength is his quick service. With 3 strong senior squad scrum halfs and several youngsters coming through a tough decision is probably necessary though.

by formerly known as Sam Wed 20 Apr 2016, 12:20 pm

Be a shame to see Tressider go. I think he can overtake Kitto in a year or so if we could get him some Championship game time.

by Welly Wed 20 Apr 2016, 1:32 pm

Would be a shame, but If the coaches rate Simmons and White as better prospects long term it would force his hand i guess.

by formerly known as Sam Wed 20 Apr 2016, 3:15 pm

White has had good reviews and showed his nerve when he made his debut. Very cool given the circumstances.

If Simmons is as good or better then we are in a good position and Tressider might benefit a move. Steele moved and has come on well.

by **LondonTiger** Sat 23 Apr 2016, 5:27 pm

Despite getting two bonus points today, Sales defeat at the rec means we "just" need to beat Wuss next weekend to secure the umpteenth play-off spot in a row.

by formerly known as Sam Sat 23 Apr 2016, 8:17 pm

I think we'll need to rotate against Wuss.

Mulipola, Bateman, Balmain
Slater, De Chaves
Croft, Fonua, Evans
Harrison, Williams
Smith, Betham
Thompstone, Tait, Goneva

Bench: Leo, Ayerza, Cole, Kitch, McCaffery/BOC, Kitto, Burns, TV.

Tomorrow is going to be a bruising encounter and we can't keep rolling out the same pack for starting roles every week especially given our squad.

by king_carlos Wed 27 Apr 2016, 1:43 pm

TV scooped up newcomer of the year and player of the year at the end of season awards last night.

Wee 'arry won young player of the year (for the second time) and try of the season for his effort against Saints.

I'd say that those are very deserved winners. I'd have gone for Lachie as player of the year, with Fitz and Betham also right up there, but TV has been electric and so entertaining to watch.

Has anyone heard any news of Freddie? It was hard to know what to think on Sunday in terms of how long he'd be out. On the one hand he wasn't taken straight off which bodes well, on the other he probably should have been taken straight off!! Losing him for the play offs would be a big blow with how well he's been playing.

by Welly Wed 27 Apr 2016, 1:46 pm

Burns is out 2 to 3 months

by **LondonTiger** Wed 27 Apr 2016, 1:48 pm

My record of never voting for someone who wins (be it elections or polls it seems) has managed to survive another test.

by **LondonTiger** Wed 27 Apr 2016, 1:50 pm

Welly wrote: Burns is out 2 to 3 months

by king_carlos Wed 27 Apr 2016, 2:40 pm

Might mean that Tommy Bell will make another appearance as a Tiger after all...

Hopefully we will see a fair few bodies rested (or at least benched) for the Worcs game. Marcos and Cole have played a lot of rugby this season, Thacker as well for a guy who had rarely strung together starts in the front row. Barrow and Fitz looked increasingly knackered against Racing as well plus Lachie needs to be fit for the play-offs. In the backs I'd give YBY a rest and wrap Manu in cotton wool for a game.

It's a last home game for guys who are leaving so I'd start Niki and give Seb a place on the bench.

Logo, Bateman, Balmain, Slater, Kitch, Croft, Evans/BOC, Fonau
Harrison, Williams, Goneva, Smith, Betham, Tombstone, Tait

Reps: Leo, Ayerza, Cole, Seb, Crane/Pearce, Kitto, Bell, TV

Is Genge back with Bristol for the play-offs now?

by Welly Wed 27 Apr 2016, 10:37 pm

Would be tempted to have Genge on the bench.

Anyway anyone else feel we might just be about finished on the signings front? another 1 or 2 left maybe to look for.

Hoping we sign up about 5/6 academy players to fill in.
But looking at the squad we seem to have 2 experienced players with a youngster coming though nearly.
1) Ayerza, Logo, Rizzo Genge,
2) Youngs, Thacker, McGuigan, Bateman
3) Cole, Cilliers, Balmain,
4) Slater, Barrow,
5) Kitchener, Fitzgerald, Maksymiw
6) Williams, Croft, Owen
7) O'Connor, McCaffrey, Evans
8) Fonua, Crane, Milne
9) Youngs, Harrison, Kitto, Tresidder
10) Burns, Williams, Bryant
11) Betham, Thompstone, Odogwu
12) Toomua, Smith, Thacker
13) Manu, Catchpole, Roberts
14) JPP, Brady,
15) Veainu, Tait, Worth

With likes of Hogan, Hills, Yawayawa, Umaga, Simmons, White etc being prob 1/2 seasons away still.

Looking at that notable weaknesses would be
Lock
8
13
Wing/Full Back
But with Evans and Owen looking promising @ 7 also McCaffrey could play at 8 again for another season though.

by Jimpy Thu 28 Apr 2016, 1:36 pm

king_carlos wrote:

Might mean that Tommy Bell will make another appearance as a Tiger after all...

Hopefully we will see a fair few bodies rested (or at least benched) for the Worcs game. Marcos and Cole have played a lot of rugby this season, Thacker as well for a guy who had rarely strung together starts in the front row. Barrow and Fitz looked increasingly knackered against Racing as well plus Lachie needs to be fit for the play-offs. In the backs I'd give YBY a rest and wrap Manu in cotton wool for a game.

It's a last home game for guys who are leaving so I'd start Niki and give Seb a place on the bench.

Logo, Bateman, Balmain, Slater, Kitch, Croft, Evans/BOC, Fonau
Harrison, Williams, Goneva, Smith, Betham, Tombstone, Tait

Reps: Leo, Ayerza, Cole, Seb, Crane/Pearce, Kitto, Bell, TV

Is Genge back with Bristol for the play-offs now?

Tigers must go with the strongest available team to absolutely secure 4th spot and then rest players v Bath instead. Warriors are perfectly capable of upsetting a weakened Tigers side.

by king_carlos Thu 28 Apr 2016, 2:16 pm

We're going to be weakened anyway Jimpy.

Manu is confirmed as sitting out, as is Fitz and BOC isn't going to be back. Plus Burns out for the season.

If wanted Cockers could keep the same side as for the semi but shift Williams in Burns, Smith for Manu and Slater for Fitz. IMO Kitch and Barrow both looked exhausted on Sunday after running themselves into the ground against the Stade fringe defence, we'd be better off resting one of them. Seb is a strong second row who will be chomping at the bit for a final home game.

Similarly I think Marcos has looked more knackered each of the last few weeks and really needs a break. Logo starting with Genge on the bench is still strong at set-piece and round the park. Bateman has looked good when he's come on since returning from injury.

I'd rest one of Barrow/Kitch for Worcs and the other for Bath, do the same with Marcos and Cole.

by Jimpy Thu 28 Apr 2016, 2:27 pm

king_carlos wrote:We're going to be weakened anyway Jimpy.

Manu is confirmed as sitting out, as is Fitz and BOC isn't going to be back. Plus Burns out for the season.

If wanted Cockers could keep the same side as for the semi but shift Williams in Burns, Smith for Manu and Slater for Fitz. IMO Kitch and Barrow both looked exhausted on Sunday after running themselves into the ground against the Stade fringe defence, we'd be better off resting one of them. Seb is a strong second row who will be chomping at the bit for a final home game.

Similarly I think Marcos has looked more knackered each of the last few weeks and really needs a break. Logo starting with Genge on the bench is still strong at set-piece and round the park. Bateman has looked good when he's come on since returning from injury.

I'd rest one of Barrow/Kitch for Worcs and the other for Bath, do the same with Marcos and Cole.

The amount of stupid penalties he's giving away, I'm not surprised he's tired. He must be putting himself absolutely everywhere on the pitch to be penalised as much as he is.

by formerly known as Sam Thu 28 Apr 2016, 2:31 pm

I'd rest the entire front five against Wuss and if we win send a second team to Bath. We need to freshen legs ahead of the playoffs and the tight five need a rest. Kitch was everywhere vs Racing but Barrow looked creamed from the start (questions the defensive lapses in concentration).

We can field Logo, Bateman, Balmain, Slater, De Chaves as a meaty front five that can round the park and do the set piece stuff. McCaffery will have to start but I'd like to see Evans on the bench for a quick sub as soon as we are in front or Lachie looks tired. Add Croft and Fonua to the back row and we should be alright there.

by Big Thu 28 Apr 2016, 3:34 pm

I'm not convinced it's a good idea to rest too many players. Great if they've been rested this week and had some easier training, but wouldn't rest many for the game (i.e. only if they are so shattered the second choice players would actually perform better, and frankly the 2nd choice should always be picked in that case).

First - we need to win a game still to secure a playoff spot. And that is better secured now than next week, away from home against a Bath side that may just have found a bit of form.

Second, I think the players involved in last weeks defeat would benefit psychologically from a good win to get it out of the system.

Third, if they do win there will be next week to rest during the dead rubber against Bath, and the following week during the Euro cup final. In fact if the top players are rested this week and next then they will have missed 3 weeks by the time of the semi - which may well be detrimental.

Secondly, we ac

by formerly known as Sam Thu 28 Apr 2016, 8:49 pm

I think it's necessary to rotate the tight five this weekend. After how many weeks on they need a break before they breakdown. Plus they'll be on the bench if we need them, though given the tight five I suggested we should have too much for Wuss at WR.

The back line we can keep in situ other than Burns and Manu who need to be replaced by Williams and Smith. A back row of Croft, McCaffery and Fonua is not weak.

Win this one and next week we send out the A team. If the likes of Cole and Ayerza only play 30 minutes over the next three weeks would be no bad thing.

by king_carlos Thu 28 Apr 2016, 9:30 pm

Does anyone know if Genge is back with Brizz yet?

He was due back for the play-offs if I remember correctly.

by formerly known as Sam Thu 28 Apr 2016, 9:40 pm

Nothing about it on their website but they demolished fourth placed Bedford who they play in the playoffs this weekend 39-6. Don't think they'll need him. As an aside Bedford featured three former Tigers (Parilli-Ocampo, Clare and Dodge) as well as Wells who was at lock with probably the same amount of Sarries influence.

by king_carlos Sun 01 May 2016, 2:11 am

I was really impressed with Genge off the bench today and would happily see him start next week if Robbo still doesn't want him back at Bristol. Bateman was once again good in the loose and the scrum looked steadier with him than Leo but his throwing was pish as per.

With rotation inevitable for Bath it'd be an interesting chance to try Thacker at 7 with Bateman at hooker. Harry could still throw to solve that issue and he'd get a chance to shine in the loose whilst not getting worn down in the scrum.

Genge, Bateman, Logo/Balmain, Slater, Kitch, Croft, Thacker, Fonau

That pack doesn't feel too likely but it'd be a really interesting experiment to get a look at in a game that should be to nothing. I thought Evans was fantastic again today and would just as happily see him start though.

by Welly Sun 01 May 2016, 10:31 am

Just read on another forum that Umaga is leaving.

by **LondonTiger** Sun 01 May 2016, 10:50 am

Welly wrote: Just read on another forum that Umaga is leaving.

As he has just finished the U18s season he will now be entering thecsnior academy contractvstage. He can take that anywherebhe wants but will be a real shame to lose him. Did the rumourbsay where he was going? Wasps perhaps?

by Welly Sun 01 May 2016, 10:52 am

Not a rumour apparently he says outright in TRP he is leaving for something new (Or something), So who knows.

by Welly Sun 01 May 2016, 10:58 am

Could well be Wasps though.

by formerly known as Sam Sun 01 May 2016, 11:32 am

Would be a real blow to lose a young talent like Umaga. Wasps would be an awful live for him though, they will have three senior fly halves there next season (four if the Beale rumours are true) and none are international regulars. Add to that he isn't the type of player they'd deploy at 12.

At Tigers he'd be likely to get more game time as he's exactly the type if player we'd use at 10 and 12 and both Burns and Williams have habits of getting injured.

by Welly Sun 01 May 2016, 11:35 am

Jackson is rumoured off to Quins and i wonder how much Gopperth has left really 33 in June.

by formerly known as Sam Sun 01 May 2016, 12:27 pm

Jackson needs to get out of Wasps. He's wasted there.

by Welly Sun 01 May 2016, 1:00 pm

Yep

Re Umaga i guess it is one of those things.

@ 10 we have
Burns is only 25
Williams is only 24

@ 12
Toomua who is 26

Then we have the likes of Bryant and Charlie Thacker who both look good.

One of those things would he have gotten much game time really in the next 2/3 years and if other clubs have noticed him (Wasps def would of) then he prob could be lured without much problem, It doesn't sound like Leicester was his club growing up (Prob had more interest in SH rugby TBH).

by king_carlos Sun 01 May 2016, 1:16 pm

My guess with Umaga is that he's heading over the NZ. Tana is coach of the Blues now so he's probably not short of contacts. Plus his age group performances (and name!) caught the eye of the SH press recently.

by Welly Sun 01 May 2016, 1:19 pm

I guess so does NZ U20 tie players to NZ?

Who knows might fancy trying to get into the NZU20 team then make a decision on England or NZ.

by king_carlos Sun 01 May 2016, 2:07 pm

I'm not sure on the 'designated second senior 15-a-side national representative side' for NZ.

I'm pretty sure that Anscombe turned out for the NZ u20s prior to Wales so I'd guess the u20s don't bind players...

To play for the Moari ABs you need Moari ancestry so I can only presume that isn't their designated secon XV! Plus Flutey and Maitland famously played for them prior to switching allegiances and both becoming Lions anyway.

Basically the eligibility rules surrounding age groups and second XV side is an utter mess.

by **LondonTiger** Sun 01 May 2016, 4:05 pm

TV played for NZ U20s in a JWC, then Tonga in RWC15

by Welly Sun 01 May 2016, 4:06 pm

Yeh thinking about it Kitto and BOC both played U20 but are still EQP.

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