Leicester Tigers 2017/18 Season

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Back Room
CEO: Simon Cohen
Head of Rugby operations: Gled Glynn

1st Team
Head Coach: Matt O'Connor
Scrum Coach: Boris Stankovich
Forwards coach:
Backs Coach: Geordan Murphy

2017/18 Squad: (Sorted alphabetically)
Props: Bateman, Beaumann. Cilliers, Cole, Genge, Mulipola, Rizzo, Traynor
Hooker: Kerr, Polota-Nau, McGuigan, Thacker, Youngs,
Lock: Barrow, Fitzgerald, Kitchener, Wells
Back Row:Evans, Hamilton, Kalamafoni, Mapapalangi, McCaffrey, O'Connor, Ryan, Williams
Scrum Half: Harrison, Youngs
Fly half: G.Ford, J.Ford
Centre: Catchpole, Malouf, Owens, Smith, Toomua, Tuilagi,
Wing/Full Back: Brady, Holmes, Tait, Thompstone, Veainu,

Development Squad
Props: Betts, Grahamslaw, Heyes, Traynor
Hooker: Mahoney
Locks: Lewis, Maksymiw
Back Row: Reffell, Tuilagi
Scrum Half: White, Simmons
Fly Half: Hardwick,
Centre: Thacker,
Wing/Full Back: J.Olowofela, Worth

Leavers: Brugnara (N/A), Bryant (Jersey), Yawayawa (Glasgow)
Joiners: Grahamslaw, Hardwick, Heyes, Reffell, Traynor,

European Pool 4:
Castres
Leicester Tigers
Munster
Racing

Well that looks like that hope has gone, Tigers look pish again today...

eirebilly wrote:Well that looks like that hope has gone, Tigers look pish again today...

We've been pish for two months. Don't expect miracles.

Was living in hope Sam.

eirebilly wrote:Was living in hope Sam.

Well were making them work for it. Helps that the coaches have decided to listen to what the fans have been asking for, for months. Wells starting and an openside in the backrow.

Good showing from Tigers in the 2nd, Ford and May linking up well.

So close but that loss may cost Saracens more.

Very happy that the Tigers did not concede a TBP.

Ah unlucky, you really miss penetration in the pack. Not many quality carrying options but still a decent performance.

Apparently someone on twitter is posting a rumour about who we've signed as a replacement for thacker, guessing the will be 3rd choice.

Better performance today from the forwards in difficult conditions against a monster pack

Oh and I was pretty pissed with Owen, thought it was a clear yellow.

His reasoning was that May jumped into him, sure isn't that what happens every time a player jumps for the ball though? For me a very clear yellow at least.

eirebilly wrote:His reasoning was that May jumped into him, sure isn't that what happens every time a player jumps for the ball though? For me a very clear yellow at least.

It was a bizarre call that's different to every other call in the last couple of years. It's the problem with Owens though, he occasionally has some really odd ideas about the laws. I remember him having a couple of games making some really off calls with knock ons

Certainly a pen....not sure of yellow. May not making a meal of it probably influenced the decision somewhat (wrongly).

How do you not see that as a card Pooly? May was taken out in the air, the precedent has more than been set for those challenges. It may not have been intentional and he had his eye on the ball but that matters not in the directives.

Simply a clear mistake from Owens I feel.

eirebilly wrote:His reasoning was that May jumped into him, sure isn't that what happens every time a player jumps for the ball though? For me a very clear yellow at least.

I've seen a couple of refs bottle big decisions that they were concerned might effect games this weekend. With so much on the line I presume they want to avoid the vitriol they may receive from certain aspects of the press. Having said that we never seem to get the rub of the green with Owens so not surprised.

I did think May jumped into him more than the 15 taking him out.

Sgt_Pooly wrote:I did think May jumped into him more than the 15 taking him out.

Every time a player jumps for the ball, they are jumping into another player. This has nothing to do with the precedents set in these instances. Simple truth is, it was not intentional but May was hit whilst in the air. Yellow card all day long for me.

Just don't see it tbh, no dramas.

I haven't had a chance to watch the game yet, reading through threads and reports it sounds like attendance was down quite significantly. Terrible weather, dead rubber and no travelling support make it understandable but low attendance for a home ERCC game won't help the pressure on MOC and co.

From what I've read it sounds like Wells and Kitch had a good game together. If so that'd be a big positive given how weak the performances of our locks has been. Sounds like Brendan O'Connor had a solid game too.

Yeah there were lots of positions despite the loss

Don't get your point of view pooly, we've had players binned for not jumping with the ref saying they were not in a realistic position to compete. Not sure how this is any different

nathan wrote:Oh and I was pretty pissed with Owen, thought it was a clear yellow.

Arms wrapped so regardless if May jumped into him still tackled in the air, if arms down then an argument for May jumping into player if player was stationary

That's not how the incident looked in real time. The defender was running across to take the catch with his eyes firmly fixed on the ball. May jumped pretty much into the guy rather than the guy taking him out, there was very little in it for me. I think at very worse it's a pen as May did get the ball.

If you don't agree, no issues, that's my thoughts.

Thought the advice to refs was if the player on the ground was moving they were responsible to avoid contact.

Yeah of course pooly, just discussing it.
I just thought the onus was on the full back as May was jumping for it. Rightly or wrongly that's how it's been judged for the past season or two

The current interpretation is that the player on the floor has a responsibility to ensure the player in the air comes down safe. Rightly or wrongly that's how it is. If May jumps late or Thomas doesn't see him then that only mitigates the sanction with the minimum being a penalty.

Really the only tactic is to jump irrespective of whether you need to or not because that way you can't be penalised.

nathan wrote:Oh and I was pretty pissed with Owen, thought it was a clear yellow.

In interviews, Owens has always said that referees are supposed to consider more than the letter of the law. As supporters, we've become accustomed to demanding yellow cards for that kind of collision, because we see them awarded against our own team. I'd rather see that go unpunished but it is frustrating if other officials don't follow Owens' example.

Sorry Nathan, wasn't haven't a pop.

I just can't add much to that really, it was nice a bit of common sense prevailed as it was very innocuous imo.

I can see your point though, as soon as somebody gets hit the crowd want a yellow, same everywhere now.

Rugby Fan wrote:

nathan wrote:Oh and I was pretty pissed with Owen, thought it was a clear yellow.

In interviews, Owens has always said that referees are supposed to consider more than the letter of the law. As supporters, we've become accustomed to demanding yellow cards for that kind of collision, because we see them awarded against our own team. I'd rather see that go unpunished but it is frustrating if other officials don't follow Owens' example.

I think you're right there. The most annoying thing for fans though is inconsistency of interpretation. If you see the decisions given time and time again including against your own team (Thompstone got sin binned for north jumping directly into him unnecessarily last year) then you expect the same decision to go for your team when the situation is reversed.

Seven of our promising younglings (plus Freddie ~Jr) have signed new contracts:

https://www.leicestertigers.com/news/tigers-young-guns-agree-new-contracts

No Tom Hardwick on that list. We better not be losing out on him it's been a while since we've had such a natural goalkicker come through the academy and quite frankly we need a backup playmaker better than Joe Ford and he has the potential to reach that point quickly.

Why would he be on the list?
He only signed a development contract this season.

Considering how highly he was spoken of by the top dogs in the fan meetings I would be amazed if we only gave him a 1 year deal.

Welly wrote: Why would he be on the list?
He only signed a development contract this season.

Considering how highly he was spoken of by the top dogs in the fan meetings I would be amazed if we only gave him a 1 year deal.

Good good. Hopefully he, Reffel and Heyes will be announced on new deals this time next year.

Really bright group coming through at the moment, the academy is working well. Hope these guys integrate into the first team squad in the next couple of years and give us options and hopefully more cap to bring in stellar options alongside them.

But wasn't one of the complaints about MOC last time around was his failure to bring through academy players? Or was I getting him mixed up with someone else?

lostinwales wrote:But wasn't one of the complaints about MOC last time around was his failure to bring through academy players? Or was I getting him mixed up with someone else?

No that was a major failing of his. The squad isn't as big these days and the abundance of young talent deeper. His assistant coaches have also worked with the academy players in various guises so should be aware of what they offer and be making the case to MOC.

We've seen the glacial catching on start to happen with Wells pushing his way into the first team. Admittedly most fans would have made that move more than a month ago but still.

If he doesn't adapt and use the young talent then I can't see us doing well over the 6N period and we'll have a different head coach next season anyway.

Ben White
Harry Simmons
Harry Mahoney
Jordon Olowofela
George Worth
Charlie Thacker
Fred Tuilagi jr
Sam Lewis

Have all signed contract extensions from the development squad.

No Maksymiw or Hills is interesting.

I'll be surprised if Maksymiw is releases given how much he's been in and around the first team fringe this season.he's still young and a loan to the Championship as he develops his muscle mass could prove worthwhile (it was for Wells).

Hills seems beset by injuries so any decision on his future might have to wait until the summer. If he can stay injury free and show that there's no long term damage from the injuries then all well and good but it might be too early to tell at the minute.

Leicester Tigers (v Cardiff Blues, Welford Road, Saturday 3.00pm)

15 George Worth
14 Tom Brady
13 Gareth Owen
12 Charlie Thacker
11 Jonah Holmes
10 Joe Ford
9 Sam Harrison (c)
1 Facundo Gigena
2 Jake Kerr
3 Pat Cilliers
4 Joe Maksymiw
5 Harry Wells
6 Luke Hamilton
7 Will Evans
8 Fred Tuilagi

Replacements
16 Tatafu Polota-Nau
17 Kyle Traynor
18 Chris Baumann
19 Sam Lewis
20 Valentino Mapapalangi
21 Harry Simmons
22 Tom Hardwick
23 Jordan Olowofela



Cardiff Blues: Rhun Williams; Blaine Scully (c), Aled Summerhill, Jack Roberts, Corey Howells; Steven Shingler, Lewis Jones; Corey Domachowski, Kirby Myhill, Anton Peikrishvili, Ben Murphy, James Down, Macauley Cook, James Botham, Alun Lawrence

Replacements: Ethan Lewis, Rhys Carre, Keiron Assiratti, Owen Lloyd, Joe Miles, Scott Gibson, Ben Jones, Max Llewellyn

LondonTiger wrote:Leicester Tigers (v Cardiff Blues, Welford Road, Saturday 3.00pm)

15 George Worth
14 Tom Brady
13 Gareth Owen
12 Charlie Thacker
11 Jonah Holmes
10 Joe Ford
9 Sam Harrison (c)
1 Facundo Gigena
2 Jake Kerr
3 Pat Cilliers
4 Joe Maksymiw
5 Harry Wells
6 Luke Hamilton
7 Will Evans
8 Fred Tuilagi

Replacements
16 Tatafu Polota-Nau
17 Kyle Traynor
18 Chris Baumann
19 Sam Lewis
20 Valentino Mapapalangi
21 Harry Simmons
22 Tom Hardwick
23 Jordan Olowofela



Cardiff Blues: Rhun Williams; Blaine Scully (c), Aled Summerhill, Jack Roberts, Corey Howells; Steven Shingler, Lewis Jones; Corey Domachowski, Kirby Myhill, Anton Peikrishvili, Ben Murphy, James Down, Macauley Cook, James Botham, Alun Lawrence

Replacements: Ethan Lewis, Rhys Carre, Keiron Assiratti, Owen Lloyd, Joe Miles, Scott Gibson, Ben Jones, Max Llewellyn

At least MOC is consistent in his refusal to play development players unless everyone else is unavailable. Considering we have several who are off with the under 20s after this game and hence unavailable I don't know why they aren't playing. Particularly Hardwick and White who are behind a half back pairing that were terrible vs Castres. White isn't even given a go in the squad. I just hope Simmons and Hardwick are introduced early.

Be interesting to see how Gigena goes. Unfair how big the shoes are for him to step into as an Argentina international loosehead.

Maybe he is looking for some consistency? As you said the U20 players will most likely be away next week.

I could understand if you where doing well, but we need to build up to the Glous now unfortunately.

Welly wrote: Maybe he is looking for some consistency? As you said the U20 players will most likely be away next week.

I could understand if you where doing well, but we need to build up to the Glous now unfortunately.

I'd put it to the fringe players that their current form doesn't warrant selection at WR and the academy lads were being rewarded for their game vs Bath. Then bring in the fringe players the following week and tell them they need to earn the right to play vs Glaws. Some need a kick up the ar$e more than they need another game.

Leicester Tigers (v Wasps, away, Sunday 1.00pm)

15 Declan Cusack
14 Tom Brady
13 Matt Smith (c)
12 Charlie Thacker
11 Jonah Holmes
10 George Worth
9 Harry Simmons
1 Michele Rizzo
2 Jake Kerr
3 Chris Baumann
4 Cameron Jordan
5 Joe Maksymiw
6 Luke Hamilton
7 Adam Batt
8 Fred Tuilagi

16 Jimmy Stevens
17 Facundo Gigena
18 Ben Betts
19 Charlie Pozniak
20 Henri Lavin
21 Will Yarnell
22 Sam Wager
23 Mathew Tait

Wasps: 15 Rob Miller, 14 Owain James, 13 Brendan Macken, 12 Sam Spink, 11 Marcus Watson, 10 Jacob Umaga, 9 Craig Hampson; 1 Tom West, 2 Tommy Taylor, 3 Will Stuart, 4 Marcus Garratt, 5 Will Rowlands, 6 Will Owen, 7 James Seabrook, 8 Jack Willis
Replacements: 16 TJ Harris, 17 George Thornton, 18 Jack Higgins, 19 Guy Borrowdale, 20 Andy Saull, 21 Joe Simpson, 22 Cameron Anderson, 23 Josh Bassett

With both sides making a plethora of changes, I can also see a fair few players brought in from Championship sides by both.

Good to see Tommy Taylor starting his comeback from injury.

Jimmy Stevens is interesting given recent rumours of his re-signing.

Will Owen at 6 for Wasps too. He was long rated in the Tigers academy then drifted out the picture, will be interesting to see him against a young pack.

Is Andy Saull in the Wasps side the former Sarries flanker oft tipped for higher honours? I was under the impression he'd retired after a brief spell with Yorkshire Carnegie.

Cameron Jordan is meant to be some talent in the row.

I expect that pack isn't quite what Luke Hamilton had hoped to turn out amongst this weekend though...

Might be a long afternoon for us with no openside in sight and Wasps having two. We'll probably hope for wet conditions and look to beat them up but our pack has a lot less experience.

Well on the back of that I hope we sign none of the loan/trail players. Don't think any of them offered much if anything.

Brady, Baumman and Rizzo did nothing to suggest they should be retained for next season.

Some of the young talent looked like in future seasons they'll flourish. Simmons was fantastic, Worth looked comfortable. Cameron Jordan was a brute. It's a shame but Charlie Thacker looks out of his depth a really poor game from him, the teenager that partnered him in the second half seemed to have more about him.

With what looks like a season ending injury for Lenny, Simmons has a real chance to put pressure on Harrison. Would be good if either him or White could really kick on.

It was hard on some of the loan players, with such limited preparation time, but yeah none shone.

Simmons was hands down our best player. The only blemishes on his performance were being held up twice but he created those chances for himself. On form he really should be starting ahead of Harrison. It's a but unlikely for White that age grade rugby might see Simmons overtake him and stake a claim for the first team.

Having Simmons and Worth on the bench would cover the entire backline comfortably. Given the state of our forwards an extra option on the bench might help.

What ever we do, we have to start winning.

Our best performances came in the 4 week window that started with beating Chiefs, and ended with the win at Kingston Park. Since then we have a plethora of defeats and far too many poor performances. Kingsholm will be tough but we have to get something from that.

anyone know what the injury status is like?

Agree we badly need some momentum. I use hope we opt for dyancism and aggression over size. Barrow is supposed to be available so he should add some grunt off the bench. TV was mentioned as a maybe before the AWC weekends but nothing since.

Bateman, TPN, Cilliers
Wells, Kitchener
Hamilton, Kalamafoni, BOC
Harrison Toomua
Owen, Manu
Thompstone, Worth, Malouf

Youngs, Traynor, Mulipola, Barrow, Evans, Mapapalangi, Simmons, TV/Tait.

Pretty sure MOC won't be that ambitious and Joe Ford will no doubt start and run sideways. Tait will probably come in at 15 despite Worth's good form.

New forwards coach and better performances but same problems giving youngsters a chance. Tait rolled out again but no sign of Worth.