Prem 2015/16 - Players to watch

[Geordie]

Yeah that's true...he still has further improvements to make. Still cant understand why he wasn't in the squad.

 

[Every Time Ref]

Yeah that's true...he still has further improvements to make. Still cant understand why he wasn't in the squad.

Genuine question, what do you think those improvements are? From where I'm standing I honestly think he's very very close to the complete package - his jackalling is the best in the country, he makes huge numbers of tackles per game, he's quick, so gets quickly to breakdowns and seems to make good decisions about which to go to, and which to compete at. He's not a carrier per se but a) no player can be everything, and to be one would probably mean putting on a bit more bulk, which would hinder his speed; b) he's certainly no liability with ball in hand, good hands for a flanker combined with his speed means he can play the auxiliary centre role in wider channels.

Does he jump in the lineout at Glaws? From memory I think he does a bit doesn't he, although not a primary jumper?

 

[Irish boy]

Think Kvesic is a bit small I rate Clifford. Apparently Conor Gilsenan could apply for British residency and he was very good last year.

 

[ratsapprentice]

Kvesic is a good 5kg heavier than Hooper... Too small my taint.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

The open side we are signing is English Qualified I think by mum or something blood.

Although not really for that sort of thing.

 

[Tmartin995]

Really hope Stu Townsend gets some meaningful game time this year, really impressed in the U20s World Cup before getting injured. Sam Skinner has also impressed me both over the summer and in the sevens.

Also looking forward to hopefully seeing LCD developing his core hooking skills, needs to make the starting shirt his own though with Yeandle pressing hard.

Salvi will hopefully be one of the signings of the season, the back row looks really nicely balance now, although there may be concerns over the lineout, despite Parling's arrival.

The shape of the backline will be interesting. Steenson-Hill-Slade, Slade-Hill-Campagnaro, Slade-Hill-Nowell, Steenson-Slade-Campagnaro... There's so many combinations that could be used, very flexible. Also keep an eye on where Nowell spends most of his playing time after playing 11,13,14 and 15 at times last year.

 

[j'nuh]

Kvesic is a good 5kg heavier than Hooper... Too small my taint.

I was just googling Stuart Hooper, thinking "that can't be right"...

Time to go to bed, I think. :lol:

Just noticed that Stooke is being listed on the Gloucester website as 19 st 9. Pretty crazy for his age.

 

[Mattybuck]

Really hope Stu Townsend gets some meaningful game time this year, really impressed in the U20s World Cup before getting injured. Sam Skinner has also impressed me both over the summer and in the sevens.

Also looking forward to hopefully seeing LCD developing his core hooking skills, needs to make the starting shirt his own though with Yeandle pressing hard.

Salvi will hopefully be one of the signings of the season, the back row looks really nicely balance now, although there may be concerns over the lineout, despite Parling's arrival.

The shape of the backline will be interesting. Steenson-Hill-Slade, Slade-Hill-Campagnaro, Slade-Hill-Nowell, Steenson-Slade-Campagnaro... There's so many combinations that could be used, very flexible. Also keep an eye on where Nowell spends most of his playing time after playing 11,13,14 and 15 at times last year.

Exeter going to be a real threat this season. Good steady improvement over the last few years and as you state some very useful signings.

I worry for Leicester to be honest. In typical Tigers fashion they will prove me wrong and perform, but their seems to be a significant player exodus.

Any Tigers fans worried about this, though they still have some class in certain areas.

Quins I think will have a betters season this year also.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Not worried at all.

I rate our signing more in terms of longer options.

Parling - like him but his injury situations put question mark over his cap and Contract length. Fitzgerald looks a great replacement in a style covering more Slaters style with Kitchener taking Parlings line out leader role IMO.

Salvi - Shame but was a big communication breakdown by agents O'Connor looks to have a widen skill range and also good over the ball.

Honestly I think we have recruited really well esp with Betham adding speed in the backs.

Are forwards have more variety and depth in options.

 

[Mattybuck]

In Kitchener I think you have a gem, really rate him. Interesting to see how he develops this season.

 

[TheSaffycen]

Hopefully Ben Spencer gets some time. Could be the best kicker in England, was also ahead of Robson at age grade wasn't he ?
Vunisa looks like a dangerous guy, big carrier. Also interested in Rhodes, our forward pack seems to have gone up a lot in size. Hopefully we can take on the French packs now.
From around the teams-
Cowan Dickie, need him to be a big England player.
Robson, Simpson will have some serious competition, might go on the wing a lot more with Varndell gone.
Stooke, genuine tighthead lock and big boy.

 

[Tmartin995]

Jack Yeandle has been named as Dean Mumm's replacement as Exeter captain. May have negative effects on Cowan-Dickie's immediate international career.

 

[Geordie]

As ive just said on the England thread...the tigers have a true gem in Dom Barrow.

Im gutted he's left us but he has had a bad run with injuries and our small team cant afford to have players like that.
However The tigers will show him patience and if they can get him truly injury free....then they have an absolute beast. 6'8, 19.5 st and he can get round the park.

He could be the England lock for years.....I really believe hes that good.

As to Kvesic...ive said before...don't understand why he wasn't at the world cup. Lancaster is a fool.
You need game changers in the pack...and he most definitely is one.

Whats peoples thoughts on Symons the new LI lock from the S15.

- - - Updated - - -

Jack Yeandle has been named as Dean Mumm's replacement as Exeter captain. May have negative effects on Cowan-Dickie's immediate international career.

Yeandle is a solid hooker. Does all the basics. I think we saw in the last couple of weeks how much that matters.

In fact its actually changed my opinion of what I want at hooker. I always called for an all singing all dancing hooker...but now I realise I just want someone who does the basics right...and let the rest of the pack worry about the showbiz stuff.

- - - Updated - - -

Hopefully Ben Spencer gets some time. Could be the best kicker in England, was also ahead of Robson at age grade wasn't he ?
Vunisa looks like a dangerous guy, big carrier. Also interested in Rhodes, our forward pack seems to have gone up a lot in size. Hopefully we can take on the French packs now.
From around the teams-
Cowan Dickie, need him to be a big England player.
Robson, Simpson will have some serious competition, might go on the wing a lot more with Varndell gone.
Stooke, genuine tighthead lock and big boy.

He suffered "second season syndrome" I think but with Thursh not available till about November, Galarza injured I think etc I think Stooke will play regularly so hopefully can show the form of the previous season.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

I'm excited about Barrow as well, an excellent signing IMO.

ACL wont bother us to much (We have had plenty of them recently but means we should know how to handle them)

We are well stocked at locks with Slater, Kitchener, Fitzgerald, De Chaves, Williams

But if he carries on like he did @ Falcons i expect him to be 3rd/4th choice in no time and push on from there.

Leicester Mercury are releasing more info on the marquee player we are looking at. This will be a very reliable info (As opposed to fissler).

 

[Geordie]

Yeah im sure you will be able to sort him out...and when you do everyone will be talking about Dom Barrow

Mind I rate Kitchener highly also. Wasn't it Brad Thorn who said if was a kiwi he would be an AB...

 

[Geordie]

For Bath fans...

Whats your thoughts on Auterac. He looks a genuinely powerful prop.

 

[ncurd]

For Bath fans...

Whats your thoughts on Auterac. He looks a genuinely powerful prop.

Really a question of him vs Wilson this season but my opinion of him is he was better than Wilson towards the end of last season. Guys the real deal and should be pushing for England selection this season I suspect.

I think the reason we haven't mentioned him is last season was the real coming of age for him it case of seeing if he can maintain that now. Whereas there are still questions over Devoto.

 

[Mattybuck]

For Bath fans...

Whats your thoughts on Auterac. He looks a genuinely powerful prop.

It's scary how good he looks considering his age.

As stated he was probably better than Moose towards the end of the season. He impact in the loose is impressive, however he working hard on his scrum game, and he has the right coaches at Bath.

Could be a big season for him, can't believe Sarries let him go.

 

[Mattybuck]

It's scary how good he looks considering his age.

As stated he was probably better than Moose towards the end of the season. He impact in the loose is impressive, however he working hard on his scrum game, and he has the right coaches at Bath.

Could be a big season for him, can't believe Sarries let him go.

He Devo Eastmond battle should be a good one, rate them both very highly, in fact I'm getting very excited for the new season.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Auterac is a loose head, isn't he? :huh:
Why would he be competing against Wilson?