Recruitment 3
Chiefs
By Black_otter
June 25 2013
Black_otter continues his lookm at Exeter Chiefs recruitment with season 2012/13
Signings for (and during) season 2012/13
Ian Whitten – another Norn Irishman joining the fold, Whitts came to Exe looking for more regular gametime; in some ways his versatility (seems to play equally well at 11,12,13 & 14) has counted against him, and he’s been unlucky with the form of our other centres (Shoey, Dolly, Naqer); has done everything asked of him and his experience has been invaluable. Verdict = quiet success;
Alex Brown - arrived from Doncaster to add depth to our front row resources, and arguably has done that, being called upon to shore up the front row when injuries denuded us of other options; still young and one suspects has more learning to do, but seems eager. Verdict = quiet success;
Jack Yeandle – locally born, also arrived from the championship probably imaging that he would be mainly out on loan and adding depth to hooking resource; but has seized his chance in the wake of a cruel run of injuries for his rivals, a player very much in the Chrissy W mould that always gives his absolute all. Verdict = success;
Carl Rimmer – arriving from Pirates over last summer one imagined to principally add depth to our loosehead resources behind Sturge and Mooner, Carl not only found himself co-hosting the Pow-Wow late in the season, but also starting at tighthead against the reigning champions of Europe in Exe’s first venture in the Heino – life surely doesn’t get much sweeter Verdict = success;
Kai Horstmann – our very own warrior from Wuss, I imagined that he might push on to challenge Richie B for the no8 shirt more than he has been able, but perhaps that is largely down to our retiring ligind’s consistency and general excellent. Can hopefully battle James Phillips to step into the big man’s shoes next season. Verdict = neutral;
Damien Welch – might easily have deserved international recognition when at the Scarlets, but apparent tensions with the coaching staff had limited his gametime; started slowly at Sandy Park, has had to bide his time, but the last couple of months have seen his true value come thru, not to mention his perfection of the seagull plop. Verdict = success;
Dean Mumm – arrived from the ‘Tahs as a recent Wallaby with heightened expectations as to what he might bring; has by and large delivered on those. Verdict = success;
Will Chudley – scratched my head with this signing, wondering what Rob had seen in Newcastle’s second or third choice scrumhalf, but injuries forced young Chudders quickly to the front, and much like Carl Rimmer, he took his chance extremely well. Verdict = success;
Watisoni Votu – the drawn out saga of his arrival probably dulled my expectations such that when he actually appeared at Exe I confess I wasn’t expecting that much from this former Fiji 7’s captain; has found it difficult to break into the starting team and is off already! Verdict = disappointing;
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Exeter Chiefs - living the dream!
Thoughts are like arrows: once released , they strike their mark. Guard them well or one day you may be your own victim
So looking forward to seeing how Dave Lewis, Ceri Sweeney, Tome James, Fetu'u Vainikolo, and Greg Bateman (and maybe Don Armand, plus one other) turn out this coming season - I'm keeping my expectations low as always, but can't wait to be surprised on the upside as usual!
Looking forward to the new season already!
Time for a pipe of Old Toby!
i do hope Kai shows us he has more than good ball handling skills and is more than just a good squad player and mentor for the younger lads..if he doesn`t, we may need strengthening in the backrow..appreciate we probably have a back 5 player to arrive yet
Someone in the mould of Peter Short would give a lot of grunt.
Quote:+1Little Plums
I usually find myself agreeing with you, Black, but I think you're doing Whits a bit of a dis-service. I'm a great advocate of his and, for me, he has been a resounding success - not just a quiet one. He came into an established back line and made the 13 shirt his own. Although not a natural winger he still covered there and injury at a crucial point in the season hampered his chances of more starts, combined with Dolly finding a great run of form. Ian shows a huge amount of flair, with an eye for a gap and to my mind him and Shoey are the best centre pairing we've got. I think Ian shows humility, which should not be misteken for a lack of success and firmly believe that we will see a lot more of him next season. Verdict: Black Otter to upgrade to him to Success, with a +1 capital S.
Quote:Dawlish ChiefQuote:+1Little Plums
I usually find myself agreeing with you, Black, but I think you're doing Whits a bit of a dis-service. I'm a great advocate of his and, for me, he has been a resounding success - not just a quiet one. He came into an established back line and made the 13 shirt his own. Although not a natural winger he still covered there and injury at a crucial point in the season hampered his chances of more starts, combined with Dolly finding a great run of form. Ian shows a huge amount of flair, with an eye for a gap and to my mind him and Shoey are the best centre pairing we've got. I think Ian shows humility, which should not be misteken for a lack of success and firmly believe that we will see a lot more of him next season. Verdict: Black Otter to upgrade to him to Success, with a +1 capital S.
+1
Quote:Adam Bails
Do people reckon we will sign another second row as cover?
Someone in the mould of Peter Short would give a lot of grunt.
+1
Tommy is apparently likely to miss the start of the season so that leaves, Mumm, Hanks and Welch
I suspect Phillips will mostly be playing in the backrow this year and Will Carrick-Smith hasnt played at this level yet.. Another Lock IMO wouldnt hurt.
Shame we missed the boat on Nick Kennedy..
Quote:Tom A HawkQuote:Adam Bails
Do people reckon we will sign another second row as cover?
Someone in the mould of Peter Short would give a lot of grunt.
+1
Tommy is apparently likely to miss the start of the season so that leaves, Mumm, Hanks and Welch
I suspect Phillips will mostly be playing in the backrow this year and Will Carrick-Smith hasnt played at this level yet.. Another Lock IMO wouldnt hurt.
Shame we missed the boat on Nick Kennedy..
I totally agree. I saw Nick Kennedy join quins and thought what a good signing. Although would have a hefty wage packet if coming from toulon.