What Can We Expect Next Season?

By Artemis
July 31 2008

Coming off the back of a good run toward the end of last season, what does the new one have in store for us? As I contemplated writing this article I thought about how successful we were last season and what a great season it really was, just at that moment the spectre of playing Ospreys, Bristol & Worcester, in the Autumn of last year hovered into view and I remember the nasty side of the season.

Instead let’s say last season was a mixed bag, it started with aplomb, some good victories and then fizzled out into mediocrity, before being galvanised by the younger players and the team showing a more adventurous attitude in their play.

We are lucky to see so many of the players that made such an impact last season, still here this year: Chris Robshaw, Tom Guest, Danny Care and Will Skinner. These guys along with most of the first choice XV will remain the back bone of our club for this season (and hopefully for longer). I feel that the recruitment has gone well, with their being only a handful of guys coming and going (unlike the last few seasons where there have been a high number of departures and arrivals), I hope that this allows for us to really hit the ground running with a settled squad.

Of the new signings, it is easy to pick out the one that has got everybody talking and excited: Nicolas John Evans, a 28 year old New Zealander, apparently he can play a bit (!)

Joining Nick, are Neil McMillan, a 26 year old flanker from Ulster, he played in the Leicester U21’s a few years back and has suffered some injuries, however he is meant to be a pretty useful player. Gonzalo Tiesi, a 22 year old centre and Argentine international from London Irish, who has shown a good turn of pace and a passion for playing the game at a high tempo, with a lot of off-loading. Epi Taione, a former Newcastle, Sale and Natal Sharks player, who can play Wing, Centre or Back Row and occasionally had a few disciplinary problems, (brings a bit more bite to the team)

It was also mentioned this week on the official Harlequins website that a 23 year Fijian Fly Half has been signed called Waisea Luveniyali, he did play for Fiji at the world cup deputising for Nicki Little.

How does this bear up for next season then? I feel that with the pack being largely unchanged (unless we sign some big, quality lock), the team will continue to throw the ball around a bit, our much maligned (on this board and in the past by me) proved they were a match for most teams last year and in Mike Ross we have a player to assume the mantle of Jason Leonard. Aston Croall has been a useful deputy for the props and one hopes that we will get the chance to see Alex Rogers and Mark Lambert get some more game time next season, Mark in particular who could really make a big impact. With the hookers staying the same I think we will see a lot more of Gary Botha and Chris Brooker with Tani taking more of a back seat (surely his body cannot take THAT much more!)What is good about this is what both Botha and Brooker bring to the team outside of their hooking duties as they both feel comfortable with ball in hand and get around the park well.

The second row is an area for much discussion, in Jim Evans, Ollie Kohn and James Percival we have good line-out jumpers who also like to get around the pitch a lot and get involved. However with only George Robson joining them on the roster ( as I write) I do feel that with a couple of injuries we could be found a little short.

The back row was one of the real successes last year, demonstrated by the guys opportunities over the summer to represent their country. With Easter, Skinner, Robshaw, Guest and McMillan we have a good nucleus of players, Taione can play here also.

In the backs is where the real changes can be seen and also where the most difference could be made. Danny Care has shown the wonderful ability I saw in him when he was 18(?) playing for England, when he was still playing for Leeds. Keeping him honest and not allowing him to slack at all is Steve So’oialo, who has really developed into a great squad player. If the forwards can secure quick ball Danny is going to enjoy causing havoc and providing good ball for our Fly-Halves.

Chris Malone started last season like a player with a point to prove, and prove it he did, mixing his game up and creating some wonderful attacking play. As the season wore on he seemed to lose confidence and his game deteriorated, however after a rest and with the challenge of playing for his place against Nick Evans I think we will see more from him. Nick Evans is a graceful footballer, he is deceptively quick and likes to play quite flat, which should allow him to release the likes of Tiesi and JTH with deft off-loads and lovely inside balls.

If Evans can develop a quality understanding with our centres, JTH, Tiesi, DeWet Barry and Tosh then we should see some truly great rugby at the Stoop and Mike Brown, Ugo Monye and David Strettle should get the chance to see a lot more good attacking ball.