The Stormers need a world class 13 imo. Someone to marshal the defence - Ruhan Nel is prone to doing something incredibly bone-headed every now an again.
Yep absolutely right. Ruhan Nel has had games where he has been very good, but overall I think he's been the weakest link in our backline by far. Hopefully Juan de Jong can find form again, otherwise Id say we go very left field with someone like Ben Tapuai (but thats my contreversial opinion). Lukily at hooker we're getting Joseph Dweba who I highly rate, tho he isn't world famkus for his throw-ins😂
I'd definitely say that Nel's the weak point in the backline- not a bad player but makes too many costly errors. Finding a solution is another thing though, and, with my somewhat limited knowledge of the South African teams, I'm definitely not the person to find that solution. Manage to sort out the 13 jersey and you guys will be very scary, even with Gelant joining Racing.
Very happy. Fekitoa and Frisch look like they could be our starting midfield partnership. I wasn't familiar with Frisch at all but the reaction of Bristol fans to him leaving and a few articles about him have me very excited, and Malakai speaks for himself.
Pretty good summary of the Munster perspective. Sorry to be losing DDA but I can see why, hes been very good for us but not the absolute world beater he is with the Springboks. The more expansive game we are looking to play may suit the new centres coming in, he has been the absolute core of our defense and itll be big boots to fill. But the two coming in are good, I'm particularly excited about Frisch, Irish qualified young enough, shown huge potential and on a 3 hear contract, could be a long term player with us.
Reffell is a very tidy, high workrate flanker, pretty much 'in the Sarries style,' think, Earl, Christie.... Just no room under the cap to keep him, especially with McFarlands emergence
Yeah they're don't seem to be too many great Scottish tightheads kicking about- the drop off after Fagerson is large and only getting larger. While an excellent scrummager, Nel doesn't really offer much around the park, so you really need one of the academy boys to make that step up
Exeter Chiefs fan here, pretty shitty! We're losing so much depth in critical positions. Not a lot of big talent coming our way either! Somee relatively obscure players signed up imo. And we still haven't developed a European standard 9 or 10. Stu Townsend is good but Maunders and J Simmonds seem below par or can at least be inconsistent.
Pretty good so far tbh, we've signed Salakaia-Loto and Scott-Young from the reds and Ramm from the tahs, all of whom seem to be great signings, just hope they can transition to life in the prem.
I think Graham could be a great sleeper signing. Has some prem pedigree from being at Bristol and maybe a Bath before dropping down to the champ. Been in the champ TOTY and Doncaster POTY back to back as well I think. Not the biggest but punches above his weight going both ways. Should be a good and more natural 7 deputy to Ludlam with Harrison away and Wood on his last legs.
Very happy with the player retention Quins have got over the line, and it seems like we’ve already replaced one of our departing locks with Irne Herbst, who I don’t know a lot about but his profile looks to suit what we’re after. And I wouldn’t be surprised if that was it for our recruitment
Yeah not ideal for you. Didn't realise Simelane was going as well- finally seems to have made the big step up to senior level after he was so impressive for the U20s. Going to one of the other SA sides I presume?
Zebre: Personally, really good about many of those we have signed on. We have lost around 16 players in total (many of these needed replacing) at the end of this season and the sheer amount of promising youth coming into the squad is fantastic and what has been missing for a very long time. With that said, we still need some props because we have lost 3 of our best and who we have to replace currently is very much a step down (for now).
Yeah it looks like really good business across the board from Tigers. Pollard, despite being a little underwhelming for Montpellier, is still one of the world's best 10s, and as good a replacement for Ford as you'll get anywhere.
As a Cardiff fan, pretty excited! Two big international names that cover slight problem areas for us (Faletau, L. Williams) and an important bolster for the 2nd row who also carries hard (Timani)
I still worry about the depth, which is vital for the league. As always we'll be a few injuries away from getting spanked by 20 against the established mid table teams. That being said, on that odd occasion that we get the actual first team out next season. Excited. Still desperate for a tidy hooker though.
As far as I’m aware the only major signing Leinster have made is Jason Jenkins who should be a nice rotational player for us in the second row who offers a skill set we don’t really have this year (being fucking massive). Other than that I’d like to see us sign a centre cause we’re light of bodies there. Henshaw, Ringrose and Frawley are all great and Osbourne is getting better and better but we need more quality depth. There was a rumour we were signing Charlie Ngatai a couple weeks ago but I’ve not heard anything about that since.
Really don't think Leinster need to be spending big on a former All Black for positions where they have Henshaw, Ringrose, Frawley, Osbourne and Tommy O'Brien already. The Byrnes and Jimmy O'B have played there as well IIRC.
Yeah it was pretty heavily rumoured that you guys were getting Ngatai. Him and Jenkins would probably solve your problem areas (if you can even call them that). Leinster will be scary next year for sure- especially as the likes of McCarthy, Soroka, Osborne and O'Brien (the younger) get more game time and develop
I think the Ngatai deal is done according to French commentators. Still think Leinster need loosehead cover given that Healy is slowing down and Porter will be with Ireland. After Ed Byrne you'll be looking at Milne (who has a lot of potential) and Hanan to step up.
We do need a massive lock, but I'm not sure Jenkins is it. In a fantasy draft, I'd love Will Skelton. I also think we need a better scrummaging tighthead than Mike A. Someone like Wilco Louw would do nicely. I know it's never going to happen, but by moving Porter back to loosehead we created a gap that hasn't quite been filled yet.
Munster: I think we needed the coaching ticket sorted more than anything, and Prendergast is a huge catch. Our defence has been top-notch, so hopefully Leamy can fill in for the loss of Ferreira.
Wycherley, Barron and Knox could be a formidable front row in the future, but all three are very young, particularly in front row terms, and a bit green.
For Leinster I can't complain, getting a tighthead lock in Jenkins and apparently former all blacks centre Ngatai who'll provide good cover when the Internationals are away or have injuries. Still think cover at Loosehead is needed.
I’m fine with the business we’ve done so far. No stars but some solid players to add depth which we’ve lacked. We still need to add a few positions though:
If Jaco Coetzee can get back to fitness and form again, you'd have one hell of a player. He is one player I rated very highly before he left. Was the bruising 6 flanker we love at the stormers.
Yeah with Watson and Faletau gone particularly, you should have a fair bit of money to play round with. Will be interesting to see who Bath come up with.
I agree Odendaal is going to be massive for wasps. 12 has been a problem position for us for years and Odendaal, from what I have seen of him, brings a lot of leadership experience as well as some seriously hard running in the midfield which could allow us to really let loose with the exciting outside backs.
For Leinster: Overall I’m pretty happy, Jenkins is good and while I haven’t heard much about Ngatai, he’s a good player and will probably play a decent bit. My one concern is at 9. Gibson-Park is in the form of his life, but after that I’m not as optimistic. McGrath has been in poor form since the autumn internationals, and I’m not sold on Nick McCarthy. Cormac Foley has looked promising at times, but he’s very young and I wouldn’t want to put lost of pressure on him so early in his career. I just am a bit worried that we’ll struggle when JGP is not there
Stormers fan - devastated that gelant is leaving. Dweba is a good signing and overall player retention is decent. Ungerer is also a good signing. Still feels like we are missing something in terms of second half impact though. I'd like to see us sign another two or three deon fouries
Ospreys have only signed one player, Jack Walsh, and he's someone I've never personally seen play, plus Scott Baldwin and Sam Moore who came in during the season.
Frisch will probably be the biggest loss- a really savvy pickup by Munster. It goes without saying that Genge is one of the best looseheads (probably the best) in the Premiership, he's a huge addition. MacGinty is absolutely class- a massive upgrade on Sheedy, who's failed to impress this season. Bradbury's excellent, one of Edinburgh's best players this season and equally adept at 6 or 8.
Yeah losing Parra and Lopez isn't ideal even if they are getting on a bit now. Vili's a huge loss as well, I thought he looked great in what I saw of him this year. He's only 21 as well so that's a great signing for Bordeaux. Hanrahan and Matsushima won't be huge losses I don't think- neither of them have been extremely impressive for Clermont.
Jenkins bring the sort of size and power in the tight that we don’t really have in the squad right now. He’ll improve our scrum and maul and allow Ryan more flexibility in his role set. We’ve needed more giant tractors in the second row for a couple years and with Jenkins signed and McCarthy coming through I think we’re pretty set for TH locks next year.
Nothing earthshaking in or out for Ulster. They could really use a big tighthead lock but have opted to keep Carter instead for reasons I cannot fathom since he's a valuable NIQ slot who's 4th choice and could well be 5th choice behind Izzy next year. I see some Leinster fans ITT not being very excited about Jenkins but I'd take your hand and all if offered.
I can see Ramos playing a lot at flyhalf next season. Capuozzo will probably land on the wing. Heard they were following a lock from NZ/Oz/South Africa.
I imagine Ramos will be given the first chance in the 15 jersey, but if he's outperformed by Jaminet then maybe he could be the 10/15 bench cover similar to what he does for France. Was surprised that he signed the contract extension with the likes of Capuozzo and Jaminet joing- thought he'd be a great fit at Clermont with Matsushima and Lopez leaving
Worcester has got some awfully good looking blokes coming in, lots of our lads leaving but realistically Worcester have been treading water for far too long, deep rooted change is needed.
Maybe a little light on experience, but with Lowe, Larmour, both O’Briens and Dave Kearney I reckon they’ll be grand. O’Loughlin is 4th or 5th choice, and Byrne hasn’t had much game time at all due to injuries. They’ve got probably the best academy in the world so depth probably isn’t an issue
Well our issues are that we can't play a complete 80 minutes and control a result beyond the first half, so from that POV I'd say our issue is somewhere in our bench but also strength and conditioning that we're falling off so often.
The Stormers need a world class 13 imo. Someone to marshal the defence - Ruhan Nel is prone to doing something incredibly bone-headed every now an again.
Yep absolutely right. Ruhan Nel has had games where he has been very good, but overall I think he's been the weakest link in our backline by far. Hopefully Juan de Jong can find form again, otherwise Id say we go very left field with someone like Ben Tapuai (but thats my contreversial opinion). Lukily at hooker we're getting Joseph Dweba who I highly rate, tho he isn't world famkus for his throw-ins😂
I'd definitely say that Nel's the weak point in the backline- not a bad player but makes too many costly errors. Finding a solution is another thing though, and, with my somewhat limited knowledge of the South African teams, I'm definitely not the person to find that solution. Manage to sort out the 13 jersey and you guys will be very scary, even with Gelant joining Racing.
Ours probably depends on whether England have any interest in Ford at all next season.
Desperately need someone to step up behind Ford. RDP just isn't it for us at 10
K Wilkonson?
We’ve concentrated on retention but added Tizard who looks like a very good addition to make up for Swindon’s likely retirement.
I for one rate Tizard very highly. I feel he could be the sort of big bastard that England have been lacking since George Kruis went to Japan.
I’d love to see a bit of front row depth and maybe one more top notch back row. The locks, however, are…arousing.
Very happy. Fekitoa and Frisch look like they could be our starting midfield partnership. I wasn't familiar with Frisch at all but the reaction of Bristol fans to him leaving and a few articles about him have me very excited, and Malakai speaks for himself.
Snyman is the missing piece
Leinster: losing a lot more players than we're gaining but the academy is also producing a lot of talent, so I'm not too worried.
Pretty good summary of the Munster perspective. Sorry to be losing DDA but I can see why, hes been very good for us but not the absolute world beater he is with the Springboks. The more expansive game we are looking to play may suit the new centres coming in, he has been the absolute core of our defense and itll be big boots to fill. But the two coming in are good, I'm particularly excited about Frisch, Irish qualified young enough, shown huge potential and on a 3 hear contract, could be a long term player with us.
Reffell is a very tidy, high workrate flanker, pretty much 'in the Sarries style,' think, Earl, Christie.... Just no room under the cap to keep him, especially with McFarlands emergence
Can't complain...
Understament of the year
Honestly happy enough with our recruitment atm.
I'm happy with player retention, but we could do with a tighthead. Nel is going to be 57 soon and our backup options leave something to be desired.
Yeah they're don't seem to be too many great Scottish tightheads kicking about- the drop off after Fagerson is large and only getting larger. While an excellent scrummager, Nel doesn't really offer much around the park, so you really need one of the academy boys to make that step up
Exeter Chiefs fan here, pretty shitty! We're losing so much depth in critical positions. Not a lot of big talent coming our way either! Somee relatively obscure players signed up imo. And we still haven't developed a European standard 9 or 10. Stu Townsend is good but Maunders and J Simmonds seem below par or can at least be inconsistent.
How Maunder x2 regularly start ahead of Townsend truly boggles the mind
Do you think you’re on a bit of a downward trajectory over the next couple of seasons?
Pretty good so far tbh, we've signed Salakaia-Loto and Scott-Young from the reds and Ramm from the tahs, all of whom seem to be great signings, just hope they can transition to life in the prem.
I think Graham could be a great sleeper signing. Has some prem pedigree from being at Bristol and maybe a Bath before dropping down to the champ. Been in the champ TOTY and Doncaster POTY back to back as well I think. Not the biggest but punches above his weight going both ways. Should be a good and more natural 7 deputy to Ludlam with Harrison away and Wood on his last legs.
I was about to type out something similar.
Look at this chump. Thinking wood will ever stop playing
Very happy with the player retention Quins have got over the line, and it seems like we’ve already replaced one of our departing locks with Irne Herbst, who I don’t know a lot about but his profile looks to suit what we’re after. And I wouldn’t be surprised if that was it for our recruitment
I feel the same about the second row in particular, but otherwise feel like we're in a good place.
Any lions fans that wanna comment😂 I mean who really rated -Carlu Sadie -Vincent Tshitsuka -Wandile Simelane -Burger Odendaal Any other I missed?
To be fair they got Nohamba, and are getting Marius Louw. Two decent signings those.
Yeah not ideal for you. Didn't realise Simelane was going as well- finally seems to have made the big step up to senior level after he was so impressive for the U20s. Going to one of the other SA sides I presume?
Zebre: Personally, really good about many of those we have signed on. We have lost around 16 players in total (many of these needed replacing) at the end of this season and the sheer amount of promising youth coming into the squad is fantastic and what has been missing for a very long time. With that said, we still need some props because we have lost 3 of our best and who we have to replace currently is very much a step down (for now).
Leicester:
Yeah it looks like really good business across the board from Tigers. Pollard, despite being a little underwhelming for Montpellier, is still one of the world's best 10s, and as good a replacement for Ford as you'll get anywhere.
On your last point, I wonder if that's true. Liebenberg and Martin have essentially never played there, and Manz and L Chessum are both really young.
Kelly and Cokanasiga is a tasty long term 12/13 partnership and nicely balanced mix of passing, power and pace.
As a Cardiff fan, pretty excited! Two big international names that cover slight problem areas for us (Faletau, L. Williams) and an important bolster for the 2nd row who also carries hard (Timani)
Don't forget you signed Thomas Young.
I still worry about the depth, which is vital for the league. As always we'll be a few injuries away from getting spanked by 20 against the established mid table teams. That being said, on that odd occasion that we get the actual first team out next season. Excited. Still desperate for a tidy hooker though.
The fuck is recruitment? Can I eat it?
Lions are specialist un-recruiters
The Lions are to SA rugby teams what SA rugby teams are to Europeans teams, and that is saying something.
As far as I’m aware the only major signing Leinster have made is Jason Jenkins who should be a nice rotational player for us in the second row who offers a skill set we don’t really have this year (being fucking massive). Other than that I’d like to see us sign a centre cause we’re light of bodies there. Henshaw, Ringrose and Frawley are all great and Osbourne is getting better and better but we need more quality depth. There was a rumour we were signing Charlie Ngatai a couple weeks ago but I’ve not heard anything about that since.
Really don't think Leinster need to be spending big on a former All Black for positions where they have Henshaw, Ringrose, Frawley, Osbourne and Tommy O'Brien already. The Byrnes and Jimmy O'B have played there as well IIRC.
Yeah it was pretty heavily rumoured that you guys were getting Ngatai. Him and Jenkins would probably solve your problem areas (if you can even call them that). Leinster will be scary next year for sure- especially as the likes of McCarthy, Soroka, Osborne and O'Brien (the younger) get more game time and develop
I don't think Jenkins will be a rotation player. We'll see but I'd say he plays every game he's fit for.
I think the Ngatai deal is done according to French commentators. Still think Leinster need loosehead cover given that Healy is slowing down and Porter will be with Ireland. After Ed Byrne you'll be looking at Milne (who has a lot of potential) and Hanan to step up.
We do need a massive lock, but I'm not sure Jenkins is it. In a fantasy draft, I'd love Will Skelton. I also think we need a better scrummaging tighthead than Mike A. Someone like Wilco Louw would do nicely. I know it's never going to happen, but by moving Porter back to loosehead we created a gap that hasn't quite been filled yet.
Munster: I think we needed the coaching ticket sorted more than anything, and Prendergast is a huge catch. Our defence has been top-notch, so hopefully Leamy can fill in for the loss of Ferreira.
We haven’t had a serious front row in years it seems. Are new and exciting props and hookers just really rare?
Wycherley, Barron and Knox could be a formidable front row in the future, but all three are very young, particularly in front row terms, and a bit green.
Honestly pretty good. We've done a LOT of recruitment and importantly in the right areas.
For Leinster I can't complain, getting a tighthead lock in Jenkins and apparently former all blacks centre Ngatai who'll provide good cover when the Internationals are away or have injuries. Still think cover at Loosehead is needed.
I’m fine with the business we’ve done so far. No stars but some solid players to add depth which we’ve lacked. We still need to add a few positions though:
If Jaco Coetzee can get back to fitness and form again, you'd have one hell of a player. He is one player I rated very highly before he left. Was the bruising 6 flanker we love at the stormers.
Yeah with Watson and Faletau gone particularly, you should have a fair bit of money to play round with. Will be interesting to see who Bath come up with.
Wasps:
Who's Henry?
I agree Odendaal is going to be massive for wasps. 12 has been a problem position for us for years and Odendaal, from what I have seen of him, brings a lot of leadership experience as well as some seriously hard running in the midfield which could allow us to really let loose with the exciting outside backs.
Here at Bath, with Bruce Craig still treating the club like Gomez Adams treats toy trains, we are waiting for the next Sam Burgess to appear....
For Leinster: Overall I’m pretty happy, Jenkins is good and while I haven’t heard much about Ngatai, he’s a good player and will probably play a decent bit. My one concern is at 9. Gibson-Park is in the form of his life, but after that I’m not as optimistic. McGrath has been in poor form since the autumn internationals, and I’m not sold on Nick McCarthy. Cormac Foley has looked promising at times, but he’s very young and I wouldn’t want to put lost of pressure on him so early in his career. I just am a bit worried that we’ll struggle when JGP is not there
The Hurricanes need to start with a new head coach and work from there.
Agreed. There's the potential for an excellent backline, although the tight 5 definitely needs sorted out.
Stormers fan - devastated that gelant is leaving. Dweba is a good signing and overall player retention is decent. Ungerer is also a good signing. Still feels like we are missing something in terms of second half impact though. I'd like to see us sign another two or three deon fouries
Wasps - fairly good!
Ospreys have only signed one player, Jack Walsh, and he's someone I've never personally seen play, plus Scott Baldwin and Sam Moore who came in during the season.
From what I heard Michael Collins did a pretty good job there, so that’s promising, but I mean anyone that isn’t Dan Evans is an upgrade tbh.
Jack Walsh is going to do well for you, capable of some very exciting play for the few games he got to appear in for Exeter this season.
If Jack Walsh is like his brother, now at Tigers, he can play 15 as well.
Bristol: Relatively pleased but lacking back up in some key positions!
All good points. Morahan has been confirmed as staying for next season though. If I can find the source I'll edit and add it.
Frisch will probably be the biggest loss- a really savvy pickup by Munster. It goes without saying that Genge is one of the best looseheads (probably the best) in the Premiership, he's a huge addition. MacGinty is absolutely class- a massive upgrade on Sheedy, who's failed to impress this season. Bradbury's excellent, one of Edinburgh's best players this season and equally adept at 6 or 8.
Could do with a decent prop or two.
ASM: it's shit
Yeah losing Parra and Lopez isn't ideal even if they are getting on a bit now. Vili's a huge loss as well, I thought he looked great in what I saw of him this year. He's only 21 as well so that's a great signing for Bordeaux. Hanrahan and Matsushima won't be huge losses I don't think- neither of them have been extremely impressive for Clermont.
Jenkins is a bit underwhelming for leinster. Would have rathered kept Murphy or gone for Dillane
Jenkins fits Leinster's needs much more than both of them.
Jenkins bring the sort of size and power in the tight that we don’t really have in the squad right now. He’ll improve our scrum and maul and allow Ryan more flexibility in his role set. We’ve needed more giant tractors in the second row for a couple years and with Jenkins signed and McCarthy coming through I think we’re pretty set for TH locks next year.
I think we’d be invaded if we took Dillane
Not sure if we could get Dillane to be honest? He had offers to go to the Top14 and has French roots (born in Paris).
Nothing earthshaking in or out for Ulster. They could really use a big tighthead lock but have opted to keep Carter instead for reasons I cannot fathom since he's a valuable NIQ slot who's 4th choice and could well be 5th choice behind Izzy next year. I see some Leinster fans ITT not being very excited about Jenkins but I'd take your hand and all if offered.
Doak played 10 at age grade I’m pretty sure. Now that Cooney’s back do you reckon we could see him off the bench as the 22 in a 6/2 split?
I don't really understand how it's going to work between capuozzo, Jaminet and Ramos during the 6N and the RWC.
I can see Ramos playing a lot at flyhalf next season. Capuozzo will probably land on the wing. Heard they were following a lock from NZ/Oz/South Africa.
I imagine Ramos will be given the first chance in the 15 jersey, but if he's outperformed by Jaminet then maybe he could be the 10/15 bench cover similar to what he does for France. Was surprised that he signed the contract extension with the likes of Capuozzo and Jaminet joing- thought he'd be a great fit at Clermont with Matsushima and Lopez leaving
Worcester has got some awfully good looking blokes coming in, lots of our lads leaving but realistically Worcester have been treading water for far too long, deep rooted change is needed.
Wasps have bizarrely become a forwards orientated team since Richard Blaze arrived, and have one of the best forward packs in the league currently.
Signing Haydon-Wood maybe send the message that they want to play Umaga exclusively as a fullback
https://imgur.com/ERQGZaC.jpg
Salakai-Loto's an excellent signing imo
For La Rochelle, very happy, sad to see some of them going, but huge quality is coming.
Priso will be a big loss, but I’d say you’re definitely making a net gain. Hastoy, Tanga, Thomas and Dillane all big signings
That's a great list of players. Going hard for that second star, are we ? (After you take down Leinster in a few weeks, obv).
I actually believe that Leinster are light on experienced wingers, especially with Adam Byrne and Rory O'Loughlin departing
Maybe a little light on experience, but with Lowe, Larmour, both O’Briens and Dave Kearney I reckon they’ll be grand. O’Loughlin is 4th or 5th choice, and Byrne hasn’t had much game time at all due to injuries. They’ve got probably the best academy in the world so depth probably isn’t an issue
Terrible, lost 3 players that play 8 , 2 second rows and 2 centres and haven’t signed anyone yet so need a huge recruitment drive
We just need to keep who we have, really building something atm
I don't understand why we've resigned Ethan Waller
Pretty happy to be honest, Tizard is looking like a quality signing and we'll hopefully make him even better.
Well our issues are that we can't play a complete 80 minutes and control a result beyond the first half, so from that POV I'd say our issue is somewhere in our bench but also strength and conditioning that we're falling off so often.