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#Post#: 24589--------------------------------------------------
Squad depth
DIR By: The Baptist
Date: May 27, 2019, 12:02 pm
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Generally happy with the squad that Gustard has put together for
next season, and bar one or two old favourites (Wallace, Walker)
the players being released all seem like the right decisions.
However, looking at the overall depth of the squad I still think
we need more quality in the prop, lock and wing positions.
Analysis of players now available across the premiership shows
that some good business could be done in the off season to help
bolster these positions.
HTML https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_2019–20_Premiership_Rugby_transfers
Prop
We've got great depth at Loosehead with the experienced Botta
coming in to complement Marler and Auterac, but Tighthead needs
to be addressed if Sinkler is away with England for half of the
season. Collier is a solid backup but Kerrod is still a little
of an unknown quantity in the premiership. Swainston, McNulty
and Ibuanokpe never really made an impact as substitutes and all
seemed to struggle in the scrum, therefore we need better
recruitment here. Is it planned for Sasson to make the leap from
the academy?
Max Lahiff (Bath, released).
Has shown good form in the run in and has a wealth of
experience. Solid scrummager and mobile around the park, his
flexibility in being able to play both sides of the scrum could
be very valuable.
Lock
Lewies seems like a good signing and will no doubt start
alongside Symons come the new season. Freeman looks like he'll
equip himself ok but I don't think I've ever seen Young play. I
expect Lamb to break through next year. Gustard seems to rate
him highly and has gone on record saying he has the physical
attributes of a modern, mobile and athletic second row.
Dominic Barrow (Northampton Saints, released).
This could be exactly what we need. Showed so much promise when
he captained the England U20 but for some reason he never pushed
on at Tigers or Saints. He's big, physical and would add extra
grunt in the second row. With some proper coaching under Gustard
I'm sure he could find some form again and give us another
option here.
Wing
With Alofa, Walker and Visser all moving on, and Earle injured
going into the new season we definitely need some more options
here.
Andrew Kellaway (Northampton Saints, released).
A bit strange he has been let go. This guy is a quality
finisher. A star for Australia U20 and tipped for great things
when at the Waratahs.
-
These are three players which I think would be positive
contributions to the squad and add real depth. Have no idea if
we have any wiggle room in the salary cap but surely the squad
is not finalised as it stands. Thoughts?
#Post#: 24591--------------------------------------------------
Re: Squad depth
DIR By: honkytonk
Date: May 27, 2019, 12:54 pm
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Not sure what his fitness is like but I would say Lahiff is not
a bad shout, he can play both sides also I believe?? Would be a
decent squad option. I agree about Lock but I would like to
think we are setting our sights a bit higher than Barrow. I am
hoping for a marquee replacement for Horwill. Wing I also think
we need a quality first choice, we have squad back up but with
Earle out we are much weaker. Kellaway again is not a bad
shout, Cooper Vuna also been released buy Bath and Sarto from
Tigers. I used to really like Sarto but not sure how he got on
last season. Are these 3 quality enough to be a first choice
wing for us though??
#Post#: 24593--------------------------------------------------
Re: Squad depth
DIR By: TomBuckQuin
Date: May 27, 2019, 1:21 pm
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Yeah, Lahiff would be the only one out of those 3 I wouldn't
mind us signing (although I think there are probably better
props out there for the same kind of money). With all due
respect, Barrow and Kellaway are nowhere near the quality we
need. Apparently we were after (but failed to get) Sinoti. That
would have been a good signing short term. Would like to see a
serious international marquee second row - if the Snyman ship
has sailed completely then his equivalent. Wing, let's get a big
lump in - a Naiyaravoro type. We have some wingers with good
agility/feet (Gabs, Murley) so a counterpart to those guys.
Would like to see us raid the southern hemisphere really - the
top clubs do it and it pays off. Time for us to sign some
serious Super 15 quality. Raw pace, aggression, muscle.
#Post#: 24595--------------------------------------------------
Re: Squad depth
DIR By: Quinston Churchill
Date: May 27, 2019, 1:34 pm
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Not just the top clubs either - look at London Irish and Sale’s
recent recruitment for example.
I’d like Ben Lam. A 6’4” try scoring machine who has been
ignored by the All Blacks would do just fine.
Re. the lock, if we can’t have Snyman and didn’t try for de
Jäger.
#Post#: 24601--------------------------------------------------
Re: Squad depth
DIR By: Quinky
Date: May 27, 2019, 4:24 pm
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Springboks that I haven't seen mentioned are Ox Nché and Ruan
Combrinck. Both top quality but both seemingly off the Bok radar
at the moment. I think Ox may be a loosehead though.
We might do well to look towards Georgia for a lock.
#Post#: 24602--------------------------------------------------
Re: Squad depth
DIR By: Quinky
Date: May 27, 2019, 4:27 pm
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--- Quote from: Quinky link ---
>
> Springboks that I haven't seen mentioned are Ox Nché and Ruan
Combrinck. Both top quality but both seemingly off the Bok radar
at the moment. I think Ox may be a loosehead though.
> Maybe Trevor Nyakane if he's not too old. Not sure he'll make
it for the Japan squad.
> We might do well to look towards Georgia for a lock.
>
--- End Quote ---
#Post#: 24603--------------------------------------------------
Re: Squad depth
DIR By: Blucherquin
Date: May 27, 2019, 4:40 pm
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Let’s not forget Gustard said he wanted a smaller squad.
#Post#: 24614--------------------------------------------------
Re: Squad depth
DIR By: honkytonk
Date: May 28, 2019, 3:05 am
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--- Quote from: Blucherquin link ---
>
> Let’s not forget Gustard said he wanted a smaller squad.
>
--- End Quote ---
That is true, although that was before Horwill called it a day
and Earle got injured. I do not think either was in his plan so
I expect replacements. The wing replacement can be outside the
cap also as injury dispensation (separate 400k).
Prop and FH are interesting, there are arguments that we do/do
not need another body for each. It was mentioned (In a few
places) that further recruitment would depend on us being able
to move one or two on. Horwill, Visser and maybe that Cat
going, I think will mean that we will see more incomnig.
Either way, if he wants it I think PG has a nice bit of bunce
burning a hole in his back pocket.
#Post#: 24634--------------------------------------------------
Re: Squad depth
DIR By: Rocker
Date: May 28, 2019, 7:38 am
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Surely, lock and a wing are necessary. Can't see that fly half
if is a priority. Smith, Lang and the new guy from Jersey.
#Post#: 24635--------------------------------------------------
Re: Squad depth
DIR By: noah_jo
Date: May 28, 2019, 7:42 am
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Henry Purdy set to be released by Gloucester. Not the worst
shout if necessary
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