Final RABO Table

by welshman4life Mon Jul 02, 2012 3:32 am

First topic message reminder :

How do you think the Final table for the Rabo Direct Pro12 will turn out like?

My guess-

Leinster
Ospreys
Ulster
Scarlets
Glasgow
Munster
Edinburgh
Blues
Connacht
Treviso
Dragons
Zebre

What do you think? seems about right to me

by ScarletSpiderman Tue Jul 03, 2012 11:59 pm

LordDowlais wrote:
munkian wrote:I hope Dragons will prove the doubters wrong, excite to have Prydie in the squad. If we utilize Chavanga more we can cause some more upsets.

The Dragons are not as crap as some people are making out, one or two astute signings in the forwards and they will challenge for a HC spot, but I think the playoffs are a bridge to far but they could have a deciding factor on who can get there.

I think that is one of the stronger points of the league, the teams that are less likely to make the play-offs do have a massive impact on who gets there. That is one thing I think people will find out with Zebre, is that you will need to take a strong team out there if you want to pick up the full five points, and the way the table was last season between third and seventh (I think) those points make all the difference.

I also think that the Dragons are looking pretty impressive in the backs, and are looking like they have some depth there. There back row is starting to look better (in depth) too. It is just the front five, and sadly that is where most the regions are looking a bit weak at the moment.

by Smirnoffpriest Wed Jul 04, 2012 12:06 am

The Dragons do have a fair few really good players, and have got some exciting backs in their starting line up, a very good backrow and will cause teams problems.

I just worry about the strength in depth and the front 5, particularly the front row. And while lots of teams have this problem I can't help but feel that the Dragons aren't any stronger than last year (where they had Burns, Willis, Charteris, G Thomas in the pack) while a lot of teams around them have improved.

I hope I'm wrong but while a good side, I feel the loss of Brew, Burns and G Thomas will really affect them

by ScarletSpiderman Wed Jul 04, 2012 12:18 am

Smirnoff - I think except for the fans not having to change their chants slightly BBBBBRRRREEEEWWWW (and Martyn Thomas) will not be too much of a loss, with Tom Prydie and Dan Evans signing as Prydie is a physical enough winger, but also has other tools at his disposal, and Dan Evans has enough flair and counter attacking ability to replace Thomas.

In the pack the losses will be felt, but i guess we will have to wait and see what the summer shopping does for them. I believe they have got their hands on the hooker from Cross Keys, who has had rave reviews last season, which should cushion the blow of losing Burns (who to be fair they lost before the start of last season).

by LordDowlais Wed Jul 04, 2012 12:24 am

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Smirnoff - I think except for the fans not having to change their chants slightly BBBBBRRRREEEEWWWW (and Martyn Thomas) will not be too much of a loss, with Tom Prydie and Dan Evans signing as Prydie is a physical enough winger, but also has other tools at his disposal, and Dan Evans has enough flair and counter attacking ability to replace Thomas.

In the pack the losses will be felt, but i guess we will have to wait and see what the summer shopping does for them. I believe they have got their hands on the hooker from Cross Keys, who has had rave reviews last season, which should cushion the blow of losing Burns (who to be fair they lost before the start of last season).

I think the hooker is Gerwyn Price, apperently he is an absolute wrecking ball of a player, his stregnth for his age and the level he was playing at was not matched by many so I am expecting big things from him. I hope I have not put to much pressure on the guy now though, but I am just saying what I have been told.

by ScarletSpiderman Wed Jul 04, 2012 12:26 am

Lord - that is the sort of thing I have heard about him too. It seems that the regions are starting to turn out a fair few decent hookers of late (Owens, Rees, Myhill, Bennett, Hibbard etc)

by LordDowlais Wed Jul 04, 2012 12:30 am

How many of the front row forwards looked impressive at the U20 world cup ? I tell you, they all looked as though they had bright futures infront of them, all they have to do is keep their feet on the ground and the regions will not have to worry about stregnth in depth in the forwards for to long, they can plug the gap for now with NWQ but they "must" give these kids a chance and let them develope to a standard we all hope they will. They all have the potetial to be very good players for both region and country.

by **Biltong** Wed Jul 04, 2012 1:34 am

Equo Troiano wrote:LOL.

Well, England certainly didn't get to fourth by losing 3 straight tests against a relatively weak Wallaby side either. Don't worry, lad, the RABO may catch up eventually, as will Ireland (tight that 60-0 thrashing weren't it), Scotland and Italy. And, with Wales stagnating (oh yes, they most certainly are) it perhaps wont be too long before I'll be able to take you up on your offer.

So rather than being a little more respectful towards your opposition you choose to show arrogance based on one draw against a Springbok team that were not only riddled with injuries, but also had their poorest performance for some time.

If I was looking at how my team got dismantled by 4 rookies in a forward pack and demolished in 25 mintues like no other, I would perhaps be a little more diplomatic and respectful. Wink

by Smirnoffpriest Wed Jul 04, 2012 1:57 am

Equo Troiano wrote:Meh, South Africa were England's whipping boys for so long up until 2004 that I can tolerate losing to what is easily the second best SH team for a while, during England's 'rebuilding'.

By the way, don't you think this article is priceless? I mean 14% of voters think Edinburgh will lift the title, whilst 11% consider Zebre a viable proposition.

TBH I can take beating England a few times in a row while 'stagnating' - I mean imagine what we'll achieve when we start improving again...

by **Biltong** Wed Jul 04, 2012 2:06 am

Equo Troiano wrote:Meh, South Africa were England's whipping boys for so long up until 2004 that I can tolerate losing to what is easily the second best SH team for a while, during England's 'rebuilding'.

By the way, don't you think this article is priceless? I mean 14% of voters think Edinburgh will lift the title, whilst 11% consider Zebre a viable proposition.

Equo, I don't get why you have to have such a dismissive attitude on anyone who disagrees with your opinion, why do you come onto 606V2?

If it is for constuctive and informative debate then you are here for the right reasons, but as your posting history proves, you seem to be here to create unnecessary friction.

I would suggest you need to reconsider your motivation for being here.

by John Cregan Wed Jul 04, 2012 2:18 am

biltongbek wrote:
Equo Troiano wrote:Meh, South Africa were England's whipping boys for so long up until 2004 that I can tolerate losing to what is easily the second best SH team for a while, during England's 'rebuilding'.

By the way, don't you think this article is priceless? I mean 14% of voters think Edinburgh will lift the title, whilst 11% consider Zebre a viable proposition.

Equo, I don't get why you have to have such a dismissive attitude on anyone who disagrees with your opinion, why do you come onto 606V2?

If it is for constuctive and informative debate then you are here for the right reasons, but as your posting history proves, you seem to be here to create unnecessary friction.

I would suggest you need to reconsider your motivation for being here.

While reading this post i noticed the "Equo Troiano" post is missing...........has this been removed by a Moderator ?? If so, going by the passage quoted by Biltonbek, i consider the points made by "Equo Troiano" to be reasonable, if slightly provocative, but definitely not worthy of the "RED PEN".....................are we trying to stifle reasonable debate here??

by **Biltong** Wed Jul 04, 2012 2:21 am

John Cregan wrote:
biltongbek wrote:
Equo Troiano wrote:Meh, South Africa were England's whipping boys for so long up until 2004 that I can tolerate losing to what is easily the second best SH team for a while, during England's 'rebuilding'.

By the way, don't you think this article is priceless? I mean 14% of voters think Edinburgh will lift the title, whilst 11% consider Zebre a viable proposition.

Equo, I don't get why you have to have such a dismissive attitude on anyone who disagrees with your opinion, why do you come onto 606V2?

If it is for constuctive and informative debate then you are here for the right reasons, but as your posting history proves, you seem to be here to create unnecessary friction.

I would suggest you need to reconsider your motivation for being here.

While reading this post i noticed the "Equo Troiano" post is missing...........has this been removed by a Moderator ?? If so, going by the passage quoted by Biltonbek, i consider the points made by "Equo Troiano" to be reasonable, if slightly provocative, but definitely not worthy of the "RED PEN".....................are we trying to stifle reasonable debate here??

John, I would suggest that you let this be, our actions are always carefully considered and unless you know the history of each poster being redpenned you don't add anything positive to our moderation.

Thanks mate. thumbsup

by Smirnoffpriest Wed Jul 04, 2012 2:23 am

I'd say you've maybe missed a post John Cregan or maybe it's been removed.

Equo has spent most of the thread berating the Rabo, the Welsh, Scottish, Irish, Italian and South African teams (and dismissing the Welsh GS and WC 4th place finish and the Scottish tour clean sweep as 'IF, buts and Maybes), and has been itching for petty (IMO) arguments and trying to get a 'my countries better than your country' argument going

by **RDW** Wed Jul 04, 2012 2:26 am

John - you've definitely missed the posting history. I removed the posts and they were definitely worth removing.

by Smirnoffpriest Wed Jul 04, 2012 2:37 am

RDW - to get the thread back on track, who do you think will do better next season - Edinburgh or Glasgow?

I think Edinburgh would have done better than last season in the league regardless of any signings made - as I don't think they'll get as far in the HEC. But with the signings then I def see them in the 3rd-7th bracket.

by **RDW** Wed Jul 04, 2012 2:39 am

I'd like to think Edinburgh could get in the top 4 - we've got a much better squad now than last season and have pretty much the same starting 15, if not stronger as we have strengthened some areas and a lot of the young guys will be a year older and wiser. I also don't think we'll get our of our HK group so will be concentrating like crazy on the league.

Glasgow are a team in transition so it is really hard to tell. They've also strengthened really well but their team will be less settled than Edinburgh's coming into the new season and with a new coach under their belts it is hard to tell.

So here's hoping at least one team makes it into the top 4, and the other the top 6 is a bare minimum!

by John Cregan Wed Jul 04, 2012 2:43 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:John - you've definitely missed the posting history. I removed the posts and they were definitely worth removing.

Bitlongbek/RDW,

I have missed the posting history being a bit of a "blow-in" to the Rugby.........

Cheers guys thumbsup

by Smirnoffpriest Wed Jul 04, 2012 2:46 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:I'd like to think Edinburgh could get in the top 4 - we've got a much better squad now than last season and have pretty much the same starting 15, if not stronger as we have strengthened some areas and a lot of the young guys will be a year older and wiser. I also don't think we'll get our of our HK group so will be concentrating like crazy on the league.

Glasgow are a team in transition so it is really hard to tell. They've also strengthened really well but their team will be less settled than Edinburgh's coming into the new season and with a new coach under their belts it is hard to tell.

So here's hoping at least one team makes it into the top 4, and the other the top 6 is a bare minimum!

I agree though must say I hope your wrong as it'll mean an easier time for the welsh regions getting into the play offs!

by **RDW** Wed Jul 04, 2012 2:49 am

You a Cardiff or Scarlets fan? (judging by your location you could be both!)

If I was a Cardiff Blues fan I'd be pretty worried - they've lost so many top players and from what I've seen haven't replaced many. Saying that, a similar thing happened to the Ospreys last year (but to a lesser extent) and they did pretty well for themselves.

by LordDowlais Wed Jul 04, 2012 3:27 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:You a Cardiff or Scarlets fan? (judging by your location you could be both!)

If I was a Cardiff Blues fan I'd be pretty worried - they've lost so many top players and from what I've seen haven't replaced many. Saying that, a similar thing happened to the Ospreys last year (but to a lesser extent) and they did pretty well for themselves.

The only player of real quality the Blues have lost is Gethin Jenkins, all the rest are mostly a much of a muchness, what I will say though is that they have signed a player where they have been severely lacking since the region has been put in place in Jason Tovey at fly half. If they can keep him injury free then they have a gem of a player on their books. With the forwards though, they seem to have gone for quantity not quality, I hope I am wrong but Campese Mafu does not fill me with optimism, just because he has a cool name does not make him a good rugby player, I cannot comment on the French tighthead they signed as I have never seen him play, but if he was any good he would still be in France where the money is. Also, they have signed Kyriacho(spelling) from Ulster who although will not be pulling up trees is a solid enough performer, but as I have pointed out previously if he was any good he would still be at Ulster. If the younger Blues forwards can push on from last season and the U20 world cup though I fancy them to have a good season especially with Phill Davies at the helm, the man just oozes rugby and he will be like a breath of fresh air to the capital, also as he is an ex forward he could probably instill some steel into the forwards they have there. On the two Scottish sides I am certain they will be there or there abouts next season and will definitely do better in Europe, I see the Scottish regions as the most improved lately, well them and the Ospreys, and I would not be surprised to see one of the Scottish regions win the league next season. thumbsup

by **RDW** Wed Jul 04, 2012 3:47 am

They not lost lualua as well? He was a decent player. Who has replaced him?

Also, who is the backup 10 since they got rid of parks and Sweeny?

by Smirnoffpriest Wed Jul 04, 2012 4:00 am

Id say lua lua and blair were their best backs last year and hugely talented players, and they havent been replaced.

Not sure how much better edinburgh can do in europe either!.

RDW how dare you, im a turk through and through (Scarlet) never a Kaaardiff fan.

With the Blues it depends on how their front row signings go on how well they do, but they have a very very good backrow/locks.

Hopefully the Scarlets will confirm their lock/th signings soon and that theyll be very good, and if we have a good platform we'll be a very dangerous side

by Artful_Dodger Wed Jul 04, 2012 4:06 am

Think the Blues are gonna really struggle next season, the front row in particular looks like its going to be demolished, they may have a starting front 3 of Ma'afu, Kyriacou and Bourrust. Bourrust is a French reject, Kyraciou was at times 3rd choice for Ulster and Ma'afu hasn't played at a level above West Harbour...

They've lost quality such as Gethin Jenkins, Laulala, Blair and Paul Tito as well as Richie Rees, Molitika, T Rhys Thomas, John Yapp, Martyn Williams and Dan Parks.

Most of these guys have not been replaced. I think their starting team doesn't look to hot never mind once a few injuries and a long season kick in.

by thebluesmancometh Wed Jul 04, 2012 4:43 am

Dodger

Is that a joke?!

Tell me what players like Blair, Tito, Molitika, Yapp, Williams or Parks brought to the Blues Rabo campaign, let alone the HC!

From your list Jenkins played very few Rabo games, Blair spent most of the year injured, Tito was a bench warmer for the likes of Down and Cook, Molitika really a bit part player, Yapp back up, Martyn Williams injured or bench, and Parks was a nightmare, I personally am glad none have been replaced!

We will miss Jenkins in the HC, and Laulala but of the rest we have similar quality in the squad already!

As poor signings as Ma'afu Borrust and Kryciou are, they cannot be as poor as what we saw in every scrum last season, by default the set peice HAS to be better!!

by LordDowlais Wed Jul 04, 2012 4:52 am

O.k lets take a look at this, probably the Blues starting fifteen for next season, I am up for being corrected by some of the more knowledgable Blues fans on here though, and I do not know where they have decided to play some of the younger props, so here goes:-

Scott Andrews/Kyriacou
Kristian Dacey/Mark Breeze
Tau Falise/Bourrust
Bradley Davies
James Down
Sam Warburton
Xavier Rush
Chris Paterson
Lloyd Williams
Jason Tovey
Jamie Roberts
Gareth Davies
Harry Robinson
Leigh Halfpenny
Cuthbert

I have no clue how the front row is going to go that is why I am guessing, lets not forget there is still Campese Mafu, Jamie Corsi, Ryan Harford and Sam Hobbs to come into that front row as well, also I have left Tom James, Chris Czekaj, Dan Fish, Richard Mustoe, Dafydd Hewitt and Gareth Davis out from the backs, and from the backrow I have not mentioned Andries Pretorius, Josh Navidi and Hamilton either. So depending how the front three go I really do not think that the Blues will be in such a bad shape next season, especially with Phill Davies at the helm and not Waldorf and Statler.

by thebluesmancometh Wed Jul 04, 2012 4:59 am

Kryaciou is a hooker mate, and hasn't Breeze left?

Filisse has retired hasn't he?

Reed will partner Davies in the engine room.

Rush is all but retired, Pretorious is being lined up for the 8 spot I believe.

Gareth Davies at 13? He's a prem 10. Hewitt or Gavin Evans will start at 13.

Robling will be in with a shout at a squad place if he continues his form.

My starting lineup would be...

1. Ma'afu
2. Dacey
3. Borrust
4. Davies
5. Reed
6. Paterson
7. Warburton
8. Pretorious
9. Williams
10. Tovey
11. Cuthbert
12. Roberts
13. Hewitt
14. James
15. 1/2p

If Borrust can scrummage, and Dacey/Kryaciou can perform the basics I don't think the Blues will go that poorly, but looking at the signings and starting lineup it just screams of a squad cutting costs and filling gaps.

by LordDowlais Wed Jul 04, 2012 5:08 am

Sorry, meant Gavin Evans not Gareth Davies, I was just trying to rack my brain, also the Blues have asked for one more year out of Tau Falise, of that I am sure, I did not know Breeze had left, that's why you are here though to correct me,from no. 4 back though that does look a tasty starting line up. Also where are the Blues at with developing some of the young forwards they have there, as with Phill Davies running the show, I expect them to come on leaps and bounds. Don't you think that Harry Robinson will be starting more games than Tom James ? I would like to see Tom James moved to thirteen as I think he is big enough to brake a tackle but he has not got enough brains to play on the wing.

by thebluesmancometh Wed Jul 04, 2012 5:19 am

Lord

If James gets a shot at the 13 shirt I'll run him down in the street!!! He's big, quick and strong, but rugby isn't his strong point, he is our top try scorer regularly though so he can finish! If we're talking breaking tackles Cuthbert would be a better bet at 13 IMO, and what he and Roberts lack in nous, they could certainly make up for in strike running from first phase ball, and pretty much battering the opposition 10 channel and midfield into submission.

Fillisse might have been kept on, but with Ma'afu, Andrews, Hobbs, Trevett all able to play there whats the point? I know none are good options, but as good as Fillise anyway.

Dacey looks like he could be very tasty, but not sure if he's ready. Cook looks exciting IMO, Navidi is coming along well, if a little later than we thought.
Them aside I'm not too sure, as I don't live in Cardiff anymore and my one connection to the academy gone I know very little about the younger boys, the Dragons on the other hand...

by LordDowlais Wed Jul 04, 2012 5:24 am

Fair enough Bluesman, talking about the Dragons though, I hope they give Gerwyn Price a go next season, I have here'd so much about him, and the little I have seen of Cross Keys he seemed to be a wrecking ball in those games.

by thebluesmancometh Wed Jul 04, 2012 5:27 am

At the lower levels he was very good, we'll see how he stacks up though, havn't seen any of the first team yet so far.

by Artful_Dodger Wed Jul 04, 2012 6:14 am

thebluesmancometh wrote:Dodger

Is that a joke?!

Tell me what players like Blair, Tito, Molitika, Yapp, Williams or Parks brought to the Blues Rabo campaign, let alone the HC!

From your list Jenkins played very few Rabo games, Blair spent most of the year injured, Tito was a bench warmer for the likes of Down and Cook, Molitika really a bit part player, Yapp back up, Martyn Williams injured or bench, and Parks was a nightmare, I personally am glad none have been replaced!

We will miss Jenkins in the HC, and Laulala but of the rest we have similar quality in the squad already!

As poor signings as Ma'afu Borrust and Kryciou are, they cannot be as poor as what we saw in every scrum last season, by default the set peice HAS to be better!!

No it wasn't a joke and as I said above, even if not all of those players were front line, a lot of them were and with regard to those that weren't your depth has been decimated by so many departures without bringing any in. I assume thats why you said the squad has the look of a squad cutting costs and filling gaps.

by Smirnoffpriest Wed Jul 04, 2012 6:45 am

Blair and Lualua were the only 2 Blues backs to offer any kind of threat or creativity last year - Blair is def a big miss seeing as you're playing Czcekai instead of him. Tito played quite a bit and was an experienced player - though I don't think you'll miss him as you've got such a good 'paddock' of locks.
Williams played quite a bit, especially as Warbs barely played, and was a good foil for Navidi - now there'll be a lot of responsibility on Navidi when Warbs isn't playing.

Obviously you won't miss Parks with Tovey there, but as you haven't replaced your two most exciting backs and Cuthbert (& Robinson?) will be away a lot then strength and depth is obviously weaker

by John Cregan Wed Jul 04, 2012 7:07 am

Smirnoffpriest wrote:I'd say you've maybe missed a post John Cregan or maybe it's been removed.

Equo has spent most of the thread berating the Rabo, the Welsh, Scottish, Irish, Italian and South African teams (and dismissing the Welsh GS and WC 4th place finish and the Scottish tour clean sweep as 'IF, buts and Maybes), and has been itching for petty (IMO) arguments and trying to get a 'my countries better than your country' argument going

Is that all he was doing?? Is that not the type of poster we want though, so that we can give it back?? it'd be a bit boring otherwise, no??

What's 606v2 all about if not to represent all types of sports fans???

Thereis a line when it comes to personal insults but having a go at other teams, leagues etc is ok by me......................

by **profitius** Wed Jul 04, 2012 7:08 am

The league is really shaping up to be a hard slog this year. Most teams have strengthened and some new coaches means we're heading into the unknown as far as some of the teams are concerned.

I think Zebre will struggle to win many matches.

Munster could be the surprise package this season. Theres a new coach who is highly rated in NZ, some shrewd signings and good players coming through. The squad has gone from being ancient 2 years back to having a youthful appearance now apart from a core group of experienced players. Rob Penney already said he is going to change their style of play.

I predict all the top teams to lose more often making it a potentially tighter league.

The bottom 4 will probably be Zebre, Treviso, Dragons and Connacht. I don't know how the Blues or Glasgow will go.

by Smirnoffpriest Wed Jul 04, 2012 7:14 am

John Cregan wrote:
Smirnoffpriest wrote:I'd say you've maybe missed a post John Cregan or maybe it's been removed.

Equo has spent most of the thread berating the Rabo, the Welsh, Scottish, Irish, Italian and South African teams (and dismissing the Welsh GS and WC 4th place finish and the Scottish tour clean sweep as 'IF, buts and Maybes), and has been itching for petty (IMO) arguments and trying to get a 'my countries better than your country' argument going

Is that all he was doing?? Is that not the type of poster we want though, so that we can give it back?? it'd be a bit boring otherwise, no??

What's 606v2 all about if not to represent all types of sports fans???

Thereis a line when it comes to personal insults but having a go at other teams, leagues etc is ok by me......................

I think you misunderstand me - it's great to have posters from all different places, backgrounds and tastes to debate a topic, sometimes voraciously.

But if you look at his background posts, and if you'd seen his posts on this thread then you'd have seen that he totally ignored the topic and just threw out random insults and put downs against other teams without being able to back them up. He'd also throw in some wumming - which is why his post got deleted and he got warned.

Maybe I'm not doing my best to describe him as a poster, for which I apologise but I'm sure the mods who deleted his posts will be able to help.

PS the example I made in my previous post was where a poster stated the Celtic nations had done better as Wales had won a GS and finished 4th in the WC, Scotland had a clean sweep in the summer tour and Italy were much better than when they joined, running England close last year.

Equo responded to this by saying "Ifs, Buts, Maybe's" as if none of the above had actually happened - and then moved on to another insult.

by Smirnoffpriest Wed Jul 04, 2012 7:16 am

profitius wrote:The league is really shaping up to be a hard slog this year. Most teams have strengthened and some new coaches means we're heading into the unknown as far as some of the teams are concerned.

I think Zebre will struggle to win many matches.

Munster could be the surprise package this season. Theres a new coach who is highly rated in NZ, some shrewd signings and good players coming through. The squad has gone from being ancient 2 years back to having a youthful appearance now apart from a core group of experienced players. Rob Penney already said he is going to change their style of play.

I predict all the top teams to lose more often making it a potentially tighter league.

The bottom 4 will probably be Zebre, Treviso, Dragons and Connacht. I don't know how the Blues or Glasgow will go.

There's definately not going to be much in it from 8-11, 3-7 and 1-2, and even between those groups the space might only be 3-4 points.

by John Cregan Wed Jul 04, 2012 7:22 am

Cheers Smirnoff thumbsup

We have a few WUM's in the Golf board and the threads would be a lot less interesting without them................a bit of a wind up now and again is fun, once it doesn't cross the line...............................

by justified sinner Wed Jul 04, 2012 7:26 am

Agree with most of this. Leinster will be strong. Other than that its interesting, I expect Munster and Ulster to be competitive. The Welsh sides to be generally less competitive due to the impact of the wage cap and the effect that will have on the quality of their back up players. Edinburgh will be a different beast this year, the post McKie squad had nothing after the first 23, Glasgow will be competitive good depth in most positions. Treviso will improve and Zebre will be the whipping boys, but will win the odd one to upset the Apple cart.

by **Biltong** Wed Jul 04, 2012 7:29 am

John Cregan wrote:
Smirnoffpriest wrote:I'd say you've maybe missed a post John Cregan or maybe it's been removed.

Equo has spent most of the thread berating the Rabo, the Welsh, Scottish, Irish, Italian and South African teams (and dismissing the Welsh GS and WC 4th place finish and the Scottish tour clean sweep as 'IF, buts and Maybes), and has been itching for petty (IMO) arguments and trying to get a 'my countries better than your country' argument going

Is that all he was doing?? Is that not the type of poster we want though, so that we can give it back?? it'd be a bit boring otherwise, no??

What's 606v2 all about if not to represent all types of sports fans???

Thereis a line when it comes to personal insults but having a go at other teams, leagues etc is ok by me......................

John, there are various ways of invoking thoughtful debate, it is an entriely different scenario when a posters continued dimissive attitude retracks from constructive debate. As I said earlier, these decisions aren't taken lightly, posters don't just get warned willy nilly, it builds over a period of time, not just one thread.

by John Cregan Wed Jul 04, 2012 7:33 am

Cheers Bitlongbek,

I realise there is a fine line from your end......................

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Wed Jul 04, 2012 7:36 am

John, debating is grand, and part of what this forum should be about, but I for one believe it should be done in an atmosphere of respect for others' views and opinions, even when we don't agree with them - does that make any sense?

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Wed Jul 04, 2012 7:39 am

thebluesmancometh wrote:Dodger

Is that a joke?!

Tell me what players like Blair, Tito, Molitika, Yapp, Williams or Parks brought to the Blues Rabo campaign, let alone the HC!

From your list Jenkins played very few Rabo games, Blair spent most of the year injured, Tito was a bench warmer for the likes of Down and Cook, Molitika really a bit part player, Yapp back up, Martyn Williams injured or bench, and Parks was a nightmare, I personally am glad none have been replaced!

We will miss Jenkins in the HC, and Laulala but of the rest we have similar quality in the squad already!

As poor signings as Ma'afu Borrust and Kryciou are, they cannot be as poor as what we saw in every scrum last season, by default the set peice HAS to be better!!

and from another thread:

thebluesmancometh wrote:As a Blues fan, and one who has his first season ticket in years that is one depressing Tight 5, well front row really!

This is going to be Pretorious's season, I have said it for the last 3 years but it definately will this year. Sam will be a serious weapon given the chance, Paterson I am not that much of a fan of but will be solid. Davies can be destructive given any sort of platform, I think he and Reed will work, but will wonder where the lineout options are, then I look at that front row and well, I wanna shoot myself.

We've lost Geths breakdown work and dynamism, have lost little from TRT and Hobbs/Andrews, and gained a little scrum grunt.

I won't be expecting much from next season, an inexperienced 10, no guile in midfield, little balance in the back 3, and one really weak backline in int windows... BUT I CAN'T WAIT!

I'm confused?! - are you optimistic or pessimistic, bluesman?

by Guest Wed Jul 04, 2012 8:33 am

Definitely ossimistic I reckon Smile

I hate this waiting now. All I get is positive noises from the Dragons players about pre-season training etc, only to have my hopes shattered by the end of September. I don't know why, but I think we could finish 7th or so, but we need a good start and our tough away games over the international period. I don't see us anywhere near the playoffs, but it would be great to finish 7th and at least 3rd Welsh Region.

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