Leicester Tigers 2019-20

by **LondonTiger** Tue 10 Sep 2019, 11:23 am

First topic message reminder :

Fixtures

September
13th Misc - Premiership Sevens, Pool Fixtures
14th Misc - Premiership Sevens, KO Fixtures
21st 15:00 - Worcester (a), Premiership Cup
27th 19:45 - Exeter (h), Premiership Cup

October
5th 15:00 - Bath (a), Premiership Cup
12th 15:00 - Northampton (h), Premiership Cup
19th 15:00 - Worcester (a), Gallagher Premiership
27th 15:00 - Saracens (h), Gallagher Premiership

November
2nd 15:00 - Gloucester (h), Gallagher Premiership
10th 15:00 - London Irish (a), Gallagher Premiership
16th 15:00 - Pau (h), Challenge Cup
23rd 20:00 - Cardiff (a), Challenge Cup
30th 15:00 - Northampton (a), Gallagher Premiership

December
7th 15:00 - Calvisano (h), Challenge Cup
14th 13:30 - Calvisano (a), Challenge Cup
21st 15:00 - Exeter (h), Gallagher Premiership
28th 16:30 - Harlequins (a - Twickenham), Gallagher Premiership

January
4th 15:00 - Bristol (h), Gallagher Premiership
12th 15:15 - Cardiff (h), Challenge Cup
17/18/19 - Pau (a), Challenge Cup
24/25/26 - Bath (a), Gallagher Premiership

February
14/15/16 - Wasps (h), Gallagher Premiership
21/21/23 - Sale (a), Gallagher Premiership
28/29/01 - Worcester (h), Gallagher Premiership

March
6/7/8 - Saracens (a), Gallagher Premiership
20/21/22 - Exeter (a), Gallagher Premiership
27/28/29 - Beth (h), Gallagher Premiership

April
3/4/5 - Castres (h), Challenge Cup 1/4 Final
10/11/12 - London Irish (h), Gallagher Premiership
17/18/19 - Gloucester (a), Gallagher Premiership
24/25/26 - Sale (h), Gallagher Premiership

May
8/9/10 - Wasps (a), Gallagher Premiership
15/16/17 - Northampton (h), Gallagher Premiership
29/30/31 - Bristol (a), Gallagher Premiership

June
5/6/7 - Harlequins (h), Gallagher Premiership

Squad & Coaching Team

Head Coach: Geordan Murphy
Forwards Coach: Mark Bakewell
Attack Coach: Mike Ford
Defence Coach: Phil Blake
Scrum Coach: Boris Stankovich
Senior Development coach: Brett Deacon
Team Manager: Teresa Carrington

First Team Squad:
Props (8): Greg Bateman, Dan Cole, Gaston Cortes, Ellis Genge, Facundo Gigena, Joe Heyes, Owen Hills, Nephi Leatigaga
Hookers (5): Charlie Clare, Jake Kerr, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Jimmy Stevens, Tom Youngs
Second Row (4): Calum Green, Tomas Lavanini, Will Spencer, Harry Wells
Back Row (8): Jordan Coghlan, Dave Denston, Sione Kalamafoni, Sam Lewis, Hanro Liebenberg, Tommy Reffell, Jordan Taufua, Guy Thompson
Half Backs: (8)Sam Harrison, Harry Simmons, Ben White, Ben Youngs, George Ford, Tom Hardwicke, Johnny McPhillips, Noel Reid
Outside Backs (13): Sam Aspland-Robinson, Kyle Eastmond, Andy Forsyth, Jonah Holmes, Jonny May, Jordan Olowofela, Jaco Taute, Joe Thomas, Adam Thompstone, Manu Tuilagi, Telusa Veainu, EW Viljoen, George Worth

Development Squad:
Props (3): Osman Dimen, Keston Lines, James Whitcombe
Hookers (0):
Second Row (3): Cameron Jordan, Tom Manz, George Martin
Back Row (5): Ollie Ashwoth, Sam Eveleigh, Taylor Gough, Henri Lavin, Thom Smith
Half Backs (3): Jonny Law, Jack van Poortvliet, Sam Costelow
Outside Backs (4): Joe Browning, Kyran Bungaroo, Leo Gilliland, Freddie Steward

by Gooseberry Sun 24 Nov 2019, 7:17 am

To my shame I fell asleep listening to the radio commentary not long after Blues try. Seems Tigers showed a lot of fight and made that grunt upfront pay?

Agree with Sams comment regarding heart, thats the most important thing to see across the club now. We know the first team has strengths and weaknesses, but its up to the leadership to get the best from them from here on in. Getting a top half finish in the league should still be an achievable aspiration, and players need to show they value that jersey to push this painful recovery onward. Progressing in this cup a welcome bonus, which they are well placed to do now.

by formerly known as Sam Sun 24 Nov 2019, 7:59 am

Not sure about the grunt up front. The set pieces didn't go our way like I would have liked them to, lineout was poor and the ref allowed the scrum to be like the wild west no rules and he'd assign penalties to whoever went forward however they achieved it.

The defence won us the game, that and Hardwick's perseverance with the strategy to keep pushing Cardiff back into their own half with his kicking. At no point did he lose focus and try to overplay. It was an experienced display from inexperienced halfbacks really.

by **LondonTiger** Sun 24 Nov 2019, 10:42 am

Five missed tackles for Viljoen, honestly felt like more.

Cardiff had twice as much possession, twice as much territory while unsurprisingly we had twice as many tackles to make. If that was anywhere near Cardiff's first team I feel sorry for their fans. Their backs had very little creativity (though neither did we

)

by Gooseberry Sun 24 Nov 2019, 11:10 am

Interesting Sam. I remember the commentators thinking hed butchered a really good chance from turnover ball in the first half kicking too long and giving a 22 to Blues sticking to that plan but yeah the impression I got was they generally had the better of the aerial battle. But uo to when I dipped out (coming up to half time I guess) it seemed like Blues were getting enough good possession to keep the scores ticking over whereas the Tigers try had come against the run of play.
It must have taken some real fight to keep Blues pinned back like that and keep the door shut for the whole second half. Good discipline fitness and application, all things that Tigers first team have looked like theyve lacked too often in the past 18 months.
Good news that the next generation cares about their jobs and fight for the shirt. A welcome change.

Which of those youngsters do you see getting chances in the premiership?

by mikey_dragon Sun 24 Nov 2019, 12:23 pm

They were without Tomos Williams and Josh Adams in the backs, they could have made a difference. All but one player seems second choice in Tigers' backline. Up front they were without Jenkins, Navidi, Robinson in the back-row; they'd all be in the matchday team. It's hard to tell who the best front 5 is, as the coach seems to change them often at random. Lewis and Gill are probably the leading players at prop. Their strength is in the backline which is why they chuck it around so much, but execution isn't great when it comes to offloads. That's probably why Tigers were pinning them back so much. Their win was built on a solid defence, just absorbed everything basically.

by Welly Sun 24 Nov 2019, 12:46 pm

I would say
1. Genge (Starter)
2. Kerr (3rd choice)
3. Heyes (2nd/3rd)
4. Lavanini (1st)
5. Wells (4th choice)
6. Lewis (3rd/4th choice)
7. Thompson (Starter)
8. Coghlan (Prob 5th choice)
9. White (2nd/3rd choice)
10. Hardwick (2nd/3rd)
11. Thompstone (3rd/4th)
12. Viljeon (like 5th choice 12)
13. Thomas (4th/5th choice)
14. Forsyth (6th choice)
15. Worth (2nd/3rd choice)

16. Clare (4th choice)
17. Gigena (3rd choice)
18. Leatigaga (2nd/3rd)
19. Jordan (5th choice)
20. Smith (6th choice 8)
21. Simmons (4th choice)
22. Costelow (4th choice)
23. Steward (4th choice 15)

by mikey_dragon Sun 24 Nov 2019, 1:43 pm

I thought Wells was a first team player, even if it's just the bench. I thought the same of Thompstone. Either way I think the squad depth is impressive, better than Cardiff's.

It's just the state of Welsh teams right now, sadly. English teams are looking pretty good. Bristol could be a new force on the scene. Sarries can make 20 changes and still beat a host of teams. London Irish went to West Wales without 8 of their first team players and still looked very strong.

Joe Thomas could develop into a starter over time for you, once he does we'll probably ask for him back.

by mikey_dragon Sun 24 Nov 2019, 1:43 pm

Guy Thompson put in one hell of a shift for you.

by Welly Sun 24 Nov 2019, 2:12 pm

I would say Lavanini, Spencer, Green ahead of Wells as a lock
May, Holmes, Olowofela ahead of Thompstone

Yes Thompson has been excellent for us recently.

by mikey_dragon Sun 24 Nov 2019, 2:37 pm

So that three players among three positions ahead of Thompstone, so he's possibly still in the first team squad? I know he used to be very good, but don't know much about him right now.

Something that stood our for me was that the Blues pack always looked as if they could be bullied around by Tigers. Not a good sign, but we knew they were weak up front anyway.

by **LondonTiger** Sun 24 Nov 2019, 4:13 pm

Joe Thomas has been on loan at (I think) Nottingham, but was brought back for this fixture.

If all fit:

1) Genge, Bateman, Gigena
2) Youngs, Kerr, TPN, Clare
3) Cole, Leatigaga, Heyes
4) Lavanini, Green
5) Spencer, Wells
6) Kalamafoni, Liebenberg, Lewis
7) Thompson, Reffell
8) Taufua, Boladau, Coghlan
9) Youngs, White, Simmons
10) Ford, Hardwick, Costelow
11) May, Olowefela
12) Reid, Eastmond
13) Manu, Taute, Viljoen
14) Holmes, Thompstone
15) Veainu, Worth, Aspland-Robinson

by formerly known as Sam Sun 24 Nov 2019, 4:25 pm

Gooseberry wrote:
Which of those youngsters do you see getting chances in the premiership?

White and Hardwick are pushing themselves into the first team thinking. Harrison the current second choice 9 is heading down to Australia to pursue non-rugby opportunities in the new year which will likely mean that White will benefit. He made his debut years back and is highly rated so should be a fixture for years to come. Hardwick is likely to be short term Ford's understudy but I wouldn't be surprised if we didn't move to 12 as he's not diminutive and will fill out a little more as he gets used to the first team physicality.

Costelow off the bench won't see much if any prem action this season but is on loan in the Championship where he had a top review last weekend. At 18 he's still developing but looks every bit a future international and will be another reason why Hardwick will play more at 12 so that Costelow can become Ford's understudy medium term. In four years time Ford will be 30 and probably looking for a final pay day post the next world cup whilst Costelow will be 22. Perfect succession planning. Steward the number 23 who didn't get on is a very promising fullback who is in loan with Costelow at Ampthill and also looks a future star and is only 18.

The replacement lock Cam Jordan and the replacement backrow Smith who didn't get on both came through the academy and are still finding their feet both out on loan in the Championship as is Lewis the 6. Given the options in the backrow Smith will stay on loan in the Championship and probably won't get a sniff. Jordan might given there's only four senior locks. Lewis is playing himself into more contention but will need some injuries to get a look in so maybe more next season.

Thomas is on loan at Nottingham so might be viewed more as a long term development whilst his centre partner Viljoen is a regular part of the squad but might end up more in the back three going forward.

Heyes the tighthead is only 20 but already looks comfortable at this level so we'll see more of him this season in a rotation with Leatigaga and Cole.

by formerly known as Sam Sun 24 Nov 2019, 4:29 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:So that three players among three positions ahead of Thompstone, so he's possibly still in the first team squad? I know he used to be very good, but don't know much about him right now.

Injuries and age have meant that Thompstone isn't the attacking threat he used to be. At 32 he isn't getting any younger either, probably two years left. Still reliably good in defence (loves a cover tackle) and his positioning is good. Handy player to have in the squad whilst some of the younger lads are still developing and not quite ready for senior rugby. In a couple of years Thompstone will be retiring as Steward and Brown are taking their places in the regular squad.

by **LondonTiger** Mon 25 Nov 2019, 12:03 pm

Leicester Tigers Development XV (v Gloucester United, away 7.30pm)

15 Freddie Steward
14 Joe Browning
13 Kyran Bungaroo
12 Johnny McPhillips
11 Leo Gilliland
10 Sam Costelow
9 Harry Simmons (c)
1 Keston Lines
2 Charlie Clare
3 Gaston Cortes
4 Cameron Jordan
5 Tom Manz
6 Ollie Ashworth
7 Taylor Gough
8 Thom Smith

Replacements
16 Jimmy Stevens
17 James Whitcombe
18 Osman Dimen
19 Ollie Chessum (Nottingham Rugby)
20 Ed Sumpter (Leicester Lions)
21 Jack Van Poortvliet
22 Harry Glynn
23 Kwaku Asiedu (Ampthill Rugby)

by formerly known as Sam Mon 25 Nov 2019, 12:53 pm

Pretty young side. Lot of talent there be interesting to see what sort of side Gloucester put out. Hopefully see some of these lads put their hands up a d keep making selection a headache for Geordie.

by king_carlos Mon 25 Nov 2019, 1:00 pm

There's a lot of talent in those backs.

McPhillips and Bungaroo in midfield is indicative of no centres in the development squad.

Still no sign of Owen Hills. A strong talent in U20s who's been decimated by injuries.

by **LondonTiger** Mon 25 Nov 2019, 2:37 pm

Hope Browning goes well. He looked useful in the 7s.

by king_carlos Tue 26 Nov 2019, 3:43 pm

- Veainu is seeing a specialist after bursting a blood vessel in his nose.
- Taufua is 50/50 going through return to play protocol
- May is fit according to Geordie
- Liebenberg and Eastmond are out for a few weeks. Liebenberg has posted a short video on Instagram of him going over on his ankle, doesn't look fun.

All I can say on Veainu and Taufua potentially missing the crucial Saints game is... Ouch.

1.Genge 2.Youngs 3.Cole 4.Lavanini 5.Green 6.Kalamafoni 7.Reffell 8.Thompson
9.Youngs 10.Ford 11.May 12.Reid 13.Tuilagi 14.Holmes 15.Worth

16.Polota-Nau 17.Gigena 18.Leatigaga 19.Spencer 20.Taufua/Coghlan/Boladau 21.White 22.Hardwick 23.Taute

That's what I hope to see.

The bench backs are tough to call. Hardwick covers 10 better than Reid and is the superior goal kicking of the two. Taute covers centre but leaves us short on wing cover. Bringing Thompstone in would cover wing better but leave us short on centre cover.

From what I know Saints are close to full strength in terms of injuries. Reinach went off at the weekend and he would be a huge loss for them if unavailable. With opposing centre options of Francis, Hutchinson, Dingwall and Proctor I could even see Taute starting at 12 to offer defensive leadership.

by mikey_dragon Tue 26 Nov 2019, 3:50 pm

Is Dom Barrow still unattached?

by king_carlos Tue 26 Nov 2019, 3:58 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:Is Dom Barrow still unattached?

As far as I know he's been unattached since leaving Saints 'with immediate effect' in March. He left there after injury issues so it may be that he can't pass a medical to sign for anyone.

He left Tigers mid season to join La Rochelle as a medical joker.

A very talented second row, especially in the tight where has the ability to hit like a train in fringe defence, but not an especially sensible one from most accounts. A classic example of a young man who needs to do more to help himself before others can do much to help him.

by mikey_dragon Tue 26 Nov 2019, 4:00 pm

That's a shame. He would be good cover for some of our teams if he wasn't injured. He was part of a good England U20 set-up if I remember rightly.

by formerly known as Sam Tue 26 Nov 2019, 4:35 pm

I find it odd he hasn't got another club. He's a proud Yorkshireman so I'm surprised he isn't at least playing a few games there to remind others of his ability. Plenty before him have had short stays in the Championship and shown off their abilities to get bigger contracts elsewhere.

by king_carlos Tue 26 Nov 2019, 5:10 pm

Sounding more and more like Borthwick has agreed to join but it won't be until after the 6 Nations, unless Jones can find a suitable replacement before then.

Given Hatley and Wisemantel have both left Jones may well settle for some continuity from Borthwick for the 6 Nations.

by king_carlos Wed 27 Nov 2019, 9:12 pm

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/geordan-murphy-tells-leicester-players-20969893

The Mirror wrote:England trio Ben Youngs, George Ford and Jonny May are all out of contract this summer and Murphy said: “The nature of sport is that we are always going to lose big players - and sign big players.

“We would love to keep everyone and pay everyone everything they deserve and want but the nature of sport is that sometimes you will lose players.”

Geordie in the Mirror talking about keeping a squad together, in relation to Sarries woes.

I hadn't realised that Lenny was out of contract. Means that his last contract was a 2-year deal.

Add Genge and that's 4 of our 6 England contingent out of contract.

by formerly known as Sam Wed 27 Nov 2019, 9:42 pm

Priorities are Ford, Genge, Youngs and May in that order. Ideally we keep all four but a 30 year old winger who is heavily reliant on his pace isn't as important as the flyhalf that has carried us all last season, the best young loosehead in the country and the starting England 9 when the only other scrum halfs in the squad are under 22.

In terms of replacements we'd be in a world of extreme competition to bring in a replacement for Ford. It's be taking a punt on potential with someone like Willemse or Mallins, an ambitious punt for Cruden or, it's trying for a backup in NZ. I can't see us out bidding Japan or France for a big name international though we'd have a good budget for it.

by king_carlos Wed 27 Nov 2019, 11:43 pm

Ford and Genge would be my priorities as well. Both key and have time on their hands. The value of fly-halves and props is huge as well so replacing either will cost big the same as trying to re-sign them.

Lenny hasn't consistently shown his best for Tigers for a long time. He's had a great career and was once one of the clubs crown jewels but realistically we can get another very good scrum-half for his wage. I hope he stays but for the right price, given what Tigers have got from Youngs recently that might not happen.

The Mail reported that we have 17 players coming out of contract. My guess would be:

Forwards: Genge, Bateman, Hills, Youngs, Polota-Nau, Cortes, Spencer, Thompson, Kalamafoni

Backs: Youngs, Harrison, Ford, Eastmond, May, Thompstone, Aspland-Robinson, Worth

Players are less likely to re-sign if we are 11th and playing dire rugby so hopefully things improve fast.

by **LondonTiger** Thu 28 Nov 2019, 8:59 am

Veainu having continued problems with his nose, Eastmond & Liebenberg not fit and Taufua still going through the concussion protocols. Green and Spencer fit, not seen anything about Olowefela or May.

Squad for Franklins Gardens perhaps:

Genge, Youngs, Cole, Lavanini, Spencer, Kalamafoni, Reffell, Thompson; Youngs, Ford, Holmes, Reid, Manu, Thompstone, Worth

TPN, Bateman, Leatigaga/Heyes, Green, Coghlan, White, Hardwick, Viljoen

by bluestonevedder Thu 28 Nov 2019, 11:32 am

king_carlos wrote:Ford and Genge would be my priorities as well. Both key and have time on their hands. The value of fly-halves and props is huge as well so replacing either will cost big the same as trying to re-sign them.

Lenny hasn't consistently shown his best for Tigers for a long time. He's had a great career and was once one of the clubs crown jewels but realistically we can get another very good scrum-half for his wage. I hope he stays but for the right price, given what Tigers have got from Youngs recently that might not happen.

The Mail reported that we have 17 players coming out of contract. My guess would be:

Forwards: Genge, Bateman, Hills, Youngs, Polota-Nau, Cortes, Spencer, Thompson, Kalamafoni

Backs: Youngs, Harrison, Ford, Eastmond, May, Thompstone, Aspland-Robinson, Worth

Players are less likely to re-sign if we are 11th and playing dire rugby so hopefully things improve fast.

Agree with this. It's no secret that I'm not a fan of Ben Youngs, and I wouldn't move heaven and earth to keep him by any means. I think there are a number of impressive young scrum halves if you look hard enough, and Sale proved this with Embrose Papier during the WC.

by formerly known as Sam Thu 28 Nov 2019, 12:03 pm

king_carlos wrote:Ford and Genge would be my priorities as well. Both key and have time on their hands. The value of fly-halves and props is huge as well so replacing either will cost big the same as trying to re-sign them.

Lenny hasn't consistently shown his best for Tigers for a long time. He's had a great career and was once one of the clubs crown jewels but realistically we can get another very good scrum-half for his wage. I hope he stays but for the right price, given what Tigers have got from Youngs recently that might not happen.

The Mail reported that we have 17 players coming out of contract. My guess would be:

Forwards: Genge, Bateman, Hills, Youngs, Polota-Nau, Cortes, Spencer, Thompson, Kalamafoni

Backs: Youngs, Harrison, Ford, Eastmond, May, Thompstone, Aspland-Robinson, Worth

Players are less likely to re-sign if we are 11th and playing dire rugby so hopefully things improve fast.

To my mind TPN, Cortes, Hills, Eastmond can all go. I'd offer a fairly low contract to Eastmond if he wanted to stay, 1 year deal with the offer of a second year with better terms if he's available for at least 70% of games.

Thompstone, Kalamafoni, SAP, Worth it would be nice to retain but if they can get better offers elsewhere then they can go. Not worth a bidding war.

Harrison is already off and I heard rumours this time last year that Tom Youngs had plans to retire next summer.

Genge, Spencer, Thompson, Youngs, Ford and May are all priorities. Ford obviously the biggy given the massively competitive and expensive market for acquiring flyhalfs. Youngs is at a good age to see out his career at Tigers and be succeeded by the next generation.

by king_carlos Thu 28 Nov 2019, 5:18 pm

LondonTiger wrote:Veainu having continued problems with his nose, Eastmond & Liebenberg not fit and Taufua still going through the concussion protocols. Green and Spencer fit, not seen anything about Olowefela or May.

Squad for Franklins Gardens perhaps:

Genge, Youngs, Cole, Lavanini, Spencer, Kalamafoni, Reffell, Thompson; Youngs, Ford, Holmes, Reid, Manu, Thompstone, Worth

TPN, Bateman, Leatigaga/Heyes, Green, Coghlan, White, Hardwick, Viljoen

Geordie said that May would be fit earlier in the week.

Bateman in out until December though. Polota-Nau is recovering from elbow surgery I believe.

1.Genge 2.Youngs 3.Cole 4.Lavanini 5.Green 6.Kalamafoni 7.Reffell 8.Thompson
9.Youngs 10.Ford 11.May 12.Reid 13.Tuilagi 14.Holmes 15.Worth

16.Kerr 17.Gigena 18.Leatigaga 19.Spencer 20.Coghlan/Boladau 21.White 22.Hardwick 23.Taute

I expect we will see something like that. Perhaps Hardwick will drop out with Viljeon on the bench to offer more back three cover.

by **LondonTiger** Thu 28 Nov 2019, 5:38 pm

I keep forgetting we signed Jaco Taute

by king_carlos Thu 28 Nov 2019, 6:31 pm

LondonTiger wrote:I keep forgetting we signed Jaco Taute

Unsurprising given he's come off the bench once.

If fit he could be a godsend during international periods. A bit of experience and ball carrying was desperately needed in the opening rounds.

by formerly known as Sam Thu 28 Nov 2019, 8:41 pm

If he'd had more game time he could have been in for a start this weekend. Saints like to attack through the backs so having a bit lump there to smash alongside Manu might force Biggar in to his kicking game and that might suit us.

by **LondonTiger** Fri 29 Nov 2019, 12:03 pm

Leicester Tigers (v Northampton Saints, away, Saturday 3.00pm)

15 George Worth
14 Jonny May
13 Manu Tuilagi
12 Jaco Taute
11 Jonah Holmes
10 George Ford
9 Ben Youngs
1 Ellis Genge
2 Tom Youngs (c)
3 Dan Cole
4 Tomás Lavanini
5 Calum Green
6 Harry Wells
7 Guy Thompson
8 Sione Kalamafoni

Replacements
16 Jake Kerr
17 Facundo Gigena
18 Nephi Leatigaga
19 Sam Lewis
20 Jordan Coghlan
21 Ben White
22 Noel Reid
23 Andy Forsyth

Northampton Saints: 15 George Furbank, 14 Tom Collins, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Rory Hutchinson, 11 Taqele Naiyaravoro, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Cobus Reinach; 1 Alex Waller (c), 2 Mikey Haywood, 3 Owen Franks, 4 Ben Moon, 5 Courtney Lawes, 6 Tom Wood, 7 Lewis Ludlam, 8 Teimana Harrison.

Replacements: 16 Michael van Vuuren, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Ehren Painter, 19 Api Ratuniyarawa, 20 Jamie Gibson, 21 James Mitchell, 22 Fraser Dingwall, 23 Ahsee Tuala.

by **LondonTiger** Fri 29 Nov 2019, 12:03 pm

Leicester Tigers include all six of the club’s England Rugby World Cup squad in the starting XV for Saturday’s derby against Northampton Saints.

Jonny May makes his first appearance since the World Cup Final as Tigers make the short journey to Franklin’s Gardens and international colleagues Dan Cole, Ellis Genge, Ben Youngs, George Ford and Manu Tuilagi are all named in Geordan Murphy’s team.

Jaco Taute plays in the Gallagher Premiership for the first time, starting at centre alongside Tuilagi, and there is also a recall for Jonah Holmes, Tom Youngs, Calum Green and Sione Kalamafoni after sitting out the European win over Cardiff Blues last weekend.

Sam Lewis and Jordan Coghlan, who both started against the Blues in the Challenge Cup, are included among the replacements this week but Hanro Liebenberg, Tommy Reffell, Will Spencer, Ifereimi Boladau, Jordan Taufua and Tatafu Polota-Nau are all ruled out.

Head coach Murphy said: “We were poor in our last Premiership outing at London Irish but it has been good for the whole squad to get two good results in Europe over the last two weeks. Now we have a tough challenge at Saints who have started the season really well.”

by formerly known as Sam Fri 29 Nov 2019, 2:32 pm

Good starting team, bench looks a bit like whoever is fit gets a go. I'd dread Ford getting injured because Reid is not going to be able to run a backline Vs Biggar.

Wells at 6 hints at us going for a physical game plan.

by Gooseberry Sun 01 Dec 2019, 9:20 am

Real bump back to earth for Tigers after the Euro games. Losing to Saints is no disgrace, but a side robbed of 3 key start players to late injuries should not be hammering a near first choice Tigers for a comfortable bonus point victory.
Crawling back up the table to contest a champions cup spot looks increasingly remote, a relegation battle still a distinct possibility despite Saracens penalty.
All in pretty flat from the highlights I've seen and really the scoreline shows Tigers are well off the pace in this division.
They have a decent paper squad, and certainly plenty of star quality in the front row and backs. But when it comes to Jeff games clearly lacking in application and tactics as per last season.
This team should be capable of better, and the club has the resources that it should be capable of putting a competitive team out.

Disappointing. Hopefully the rumoured changes to bring in some new coaching and impetus wont happen too late for this season and too late to hang on to the players who have the quality and connection to the club to strive to do better.

by formerly known as Sam Sun 01 Dec 2019, 11:54 am

The plans re coaches will be going into over drive during the next two weeks. Calvasano are a team our development team should be able to sort out. Will also give us a chance to get Taufua, Liebenburg and TV back.

I wouldn't be surprised to see a change announced to the coaching team soon. It's not working and we can't continue to be this bad. If the rumours are true and Borthwick can't arrive for 6 months then we need to review who else can come in. Something has to change and I don't want to see Geordie go but there's little options currently.

by **LondonTiger** Tue 03 Dec 2019, 11:03 am

I only managed to see the first 20 minutes on Saturday - which seems like it was the highlight for us.

I understand we completely failed to defend turnovers, including some shocking lineouts. Seven lost lineouts and 39 missed tackles is appalling. That Dan Cole made the most tackles (16) shows we struggled completely in defence to be organised.

The only thing that might save us is that Wasps and Bath seem equally poor, so we just have to be better than one of them. Family life will allow me to see three of the next four matches live culminating in the holiday visit to Twickenham v Quins. We have to win at least two of these games but can see only Calvisano providing a win.

by bluestonevedder Tue 03 Dec 2019, 12:18 pm

I haven't watched the full game yet but saw the highlights. What was immediately obvious was how narrow the defence was. What on earth was happening with that last try? There wasn't a Tigers defender anywhere near him and the pass wasn't exactly quick and pinpoint.

Pretty shocking. It will be interesting to see how we fare against Wasps and Bath.

by **LondonTiger** Tue 03 Dec 2019, 1:16 pm

Jonah Holmes out for 6 weeks.

by king_carlos Tue 03 Dec 2019, 2:30 pm

LondonTiger wrote:Jonah Holmes out for 6 weeks.

It sounded like he'd be out longer than that so relatively good news.

Liebenberg has been under the knife as well for an ankle injury so will likely be out longer, sadly.

by king_carlos Tue 03 Dec 2019, 2:33 pm

1.Genge 2.Kerr 3.Heyes 4.Lavanini 5.Green 6.Lewis 7.Reffell 8.Taufua
9.Simmons 10.Ford 11.May 12.Hardwick 13.Taute 14.Browning 15.Steward

16.Clare 17.Gigena 18.Cole 19.Jordan 20.Coghlan 21.White 22.Costelow 23.Tuilagi

I hope to see something like that for the home Calvisano game. A mixture of first teamers needing to find form and youngsters who deserve a chance.

I'd be very happy with Reffell captaining the side as well. He's a natural leader and one I'd the club to invest that responsibility in.

EDIT: Lavanini and Taufua are both on holiday by the looks of it. Hopefully Boladau is fit again as he looked good in the chances he got prior to the head knock.

by formerly known as Sam Wed 04 Dec 2019, 9:50 am

I'd like to see us keep the England lads out of these games so as not to limit their availability down the line.

Give the young lads who were so excellent Vs Cardiff another chance to shine.

Gigena, Kerr, Heyes
Spencer, Wells
Lewis, Reffell, Boladau/Coghlan
White, Hardwick
Taute, Thomas
Thompstone, Steward, Viljoen

Clare, Leatigaga, Cortes, Jordan, Smith/Lavin, Simmonds, Costelow, Forsyth

Tom Youngs, Cole, Genge, Green, Kalamafoniand Lavanini to be made to practice lineouts for the two weeks until the next game.

by **LondonTiger** Wed 04 Dec 2019, 7:57 pm

Wells banned for two weeks.

by formerly known as Sam Wed 04 Dec 2019, 8:47 pm

LondonTiger wrote:Wells banned for two weeks.

Missing two games against Italian minnows isn't the end of the world. Give Cam Jordan or George Martin a chance to gain some experience. Add Sam Lewis in at 6 and we should have enough lineout presence.

by bluestonevedder Thu 05 Dec 2019, 10:41 am

formerly known as Sam wrote:
LondonTiger wrote:Wells banned for two weeks.

Missing two games against Italian minnows isn't the end of the world. Give Cam Jordan or George Martin a chance to gain some experience. Add Sam Lewis in at 6 and we should have enough lineout presence.

What's your impression of young Sam Lewis, Sam? I hadn't seen anything of him until the Cardiff game and I thought he looked pretty decent.

by **LondonTiger** Thu 05 Dec 2019, 10:51 am

bluestonevedder wrote:
formerly known as Sam wrote:
LondonTiger wrote:Wells banned for two weeks.

Missing two games against Italian minnows isn't the end of the world. Give Cam Jordan or George Martin a chance to gain some experience. Add Sam Lewis in at 6 and we should have enough lineout presence.

What's your impression of young Sam Lewis, Sam? I hadn't seen anything of him until the Cardiff game and I thought he looked pretty decent.

I like him. Whether 6 is his long term position we shall see. I doubt he will ever be an international class player but should be a very good club player for us.

by formerly known as Sam Thu 05 Dec 2019, 12:50 pm

bluestonevedder wrote:
formerly known as Sam wrote:
LondonTiger wrote:Wells banned for two weeks.

Missing two games against Italian minnows isn't the end of the world. Give Cam Jordan or George Martin a chance to gain some experience. Add Sam Lewis in at 6 and we should have enough lineout presence.

What's your impression of young Sam Lewis, Sam? I hadn't seen anything of him until the Cardiff game and I thought he looked pretty decent.

I like Lewis, he's a little reminiscent of Crofty at 6 with his build and his pace. Not got anywhere near Croft's skillset but then few forwards have as Tom was well ahead of his time. I saw Lewis a couple of years back and he was a bean pole with a tendency to concede stupid penalties and the occasional card. Seems to have smartened up and bulked up. Still tenacious, really liked how he stripped the Cardiff 9 at the back of the scrum.

He's dual registered at Nottingham this season which will do him the world of good. Think he'll be a really handy squad man as LT says. Good third lineout jumper and fits in with our mobile and physical style backrow.

by bluestonevedder Thu 05 Dec 2019, 1:18 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:
bluestonevedder wrote:
formerly known as Sam wrote:
LondonTiger wrote:Wells banned for two weeks.

Missing two games against Italian minnows isn't the end of the world. Give Cam Jordan or George Martin a chance to gain some experience. Add Sam Lewis in at 6 and we should have enough lineout presence.

What's your impression of young Sam Lewis, Sam? I hadn't seen anything of him until the Cardiff game and I thought he looked pretty decent.

I like Lewis, he's a little reminiscent of Crofty at 6 with his build and his pace. Not got anywhere near Croft's skillset but then few forwards have as Tom was well ahead of his time. I saw Lewis a couple of years back and he was a bean pole with a tendency to concede stupid penalties and the occasional card. Seems to have smartened up and bulked up. Still tenacious, really liked how he stripped the Cardiff 9 at the back of the scrum.

He's dual registered at Nottingham this season which will do him the world of good. Think he'll be a really handy squad man as LT says. Good third lineout jumper and fits in with our mobile and physical style backrow.

Good to hear he could be a decent club man. That's what we are missing at the moment really. It feels like our squad is championship level with a number of England stars thrown in.

I liked the look of Lewis against Cardiff. Is he big enough for lock do you think? He still seems very rangy in size, but with a good turn of pace.

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