Matson tweaks masterplan to keep Quins competitive
Tabai Matson insists Harlequins must “get the nuts and bolts right” to ensure they stay in the top four and continue to be serious title challengers.
The Stoop boss believes it will be even tougher for his men to regain the title they saw captured by Leicester Tigers in June when the new season kicks into life next month.
The New Zealander was hugely disappointed he was not able to lead the London club to back-toback Premiership successes. He had hoped to make a major impact in the job he took over a year ago having watched from afar as Billy Millard and the players went from alsorans to champions.
Their bid to retain the title was derailed by Saracens in the semi-final at the StoneX and Matson insists he and his coaching team have been working out ways to “tweak” the masterplan for success.
“It was my first year at Quins and even though we missed out on keeping the title, making the top four was still a big achievement,” said Matson.
“We just didn't have the energy to get over that semi-final hurdle. All the coaches and players went away for their summer breaks knowing it was an opportunity missed and naturally it's something that grates with you for a while at least. But, at the same time, it also gives you renewed energy and motivation to put things right this time and make sure we get to Twickenham.
“The simple fact is we have to be better. You are always trying to tweak things. The top four could be completely different again if you don't get your nuts and bolts right. You have to do the simple things well to lay the foundation for consistently high performances.
“It is such a tight competition that the top four could easily be completely different this time. There are other clubs who will fancy their chances of breaking into it.
“But I am confident we can give it another real go as we have a very strong and talented squad plus a top class coaching set-up with so many fresh ideas and real drive.”
Matson added: “The players will be keen to hit the ground running again in September with the intensity in pre-season even higher because the guys aree very motivated to get themselves in the best possible shape.
“It's important to start well but it's mainly about how you build up that momentum and maintain it throughout the campaign.”
