Five to ollow...
Brendan Gallagher marks your card on some of the players you should be keeping an eye on during the 2018-19 Premiership season
FIVE OVERSEAS PLAYERS:
James Horwill (Harlequins): Although much respected by all at the club it hasn’t really happened for Horwill on the pitch at Quins since he joined them three years ago. Injuries have not helped nor the general inconsistency of the club, but the former Australia captain could have a massive influence this season if he can stay fit and provide that guaranteed line-out possession Quins badly need.
Charles Piutau (Bristol):
Have boots will travel. Ever since, remarkably, New Zealand decided that Charles Piutau was surplus to requirements to their 2015 World Cup squad the Tongan has been leaving vapour trails for first Wasps and then Ulster before cash rich Bristol swooped to secure his services – reputedly at a £1m per season. Will enjoy playing alongside his brother Siale and if he produces the goods it will be money will spent.
LIma Sopaga (Wasps):
Ridiculously talented Kiwi from Wellington who was the star man in the fabled 2011 New Zealand U20 side that swept to the Junior World Cup. Has sparked the exiting Highlanders back division for a number of years and despite the presence of Dan Carter, Aaron Cruden and Beauden Barrett has won 18 All Blacks caps. Plays it fast and loose and would seem a perfect fit at free booting Wasps.
Vereneki Gonova (Newcastle):
Consumate wing who makes it look all so easy and effortless that you sometimes wonder if the opposition are trying. They are! Took the scenic route to the top with a short period with Rotherham Titans followed by four years of ProD2 rugby with Colomiers and Tarbes before Leicester recognise his talent and signed him up. Now providing the cutting edge and magic moment for Newcastle.
Telusa Veainu (Leicester):
Suffered a serious jaw injury against Munster in the European Cup last season which took a while getting over but still produced the Premiership try of the season – against Saracens – and was also voted the Players player of the year. The Tongan – who played for New Zealand under age teams – is a devastating runner who could feature even more prominently if the rest of the Tigers back division could click consistently.
FIVE SPOTLIGHT: COACHES IN THE Paul Gustard (Harlequins):
Superb defensive coach and de facto number two at Saracens, excellent defensive coach and assistant for Eddie Jones and England – can Gustard, above, now make the step up to being a
number one? It’s the big question that hangs over most coaches as they progress up the ladder. On paper should be the man to bring a bit of steel and backbone to a Quins side that folded way too easily in some games last season.
Chris Boyd (Northampton):
Saints need some stability and direction and Chris Boyd, below, is the coach they have turned to. Experienced Kiwi who coached with Tonga at RWC2011, the IRB Academy, New Zealand U20 in 2012 and for the last three years the all singingall dancing Hurricanes Super Rugby franchise. Enjoys an open attacking style but made his way initially as a defensive guru so Saints will tighten up there first.
Pat Lam (Bristol):
Superb flanker and leader with Auckland, Newcastle, Saints and Samoa, Lam, left, wasn't an instant hit as a coach – it didn’t go well at Auckland – but proved a shrewd man manager and motivator at Connacht, taking them to an unlikely PRO14 title. Made the switch to Bristol and was immediately confronted with a fraught Championship campaign which he negotiated without too many dramas. Can his Bristol hit the ground running in the Premiership?
Todd Blackadder (Bath):
Thousands of miles on the clock as a player with Canterbury, New Zealand and Edinburgh, Blackadder, above, arrived at Bath after a long spell coaching Canterbury but for whatever reason it hasn’t quite happened for him at the Rec yet. A talented squad hasn’t shown consistency and Bath coaches are always under more pressure than most to produce both a winning team and an attractive style. Pivotal season for him.
Mark McCall (Saracens):
We probably stand accused of taking McCall, below, for granted. The Ulsterman has been phenomenally successful at Saracens since arriving from Castres while he also spent some fruitful years coaching Ulster. It’s a huge 24/7 job keeping the Saracens machine running smoothly with so many players involved in Test rugby and expectations so high. Chooses his lieutenants well, doesn’t let the pressure bog him down, treats his players like adults.