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A glimpse at Leicester's potential backline with the addition of Kyle Eastmond
Over the past six weeks, there has been growing speculation about where former Wasps centre Kyle Eastmond will be playing his rugby in the coming season. One of the most likely destinations for the 29-year-old is Leicester Tigers, who have been searching for an explosive addition to their backline.
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Eastmond has been without a club since the end of this season after having been released from the Coventry based club. This is yet another setback for the former Rugby League star who as of yet has not managed to meet the hype that originally surrounded him on his move to Union.
Since his release, there has been a great deal of speculation about where he will end up, one popular rumour is that he is set for a return to Rugby League, by joining north-west based club Warrington Wolves. Eastmond made a name for himself at St Helens, scoring all of the Saint’ points in their defeat to Leeds in the 2009 Grand Final.
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However a move to Welford Road could be just the answer that the centre is looking for as he would be joining a backline that is packed with power and pace alike. Discussion on social media has hinted at this move and it appears that a deal is looking more likely with every passing day.
A source tells me Kyle Eastmond is close to moving to Leicester Tigers.
— Neil Fissler (@neilfissler) July 18, 2018
We have put together a potential Tigers 2018/2019 backline if the Kyle Eastmond transfer was to go ahead. It appears to be packed with speed and creativity which the Midlands team greatly needs.
Matt Toomua has been omitted from this list due to his strong links to a move back to Australia.
15. Mathew Tait
Age appears to only be a number for the 32-year-old Leicester star who is as fast as ever coming into his eighth season at Welford Road. Tait impressively managed to chase down Wasps flyer Dan Robson this year in a foot race that many other players would have lost. There is significant competition from the likes of Adam Thompstone in this position, however it is clear that a team without Tait suffers significantly.
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14. Telusa Veainu
The New Zealand born Tongan has been somewhat of a revelation since his arrival at Leicester Tigers. His speed and footwork surpass that of almost every other player in the Premiership and he simply has to be included in this backline.
13. Manu Tuilai
Tuilagi adds a different dynamic to this backline with his explosive runs and carrying. Over the past few years, it appears that teams have managed to handle his game style by man marking the 27-year-old. Nonetheless, this still takes bodies out the game which creates more space for some of the faster players on the flanks.
12. Kyle Eastmond
Eastmond acts as the perfect counterweight to Tuialgi with his pace and footwork. It would be interesting to see Eastmond creating holes that could be very quickly exploited by his partner in the midfield. The former Wasps flyer would also add a different dimension to that of Matt Toomua who lacks a step of pace on his potential replacement.
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11. Jonny May
May adds some serious speed to this backline. A player like Kyle Eastmond could easily find gaps for the England star to break through. His performances for England this seasons have been impressive to say the least, none more so than his fantastic try against South Africa last month.
10. George Ford
The England 10 has struggled to win over many pundits this season with poor performances for both club and country this year. Couple that with claims that Tommua was a better choice at outside half and you have a player who is low on confidence and form. Despite this, it is evident that Ford is a player with genuine class who needs the reassurance to know that he has the backing of his team to properly control the game. We have seen his class in matches where it is apparent that he is steering the boat, and Eastmond does not seem like the player to tell Ford where to go.
9. Ben Youngs
The long-serving Tigers scrum-half was an easy pick on this list. His experience at 9 means that the likes of Holmes and Veainu can chase his kicks safe in the knowledge that they are going to land in optimum positions for competition in the air. Similarly to Ford, it could be argued that Youngs is somewhat of a confidence player so it is important that this Tigers team hits the ground running come the start of the 2018/2019 season.
Comments on RugbyPass
Nice that Connor Evans is happy to stay on here, that JD Schikerling is returning and Steven Kitshoff. Dobbo is careful to bring back just anybody but having a new financial lease of life, it has made the Stormers a more attractive club. On top of being good quality, having the financial backing helps a lot
1 Go to commentsEngland-qualified too, I believe.
1 Go to commentsThis might turn out to be emblematic of a real issue in Irish rugby. Ireland have one of the best -if not the best - senior sides in the world, and one of the best under 20s sides as well, but don’t seem to be giving graduating under20s players many opportunities to break through into URC starting lineups. There is a risk that a lot of the junior talent they are developing will either be wasted, or lost to other nations.
1 Go to commentsYou ask good questions, Nick. The group who have put together the proposal to play out of Tarneit and participate in the growing of the ground’s capacity are not a bunch of white knights who have been dragged in post-crisis; they were around whilst the Rebels accummulated $23m in debt. Why do we come up with ideas that might make the franchise affordable after it’s broke and not when it might have prevented the trainwreck this offseason was? As for Gordon/Kellaway v Lolesio/Wright, they are both good options. I think the former are better rugby players but the goal kicking of Noah may be decisive when Schmiddy makes his choices. I know Harry Jones has the hots for Edmed but I think it’s one of his few poor choices and he and Jorgensen aren’t close to the other pairs. By coincidence, the wife and I went into town over the weekend to watch Brian Cox and Patricia Clarkson in Long Day’s Journey into Night. Beautifully acted but it was 3.5 hours in the chair and very hard work. Like the Rebels, there were only small bursts of joy to go with a lot of bad news and a depressing story line. In the end, I was hoping it would end and I could give my sore butt a break. Again, familiar.
40 Go to commentsGood decision, very good player but not international quality. But so was Jamison Gibson Park …..
3 Go to commentsLoose forwards always look good going forward and winning. It’s the same loose forwards for the Crusaders and the Canes this year as last year. Too much of the shiny new things getting noticed here while older consistent ones getting bagged. It’s early days. Calm the farm.
6 Go to commentsThanks Nick, and on the money. We tend to be apathetic until something REALLY BAD happens, then we aren't! At least this applies to the Reb players and coach, if not the spectators. They seem to be getting very quick ball at times. Have they altered something, or is it just all of the skills coming together at the right time? It seems almost the opposite of the Reds, who started the season with quick ball, but haven't been showing that in the last 3 losing games. Is it attitude (McDermott hasn't looked “right” to me for 3 weeks), or something else?
40 Go to commentsGood summary. As said, Sevu Reece has been electrifying for the Crusaders. Great try and he has been everywhere. Amazing he is now equal with Caleb Ralph , club record of 52 tries for the Crusaders. That record beckons. Good to see Dallas McLeod getting regular starts at last. A big few weeks are ahead.
6 Go to commentsGood article/interview.As was said Christian Lio-Willie was barnstorming when he came on for the Crusaders. What happened at the end, self-explanatory.Captain fantastic Scott Barrett is due back soon as well, once they are back from Aussie. Great to see Ethan Blackadder back last week.
1 Go to commentsYou must have been watching one team, Andrew - and even then you missed the brightest star in the Chiefs pack - Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 2 turnovers, genuine line-out presence and grunt around the field, and the soft hands of a back.
6 Go to commentsHaha what a crock of sh!t these headlines are. Moorby’s best year was that first. Still doesn’t seem to have the same game about him as when he was fresh but has bounced back well this season to be playing consistent tight accurate footy
3 Go to commentsIt’s even dumber than Bernard Foley not kicking the penalty to touch in the Melbourne Bledisloe in 2022.
3 Go to commentsYes, they are traveling well but it’s early days. The Chiefs were in front with 20 to go while they snatched a last minute win v the Reds. Keep calm.
1 Go to commentsThe failure of the Irish system / rugby playing style to produce their own backs has them looking elsewhere for innovation and flair - not that Jordie has much flair. He’s a converted fullback. The Canes have plenty of other younger options.
10 Go to comments1.Watch Wallace Sititi be the wild card AB. A genuine full time no 8 2. Luke J like Sotutu has not delivered. 3. Chiefs have all the right cattle but badly miss the leadership of Webber. LJ is about as unconvincing as Sam Cane when under the pump. They had the winning of that game in the second half then fell apart.
6 Go to commentsYes the Rebels are showing signs of life because they are literally playing for their live -lihoods and thanks to their Australian attack coach. However they are still playing an essentially dull boring south african style for the rest of the time. And Geoff Parling must be the most useless lineout coach ever. Worse than Steve Hansen even. Interestingly we are starting to see more cheap shots and attempts to get away with cheating by Australian players, now they are being influenced by Joe Schmidt. It was exactly the same when Rennie started out as Wallaby coach and thru his tenure. Trying to teach Australians to play like kiwis doesn’t work, as the last 20 years has conclusively demonstrated. Especially when we are not as good at it as kiwis. Which of course is the whole idea …..
40 Go to commentsGreat signing, not sure where he’ll fit in though. As for him ‘playing alongside RG Snyman, that’s highly debatable given the likelyhood that the latter will spend most of the season on sick leave.
10 Go to commentsWowee!
10 Go to commentsEvery team that has played a game in Africa this Champions Cup season is already out of the competition - including the SA teams. Could be a concidence.
30 Go to commentsthat should offer some experiences for Jordie.
10 Go to comments