DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
---------------------------------------------------------
ComeAllWithin (Harlequins Rugby)
HTML https://comeallwithin.createaforum.com
---------------------------------------------------------
*****************************************************
DIR Return to: ComeAllWithin Board
*****************************************************
#Post#: 74221--------------------------------------------------
Pre-Season Thoughts/New Season
DIR By: The Boy
Date: September 11, 2021, 6:32 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Season Thoughts
Following the Leinster game yesterday here are a few thoughts
about the games and then some thoughts about the first two
games:
Positives:
Scrum – The scrum has looked solid in both games. In the game
yesterday it did look as if we had a bit of a nudge on. Baxter
in particular for a converted TH has looked solid at LH.
Two Locks – As discussed before, the two locks that have started
recently (Tizard and Lamb) have both looked very solid and look
as if they could really develop and kick on this year.
Historically this has been a weak position since the days of
Kohn and Robson, but with these two young lads, the two starters
and hopefully impact from CSW we could finally be settled now.
LO – Again a historical area of weakness has looked solid so
far. The darts have looked good with slick movement in the line
by players. Additionally, the maul has looked strong with a good
setup in both games. As a side note I think Walker could have a
really strong year, if he is given an extended run as the
starting hooker.
Attacking shape – To my untrained eye our attacking shape has
developed and evolved over the off-season. It seems that the
carriers have multiple options for the carry, ‘tip-on’ and out
the back option making it harder for defences to make dominant
hits. It was clear yesterday when we got it wrong with players
getting smashed. But when it was excited well it allowed players
to get dominance at the gain line allowing quick ball.
Squad harmony – I know as outsiders this one is hard to tell,
with clubs always wanting to show people smiling ect… However,
based on the interviews and images players do seem very happy
and comfortable with each other. This was crucial to the success
last year and hopefully it continues.
Development of players – It seems crazy how little it has been
spoken about last season with winning the prem, but the squad is
of a great age and players should naturally develop.
Additionally, we have some excellent academy players that are
coming through, Riley, Baxter, Lenox ect… Having academy players
coming through forming the core of the squad is a key driver for
success, reflected in Exeter’s and Sarries success.
Joe Marchant – Just a quick word on Joe. What a great player he
is, seeming to be a go-to player in attack and defence with who
solid he is. Due to this I think he has to start in the 13 slot
due to his defensive reading and then later in the game moving
to wing to accommodate other talent.
Areas to improve on:
Patience – Watching the games, particularly yesterday, I felt
that patience was lacking. A few times we tried the magic pass
or chip instead of holding on and keeping the pressure on. If we
hold onto the ball for multiple phases in the oppo’s half/22
then with the attack, we have points will come.
Just to be clear, I don’t want the boys to stop attacking with
the offloads. But just be patience and not expect/rush
opportunities due to how free following last year was.
Defence – Last year we did have a poor defence and it hasn’t
been amazing in the pre-season games. If we want to evolve as a
team, regularly pushing the top of the table, this needs to
tighten up. Again I have an untrained eye, but it seems to be
that we are too narrow with the wingers pinching in and forwards
exposed in the wider channels.
Overplaying – This was a bit evident yesterday with the final
Leinster try. Due to the style of play, with the boys talking
about the ‘Quins way”, players are encouraged to try things and
express themselves, which is great and how rugby should be
played IMO. But we need to make sure balance is achieved.
Length of pre-season – Due to end of season commitments, and how
bloody good were the semi and final last year, we have had a
shorter pre-season than other teams. Therefore, I hope the
absence of most of the starting pack in pre-season is due to
this and nothing else.
First two games of the season:
We have Newcastle and Worcester before our ‘rest week’. Both
teams are very similar in my eyes, wanting to be hard physical
teams that are organised and well drilled in the forwards. With
a few backs that are excitement machines and can cause major
issues for defences (Nanai, Duhan, Radwan and Stevenson/Earle).
Both games are very winnable, hopefully with bonus points.
Due to how the two teams play wanting big organised packs and
how well Lamb has played I would start with three locks. So my
team would be (assuming players missing in pre-season are
available):
Marler, Walker, Collier, Symons, Lamb, Lewies, Kenningham,
Dombrant, Care, Allan, Andre, Marchant, Lynagh, Murley/Morris
and Green.
Gray (Riely just misses out), Baxter, Kerrod, Lawday, Chisholm,
Steele (if fit), Edwards and Jones (though on Northmore but
Jones’s ability to play 12,13, and 15 gives him the edge).
On a side note hopefully with Matson use the rest weeks from
Super Rugby we might have an advantage as he will know what
works best for players in these weeks.
Final though is whilst the squad has loads of talent I feel we
are short in a few areas:
Full back/fly half – I think we should of signed one to provide
a bit more cover for Allan and Green. Also it would allow a dual
playmaker option if we wanted.
Lock/6 – Due to the abrasive nature of the prem I think a big
nasty lock/6 is required. One that allows us to control the gain
line, as every great team has had one, and I think we are
missing a really nasty forward. Someone like a Du Preez from
Sale. I know Taulani might do this but I think another one would
be useful.
I hope we have a bit of cap space available looking at our squad
compared to other. But I thought that last year and look what
happened.
I hope we can continue to play great attacking rugby that brings
enjoyment and a smile to people’s faces on the weekend. Giving
them an escape from any day to day concerns or worries. What
supporting a sort’s team should provide IMO.
Sorry for the long post and wonder what others think?
#Post#: 74222--------------------------------------------------
Re: Pre-Season Thoughts/New Season
DIR By: KentQuin
Date: September 11, 2021, 6:52 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Really looking forward to the new season, and hope to keep
seeing heads up attacking rugby. Win or lose, its a great watch!
I was pleased with our recruitment over the summer as we
addressed the obvious lack of strength in depth in certain areas
with. My only real doubt was whether Walker would be anywhere
near the calibre of Baldwin. Early days but an encouraging start
for him, and with Flannery as a mentor he'll keep improving.
Can't disagree with your proposed squad for the opener, other
than leaving out Northmore. It'd be harsh to leave him out of
the first 15, let alone the 23! What a find that lad has been.
#Post#: 74223--------------------------------------------------
Re: Pre-Season Thoughts/New Season
DIR By: poorfour
Date: September 11, 2021, 6:55 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Really interesting post - well done.
I’ll just say that at fly half we in theory have Smith, Allan,
Edwards and Green, and fullback is covered by Green, David,
Morris, Jones and Chisholm (and possibly Murley) so I think
we’ve reasonable depth in both positions.
The key thing following those pre-season games is for the
players to settle into slightly more calculating mindset and not
go for miracles when it’s not on. Out defence isn’t good enough
for that yet.
#Post#: 74225--------------------------------------------------
Re: Pre-Season Thoughts/New Season
DIR By: NevsLeftBoot
Date: September 11, 2021, 8:49 am
---------------------------------------------------------
It’s a positive outlook. The squad looks good overall, except at
FH with no cover if Smith is away, behind Allan. Edwards is
along way off in terms of control and structure.
The two big issues will be how we cope with teams changing the
way they play against us. Last season a lot of teams were still
thinking that they could out do us, that we would come up short.
Now teams will want to keep us at arms length….. don’t let us
have the ball in your half….. otherwise we are capable of
causing havoc. Also reduce the phases. So our game requires more
patience as mentioned, I feel fewer opportunities will be
afforded us…
Nice problem to have…..
#Post#: 74226--------------------------------------------------
Re: Pre-Season Thoughts/New Season
DIR By: quins4life
Date: September 11, 2021, 9:40 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Definitely come away feeling positive after this preseason,
despite the result last night. Think we have seen a few players
with question marks next to them (Dino Lamb for example), really
step up and look bigger & stronger. I think our lack of options
at 10 is a slight concern, despite Allen looking like he’ll fit
in well in Smith’s absence. Hopefully Italy don’t come calling
for him.
My team for newcastle would be:
Marler, Walker, Kerrod, Lamb, lewies, Chisholm (if fit),
Kenningham, Dombrandt; Care, Allen, murley, Estherhuizen (if he
doesn’t get a ban), Northmore, Marchant, Green
Riley, Baxter, Collier, Symons (if fit, or Tizard), White,
Steele, Edwards, Lynagh
Thought Lynagh was slightly off it yesterday and think we should
like to be as solid as possible going up to newcastle.
#Post#: 74231--------------------------------------------------
Re: Pre-Season Thoughts/New Season
DIR By: Comet
Date: September 11, 2021, 1:05 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Very detailed original post. Thank you.
I think David gives us very good FB cover and, as expressed
above, Morris is a suitable replacement and Chisholm can still
do a job. I love(d) Browny but I really am taken with Green. He
has quickly become my favourite Quin! He is generally excellent
under the high ball and offers so much in attack. He and Lynagh
are already starting to build a terrific relationship. Long may
it continue!
The squad looks pretty well set, certainly as good as can be
expected as salary cap issues become more restrictive. I agree
that Edwards needs more of a chance (prem cup) to get himself
closer to the level of Allan. No one can get near the level of
Smith, it's a futile exercise!!! If Edwards can take his chances
then he should become a more reliable support option. He has
potential.
Starters in the back row in September are likely to be Lawday,
Kenningham and Dommers. I am a bit worried about Chis as he
seems to be picking up injuries and struggling to shake them
off. He would always be my first choice 6. White has developed
into a reliable support option. Fair play to him.
My starting XV (accounting for probable injuries/fitness
concerns such as Marler, Symons and Lewies):
Botta, Walker, Kerrod
Lamb, Tizard
Lawday, Kenningham, Dommers
Care, Allan, Esterhuizen, Marchant
Murley, Lynagh, Green.
Bench:
Riley, Baxter, Collier,
Hammond
Steele
Northmore, Jones, David
(Does anyone do a 4:4 bench split?!!)
#Post#: 74235--------------------------------------------------
Re: Pre-Season Thoughts/New Season
DIR By: Quinston Churchill
Date: September 12, 2021, 3:16 am
---------------------------------------------------------
I agree with most of what’s already been said.
Edwards has some promise IMO. He definitely needs to work on his
game management, but his 7s background brings a good skill set
in terms of identifying space and spotting a gap for himself.
It’s a shame there has been no A League as that’s exactly what
he needs.
That said, I think any expectation that he might get close to
Allan’s level is wishful thinking. I’ve been saying it for
weeks, but I’m genuinely surprised at how underrated Allan is
around here. Yes, he’s played for a poor test side, but he is
still a very good player. I look forward to him showing that in
the Quarters.
Hopefully, having Allan and Edwards buys Benson the time he
needs to develop. Having two home grown 10s in 2/3yrs time would
be great.
As for the opening rounds, my side would be similar to what’s
already been posted.
For Newcastle:
1. Marler
2. Walker
3. Kerrod
4. Lamb
5. Tizard
6. Lawday
7. Kenningham
8. Dombrandt
9. Care
10. Allan
11. Murley
12. Esterhuizen
13. Marchant
14. Lynagh
15. Green
16. Riley 17. Baxter 18. Collier 19. Hammond 20. Wallace 21.
Steele 22. Northmore 23. David
If Lewies and Symons are fit, I’d bring them back for the
Worcester game with Lamb edging the bench spot for his ability
to cover the back row as well.
I’d also be tempted to go all out attack with Marchant moving to
the wing and Northmore or Jones coming in at 13 as that really
should be a golden opportunity for 5 points. Keen to see David
too and I wouldn’t put it past him maintaining the integrity
honoured tradition of scoring against his previous employers. I
don’t even mind if Brown scores next weekend as long as we win
:D
#Post#: 74236--------------------------------------------------
Re: Pre-Season Thoughts/New Season
DIR By: Monte
Date: September 12, 2021, 4:00 am
---------------------------------------------------------
According to TRP this morning Club’s no longer have to wait
until 01 January to approach players from other Clubs. If
players are in last year of contract they can be approached from
August. Only row over agents commission is holding up
announcements of new contracts for 22/23. We should therefore
hear much earlier about new signings or anyone leaving.
*****************************************************
Page 1 of 1