Harlequins
Preview: Harlequins v Ulster, Saturday 20 August 2010, 2:30
By Quinten Poulsen
August 20 2010
Harlequins' third and final pre-season fixture takes place at The Stoop on Saturday when former HEC champions Ulster arrive for the second of their three pre-season games.
Hopefully Ulster will provide some stern opposition prior to Quins' first game of the new Aviva Premiership season – against Wasps 'away' at Twickenham Stadium in the annual London Double Header, on Saturday 4th September at 4.30pm. Stern opposition is what the team needs following the stroll in the park against Tani Fuga's testimonial side, and the comfortable win away at Connacht last Friday evening. Connacht had the plausible excuse in that it was their first run out after pre-season training, so maybe the 40 – 7 victory was about par for Quins. Having said that, Ulster have several first choice players missing including new signing Ruan Pienaar and the always impressive Stephen Ferris. In addition, a good number of the 25 players named are barely out of their academy nappies.
Ulster also played a 'friendly' last weekend, against Bath at Ravenhill, going down 26 – 14 to the visitors. They will be captained by former South Africa skipper Johann Muller.
Quins will probably be close to full strength, with new captain Chris Robshaw leading the side for the first time since his appointment a few weeks ago. It was a decision by Conor O'Shea that was greeted with a great sense of pleasure and pride by many Quins fans, having seen Robshaw come up through the academy to make the No.6 shirt his own at a very young age. He already has limited experience of the captain's role having skippered Quins a number of times over the last couple of seasons, as well as leading England's midweek team on the recent tour down under. On that note it is anticipated that England's other summer tour representatives will also return – Nick Easter, Danny Care and Ugo Monye.
Up front possibly the most fascinating prospect this season is the loosehead prop battle between the indestructible Ceri Jones and the outstanding prospect Joe Marler. At 19 Marler is a baby in terms of propping, but he is so highly rated that some think he may even displace Ceri before the season's over. That remains to be seen, although the pressure on Ceri could see the Gwent man have a superb year.
Elsewhere in the pack we were greeted on Wednesday night with the news that Danger Robson is currently 50/50 to be fit for the start of the season, and while me may see him in September only if there's an injury crisis it's very pleasing that he will be back well before originally expected. Of course the other good lock news is that Ollie Kohn is finally back fit and strong after a season out, and we should see him start in the second row with Lewis Stevenson.
The potential centre pairings also provide some fascination for Quins fans this season. The ancient Ollie Smith will be fighting it out with established youngsters Jordan Turner-Hall and George Lowe, along with Smith's fellow newbies Tom Casson and Benjamin Urdapilleta. Casson looked particularly good earlier this summer playing for England U20s in the Junior World Chamionships. He runs excellent lines and is remarkably strong in contact, and it will be interesting to see if he can produce the same form at this higher level. From a fans point of view not too much is known about Urdapilleta, although having already been capped for Argentina much will be expected, and it remains to be seen whether he'll make his name as a 10 or a 12.
On the subject of Los Pumas, Gonzalo Camacho has already made a welcome return in Tani's testimonial game and against Connacht. Out for most of last season we have yet to really witness what Camacho is capable of, although from the glimpses we've seen it looks as if the competition for wing places will be as hot as ever.
Elsewhere we should see Danny Care start at scrum half, unless his indiscretion of last weekend sees JK start him at tighthead! The scrum half position should be even more competitive this season with the arrival of Dave Moore from Leinster. He was suitably chopsy at the Meet The Players evening on Wednesday – exactly what we want in a No.9. Watching him against Tani's team the other week it was noticeable that Moore has a fast and accurate pass, and with Karl Dickson also looking to fight his way into the team we probably have more strength at scrum half than for several years.
And what of the other new signings? Maurie Fa'asavalu joins in October, and has been described as a human wrecking ball. Pete "The Rev" Browne is still only 22 years of age. He made his premiership debut aged 20, and last season played in 10 premiership matches for Newcastle falcons. He has a degree in Theology, which may not be much use on the rugby pitch, unless of course he is reading someone like Simon Shaw the last rites. Finally, Joe Gray – many Northampton fans believed Gray was potentially the best hooker at the club prior to his joining Harlequins, but age wasn't on his side as Saints also had the highly rated youngsters Dylan Hartley and Brett Sharman – both a bit older and more experienced. Now that Tani has left (God bless him) there isn't really an established hooker at Quins; so Cairns, Brooker and Gray can commence battle, although I would warn each one to look out for the up and coming Rob Buchanan.
So back to Saturday's game… our team has a lot to make up for from last season. There were too many games lost that could and should have been won, too much sloppiness, too much poor defending, and a general lack of confidence all round. On a positive note: at times they played some inspiring rugby and scored some wonderful tries. There were also some games played with immense character – Bath and Northampton at home spring to mind. Let's hope last summer's woes are a distant memory for both the squad and management, and let's hope the team starts the season in the same fashion as two years ago – the players are good enough.
A win against Ulster is to be expected, and a warm but blustery afternoon should see some tries from our talented backline. The second string look of the Ulster side would mean anything less than a comfortable win would be a disappointment, although we know the Belfast club will be anything other than a pushover.
Five Ulster players to watch
(Courtesy of the Fermanagh 1 - Etherman)
Craig Gilroy (19, Wing): Even before making history as the first player to score at the new Aviva Stadium (formerly Lansdowne Road) last month, Craig Gilroy had made a name for himself as a free running wing with stand-out performances for the Ulster Ravens last season. Gilroy is no line hugging poacher though, at over six foot and with some impressive ball skills the Ulster academy have high expectations. Not short of confidence, Gilroy was on the way to the bookies before the first game at the new Lansdowne Road, to back himself to score first, until a team mate pointed out that it was likely to get him banned!
Ian Whitten (23, Inside Centre): Whitten took a major leap forward last year by starting the majority of ML matches, alongside fellow young gun centre Darren Cave. At 6' 2" and 16st Whitten presents a serious obstacle in defence and on last season's evidence, despite question marks over his pace, continued improvement could herald a call from Declan Kidney.
Niall O'Connor (23, Outhalf): The Ulster management couldn't seem to decide between the safe but predictable O'Connor and the occasionally brilliant, occasionally hilarious, Ian Humphries at the end of last season. With no big name 10 arriving over the summer it remains to be seen if O'Connor can get Ulster's promising backline moving and ink his name on the sheet outside Ruan Pienaar this season.
Bryan Young (29, LH Prop): Regarded as one of the best technical scrummagers in Ireland, a combination of injury and Tom Court have seen his opportunities limited in recent seasons. Although not the most mobile his big frame and heart make him formidable in tight play.
TJ Anderson (23, Blind Side Fanker): Another of Ulster's young hopefuls, Anderson is a rangy number 6 and although some say a little short on power, he was part of a backrow which dominated a full strength Leinster at Ravenhill last December. A useful option in the lineout, unlike the powerful Stephen Ferris the understudy is more technique than testosterone.
Harlequins:
- Ceri Jones
- Chris Brooker
- James Johnston
- Ollie Kohn
- Tomas Vallejos
- Chris Robshaw (capt)
- Will Skinner
- Nick Easter
- Danny Care
- Nick Evans
- Ugo Monye
- Jordan Turner-Hall
- George Lowe
- Tom Williams
- Mike Brown
Replacements:
- Matt Cairne
- Joe Marler
- Mark Lambert
- Lewis Stevenson
- Tom Guest
- Karl Dickson
- Rory Clegg
- Ollie Smith
- Tom Casson
- Pete Browne
- Benjamin Urdapilleta
Ulster:
- Bryan Young
- Andi Kyriacou
- Declan Fitzpatrick
- Johann Muller (capt)
- Ryan Caldwell
- Pedrie Wannenburg
- TJ Anderson
- Robbie Diack
- Ian Porter
- Niall O'Connor
- Nevin Spence
- Ian Whitten
- Darren Cave
- Craig Gilroy
- David McIlwaine
Replacements:
- Nigel Brady
- Paul Karayiannis
- Adam Macklin
- Tim Barker
- Neil McComb
- Michael Heaney
- Ian Humphreys
- Luke Marshall
- Johnny Shiels
- Mark McCrea
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It's an excellent first one, although I was expecting more stats
Cheers WoW and QP
And of course I'd like to echo Prof's sentiments to thank WoW for all his previews. They have entertained and informed over the years! May you enjoy your preview 'retirement'
A very good and thororough first preview QP
Unfortunately, I'm off en vacances tomorrow down to Languedoc so I will miss the match. looking forward to reading about another win!
WoW
Shaun Edwards wouldn't be too worried from his seat in the West stand. Perhaps it's a bluff by us knowing he's coming.
Quote:- hmmm, I don't know how accurate your sources were - he didn't bind at all in the first half!QP
Bryan Young (29, LH Prop): Regarded as one of the best technical scrummagers in Ireland
The game's afoot;
Follow your spirit: and upon this charge,
Cry — God for Harry! England and Saint George
