By KevT
August 2 2002

The 2001/02 season was one of huge disappointment on the playing side and Quins supporters have been monitoring the pre-season signings closely. The signings have definitely improved the team and the addition of Paul Turner as Backs coach is imaginative.

A top six place would be a significant improvement on last season.

Forwards:

The management appeared to want to move towards a faster game at the end of the season and the fact that they haven’t signed a big second row would bear this out. Most of Quins tries at the end of the season started from the rolling maul which may have been a means to an end to avoid relegation. Whether Quins can play a more expansive game will depend on the platform the forwards can give them. The key will be how the untried second row pairing performs. The additions at prop and the Vos signing could be negated due the lack of a big second row pairing. If that area doesn’t perform then Quins will struggle in the lineout and scrum.

 Prop: Jon Dawson, Laurent Gomez, Jason Leonard, Bruce Starr, Pablo Cardinalli (Adrian Olver and Bruce Douglas depart)

 Not much is known about Cardinalli but have you ever seen a poor Argentine front row? Quins appear to have upgraded their Front Row with the addition of Cardinalli and Gomez. Ball was too slow last year and I will be looking for the rucking to improve. The scrum was inconsistent last year and hopefully this will be strengthened by the new additions.

 Hooker: Tani Fuga, James Hayter, Ace Tiatia, Keith Wood

 No change from last year. Woody was inspirational at the end of the season as captain and in the loose (just remember the Leeds game). His throwing in can be erratic and the concern will be that with an inexperienced second row pairing that Quins line-out will suffer. Expect Ace and Tani to play a significant role as Woody is called on for international duty or is rested.

Second Row: Alex Codling, Bill Davison, Jim Evans, Simon Miall, Karl Rudzki (Garrick Morgan and Steve White-Cooper depart)

 Second Row will be the big unknown. The engine room appears to be a bit lightweight after the departure of Garrick. Will this put pressure on the scrum? Who will partner Codling and will they secure clean line out ball? The management have put a lot of faith in young unproved players. The scrum may come under pressure due to a lighter weight pack.

 Back Row: Tony Diprose, Pat Sanderson, Luke Sherriff, Andre Vos, Roy Winters

 The addition of Vos is a significant signing but he will not be available until October. Diprose and Vos will provide a significant line out presence if Woody can find them at the tail. I hope that we will see the best of Pat Sanderson this season if he can be injury free. It will be interesting to see who gets the blind side flanker slot. I expect to see a lot more of Luke Sherriff this season.

Backs 

Last season was very disappointing. The introduction of Paul Turner as backs coach could provide a welcome boost. A lot will hinge on the half backs. They must improve from last season to provide Quins with an alternative threat. We saw Greenwood being used as a crash ball centre which was a complete waste.

 Scrum Half: Scott Bemand, Nick Duncombe, Matthew Powell

 Who will start the season at Scrum half, Duncombe or Powell? Despite playing for England I remain unconvinced about Duncombe. We heard a lot about his pace but didn’t see him use it. His pass was quick but he needs to improve his defence and clear the ball quicker from ruck situations. That said he is still very young. Powell did well last season but doesn’t provide a significant threat to opposition defences. A major factor in Quins progress this season will be their ability to play a faster and less static game. An improvement at half back is essential.

 Fly Half: Paul Burke, Seb Fitzgerald, David Slemen (Mark Mapletoft departs)

 “We love you Burkey” but… Quins need more of an attacking option at fly half and Paul Burke will never be a great running fly half. This made Quins very predictable last year and I think their weakness at half back means that they will never make the most of the firepower outside. As a place kicker there is no one better than Burkey in the premiership. It will be interesting to see what impression Paul Turner can make on David Slemen who I think shows great potential with ball in hand but whose kicking cost Quins at the end of the season.

Centre: Chris Bell, Nick Greenstock, Will Greenwood, Bill Satala (Nick Burrows departs)

 The addition of Satala gives Quins a real cutting edge in the backs. Last year they were too predictable and it was easy to mark Greenwood out of the match with little threat from Burkey at Fly Half. Satala’s presence will free up Greenwood and give him more options. With Chris Bell improving Quins will now pose a significant threat in midfield. Satala will also offer strength in defence.  I think this could make a crucial difference.

 Wing: Rob Jewell, Dan Luger, Matt Moore

 No changes from last season on the wing. Moore had an excellent season last year finishing very high up in the Premier stats for beating tackles whilst Jewell proved himself solid if not spectacular. Jewell’s lack of pace was particularly shown up in the away match at Bath when he should have got round Matt Perry for a crucial try. Quins had to get used to Luger’s absence last year and I think the addition of Williams will give Quins more options. Don’t be surprised if Chris Bell turns up on the wing.

Full Back: Ben Gollings, Nathan Williams (Ryan O’Neill departs)

This must be an improvement upon last season. Gollings played better and better towards the end of the season and Williams looks like he will be very quick. I expect both Williams and Gollings to play in the starting XV for the first part of the season with one playing full back and the other covering on the wing for the injured Luger.

 Associate Professionals: Darryl Griffin (Back Row), Jon Hammond (Full Back), Kai Horstmann (Back Row), Alex Mockford (Back Row), Ugo Monye (Wing), Andrew Reay (Centre), Sam Walton (Prop), Max Wilcox (Wing / Full Back), Tom Williams (Full Back)

 I think the key to a great season will be the performance of the younger unproven players. Gollings, Duncombe, Slemen, Bell, Miall, Rudzki, Sherriff and Sanderson. The Quins management have put a lot more faith in younger players than in previous seasons and we can only hope that their courage brings its rewards.