Quins and Exeter Changes needed?

[Magic_sponge]

I agree on a lot of what has been written here.

The first thing I’d point out though is that Quins are hiring a Head Coach as opposed to a DoR. It sounds like a fairly subtle difference, but as I see it, Evans, Jones and Flannery are a relatively inexperienced group and I think we want another more senior, but still hands-on coach as opposed to an organiser. Millard is more or less a DoR in all but name.

Matson feels like a good fit. I’d be happy enough if it is him, but whoever it is will hopefully take on board what has worked so well and look to build on that - not change it.

In terms of changes, we do need to tighten up in defence and improve the depth in the squad, but the signings we’ve made so far are pretty encouraging. For example, I think Allan is a very good player who will fit in nicely and is a huge upgrade on Herron.

As Stom pointed out, another loosehead is much needed. Garcia Botta is dreadful and the drop off from Marler to him is massive. Els is promising but not really ready to be 2nd choice IMO. Someone like James Cronin would be ideal. I would have happily taken McIntrye or Morozov.

I’d imagine we’re now a much more attractive proposition than we were previously!

The biggest thing imo is defence. We barely have one right now and I want to be able to use my fingernails again at some point

Is it normal (and am I right in thinking that Quinns don't have one) to not have a defence coach? Was thinking of the four coaches we see on TV so had a look on their website and it doesn't mention a defence coach. Would explain a lot, but does that sometimes fall into other coaches remit?

[Scrumhead]

I think it’s part of Jerry Flannery’s remit post-Gustard.

Might see a re-shuffle next season with a new head coach coming in.

[FKAS]

Towards the end of his time there certainly. There was a time after he signed when he was talked up as an England player.

He should have got some caps, very good player. He was in the frame before he went to Exeter.

Didn’t he end up playing mostly at 8 for Exe, possibly leading to the position that S Simmonds is currently in with Eng. It’s either that or the fact he was so strongly championed by Diggers that did for his England chances.

I think he ended up at 8 because he controlled best at the base and Eddie had told him to improve his carrying so he was doing a fair bit of that. Agree it probably helped Simmonds break through as Chiefs were then set up with two massive flankers in Ewers and Armand so a 7/8 hybrid could flourish.

[Digby]

protecting 1st phase is where it's at, or not