Tigers were dumped out of the LV Cup by Exeter, losing by 8 points at the semi final stage. Tigers shot themselves in both feet, several times, conspiring with the referee to hand the match to a bemused Exeter who did next to nothing to earn the win. Just stand back, let the referee whistle the opposition off the park and watch them implode when he didn't.
In essence you can boil the game down to two crucial decisions. Two crucial pass. Two ex-rugby league forwards. Laurence Pearce, with turnover ball, didn't raise his head, didn't look around and fed Exeter wing Vainakolo with a simple interception pass. About an hour later Brad Thorn, after a scintillating Miles Benjamin break, was the last but one man with a single defender in front of him he didn't raise his head, didn't look around and this time didn't feed the Tigers winger waiting for his chance.
14 points swing right there. And with that we wouldn't be micro analysing Tim Wigglesworth's joke shop refereeing, we wouldn't be asking where, exactly, the Hull based offical feels the middle of a maul is if it isn't where the ball is and we wouldn't be steaming mad for two weeks but playing Saracens in a final.
Tigers started the game with real ambition and married it to perfect execution. Benjamin cut through on a terrific line before Catchpole kept it alive. Mele found Michele Rizzo running a perfect line back towards the ruck and the Italian dove over for the opening score after only 4 minutes.
But after that beginning Tigers decided to retreat to their shell. With penalties galore Tigers decided to kick for goal, to enter into a tight niggly match when they could have pushed on and blown a shaky Chiefs out of the water.
Exeter leveled the score through hooker Tainoe, unlike Tigers they kicked for the corner. Tigers, having seemingly forgot how to defend lineouts, stood off and let Exeter form the maul. Once the maul is set a referee like Wigglesworth is not going to let them leave without a penalty at least and a try at worst. And they did, driving the hooker over off the side of the maul.
With one of Tigers penalties giving us a 10-7 lead Exeter kicked off. With ball bouncing loose Mele swept the ball to Whetton, with an over lap begging he passed on to Pearce. We've already discussed what happened next. 14-10 to Exeter and we never saw the lead again.
Tigers were seemingly happy with tit for tat penalty goals for much of the match. Showing no ambition to play and executing their kick and chase very poorly, it was not a combination for a happy crowd with the boos starting from the Crumbie.
Tigers slowly began expanding their game though, with Thorn breaking through the middle. Exeter offended, offside and never onside they killed the momentum and lost a man for ten minutes. In the ten minutes Tigers added the 3 points from that penalty and should have killed the game.
Miles Benjamin eschewed the rigid kicking game to gloriously counter, finding Neil Briggs in support. The Sale bound man had neither the pace nor the support to finish the move but it was quickly swept left towards the Crumbie. But Thorn did not find Catchpole, who followed him up into the ruck. Illegally according to Wigglesworth. The only in at the side by the attack all game. Apparently.
With that the momentum seemed lost. Tigers tried to play the tight game but were stymied by a referee who simply refused to ping the Chiefs. For their final try he may as well have put on a white shirt and joined the maul. Sam Harrison spots the ball carrier at the front of the maul and latches onto him. This, according to the man who has refereed hundreds of games and has presumably read the rule book at some stage, is in at the side. Where can you come from then? What can you actually do once you don't disrupt the set up?
From the second lineout it was inevitable. Tigers can only blame themselves for this one. They didn't compete for the ball, they didn't hit the man the moment his feet touched the floor and drive them backwards. These days with any referee, a good one or one like today, you will concede if you passively let them set up then try to hold the drive. I know that, you my millions of readers know that, why don't the players on the field?
A very frustrating day for Tigers. We were good enough to win, with a competent and fair referee we would have won, if we hadn't quite literally thrown the game away we would have won. I think this will be the last we see this season from a number of today's players.
Showing posts with label LV Cup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LV Cup. Show all posts
Sunday, 15 March 2015
Sunday, 1 February 2015
Tigers seal Derby Day win
Tigers put one foot into the LV Cup knockout rounds with a 17-8 win at home to bitter rivals Northampton Saints. Without the likes of Dylan Hartley and Courtney Lawes this was a quieter affair than normal with no major incidents of foul play. More's the pitty as it would have livened up the game.
Tigers opening half hour secured the win with two muscular tries from the beefy pair Sebastian de Chaves and Laurence Pearce. De Chaves' effort came after only 5 minutes; Tigers had turned down a shot at goal in blustery conditions to go for the corner and set an attacking maul. Northampton resisted just enough and Tigers broke left towards the post. A noticable burst from Jack Roberts set the ruck and de Chaves burst through a weak tackle to crash over for his first try in Tigers colours.
Northampton dragged 3 points back after a scrum infringement but Tigers extended their lead after half an hour. Jack Roberts received the ball in space roughly on his own 10m line and ran with it. He scorched past two men, beating on for pace on the outside and gliding past another on the inside. Faced with the full back he kicked on again and tried to round him for the try. He didn't make it but did manage to stay infield, just, and set the ruck. Tigers pounded with the forwards and it was Laurence Pearce who ducked and spun and dived and reached out for the try line, slamming the ball on the whitewash for the 5 points.
Williams converted both scores for a 14-3 lead.
After that try Tigers did not find the cutting edge of their attacking play again. Northampton grew into the game and it took some heroic defence from Sam Harrison to force a knock on from Teimana Harrison as he tried to finish a good break with a try. From that position Northampton huffed and puffed at the Tigers line but never quite managed to get over it. As the clock ticked over 40 minutes Northampton had scrum after scrum, heft after heft at the Tigers line but Balmain, Thacker and Rizzo stayed strong. Eventually forcing the knock on and the relief of half time.
In the second half Tigers never really got going. Unable to pick apart Northampton's rush defence or use the forwards as a wrecking ball to crash through it Tigers relied on Williams and Catchpole's little nudges to maintain a dominance on the game's territory.
A Jack Roberts break early on was trucked up twice more by the forwards but with the line begging Harrison fumbled at the base of a ruck.
One attacking penalty was kicked to the corner and move attempted; thrown to the back Tigers quickly shifted the ball to a dummy maul at the front before releasing Barbieri on the peel. Unfortunately the referee ruled an obstruction, with no replay's available I am none the wiser to the accuracy of the call or the culprit.
Northampton replaced their half backs Hodgson & Hooley, who had been struggling to clear the ball past Tigers large forwards, with Alex Day and Sam Olver, son of hooker John. The replacement pair were effective, creating a try with Saints first real incursion into the Tigers 22 of the second half. Olver poked a ball through the Tigers' blindside defence and Howard Packman, son of legendary Saints winger Frank, won the foot race for the score.
That spelled a nerve racking ending for Tigers as they continued to dominate the territory but could not control the ball or drive back the Saints' defence. With just 5 minutes remaining Tigers cooled their fans nerves; a dynamic break from Laurence Pearce was followed up by a barnstorming run from Mulipola causing a Northampton forward to be trapped at the bottom of the ruck. With the penalty Owen Williams made no mistake and a 9 points lead established.
To their credit Northampton fought back but with a two score lead Tigers defence was under no real threat, as at the end of the first half the Tigers withstood an Northampton onslaught and sealed a 17-9 victory.
Depending on the result of the Wasps-Cardiff game at the Ricoh this afternoon Tigers may well have already secured a LV semi final spot. If Wasps fail to win both their remaining games, next week they face Northampton at the Gardens, Tigers will win the group. If we beat Cardiff next week we secure a home semi final, potentially against Northampton again!
Man of the Match: Laurence Pearce.
Tigers opening half hour secured the win with two muscular tries from the beefy pair Sebastian de Chaves and Laurence Pearce. De Chaves' effort came after only 5 minutes; Tigers had turned down a shot at goal in blustery conditions to go for the corner and set an attacking maul. Northampton resisted just enough and Tigers broke left towards the post. A noticable burst from Jack Roberts set the ruck and de Chaves burst through a weak tackle to crash over for his first try in Tigers colours.
Northampton dragged 3 points back after a scrum infringement but Tigers extended their lead after half an hour. Jack Roberts received the ball in space roughly on his own 10m line and ran with it. He scorched past two men, beating on for pace on the outside and gliding past another on the inside. Faced with the full back he kicked on again and tried to round him for the try. He didn't make it but did manage to stay infield, just, and set the ruck. Tigers pounded with the forwards and it was Laurence Pearce who ducked and spun and dived and reached out for the try line, slamming the ball on the whitewash for the 5 points.
Williams converted both scores for a 14-3 lead.
After that try Tigers did not find the cutting edge of their attacking play again. Northampton grew into the game and it took some heroic defence from Sam Harrison to force a knock on from Teimana Harrison as he tried to finish a good break with a try. From that position Northampton huffed and puffed at the Tigers line but never quite managed to get over it. As the clock ticked over 40 minutes Northampton had scrum after scrum, heft after heft at the Tigers line but Balmain, Thacker and Rizzo stayed strong. Eventually forcing the knock on and the relief of half time.
In the second half Tigers never really got going. Unable to pick apart Northampton's rush defence or use the forwards as a wrecking ball to crash through it Tigers relied on Williams and Catchpole's little nudges to maintain a dominance on the game's territory.
A Jack Roberts break early on was trucked up twice more by the forwards but with the line begging Harrison fumbled at the base of a ruck.
One attacking penalty was kicked to the corner and move attempted; thrown to the back Tigers quickly shifted the ball to a dummy maul at the front before releasing Barbieri on the peel. Unfortunately the referee ruled an obstruction, with no replay's available I am none the wiser to the accuracy of the call or the culprit.
Northampton replaced their half backs Hodgson & Hooley, who had been struggling to clear the ball past Tigers large forwards, with Alex Day and Sam Olver, son of hooker John. The replacement pair were effective, creating a try with Saints first real incursion into the Tigers 22 of the second half. Olver poked a ball through the Tigers' blindside defence and Howard Packman, son of legendary Saints winger Frank, won the foot race for the score.
That spelled a nerve racking ending for Tigers as they continued to dominate the territory but could not control the ball or drive back the Saints' defence. With just 5 minutes remaining Tigers cooled their fans nerves; a dynamic break from Laurence Pearce was followed up by a barnstorming run from Mulipola causing a Northampton forward to be trapped at the bottom of the ruck. With the penalty Owen Williams made no mistake and a 9 points lead established.
To their credit Northampton fought back but with a two score lead Tigers defence was under no real threat, as at the end of the first half the Tigers withstood an Northampton onslaught and sealed a 17-9 victory.
Depending on the result of the Wasps-Cardiff game at the Ricoh this afternoon Tigers may well have already secured a LV semi final spot. If Wasps fail to win both their remaining games, next week they face Northampton at the Gardens, Tigers will win the group. If we beat Cardiff next week we secure a home semi final, potentially against Northampton again!
Man of the Match: Laurence Pearce.
Sunday, 2 February 2014
Three in a Row: Tigers winless home run goes on
Tigers were knocked out of the LV Cup on Friday night after conceding
the try bonus point to a rampant Bath side at Welford Road. Coming swiftly on the back of the defeat to
Ulster and the Premiership draw with Bath Tigers are yet to register a home win
in 2014. Three games winless at home
ties Tigers worst home record in competitive fixtures.
Not wanting to sensationalise the loss but those are the bare facts of the current run of form.
Needing a bonus point win to stand any hope of progression Tigers started pretty well. Young Argentine flanker Pablo Matera, on his home debut, did well to stretch out and score the try under heavy pressure. Matera made a proper nuisance at the breakdown and carried well all night. Surely he has earned himself a place in the Premiership match day squad.
Bath’s first try had more than a bit of luck about it. Thomas Waldrom lost his footing in the wet conditions giving Nick Abendanon room to run. The ball spilled loose from a solid Tigers tackle and was quickly passed to flanker Alafoti Faosiliva, he chipped the covering defence of Sam Harrison then won the foot race for the grounding. Courtesy of our new big screen we could all see that the Bath man had his foot in touch before he kicked it, as the boos rang round the ground Wayne Barnes ignored the evidence and awarded the try.
The rain had now started, both teams’ tactics changed and the kicking game was to the fore. Tigers’ second score was directly from a good old fashioned Up ‘n’ Under. Owen Williams displayed his Rugby League background with a booming Garryowen, terrific height and just enough length; it looked like Tigers had over chased it; Hepetema and Abendanon waited underneath for the ball to land. But they hadn’t counted on US Eagle Blaine Scully. Showing great hustle he challenged Abendanon for possession, grabbed the loose bouncing ball and raced away under the posts for the try.
It was the kind of try that anyone could score but only a few ever actually do. That bravery, work rate and willingness to do something a bit odd is a product of his less than usual career path. After Adam Thompstone’s less than stellar game for England ‘A’ perhaps the American is another who has enhanced his First XV prospects in this disappointing loss.
This was about as good as it got for Tigers.
Williams and Henson traded penalties for a 17-11 lead but Bath struck back before half time.
The West Country side attacked with good precision, Scully got sucked in too tight on his inside man which let Banahan round the outside. A cracking side step from Leroy Houston on Owen Williams put Bath inside the 5 metre line. A try saving tackle from Tom Price was all for nought as Scott Hamilton could not deny Banahan who went in at the corner. Suspicions of his back leg being in touch were not investigated as Barnes awarded the try without going to the TMO.
Tigers were kept scoreless in the second half.
George Chuter, after no warning, only one penalty and outside the 22 was sin binned for coming in from the side after 51 minutes.
Those ten minutes were crucial. Bath brought on their big guns, like Francois “Elbow” Louw and Carl Fearns and gained 10 points. The third try was scored by Ollie Devoto after smash runs off the back of a scrum by the Bath back row. A scrum Bath only had because Boris Stankovich was throwing in.
A bonus point try came for Bath from another driving maul. Tigers just couldn’t defend this tactic on the night. The usual tactics of driving them back, using physical players to disrupt the opposition wasn’t working when Barnes refused to call a maul stationary.
Going early and risking the in the air penalty was the obvious next tactic but we never tried it; catching the ball carrier and dragging him straight to ground was another unexplored option. We seem very poor at adapting when referees won’t enforce the laws properly; we rarely take advantage of a blind spot and continue when they give penalties against our legal tactics.
There have been the usual excuses of a more experienced opponent, injuries and players missing but we need to worry about the players we did pick playing badly. If we had played well and Bath bettered us then those factors could be in play.
A light at the end of the tunnel is that next week away to Worcester we should have a full team out. Ayerza, Mulipola, Deacon, Kitchener, possibly Slater, Mafi, Salvi, Matera, Crane, Youngs, Flood, Allen and Tait should all be available. Only Cole and Tom Youngs should be missing. We’ll either improve and win or the excuses will have to go out of the window for some forthright honesty.
Friday, 24 January 2014
Champion v Champion in Cup Battle
After the intensity and disappointment of last week's match Tigers take a step down this weekend as they travel to the Stoop to face Harlequins. Last year Harlequins won the LV Cup with Tigers taking the Premiership, the year before it was vice versa with Harlequins winning a first Premiership and Tigers taking the Cup.
Since league rugby began in 1987 Tigers have taken on Quins 28 times in competitive games at the Stoop, winning 20, losing 8 and drawing 1. We have a mirror image at home with 20 wins and 9 losses. The recent form has not been so good as Quins have 4 of the last 5 meetings. The only Tigers win? Last season's Premiership semi final.
Tigers make 14 changes from the defeat to Ulster as they seek to rest the wounded, give chances to the fringe players and judiciously blood a small amount of youth. Frenchman David Mele cements his burgeoning reputation at the club by having the honour of the captaincy.
Tom Bristow a summer signing from London Welsh makes his first start for the club as he is joined by Rob Hawkins, a first start this season, and Fraser Balmain in the front row. Harry Thacker, so impressive in the first tranche of games, misses out with an injured ankle. 19 year old Italian Tiziano Pasquali backs up tighthead with experienced duo George Chuter and Boris Stankovich cover the other two.
Steve Mafi returns to the starting line up at the relatively unfamiliar position of lock. With Joe Cain and Tom Price out with injuries he is joined by Sebastian De Chaves in the First XV and Harry Wells on the bench.
The back row sees impressive Argentinean flanker Pablo Matera make his second start for the club. Matera has struggled for fluency since his arrival being unavailable for 7 of the 13 games since his October arrival due to international commitments and registration issues in Europe. From now on he is available for every game, injuries willing, so hopefully will use the next two weeks to make an unanswerable case for inclusion in the Premiership games next month.
Thomas Waldrom, in his first appearance since announcing his summer departure to Exeter, starts at 8 with Michael Noone on the blindside. On the bench there is a potential debut for openside flanker Will Owen, an England U-18 international.
Joining captain Mele at half back is Ryan Lamb. The "mercurial" fly half has fallen down the pecking order in recent times and I am surprised to see him here in place of Owen Williams. The backs cannot be said to be blooding any youth as Scott Hamilton, Matt Smith, Adam Thompstone, Terrence Hepetema join Blaine Scully.
Scully was looking in great nick before missing November with the USA and could well force his way back into the First XV after the news that Miles Benjamin is back on the long term missing list.
Young backs Scott Steele, Owen Williams and Henry Purdy cover from the bench.
Harlequins are winless in this season's LV Cup and are out to change that after naming a very strong side. Big money summer signings Paul Sackey and Nick Kennedy both start along dual code international Maurice Fa'asalavu and international tighthead and filmographer Paul Doran-Jones. Lions winger Ugo Monye is on the bench should the fire power in the first line run short.
Saturday's referee will be Gwyn Morris from Cardiff. Morris was due to referee Tigers last LV Cup game, away to Worcester, but was replaced at the last minute with Neil Hennessy. Morris's claim to fame is that he was Sam Warburton and Gareth Bale's P.E. teacher whilst they attended school in Cardiff.
Looking at the sides I would expect Tigers to play a wide game, with good tempo. There is precious little biff in the pack so the mobile game must be to the fore. It wouldn't surprise me if it comes down to the goal kicking of Lamb and Botica.
Leicester
15 Scott Hamilton
14 Blaine Scully
13 Matt Smith
12 Terrence Hepetema
11 Adam Thompstone
10 Ryan Lamb
9 David Mele (c)
1 Tom Bristow
2 Rob Hawkins
3 Fraser Balmain
4 Steve Mafi
5 Sebastian De Chaves
6 Michael Noone
7 Pablo Matera
8 Thomas Waldrom
Replacements
16 George Chuter
17 Boris Stankovich
18 Tiziano Pasquali
19 Harry Wells
20 Will Owen
21 Scott Steele
22 Owen Williams
23 Henry Purdy
Harlequin
15. Ollie Lindsay-Hague
14. Paul Sackey
13. Harry Sloan
12. Jordan Turner-Hall
11. Tom Williams
10. Ben Botica
9. Karl Dickson (C)
1. Mark Lambert
2. Joe Gray
3. Paul Doran Jones
4. George Merrick
5. Nick Kennedy
6. Joe Trayfoot
7. Maurie Fa'asavalu
8. Tom Guest
Replacements:
16. Nic Mayhew
17. Darryl Marfo
18. Kyle Sinckler
19. Kieran Treadwell
20. James Chisholm
21. Sam Stuart
22. Louis Grimoldby
23. Ugo Monye
Referee: Gwyn Morris (Wales)
Touch Judges: Roy Maybank (England), Nigel Carrick (England)
Since league rugby began in 1987 Tigers have taken on Quins 28 times in competitive games at the Stoop, winning 20, losing 8 and drawing 1. We have a mirror image at home with 20 wins and 9 losses. The recent form has not been so good as Quins have 4 of the last 5 meetings. The only Tigers win? Last season's Premiership semi final.
Tigers make 14 changes from the defeat to Ulster as they seek to rest the wounded, give chances to the fringe players and judiciously blood a small amount of youth. Frenchman David Mele cements his burgeoning reputation at the club by having the honour of the captaincy.
Tom Bristow a summer signing from London Welsh makes his first start for the club as he is joined by Rob Hawkins, a first start this season, and Fraser Balmain in the front row. Harry Thacker, so impressive in the first tranche of games, misses out with an injured ankle. 19 year old Italian Tiziano Pasquali backs up tighthead with experienced duo George Chuter and Boris Stankovich cover the other two.
Steve Mafi returns to the starting line up at the relatively unfamiliar position of lock. With Joe Cain and Tom Price out with injuries he is joined by Sebastian De Chaves in the First XV and Harry Wells on the bench.
The back row sees impressive Argentinean flanker Pablo Matera make his second start for the club. Matera has struggled for fluency since his arrival being unavailable for 7 of the 13 games since his October arrival due to international commitments and registration issues in Europe. From now on he is available for every game, injuries willing, so hopefully will use the next two weeks to make an unanswerable case for inclusion in the Premiership games next month.
Thomas Waldrom, in his first appearance since announcing his summer departure to Exeter, starts at 8 with Michael Noone on the blindside. On the bench there is a potential debut for openside flanker Will Owen, an England U-18 international.
Joining captain Mele at half back is Ryan Lamb. The "mercurial" fly half has fallen down the pecking order in recent times and I am surprised to see him here in place of Owen Williams. The backs cannot be said to be blooding any youth as Scott Hamilton, Matt Smith, Adam Thompstone, Terrence Hepetema join Blaine Scully.
Scully was looking in great nick before missing November with the USA and could well force his way back into the First XV after the news that Miles Benjamin is back on the long term missing list.
Young backs Scott Steele, Owen Williams and Henry Purdy cover from the bench.
Harlequins are winless in this season's LV Cup and are out to change that after naming a very strong side. Big money summer signings Paul Sackey and Nick Kennedy both start along dual code international Maurice Fa'asalavu and international tighthead and filmographer Paul Doran-Jones. Lions winger Ugo Monye is on the bench should the fire power in the first line run short.
Saturday's referee will be Gwyn Morris from Cardiff. Morris was due to referee Tigers last LV Cup game, away to Worcester, but was replaced at the last minute with Neil Hennessy. Morris's claim to fame is that he was Sam Warburton and Gareth Bale's P.E. teacher whilst they attended school in Cardiff.
Looking at the sides I would expect Tigers to play a wide game, with good tempo. There is precious little biff in the pack so the mobile game must be to the fore. It wouldn't surprise me if it comes down to the goal kicking of Lamb and Botica.
Leicester
15 Scott Hamilton
14 Blaine Scully
13 Matt Smith
12 Terrence Hepetema
11 Adam Thompstone
10 Ryan Lamb
9 David Mele (c)
1 Tom Bristow
2 Rob Hawkins
3 Fraser Balmain
4 Steve Mafi
5 Sebastian De Chaves
6 Michael Noone
7 Pablo Matera
8 Thomas Waldrom
Replacements
16 George Chuter
17 Boris Stankovich
18 Tiziano Pasquali
19 Harry Wells
20 Will Owen
21 Scott Steele
22 Owen Williams
23 Henry Purdy
Harlequin
15. Ollie Lindsay-Hague
14. Paul Sackey
13. Harry Sloan
12. Jordan Turner-Hall
11. Tom Williams
10. Ben Botica
9. Karl Dickson (C)
1. Mark Lambert
2. Joe Gray
3. Paul Doran Jones
4. George Merrick
5. Nick Kennedy
6. Joe Trayfoot
7. Maurie Fa'asavalu
8. Tom Guest
Replacements:
16. Nic Mayhew
17. Darryl Marfo
18. Kyle Sinckler
19. Kieran Treadwell
20. James Chisholm
21. Sam Stuart
22. Louis Grimoldby
23. Ugo Monye
 |
| Quins Kit |
 |
| Tigers Kit |
Referee: Gwyn Morris (Wales)
Touch Judges: Roy Maybank (England), Nigel Carrick (England)
Sunday, 17 November 2013
Young Guns Secure Second Straight LV Victory
Tigers secured their second straight victory in the LV Cup
on Friday night as they held off a late fight back by a determined Worcester to
win 21-18 at Sixways.
Tigers scored two tries through Michael Noone and a penalty
try from a scrum, with the balance of the points coming from Welshman Owen
Williams’s boot. The Warriors in
contrast were profligate with the boot missing 3 conversions and as many
penalties, in such a close game it is hardly cutting edge insight to suggest
this was this was the reason for the loss.
Tigers have a terrific record against Worcester with 18 wins out of 20 going into the game and the last loss being back in 2008. The Warriors are the only current Premiership side to have never won at Welford Road and this win puts the streak back to 2008 at 10 games.
But the Worcester side looked set to break that streak after going 10-0 up after only 16 minutes. First it was former Tigers centre Andy Symons with the long range penalty that dropped short. I never saw Symons kick at goal for the Extras so this talent has been well hidden, or perhaps sensibly discouraged. But the north London giant made up for it by finishing off Max Stelling’s break for the first try, then turning provider for Jake Abbott’s second.
The first was from a quality piece of centre play by Max Stelling. Stelling beat the on rushing Purdy the grubbered through to keep the move alive. Symons claimed the loose ball on the floor and the ball went through multiple phases before that man Symons popped up on the wing for the finish.
For the 2nd try Henry Purdy simply failed to catch an up and under on halfway, Symons beat everyone to the bouncing ball, drew the last man and turned it inside to Abbott for the run in.
Owen Williams had struck the post with his first kick at goal but made amends as he guided Tigers back to 10-9 at half time. His first penalty was for a ruck offence and the second when Worcester were offside.
As in the Premiership fixture in September Sam Betty was given a ten minute rest by the referee, this time for killing the ball. Tigers went for the scrum and were close to the try when Williams slotted the drop goal with clock past 40. This was the first drop goal by a Tigers player for almost 2 years; the last? Geordan Murphy’s match winner away to Saracens in February 2012.
Quickly after half time Worcester thought they had a 3rd try but it was ruled out for a forward pass and it was Tigers who grabbed the next score through Michael Noone, scoring his 4th in 5 games. Noone went in at the corner after blindside work by Mele and quick hands from Jordan Crane.
Worcester’s Warwick was finally on the board with the boot in the 52nd minute but Tigers stretched their lead again with our old friend the penalty try making an appearance. Outsized openside Jamie Gibson burst through a weak tackle from a Worcester replacement and charged to with a yard of the line. A piled up ruck saw Tigers awarded the scrum; the pack turned the screw and the result was inevitable.
That was the winning score although Worcester was by no means done. The last try was scored by Christian Scotland-Williamson sneaking into the corner after a lineout. Former Tigers trialist Ignacio Mieres missed the quickly taken drop goal conversion. There was time for one last attack but a cover tackle from debutant Pasqualle Dunn snuffed out any danger; in Worcester’s attempts to go wide the ball went to ground for Benjamin to hack into touch and end the game.
Friday, 15 November 2013
Worcester Away LV Cup Preview
Tigers young cubs face another stern test of their credentials tonight as they face a strong Worcester side away from home.
Richard Cockerill makes 4 changes from the side that beat the Ospreys last week; the cruel hand of concussion takes Sam Harrison at scrum half but returns Matt Smith after a week's absence, Mele comes in a half back whilst George Catchpole makes way in the centre. The other changes are Blaine Scully, away on international duty, being replaced by Academy winger Henry Purdy, who makes his first start, and Thomas Waldrom who drops out for Jordan Crane.
Dean Ryan's Worcester name a very strong side as he looks for his maiden home victory. Welsh international Jonathan Thomas leads from the back row and the pack also contains Argentinean interntional lock forward Mariano Galarza and Tongan test prop Ofa Fainga'anuku.
James Percival, Chris Brooker, Sam Betty and Jake Abbott add further experience and grit to a tough pack.
In the backs Andy Symons, released by Tigers this summer, plays centre with former Blackheath and Bedford wing James Stephenson has a tremendous scoring record in the 2nd and 3rd tiers.
Tigers strong and experienced spine running from Boris Stankovich through Jordan Crane and David Mele to Scott Hamilton should allow the youngsters another chance to flourish. The front row especially will surely have its mettle thoroughly tested once Euan Murray enters the fray for Worcester.
Tonight's referee will be Gwyn Morris from Cardiff. His claim to fame is from his day job as a P.E. teacher at the school which Gareth Bale and Sam Warburton attended as teenagers.
Leicester
15 Scott Hamilton
14 Henry Purdy
13 Matt Smith
12 Javiah Pohe
11 Miles Benjamin
10 Owen Williams
9 David Mélé
1 Boris Stankovich (c)
2 Harry Thacker
3 Fraser Balmain
4 Joe Cain
5 Sebastian de Chaves
6 Michael Noone
7 Jamie Gibson
8 Jordan Crane
Replacements
16 Neil Briggs
17 Tom Bristow
18 Jérôme Schuster
19 Tom Price
20 Harry Wells
21 George Tresidder
22 Pasqualle Dunn
23 Perry Humphreys
Worcester
15 Ben Howard
14 James Stephenson
13 Max Stelling
12 Andy Symons
11 Ravai Fatiaki
10 Paul Warwick
9 Jonny Arr
1 Ofa Fainga'anuku
2 Chris Brooker
3 Rob O'Donnell
4 James Percival
5 Mariano Galarza
6 Sam Betty
7 Jake Abbott
8 Jonathan Thomas (C)
Replacements
16 Ed Shervington
17 Jeremy Becasseau
18 Euan Murray
19 Christian Scotland-Williamson
20 Richard de Carpentier
21 George de Cothi
22 Ignacio Mieres
23 Dean Hammond
Referee: Gwyn Morris (Wales)
TV: None Live, Highlights Sunday 8pm ITV 4
Richard Cockerill makes 4 changes from the side that beat the Ospreys last week; the cruel hand of concussion takes Sam Harrison at scrum half but returns Matt Smith after a week's absence, Mele comes in a half back whilst George Catchpole makes way in the centre. The other changes are Blaine Scully, away on international duty, being replaced by Academy winger Henry Purdy, who makes his first start, and Thomas Waldrom who drops out for Jordan Crane.
Dean Ryan's Worcester name a very strong side as he looks for his maiden home victory. Welsh international Jonathan Thomas leads from the back row and the pack also contains Argentinean interntional lock forward Mariano Galarza and Tongan test prop Ofa Fainga'anuku.
James Percival, Chris Brooker, Sam Betty and Jake Abbott add further experience and grit to a tough pack.
In the backs Andy Symons, released by Tigers this summer, plays centre with former Blackheath and Bedford wing James Stephenson has a tremendous scoring record in the 2nd and 3rd tiers.
Tigers strong and experienced spine running from Boris Stankovich through Jordan Crane and David Mele to Scott Hamilton should allow the youngsters another chance to flourish. The front row especially will surely have its mettle thoroughly tested once Euan Murray enters the fray for Worcester.
Tonight's referee will be Gwyn Morris from Cardiff. His claim to fame is from his day job as a P.E. teacher at the school which Gareth Bale and Sam Warburton attended as teenagers.
Leicester
15 Scott Hamilton
14 Henry Purdy
13 Matt Smith
12 Javiah Pohe
11 Miles Benjamin
10 Owen Williams
9 David Mélé
1 Boris Stankovich (c)
2 Harry Thacker
3 Fraser Balmain
4 Joe Cain
5 Sebastian de Chaves
6 Michael Noone
7 Jamie Gibson
8 Jordan Crane
Replacements
16 Neil Briggs
17 Tom Bristow
18 Jérôme Schuster
19 Tom Price
20 Harry Wells
21 George Tresidder
22 Pasqualle Dunn
23 Perry Humphreys
Worcester
15 Ben Howard
14 James Stephenson
13 Max Stelling
12 Andy Symons
11 Ravai Fatiaki
10 Paul Warwick
9 Jonny Arr
1 Ofa Fainga'anuku
2 Chris Brooker
3 Rob O'Donnell
4 James Percival
5 Mariano Galarza
6 Sam Betty
7 Jake Abbott
8 Jonathan Thomas (C)
Replacements
16 Ed Shervington
17 Jeremy Becasseau
18 Euan Murray
19 Christian Scotland-Williamson
20 Richard de Carpentier
21 George de Cothi
22 Ignacio Mieres
23 Dean Hammond
Referee: Gwyn Morris (Wales)
TV: None Live, Highlights Sunday 8pm ITV 4
Saturday, 9 November 2013
Tigers Roar Back into Form
A young and inexperienced Tigers side roared out of their recent slump in form with a revitalising 39-16 win. The 4 try bonus point was only secured on the last play but a dominant second half saw Tigers retain almost 80% of possession and the Ospreys defence wilt under the constant pressure. It was reminiscent of a Tigers game from the early 2000s as a game opposition kept it close for an hour before the Tigers inexorably pulled away.
Richard Cockerill had picked a balanced side with experienced players down the spine of loosehead prop, number 8, scrum half and full back given the structure and support for the young players around them to fulfill their potential.
The Ospreys meanwhile were slightly younger, an average age of 23 compared to 24 of Leicester, which will have an affect at this level. Boasting Junior World Player of the Year Sam Davies in their ranks they were a side, though, which would take some beating.
Leicester started well with strong breaks by young centre pair Javiah Pohe and George Catchpole to set up a position in the 22, a few phases later and the Ospreys infringed to give Owen Williams the first 3 points of the match. Almost straightaway the Welsh side were caught for their backs not being 10 meters behind the lineout and Williams had a 40 meter effort to make it 6-0 after 7 minutes.
The confidence was flooding into Williams now has he spotted the Ospreys defence of a 22 drop out asleep and went with a quick grubber to Michael Noone. The former Ospreys age group player made it 9-0 after an eye catching break by Sebastian De Chaves the Portuguese-English-South African.
A poor box kick from Sam Harrison and lazy retreating from the Tigers pack gave the Ospreys their first points. The kick off was out on the full but the Ospreys took the quick lineout, rather than waiting for the scrum, and were rewarded with a lineout on our 22. They had kicked through and Williams had scrambled back to prevent any try threat.
They made it 9-6 after a glass jaw moment from their tighthead Joe Rees. Boris Stankovich barely touched him and collapsed like a house of cards. It was late so fair enough a penalty I suppose; but on watching the game back on Sky Scott "SQ" Quinnell and Johnny "Taffy lover" Hammond were calling for a red card! If all they want are passionate one eyed idiots to commentate on the games then I am available.
Ospreys had a chance to level the scores on 23 minutes; but even after stealing a yard and a half wunderkind Sam Davies could only strike the bar. Clearly goal kicking is not high on the IRB's priorities for World Player of Year after watching George Ford for 3 years.
But 4 minutes later it was Tigers who scored the game's first try through Thomas "the tank" Waldrom. A smashed tackle from the Javiah Pohe on halfway got Tigers onto the front foot. Williams on the half break feed Sam Harrison who took it up to the 22, good awareness from Harry Thacker saw him step into the scrum half position to keep the tempo up. It was then 3 phases before Harrison found Waldrom on the tightline cutting back towards the ruck, the kiwi broke the first up tackle and powered through full back Ross Jones attempted tackle to claim the score making it 14-6.
A fairly harsh penalty on Irishman Michael Noone for failing to release the tackled player gave SAm Davies the easy 3 points to drag it back to 14-9 at half time.
Tigers were straight back onto the attack after half time. The possession was lost though and it took a cheeky break by Jamie Gibson through the middle of the maul to get us back into the Ospreys half. Thacker made the meters after Gibson's show and go at the front of the lineout bamboozled the Welsh defenders. More strong and straight running from Pohe, curing us of our drifting problem so evident against Wasps, took the play to the 10m line where the Ospreys again offended. Poor officating from Rose saw Sam Harrison's quick tap pulled back but Williams slotted the goal for a 17-9 lead.
At this point the Ospreys just could retain the ball and Tigers attacks crashed down on them wave after wave. Williams missed one penalty, after the Tigers' lineout jumpers were taken in the air, but made no mistake 3 minutes later. From the 22 clearout of the last miss Tigers scorched through the middle. Scott Hamilton made initial break, arcing away from the defence, he then turned the ball inside to Gibson who opened his legs and rushed through to 22. Ospreys defended stoutly to prevent a try but the penalty was inevitable and converted by Williams for 20-9.
It took 10 minutes for the next try to come but Tigers had an almost complete monopoly of possession and territory. A midfield penalty was struck to the corner and when the Ospreys infringed again we got to 5m out. The lineout was driven but not quite over so it was up to Sam Harrison to catch the tiring defence out and sneak over under the posts for the 2nd try, celebrating with his version of Bebeto's famous rocking the baby celebration. There was 19 minutes left for Tigers to secure the bonus point.
Unfortunately Harrison's game was ended shortly afterwards by a tackle from Hanno Dirksen the American winger. Dispite the similarities to Stankovich's in the first half I couldn't hear "SQ" calling for Dirksen to receive a red card, only yellow this time. Clearly "SQ" has never quite got over Nottingham all those years ago.
Tigers didn't let that stop them though as the impressive Harry Wells dug, fought and burrowed his way under a pile of Ospreylian defenders to, just about, ground the ball. It took the video ref 4 minutes to decide if it was a try or not. Now I know we benefited from it this time but what view did he see after the first 60 seconds that was different? Why does he have to take so long? There are no clear views so you're going to have to make an educated guess either way. Just make it and carry on. For the fans at the ground, even with a one off video screen for this match, these delays are incredibly boring.
Either way it was almost all one way traffic now. Sam Williams did grab a consolation for the visitors after pilfering the ball from the side of a maul then charging 40 meters for the try. Mele's lack of reaction was not his best moment but in the grand scheme of things better to let them score a quick try than defend for 5 minutes and lose the chance at a 4th try for ourselves.
With the bench now cleared Tigers were hunting the bonus point try. A series of driving mauls resulted in the try scorer Sam Williams seeing yellow and Tigers kicking to the corner with only 55 seconds remaining. Before Sam Williams could even reach the bench though Tigers had scored as the power came through and Michael Noone could sheer off the side of the maul and dot down for his 3rd try in 4 games.
Harry Thacker was the offical Man of the Match and it is difficult to argue against that selection. The hooker was the smallest player on the pitch but thanks to his aggression into contact he rarely, if ever, went backwards and often could scrambled forward for extra yards.
This match was a long way from the physicality of a Premiership match though so expectations should not get too high too soon. He is unlikely to play a Premiership match this season, and rightly so as he develops physically for the rigours of the Premiership on the neck and shoulders.
Others to impress were Jamie Gibson, seemingly more comfortable in the 7 shirt than any other; Javiah Pohe is a solidly built young man, the Cornish-Kiwi could certainly stand up to the strength of the Premiership and his ability to straighten the line and attract defenders is invaluable. He takes some stopping at any level. Owen Williams was 7/10 with the boot and I would say the same mark for his game over all. We saw glimpses of his potential but fly half is such a confidence position that requires regular game time it will be difficult to see more of it once Flood is back from England.
Hopefully the same side will play against Worcester and continue to impress and hopefully this will instil some more confidence into Cockerill to blood one or two of these youngsters into the full blooded games more often.
Richard Cockerill had picked a balanced side with experienced players down the spine of loosehead prop, number 8, scrum half and full back given the structure and support for the young players around them to fulfill their potential.
The Ospreys meanwhile were slightly younger, an average age of 23 compared to 24 of Leicester, which will have an affect at this level. Boasting Junior World Player of the Year Sam Davies in their ranks they were a side, though, which would take some beating.
Leicester started well with strong breaks by young centre pair Javiah Pohe and George Catchpole to set up a position in the 22, a few phases later and the Ospreys infringed to give Owen Williams the first 3 points of the match. Almost straightaway the Welsh side were caught for their backs not being 10 meters behind the lineout and Williams had a 40 meter effort to make it 6-0 after 7 minutes.
The confidence was flooding into Williams now has he spotted the Ospreys defence of a 22 drop out asleep and went with a quick grubber to Michael Noone. The former Ospreys age group player made it 9-0 after an eye catching break by Sebastian De Chaves the Portuguese-English-South African.
A poor box kick from Sam Harrison and lazy retreating from the Tigers pack gave the Ospreys their first points. The kick off was out on the full but the Ospreys took the quick lineout, rather than waiting for the scrum, and were rewarded with a lineout on our 22. They had kicked through and Williams had scrambled back to prevent any try threat.
They made it 9-6 after a glass jaw moment from their tighthead Joe Rees. Boris Stankovich barely touched him and collapsed like a house of cards. It was late so fair enough a penalty I suppose; but on watching the game back on Sky Scott "SQ" Quinnell and Johnny "Taffy lover" Hammond were calling for a red card! If all they want are passionate one eyed idiots to commentate on the games then I am available.
Ospreys had a chance to level the scores on 23 minutes; but even after stealing a yard and a half wunderkind Sam Davies could only strike the bar. Clearly goal kicking is not high on the IRB's priorities for World Player of Year after watching George Ford for 3 years.
But 4 minutes later it was Tigers who scored the game's first try through Thomas "the tank" Waldrom. A smashed tackle from the Javiah Pohe on halfway got Tigers onto the front foot. Williams on the half break feed Sam Harrison who took it up to the 22, good awareness from Harry Thacker saw him step into the scrum half position to keep the tempo up. It was then 3 phases before Harrison found Waldrom on the tightline cutting back towards the ruck, the kiwi broke the first up tackle and powered through full back Ross Jones attempted tackle to claim the score making it 14-6.
A fairly harsh penalty on Irishman Michael Noone for failing to release the tackled player gave SAm Davies the easy 3 points to drag it back to 14-9 at half time.
Tigers were straight back onto the attack after half time. The possession was lost though and it took a cheeky break by Jamie Gibson through the middle of the maul to get us back into the Ospreys half. Thacker made the meters after Gibson's show and go at the front of the lineout bamboozled the Welsh defenders. More strong and straight running from Pohe, curing us of our drifting problem so evident against Wasps, took the play to the 10m line where the Ospreys again offended. Poor officating from Rose saw Sam Harrison's quick tap pulled back but Williams slotted the goal for a 17-9 lead.
At this point the Ospreys just could retain the ball and Tigers attacks crashed down on them wave after wave. Williams missed one penalty, after the Tigers' lineout jumpers were taken in the air, but made no mistake 3 minutes later. From the 22 clearout of the last miss Tigers scorched through the middle. Scott Hamilton made initial break, arcing away from the defence, he then turned the ball inside to Gibson who opened his legs and rushed through to 22. Ospreys defended stoutly to prevent a try but the penalty was inevitable and converted by Williams for 20-9.
It took 10 minutes for the next try to come but Tigers had an almost complete monopoly of possession and territory. A midfield penalty was struck to the corner and when the Ospreys infringed again we got to 5m out. The lineout was driven but not quite over so it was up to Sam Harrison to catch the tiring defence out and sneak over under the posts for the 2nd try, celebrating with his version of Bebeto's famous rocking the baby celebration. There was 19 minutes left for Tigers to secure the bonus point.
Unfortunately Harrison's game was ended shortly afterwards by a tackle from Hanno Dirksen the American winger. Dispite the similarities to Stankovich's in the first half I couldn't hear "SQ" calling for Dirksen to receive a red card, only yellow this time. Clearly "SQ" has never quite got over Nottingham all those years ago.
Tigers didn't let that stop them though as the impressive Harry Wells dug, fought and burrowed his way under a pile of Ospreylian defenders to, just about, ground the ball. It took the video ref 4 minutes to decide if it was a try or not. Now I know we benefited from it this time but what view did he see after the first 60 seconds that was different? Why does he have to take so long? There are no clear views so you're going to have to make an educated guess either way. Just make it and carry on. For the fans at the ground, even with a one off video screen for this match, these delays are incredibly boring.
Either way it was almost all one way traffic now. Sam Williams did grab a consolation for the visitors after pilfering the ball from the side of a maul then charging 40 meters for the try. Mele's lack of reaction was not his best moment but in the grand scheme of things better to let them score a quick try than defend for 5 minutes and lose the chance at a 4th try for ourselves.
With the bench now cleared Tigers were hunting the bonus point try. A series of driving mauls resulted in the try scorer Sam Williams seeing yellow and Tigers kicking to the corner with only 55 seconds remaining. Before Sam Williams could even reach the bench though Tigers had scored as the power came through and Michael Noone could sheer off the side of the maul and dot down for his 3rd try in 4 games.
Harry Thacker was the offical Man of the Match and it is difficult to argue against that selection. The hooker was the smallest player on the pitch but thanks to his aggression into contact he rarely, if ever, went backwards and often could scrambled forward for extra yards.
This match was a long way from the physicality of a Premiership match though so expectations should not get too high too soon. He is unlikely to play a Premiership match this season, and rightly so as he develops physically for the rigours of the Premiership on the neck and shoulders.
Others to impress were Jamie Gibson, seemingly more comfortable in the 7 shirt than any other; Javiah Pohe is a solidly built young man, the Cornish-Kiwi could certainly stand up to the strength of the Premiership and his ability to straighten the line and attract defenders is invaluable. He takes some stopping at any level. Owen Williams was 7/10 with the boot and I would say the same mark for his game over all. We saw glimpses of his potential but fly half is such a confidence position that requires regular game time it will be difficult to see more of it once Flood is back from England.
Hopefully the same side will play against Worcester and continue to impress and hopefully this will instil some more confidence into Cockerill to blood one or two of these youngsters into the full blooded games more often.
Thursday, 7 November 2013
Young side named to meet Ospreys
The Ospreys have become regular opponents for the Tigers since the Welsh sides inception in 2003. Friday's game will be the 12th between the two sides in only 8 seasons; Tigers have a won 5, lost 4, drawn 2 record but have won only 2 of the 8 most recent fixtures. In the Anglo-Welsh Cup we have faced the Swansea side 3 previous times, the victorious first half of the double in 2007, Loffreda's folly in the 2008 final and a particularly dispiriting thrashing in the Bridgend rain with a young side in 2010.
Tigers coach Richard Cockerill has made 13 changes from the side was so disapointing last Friday in defeat to Harlequins. Harry Thacker, Javiah Pohe and George Catchpole all make their first starts in the First XV, whilst Miles Benjamin, Sebastian De Chaves and Joe Cain all make their home debuts.
Only 4 players in the Tigers side have played for the club more than 10 times: Scott Hamilton, Sam Harrison, Boris Stankovich and Thomas Waldrom. The side combined has less than 300 starts for the club.
Ospreys pick a fairly young side featuring Sam Davies the 2013 Junior World Player of the Year. The son of Gloucester's Director of Rugby Nigel Davies is a fly half whose skill and guile led Wales Under 20s to victory over South Africa and a place in the World Cup final.
Leicester Tigers
15 Scott Hamilton
14 Blaine Scully
13 George Catchpole
12 Javiah Pohe
11 Miles Benjamin
10 Owen Williams
9 Sam Harrison
1 Boris Stankovich (c)
2 Harry Thacker
3 Fraser Balmain
4 Joe Cain
5 Sebastian de Chaves
6 Michael Noone
7 Jamie Gibson
8 Thomas Waldrom
Replacements
16 George Chuter
17 Tom Bristow
18 Tiziano Pasquali
19 Tom Price
20 Harry Wells
21 David Mélé
22 Perry Humphreys
23 Henry Purdy
Ospreys
15 Ross Jones
14 Hanno Dirksen
13 Tom Isaacs
12 Matthew Jenkins
11 Tom Grabham
10 Sam Davies
9 Tom Habberfield
1 Marc Thomas
2 Matthew Dwyer
3 Joe Rees
4 Lloyd Peers (c)
5 Rhodri Hughes
6 Graham Knoop
7 Arthur Ellis
8 Morgan Allen Replacements
16 Rhys Hutcherson
17 Nicky Smith
18 Dan Suter
19 Sam Williams
20 Jack Jones
21 Jake Cole
22 Nathan Edwards
23 Aisea Natoga
Referee: David Rose
TV: Sky Sports 2HD, 7:30 for a 7:45 KO
Tigers coach Richard Cockerill has made 13 changes from the side was so disapointing last Friday in defeat to Harlequins. Harry Thacker, Javiah Pohe and George Catchpole all make their first starts in the First XV, whilst Miles Benjamin, Sebastian De Chaves and Joe Cain all make their home debuts.
Only 4 players in the Tigers side have played for the club more than 10 times: Scott Hamilton, Sam Harrison, Boris Stankovich and Thomas Waldrom. The side combined has less than 300 starts for the club.
Ospreys pick a fairly young side featuring Sam Davies the 2013 Junior World Player of the Year. The son of Gloucester's Director of Rugby Nigel Davies is a fly half whose skill and guile led Wales Under 20s to victory over South Africa and a place in the World Cup final.
Leicester Tigers
15 Scott Hamilton
14 Blaine Scully
13 George Catchpole
12 Javiah Pohe
11 Miles Benjamin
10 Owen Williams
9 Sam Harrison
1 Boris Stankovich (c)
2 Harry Thacker
3 Fraser Balmain
4 Joe Cain
5 Sebastian de Chaves
6 Michael Noone
7 Jamie Gibson
8 Thomas Waldrom
Replacements
16 George Chuter
17 Tom Bristow
18 Tiziano Pasquali
19 Tom Price
20 Harry Wells
21 David Mélé
22 Perry Humphreys
23 Henry Purdy
Ospreys
15 Ross Jones
14 Hanno Dirksen
13 Tom Isaacs
12 Matthew Jenkins
11 Tom Grabham
10 Sam Davies
9 Tom Habberfield
1 Marc Thomas
2 Matthew Dwyer
3 Joe Rees
4 Lloyd Peers (c)
5 Rhodri Hughes
6 Graham Knoop
7 Arthur Ellis
8 Morgan Allen Replacements
16 Rhys Hutcherson
17 Nicky Smith
18 Dan Suter
19 Sam Williams
20 Jack Jones
21 Jake Cole
22 Nathan Edwards
23 Aisea Natoga
Referee: David Rose
TV: Sky Sports 2HD, 7:30 for a 7:45 KO
Monday, 4 November 2013
How to build an LV Cup Team?
Life, as Stuart Lancaster might say, is a journey. The rugby season certainly is, and it marches
relentlessly on. We’ve had two weeks of
European rugby, two weeks of Premiership rugby now two weeks of Anglo-Welsh
action.
As usual Tigers will be “allowing the squad players a
chance” or picking the reserves in this competition, so I thought I’d do a
little thinking on how do you actually pick an LV Cup team?
Let’s start with the basics. Who can’t you pick? Marcos Ayerza, Pablo Matera, Dan Cole, Tom Youngs, Geoff Parling, Ben Youngs and Toby Flood will all be at Twickenham and Logo Mulipola is in the Samoan squad. Blaine Scully is in the USA squad but that is a non-test match against the NZ Maori so may be available. Ryan Lamb is unfit and banned if he is.
So who do we have to pick? Are there any last men standing? At prop Fraser Balmain is due a start, not only has the Geordie Giant been criminally under used so far this season with Cole and Mulipola otherwise engaged he is the sole tighthead available. Owen Williams is also sure to start as injury has forced us into not playing a fly half for the Extras. There is simply no one else left.
So by default they are the first names on my team sheet:
1.
2.
3. Fraser Balmain
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10. Owen Williams
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Next is there anyone we actively don’t want to pick to protect them for future games? For me Julian Salvi, as the only true 7, Dan Bowden, as the only fit 12, and Niall Morris, main full back until Tait is back, fall into this category. There are simply no circumstances that will force those guys onto the pitch.
Who else will be held back? Neil Briggs is unlikely to see action as backups to international players need to be treated carefully. A bit of All Black thuggery and Briggs is the main man for the rest of the season. David Mele is in the same boat. They aren’t short of game time, we have other options.
With that in mind who will make the second draft of selection? Sam Harrison will surely start at 9. Arguably he should have been given a chance to replace Mele in the last two weeks and he could use the LV Cup to reclaim his place on the bench. In place of Salvi it will surely be Jamie Gibson at 7. In the A League Lucas Guillaume has been doing sterling work but Gibson is a more natural 7, though not exactly Neil Back naturalness.
1.
2.
3. Fraser Balmain
4.
5.
6.
7. Jamie Gibson
8.
9. Sam Harrison
10. Owen Williams
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Then we have the returning players. Steve Mafi, Scott Hamilton and Matt Smith are all returning from injury. Are they fit enough to start? Do they need the game time to get into tip top condition for London Irish? I’m going to assume yes to both. Another player to throw into this category is Miles Benjamin. He did a sterling effort stepping in for the Ulster match, his first major start for 15 months, even though he was not ready and put in a real shift. I’m going to assume he is in fact fit and ready.
1.
2.
3. Fraser Balmain
4.
5.
6. Steve Mafi
7. Jamie Gibson
8.
9. Sam Harrison
10. Owen Williams
11. Miles Benjamin
12.
13. Matt Smith
14.
15. Scott Hamilton
Now that is building up to be a pretty canny back line and back row. The next stage for me is does the team need any more experience in any particular positions? The front row is especially interesting. The choices are fairly straight forward Stankovich/Bristow and Chuter/Thacker. We already have a youngster in Balmain, how are we going to balance the front 5? You also have to manage expectations. Harry Thacker is a very good player and fairly “showy”. He could easily be excellent at some open field situations and become a message board darling. How dare we not pick him every game? Cockerill is ruining his development! Etc. Etc.
I’d still start him though along with Stankovich to provide some greater scrummage power on the left hand shoulder.
1. Boris Stankovich
2. Harry Thacker
3. Fraser Balmain
4.
5.
6. Steve Mafi
7. Jamie Gibson
8.
9. Sam Harrison
10. Owen Williams
11. Miles Benjamin
12.
13. Matt Smith
14.
15. Scott Hamilton
Now we have 5 slots and a nice smattering of experience so do we have any players particularly on form in the Extras or youngsters who deserve a crack at the first team?
On the wing surely Henry Purdy will get a first team place. Physical in contact, pacey and with faintly dodgy hands he reminds me of a young Leon Lloyd. Benjamin will be looking to force his way into the first team but he might find himself leap frogged by this young man.
At number 8 quicksilver Irishman Michael Noone has captained the Extras, looked fairly tricky with the ball and committed in the nuts and bolts. The engine room of the second row will be a shoot out between Tom Price, Joe Cain, Harry Wells and Sebastian De Chaves.
Cain was initially the highest rated of the trio but is also the oldest which might explain it. Price is a lineout operator who has always been preferred by the England selectors. His age grade contemporaries Elliot Stooke and Dom Barrow are meatier beasts and already impressing in the Premiership. Wells has been playing more at 6 for the Extras this season but previously has been seen as a lock. The youngest, he has a lovely mean streak. Abrasive and aggressive he is certainly a departure from the likes of Croft or Mafi, more like Brett Deacon or Will Johnson.
De Chaves is seemingly preferred by Cockerill; perhaps our academy players should feign foreign accents? So I expect him to start alongside one of the only slightly younger locks. I would start with Price and have Wells on the bench.
Which leaves us with 12. Hepetema left the match on Saturday with an apparent concussion, we have so few centres but he is hardly experienced and warranting protection. Manu is reportedly in training and expected to make it for London Irish so we don’t really need to worry about protecting outside centres. We also have youngsters Pasqualle Dunn and Javiah Pohe. Pohe is a beast but his hands on occasion let him down. Dunn is hardly a lightweight but certainly smaller in comparison.
Who to go with? I would go with Pohe. He might drop a few but he’ll commit defenders and seems to have an eye for the big occasion.
So my team would be:
1. Boris Stankovich
2. Harry Thacker
3. Fraser Balmain
4. Sebastian De Chaves
5. Tom Price
6. Steve Mafi
7. Jamie Gibson
8. Michael Noone
9. Sam Harrison
10. Owen Williams
11. Miles Benjamin
12. Javiah Pohe
13. Matt Smith
14. Henry Purdy
15. Scott Hamilton.
Sunday, 28 July 2013
Fixture Dates and Grids
Tigers fixture list for the 2013/14 season is practically complete after the last month has seen the Premiership, Heineken Cup and LV= Cup all release their fixtures. As is the sport's new custom they won't actually confirm when 5 of the 32 guaranteed games will be played just yet and can change any of the others with 5 weeks notice. Anyway ...
Tigers kick off their season at home to Worcester on the 8th of September, the latest start to a season in a non-Rugby World Cup year since the game went professional in 1995. Tigers then head to old rivals Bath, exactly 100 years and 1 day since our first fixture with the West Country club on September 13th 1913 (Tigers won 19-5).
The 21st of September sees Deano returning with his 2nd Tier Champions Newcastle; a trip to Exeter is squeezed in before the derby match with Northampton. Tensions will surely be running high as Tigers fans and officials are still furious with the behaviour Dorian West, who incited this summer's long running saga over Cockerill's contact with the 4th official, and Courtney Lawes whose late and dangerous tackle was met with no further punishment, the fact he went on the England tour this summer obviously had no effect on the RFU's decision to let him off. Equally Northampton will be smarting from once again losing their rag, and another final, against their perennial rivals.
Tigers' Lions will have all returned by this point. The EPS agreement between the RFU and the Clubs stipulates that players must have an 11 week summer gap between games. A game, however, is defined as more than 40 minutes, so its not as simple as merely counting off 11 weeks from the last test. Well it is Geoff Parling.
Tom Croft last played more than a half in the first test so is available straightaway at the start of the season; Manu Tuilagi and Dan Cole both played against the Melbourne Rebels on the 25th of June and the Youngs brothers played the 2nd test 4 days later so all 4 will be available for the trip to the Rec. Geoff Parling will be the last Lion as he will be in line to return against his former club Newcastle.
The big games keep on coming thick and fast as Tigers will then travel to Belfast to open their account in Europe. Both sides won their group last year and both lost away quarter finals, Tigers going down to eventual Champions Toulon whilst Ulster lost to Saracens at Twickenham. Tigers will be looking to avenge their previous two trips to the Northern Irish capital, we were manshamed 33-0 in 2004 and humiliated 41-7 in 2012. Third time lucky?
Due to a clash with Leicester City v Huddersfield, Tigers have a rare Friday night European game against Treviso, our first Friday night at Welford Road in Europe since playing Stade Francais in 2004.
The England players then disappear for a month for the Autumn internationals and the Tigers take on Wasps and Quins before the LV Cup starts and the fringe players will get their chance on another Friday night against the Ospreys.
The England players are back for the visit of London Irish on November 23rd, though as it falls in the IRB's test window we will be missing Ayerza, Goneva and if selected by their country Mulipola and Mafi. All are available to Gloucester in front of the Shed the following week before returning to Europe with back to back fixtures against Montpellier.
For the 4th time in 5 years Sale are the Tigers Christmas opponents as they come to Leicester on the 28th of December before Bath are welcomed in the return fixture on the 4th of January. Tigers commercial team will be looking for two sell outs to swell the club's coffers.
Tigers tackle the fixture that is already looking like a rather large banana skin when they travel to Treviso in January as the Heineken Cup resumes. It took a last minute penalty try to save the Tigers bacon last time and a 80m try 4 minutes from time the trip before. It will not be easy and sooner rather than later we will come up short in Italy.
The Heineken Cup group stage is rounded off as Ulster visit in what we all hope will be for a home quarter final.
The 6 Nations then swings into gear and we have to make do with two more LV Cup fixtures before the Premiership starts up again after a month off.
The 6 Nations period will be a key time that tests Cockerill's squad depth to its limit. We travel to Worcester, London Irish and Newcastle in what will be key games, just one win might be enough to secure that always important home play off game. Gloucester are the visitors to Welford Road in the depleted period and could be missing as many men as the home side with Lancaster seemingly a fan of Morgan, Kvesic, Burns, Twelvetrees and May.
Just like last season straight after the 6 Nations we face Exeter, though this time at home instead of away, then face the Saints at Franklin's Gardens before any possible European Quarter Final. I do wonder about these coincidences, are the fixtures truly drawn at random? They seem to be almost as consistent as they were when he fixture secretaries drew them up pipe and scotch in hand.
In a further coincidence just like last season we face Wasps the week after the Quarter Finals, then travel down to what is traditionally a happy hunting ground in the Stoop. A week is set aside for the European Semi Finals, hopefully a taxing week rather than a resting one, before the season is finished off with a trip to Sale's new home in Salford and the visit of Saracens. The last time we had Saracens on the last day of the season was of course in 2010 when Brendan Venter, a medical doctor in his spare time apparently, went down in Crumbie folklore and Saracens won a dead rubber.
Then the business end.
Tigers kick off their season at home to Worcester on the 8th of September, the latest start to a season in a non-Rugby World Cup year since the game went professional in 1995. Tigers then head to old rivals Bath, exactly 100 years and 1 day since our first fixture with the West Country club on September 13th 1913 (Tigers won 19-5).
The 21st of September sees Deano returning with his 2nd Tier Champions Newcastle; a trip to Exeter is squeezed in before the derby match with Northampton. Tensions will surely be running high as Tigers fans and officials are still furious with the behaviour Dorian West, who incited this summer's long running saga over Cockerill's contact with the 4th official, and Courtney Lawes whose late and dangerous tackle was met with no further punishment, the fact he went on the England tour this summer obviously had no effect on the RFU's decision to let him off. Equally Northampton will be smarting from once again losing their rag, and another final, against their perennial rivals.
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| Returning Lions |
Tom Croft last played more than a half in the first test so is available straightaway at the start of the season; Manu Tuilagi and Dan Cole both played against the Melbourne Rebels on the 25th of June and the Youngs brothers played the 2nd test 4 days later so all 4 will be available for the trip to the Rec. Geoff Parling will be the last Lion as he will be in line to return against his former club Newcastle.
The big games keep on coming thick and fast as Tigers will then travel to Belfast to open their account in Europe. Both sides won their group last year and both lost away quarter finals, Tigers going down to eventual Champions Toulon whilst Ulster lost to Saracens at Twickenham. Tigers will be looking to avenge their previous two trips to the Northern Irish capital, we were manshamed 33-0 in 2004 and humiliated 41-7 in 2012. Third time lucky?
Due to a clash with Leicester City v Huddersfield, Tigers have a rare Friday night European game against Treviso, our first Friday night at Welford Road in Europe since playing Stade Francais in 2004.
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| Complete Premiership Fixtures Grid |
The England players then disappear for a month for the Autumn internationals and the Tigers take on Wasps and Quins before the LV Cup starts and the fringe players will get their chance on another Friday night against the Ospreys.
The England players are back for the visit of London Irish on November 23rd, though as it falls in the IRB's test window we will be missing Ayerza, Goneva and if selected by their country Mulipola and Mafi. All are available to Gloucester in front of the Shed the following week before returning to Europe with back to back fixtures against Montpellier.
For the 4th time in 5 years Sale are the Tigers Christmas opponents as they come to Leicester on the 28th of December before Bath are welcomed in the return fixture on the 4th of January. Tigers commercial team will be looking for two sell outs to swell the club's coffers.
Tigers tackle the fixture that is already looking like a rather large banana skin when they travel to Treviso in January as the Heineken Cup resumes. It took a last minute penalty try to save the Tigers bacon last time and a 80m try 4 minutes from time the trip before. It will not be easy and sooner rather than later we will come up short in Italy.
 |
| Fixture Grid for Heineken Cup |
The Heineken Cup group stage is rounded off as Ulster visit in what we all hope will be for a home quarter final.
The 6 Nations then swings into gear and we have to make do with two more LV Cup fixtures before the Premiership starts up again after a month off.
The 6 Nations period will be a key time that tests Cockerill's squad depth to its limit. We travel to Worcester, London Irish and Newcastle in what will be key games, just one win might be enough to secure that always important home play off game. Gloucester are the visitors to Welford Road in the depleted period and could be missing as many men as the home side with Lancaster seemingly a fan of Morgan, Kvesic, Burns, Twelvetrees and May.
Just like last season straight after the 6 Nations we face Exeter, though this time at home instead of away, then face the Saints at Franklin's Gardens before any possible European Quarter Final. I do wonder about these coincidences, are the fixtures truly drawn at random? They seem to be almost as consistent as they were when he fixture secretaries drew them up pipe and scotch in hand.
In a further coincidence just like last season we face Wasps the week after the Quarter Finals, then travel down to what is traditionally a happy hunting ground in the Stoop. A week is set aside for the European Semi Finals, hopefully a taxing week rather than a resting one, before the season is finished off with a trip to Sale's new home in Salford and the visit of Saracens. The last time we had Saracens on the last day of the season was of course in 2010 when Brendan Venter, a medical doctor in his spare time apparently, went down in Crumbie folklore and Saracens won a dead rubber.
Then the business end.
| Date | H/A | Opponent |
| 08/09/2013 | H | Worcester |
| 14/09/2013 | A | Bath |
| 21/09/2013 | H | Newcastle |
| 29/09/2013 | A | Exeter |
| 05/10/2013 | H | Northampton |
| 11/10/2013 | A | Ulster |
| 18/10/2013 | H | Treviso |
| 27/10/2013 | A | Wasps |
| 02/11/2013 | H | Quins |
| 08/11/2013 | H | Ospreys(LV) |
| 16/16/17 WE | A | Worcester(LV) |
| 23/11/2013 | H | Irish |
| 30/11/2013 | A | Gloucester |
| 08/12/2013 | H | Montpellier |
| 15/12/2013 | A | Montpellier |
| 21/12/2013 | A | Saracens |
| 28/12/2013 | H | Sale |
| 04/01/2014 | H | Bath |
| 10/11/12 WE | A | Treviso |
| 17/18/19 WE | H | Ulster |
| 24/25/26 WE | A | Quins (LV) |
| 31/1/2 WE | H | Bath (LV) |
| 07/02/2014 | A | Worcester |
| 15/02/2014 | H | Gloucester |
| 23/02/2014 | A | Irish |
| 02/03/2014 | A | Newcastle |
| 7/8/9 WE | LV Semi | |
| 16/03/2014 | N | LV Final |
| 22/03/2014 | H | Exeter |
| 29/03/2014 | A | Northampton |
| 5/6 WE | Euro QF | |
| 12/04/2014 | H | Wasps |
| 19/04/2014 | A | Quins |
| 26/27 WE | Euro SF | |
| 02/05/2014 | A | Sale |
| 10/05/2014 | H | Saracens |
| 17/05/2014 | Prem Semi | |
| 24/05/2014 | N | Euro Final |
| 31/05/2014 | N | Prem Final |
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