Ahh pre-season, the time when professional rugby players across the country come together again, and spend the hottest weeks in year in the gym lifting heavier and heavier weights, running up and down pitches, as well as trying to reach lift off whilst on a watt bike. Leicester Tigers have been no different, and under the expertise of Aled Walters have been putting themselves through the ringer, in order to present themselves forward for the start of the new season in peak physical condition. I too, have also undergone a pre-season training regime as well, not helped by a 2 week road trip around Scotland, meaning fitting into my upcoming Wedding suit is looking more and more of a challenge. C’est le vie.
Leicester Tigers head into the 2021-2022 season on the back of their 6th placed finish in June, which maybe was higher than was expected when we kicked off against Gloucester all those months ago. As a result, there is an air of optimism and hope around Oval Park and Welford Road these days, something that has not been seen for a while, with fans wondering what is possible for the Tigers this year, and speculating what is in store for the season ahead. So, it only makes sense, for me to jump on the bandwagon and give my opinion (for what it’s worth) on how we will go.
Well for starters “the first time in a while” or words to that effect, may take a bit of heavy battering in this piece because Leicester are finally going into a new season doing things and in a place which feels part of a distant past, and not something associated with us in previous summers. For example, pre-season. For numerous reasons, from the diabolic and unforgivable (yes Matt O’Connor, I do mean you) to the unfortunate (Covid-19), Tigers have not had a proper pre-season block for what I think is 4 years, not since the run up to the 2017-18 season. It therefore can be no coincidence, that in that time Leicester managed to find rock-bottom. “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail” is a slightly corny saying, but the reality is that is correct. It is hardly surprising that Leicester have struggled when they have not done the hard yards properly in the build up, whilst everyone else has done theirs properly.
Well this year, it is pleasing to say has been different. From my reckoning, there has been a 9-10 week block between the first group of players reporting back to when we kick-off against Exeter, will 3 warm-up games thrown in for good measure. International players for the most part have spent a good amount of time with the club, meaning a good body of work has been produced across the board by the squad and coaches together, building on the strong foundations set last year. We have seen the benefits of our improved fitness last year with little warm up time under Aled, so it is exciting to think what might have been achieved with more time available. Defensive systems and developing the attack, the latter point almost non-existent last year, can also be worked on at length, so that when the season begins properly, they can be built upon, rather than built from scratch. The additions of Kevin Sinfield (Sir/Super Kev) and Richard Wigglesworth to the coaching team, and the official appointment of Matt Smith in attack should allow for greater focus in these areas.
It is not just the time element together that helps, the team has also benefitted from having 3 good run outs against Jersey, Dragons and Scarlets, meaning that pretty much everyone has managed to get minutes under the belt in a competitive setting. Ringrust can be thrown off, ideas and combinations can be tested and worked on, and coaches can truly evaluate where the overall squad is at. To compare with our opponents in our 1st 5 league games, Exeter have played 1, Gloucester 2, Saracens 2, London Irish 1, and Worcester Warriors 2. As a result, Leicester can go into the season feeling a bit more tested and a bit more comfortable of knowing where they are at as a squad, even if it things to work on more than things to be pleased with. Might not seem that big a deal, but it may prove all the difference in a year when tight margins are going to be crucial.
One of the more pleasing elements over the last 12 months has been in the way that Tigers have developed their squad under Steve Borthwick. Gone are the days when you look at a squad list, knowing there are players that are not up to standard and you would not want playing. Now there is a young, hungry squad, full of talent and potential, with all having a role to play this year. “For the first time in a while”, the Tigers now have genuine squad depth with 3-4 players to each position capable of pulling on the shirt. The squad is also an interesting mix of experienced internationals – Ford, Youngs and Genge, first time internationals wanting to have more – Heyes, Kelly, Martin, Steward, the list goes on, good quality back up players – Clare, Burns, Nephi for example, as well as talented youngsters such as JVP, Whitcombe, Dolly to name just 3. Throw in our top drawer overseas players – Nemani, Montoya, Moroni, Wiese, again this is a long list in itself, and suddenly you have a squad with all bases covered. It allows for plenty of rest and rotation to come in, as well as protect ourselves in the winter months when injuries and international periods kick in. On paper, Leicester have the tools to be able to cope with the challenges posed – “for the first time in a while.”
Linked in with the squad development, has been another summer of good recruitment. Players have been brought in that all add something to the existing group, again “for the first time in a while”. Marco Van Staden for example, looking at this exploits the last few weeks for South Africa, looks a certain star signing, that should get all us fans excited. Burns, Hegarty, and Van Wyk to give 3 examples look astute bits of business, that are capable of either being back up players or challenging for a regular starting spot alike. Throw in young players like Dan Richardson and Dan Lancaster that have plenty of talent and potential, and suddenly it feels like all bases are covered, and compliment the players already here. Again it means that competition for places will be high, as well as ensure all members of the squad feel like they have a realistic chance of playing.
So with all this, what can Tigers be working towards or us as fans be looking for? For me personally I want to see a continuation of the good work completed over the last 12 months, building upon last year’s performance. This is year 2 of a 3-5 year project after all. The key numbers for me from last year as starting points are 11 wins & 8 bonus points, with 54 points in total. Improving on that would be a start, with more tries scored and less conceded. Tigers finished 17 points off the top 4 last year, so again for starters, looking to close that gap would be my starting point. A development of playing style into a more varied and fluid attack would also be my key expectations. Given the time in pre-season as mentioned, there would be no excuses for Tigers to not have worked on that and developed some subtlety and deception into their game, to enable our backs to benefit. A continuation of bringing on and developing our young players, as well as a run to the knock-out stages of Europe complete my own personal wishlist.
As to what I think we will achieve, then I think all of this is A) achievable, and B) what we will see. Already, we can see from the pre-season games that there is an intent to try and play more rugby, and bring variety into their game. Whilst I’m not expecting us to turn into the All Blacks, it would be nice to see us going through the phases and use the backs to their full potential. With Ford & Burns as main playmakers, this should be what we see. Given the rate of improvement that the coaching team has produced over the last 12 months, it is exciting to think what can be achieved over the next 10 months. I personally think Tigers are now a team that is spoken about with respect around the league, maybe something we did not get last year. I expect us to have to battle for every point and win, as teams will not view us as the comedy club any more. Personally I think Steve and the boys will be targeting a top 6 finish for starters, then looking to narrow the gap to the top 4.
All this takes place in a league that is more competitive than ever. For starters we have grown to 13 teams (I am not entering into that debate), and with Saracens returning, it feels like the league has gone up a notch. As a result, it is not just Tigers with eyes on the higher spots. From my reckoning I have 9 teams that will consider themselves genuine top 4 contenders, with another 2 or 3 that will fancy themselves in the 5th to 8th bracket. It therefore means, that tight margins and any slight advantages will be crucial. Bonus points is a favourite point of mine, and one that I believe holds great weight in determining a league finish. Tigers need to up their game here, as well as do better in restricting their opposite numbers from gaining their own bonus points. Away victories, will also be an important currency in the new season, and could prove the difference in where teams finish. Tigers do have an advantage in this area. With the return of crowds, the team should be able to benefit from a packed Welford Road cheering them on, and providing a return to a hostile atmosphere to opposition teams. Tigers are also blessed with a decent away support, especially in comparison to the league. It may help in the close games away from home, to see and hear friendly faces willing them on.
Overall I personally think Tigers will finish 4th, which may be a tough high, and slightly more with the heart than the head. However, with a standing start last year, Tigers got 17 points off the top 4, and really should have got closer. With more time together, the clever recruitment, the pre-season and the strong squad, there is no reason to think that is a long-shot. Throw in the return of crowds and suddenly there is a point of difference they can use.
However, whilst I think top 4 can be achieved, I will not be disappointed if we miss out, and I do not expect it to happen either. Throwing all our eggs in the top 4 basket only, was a reason for our downfall, and one we should be careful of not repeating. Therefore as fans, it is important that we stay patient, and expect bumps in the road. If we miss out, then so be it, but what I do expect is us to improve on last year, and keep building. Do that, and I’ll be happy, we can then see where we end up. The only certainty is that it won’t be boring! To Steve and the boys, go well!
Elliott
P.s. it would be remiss of me to not mention (if you have managed to miss it of course) that in conjunction with the excellent Mike of the Rucked Over blog, we have a new Leicester Tigers fan podcast out called The Rolling Maul. We are on Twitter (@therollingmaulpod), and are available to listen and download on Apple, Spotify and Google amongst others. We’ve managed to get nearly 1000 downloads so far in our 1st 2 weeks, which is brilliant, and we’re really grateful for all the positive feedback and comments that we have had. If you’ve not listened, then please do give us a try, and if you’re already listening, thanks for joining us. There’s a few different things we’ve got planned which we hope you’ll like so keep your eyes peeled!
(The profile photo to this piece is taken from the Leicester Tigers twitter page, and all credit should go to them.)