By TigerBud August 26 2008
The off-season has seen dramatic change at the club. The head coach didn’t survive after a season of disappointing performances in all the competitions the club was involved with. Welford Road favourites such as Andy Goode, Ollie Smith, Scott Bemand, Jim Hamilton and Iain Humphreys have departed for pastures new.
The new man in charge, Heyneke Meyer, has already stamped his style on the club bringing in Derick Hougaard to replace the departing Goode. Other players such as Craig Newby, Toby Flood and Ben Woods are very exciting recruitments and could add a new dimension to the team. Tom Croft and Jordan Crane will be looking to push on from excellent seasons and youngsters like Tom Youngs, Ben Youngs and Will Hurrell could be looking to make the step up from the development squad. Below is in my opinion the strengths and weaknesses of the squad for the forthcoming season.
(Players will only be listed in one position, even if they can cover more than one)Full back:
Geordan Murphy, Johne Murphy and Sam Vesty will again be challenging for the 15 shirt this season that carries on from last year. A marked improvement from Johne saw him take home the fan’s player of the season award and is the obvious long-term successor to Geordan in the Tigers squad. Vesty could be called more into action at flyhalf depending on injuries.
Strength: Very strong. Two Irish players who could be fighting it out for the Ireland shirt as well as the Leicester one gives great strength in depth.
Player to watch: Johne Murphy to see if he can continue his excellent form.Wings:
Tom Varndell, Alex Tuilagi, Will Hurrell and Matt Smith could be considered Tigers “out and out” wingers this season although many other players across the squad can play there if needed. A mixed season hampered by injuries frustrated Alex last year although he seemed to pick up in the run in. I believe this will be the make or break season for Matt Smith who has been there or there abouts for awhile now. The surprise package thus far has been Will Hurrell who was the England player of the tournament in Argentina and scored two tries against Biarritz.
Strength: Mixed. Very happy if both Varndell and Tuilagi are fit and on form but would have liked to have seen another speedy winger brought in. The fact that nobody has could be an indication that faith will be put in Smith or Hurrell.
Player to watch: Will Hurrell. Can he make this his breakthrough year? Centres:Inside Centre:
Aaron Mauger had a patchy run in his first half season with the club but I fully expect him to be much better this year. At some points last season he seemed to be a thought ahead of his team mates but with the club now having a specialised back coach hopefully we can see his full range of skills. Tom Youngs is the young Tiger biting at his heels and Seru Rabeni and Toby Flood can play there if needed.Strength: Strong. Mauger will be a great tutor to Tom Youngs and there are international class players to play there if needed.Player to watch: Tom Youngs. Impressive when called upon last year and now under the wing of a former All Black.Outside centre:
Dan Hipkiss was another to have a mixed season last year disrupted with the World Cup and injuries but a whole summer break would have done him good. The departure of Ollie Smith means that Ayoola Erinle has a chance to impress after playing extremely well when the internationals were away. Again, Seru Rabeni can cover this position if needed.Strength: Strong. If Hipkiss can re-capture his form of two seasons ago and Erinle keeps up his hard work there will be a good battle for the shirt. Player to watch: Ayoola Erinle. This could be his season to really push on in a Tigers shirt.Fly half:
The position that has changed the most since the end of last season and the position that could have the most impact on Tigers style of play. The loss of Andy Goode, Iain Humphreys and Paul Burke meant Leicester had to recruit strongly in this area, arguably the weakest in the overall squad over the last few seasons. Toby Flood will bring good distribution and speed to the 10 shirt, with Derick Hougaard being in the Andy Goode mould of big boot. I’m hopeful that Meyer has a Plan B this season, as it will mean using the players’ individual skills when needed in different match situations.
Strength: Strong, but back up is weak. If Hougaard is injured whilst Flood is away then Sam Vesty or another would deputise. Would have liked to have seen a young fly half brought in.
Player to watch: Both Flood and Hougaard. Can Toby get the exciting back line moving this year?Bookmark or share this story with:
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2008:08:26:12:15:54 by TigerChick.
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