By A+L Stand
December 27 2004

Well I thought I’d take the opportunity to give my assessment of how various squad members have faired in the first half of the 2004/05 season, hand out a few merit awards and perhaps identify where improvement can be made.
The marks for each player reflect achievement rather than effort, predominantly because I don’t think you could question the effort from any Tiger in the season so far.

This isn’t intended as a comprehensive review of performances of the whole squad, indeed there are notable exceptions such as Ephraim Taukafa, James Hamilton, and Will Skinner who I have not seen enough of to warrant an appraisal. I’ve been, in my opinion, quite harsh in awarding marks out of ten in this article as I don’t think a collection of 9 and 10s would be that interesting. The marks given perhaps reflect the relative importance of that players performance in the success of the team to date.

So first to the forwards and specifically the front row.

Graham Rowntree
One of the more senior members of the class but one who seems to have found a new lease of life this season. Always a consistent performer Graham’s performance for Tigers (and likewise for England) this term has demonstrated both his ability in the scrum, where the partnership with Chuter & White must constitute the best front row in England and probably Europe, and a new vigour for more open field play. I even think I’ve seen a reverse pass from the old boy! Very good start to the year 8/10

Julian White
While Julian doesn’t contribute that much to the open play of the team, his performance in the scrum has been unsurpassed by any opponent or team mate and makes up for any lack of contribution to open field play (and then some). His power and technique are simply beyond my comprehension so I’m afraid my appraisal is a bit limited. A key element to the well oiled machine of the Tigers forward pack 9/10

Darren Morris
Darren may not be a headline catcher like White or Rowntree, however, he doesn’t let the side down at all. His, pie-fed bulk added required balast to the scrum during the autumn internationals. Although Darren could do with improving his fitness levels this should not be at the expense of his powerful scummaging which helped enormously in the Autumn internationals. 7/10 done exactly what’s been asked of him.

Michael Holford
A very promising young player is young Michael (he said patronising) he is one of the players who this term has demonstrated to me that the future of the playing side of the club is sound. If he maintains his progress and learns from players of the stature of White and Rowntree he should be a mainstay of the squad in the future. He has had limited opportunity to impress but has done so when I have seen him play 6/10

George Chuter
When I think of George’s performances so far this season one word spring to mid and that is enthusiasm! He has this in abundance and this is most evident in his open play, his pop pass to Ben Kay against Gloucester will live long in the memory. George must be pushing for an England call as his Line-out and scrummaging is as good as any England qualified hooker in the premiership. Would have scored higher but for his over enthusiasm which earned him a six week break; 7/10

James Buckland
Another young player like Holford with which I have been mightily impressed with this term. I think there has been an improvement in Cabbage’s play since he went to New Zealand. There’s still room for improvement, particularly involving his line-out throwing, but in my opinion this is the case with most young front row players, these seem to be positions where there’s no substitute for experience. Impressive when called upon; 7/10

Richard Cockerill
It’s just a lot more fun having Cockers around again. He has performed solidly when the need has arisen. There also seems to be a renewed verve to the forward play that has coincided with his introduction to the coaching system. As a player 6/10 (reflecting lack of game time) but as a coach 8/10

The Second Row

Martin Johnson
What can you say about Martin that hasn’t already been said? Nothing really I’m afraid. One point I will make is that the fact Martin is still playing for Tigers is the strongest indication the huge commitment this colossus has to Leicester Tigers. On the playing side I get the impression he has performed in the line-out better than he has in the past 2 or 3 years, I think the release from International Rugby has done him the world of good. As a captain he is simply unsurpassed. 10/10 does this man ever warrant a lesser score?

Louis Deacon
A very impressive 1st half of the season for Louis and again another Tigers forward pressing for international honours. This chap reminds me a lot of a young Martin Johnson in his style of play. If there is a criticism to be made I’d just like to see him dominate the opposition like his second row partner. A very good start to the season 7/10

Ben Kay
Understandably Ben hasn’t had the best start to the season so far. However, in recent weeks I think we’ve begun to see some of the old Whopper and I look forward to his improving form and increased contribution to the Tigers cause through the course of the 2nd half of the season. His ability to threaten the oppositions line-out ball is a valuable asset to side. Better to come I expect 6/10



The Back Row

Lewis Moody
It’s fantastic to see Lewis back playing for Tigers. The quality of Lewis’ performances so far this season having been out injured for so long has clearly demonstrated that he is a quality player whose almost suicidal enthusiasm is exhilarating to watch. While I’m not sure he has the guile demonstrated by Backy, his speed around the park and ability to integrate with the back-line, as demonstrated in games this season, can be a devastating attacking option. One negative point however has been the amount of penalties conceded by our blond bombshell. 8/10

Neil Back
It’s been an absolute pleasure to be able to watch the old master at work this season. Like Johnson I think Neil’s performances have improved since his international retirement. If he carries on this season like he has started in my book he should be inked into the Lions squad, as long as we can have him back next season! 9/10

Bret Deacon
Another of the young, up and coming players in the Tigers squad; he is a valuable addition providing an athletic option for John Wells. His performances have been solid if not as eye catching as say Cozza’s or Moody’s. An excellent start lets see some more 7/10

Will Johnson
“Mr dependable” has been exactly that this season, always there to do what is asked of him by John Wells. Every successful team needs players such as Will. A true club man 7/10.


Henry Tuilagi
Henry is one of the most entertaining back row forwards in the league. I would imagine there is nothing worse for a back to see than Henry, ball in hand, hurtling towards you. I’d be diving into the stands I think! Unfortunately, this unstoppable force has met a few immovable objects so far and has consequently been injured for a large proportion of the season so far, consequently this is reflected in his score. 6/10

Martin Corry
Martin has been a revelation this season so far. He seems to be able to do nearly every job on the pitch with his rampaging runs were a highlight on the Heineken Cup double header. Cozza has got to be the front runner for the player of the season. 10/10

And so that concludes the half term report for Tigers’ forward squad members. I hope I haven’t ruffled to many feathers.

Seasons greeting,

Lee