Cardiff Blues Season Thread (Toulon fall in Cardiff)

[wales606]

First topic message reminder :

Keeping organised the ins and outs at the Blues leading into next season.

New Signing
Paetru Tamba (during the season)
Filo Paulo - North Harbour (confirmed)
Matthew Rees (confirmed)
Liam Davies (confirmed - until end of season)
Gethin Jenkins (confirmed)
Miles Normandale (confirmed)
Rhys Gill - Saracens (rumoured) Unlikely
Craig Mitchell - Exeter (rumoured) Unlikely
Adam Warren - Scarlets (rumoured)
Dan Lydiate - Dragons (mentioned) (rumoured)
Scott Williams - Scarlets (rumoured)
James Hook (rumoured - again)
Rodney So’oialo - Honda Heat (rumoured)
Aled Summerhill - Blues Academy
Ben Roach - Blues Academy
Ellis Jenkins - Blues Academy
Tom Pascoe - Blues Academy
Will Thomas - Blues Academy

Departures (all confirmed)
Jamie Roberts - Racing Metro
Ceri Sweeney - Exeter Chiefs
Tom James - Exeter Chiefs
Michael Paterson - Sale Sharks
Jason Tovey - Newport Gwent Dragons
Campese Ma'afu - Nottingham
Ryan Harford - Cardiff RFC
Nathan Trevett - London Welsh
Matthew Screech - Newport Gwent Dragons
Darren Harries - Scarlets
Jake Cooper Wooley - London Wasps
Cory Hill - Cornish Pirates
Petru Tamba - Unattached
Andi Kyriacou - Retired
Xavier Rush


Re-Signings
Alex Cuthbert (3 years)
Scott Andrews (2 years)
Josh Navidi (3 year)
James Down (unknown)
Andreus Pretorious (can't find the article...)
Marc Breeze (unknown)
Lewis Jones (unknown)
Lloyd Williams (3 years)
Tom Williams (3 years)
Rhys Patchell (3 years)
Sam Hobbs (?3 years?)
Rhys Williams (?3 years?)
Tom Davies (?3 years?)
Richard Smith (2 years)

[The Saint]

TJ whinging about the welsh... Nothing new there.

[tecphobe]

who is ringo?

Mark Ring ex rugby player and betting shop Aficionado

[George Carlin]

Is Patchell ready for the Welsh setup in the Autumn

I think he will be involved in the squad but Priestland and Biggar will be main two battling it out.

That's what i had in mind get him into a positive winning environment, spend some times with the ginger genius. I think Patchell has potentially the good parts of Priestland and Biggars game, he needs to be developed carefully.

If he does play I guess he will get some game time against Tonga but if this does happen then I hope it isn't in a must changed 'weaker' side like they have done with Biggar in the past.

I agree it did Biggar no favours and arguably knocked his development back

As an aside, by all accounts Priestland was absolutely superb against Edinburgh - a complete kicking and game management performance.

[Guest]

Just a thought about Patchell, could he be more of a 12 for Wales? He has the pace for it and decent hands but can also give a second kicking option. The only problem is it doesnt suit Wales' game plan of having a second play maker.

[wales606]

Just a thought about Patchell, could he be more of a 12 for Wales? He has the pace for it and decent hands but can also give a second kicking option. The only problem is it doesnt suit Wales' game plan of having a second play maker.

Haven't been nearly as impressed with him at 12 or 15

[George Carlin]

Just a thought about Patchell, could he be more of a 12 for Wales? He has the pace for it and decent hands but can also give a second kicking option. The only problem is it doesnt suit Wales' game plan of having a second play maker.

Haven't been nearly as impressed with him at 12 or 15

I'd also be a little concerned that he may not have the physique to take first contact as a receiver on first or second phase.

[The Saint]

Patchell won't be considered for 12 when we have several other options who are massive, i:e, Roberts, Davies, Beck, Allen, Dixon... Gatland's type of ball players. Patchell isn't ready, his error count is too high. When he takes the ball into contact he loses it forward half the time, not good when you're crashing over the try line (Japan).

[glamorganalun]

Another game the ref was MOTM I just hope he watches the replay to learn from his mistakes, the blues did deserve much better, very little went their way. The better side won but it spoilt a good game being a cracker.

[Taffineastbourne]

Another game the ref was MOTM I just hope he watches the replay to learn from his mistakes, the blues did deserve much better, very little went their way. The better side won but it spoilt a good game being a cracker.

The ref was poor but like the young players he is finding his feet.Positive spin is that Blues were going to lose anyway.If it was a close game he may have cost the Blues more.

[The Saint]

There were some harsh decisions against the Blues which contributed to the scoreline. I think he was good in that he allowed a free-flowing game of rugby.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I've seen worse refereeing performances than that, much worse. The yellow was harsh and perhaps he was premature in awarding the penalty try, but other than that I thought he was good. He was consistent in pinging players for coming in at the side. As for the knock-on that wasn't for Harry Robinson's non-try, it was inconclusive even in slow-motion, so I think it's harsh to criticise the ref for getting it wrong in real time.

[Beard from Tad Cymru]

Is it just me but I think our lack of attacking threat and shape is down to Patchel.

You can't doubt his talent and his running from deep, but to me I very rarely see him standing in the fly half position after first phase ball. I seem to recall 1/2p or Daf Hewitt standing in the first receiver role more than him.

How can the blues get their attack going when the general, the puppeteer pulling the strings from 10 is hardly ever in position to dictate play. (And he kicks far too much possession away for my liking)

This could be down to the coaches and hopefully any new attacking coach might improve that.

I don't know the answer as we don't have anyone to come in and replace him at 10, or what his best position is.

Any thoughts?

[TJ]

TJ whinging about the welsh... Nothing new there.

What utter nonsesne - I do not, have not on this thread and never have whinged about the welsh - get that chip off your shoulder

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Is it just me but I think our lack of attacking threat and shape is down to Patchel.

You can't doubt his talent and his running from deep, but to me I very rarely see him standing in the fly half position after first phase ball. I seem to recall 1/2p or Daf Hewitt standing in the first receiver role more than him.

How can the blues get their attack going when the general,  the puppeteer pulling the strings from 10 is hardly ever in position to dictate play. (And he kicks far too much possession away for my liking)

This could be down to the coaches and hopefully any new attacking coach might improve that.

I don't know the answer as we don't have anyone to come in and replace him at 10, or what his best position is.

Any thoughts?

Welcome to 606v2, Tad. I'd guess that Halfpenny coming in at first receiver is Phil Davies's (or Gareth Baber's) idea rather than Patchell's. I can't think of many outside halves who wouldn't want to be calling the shots. The thing to remember is that although he has all the attributes to be an outstanding ten, he's still young and relatively inexperienced. The great news for the Blues and for Wales is that the raw materials are there.

[Beard from Tad Cymru]

Thanks for the croeso!

I think 1/2p coming in as some sort of plan gives far too much credit to Phil Davies and Baber that there is a plan in attack.

[St John The Enforcer]

I wonder did some of the opinions on this thread come from watching the game on bbc wales?

Not suggesting that you lads can't make up your own minds and are lead by commentators, but it has to have some effect.

I was at the game and have not seen it back yet, but from some accounts of Leinster fans in the UK the bbc wales commentary was horendously biased.

No one seems to be aware of the foot in touch for cuthbert's try for example. there is a clear pic of it. apperently bbc wales put in a freeze frame just after the event and claimed it was fine.

Result was fair enough. Which some of you have said already. ref made a few mistakes on both sides but was ok.

[TJ]

St John - I have to say the most one eyed commentators I have ever heard. all tend to be a bit one eyed but that lot were awful

[Mickado]

If there are any complaints about the officials then you'd have to take into account that Cuthbert had a foot in touch before he scored his try.

[Guest]

Not going to argue, call it karma if you want. Its a bit sad that the referree didnt bother to check with the TMO regarding Robinsons try, even though he wasnt in the ideal place to see what happened.

Never mind

[ScarletSpiderman]

I wonder did some of the opinions on this thread come from watching the game on bbc wales?

Not suggesting that you lads can't make up your own minds and are lead by commentators, but it has to have some effect.

I was at the game and have not seen it back yet, but from some accounts of Leinster fans in the UK the bbc wales commentary was horendously biased.

No one seems to be aware of the foot in touch for cuthbert's try for example. there is a clear pic of it. apperently bbc wales put in a freeze frame just after the event and claimed it was fine.

Result was fair enough. Which some of you have said already. ref made a few  mistakes on both sides but was ok.

There was no mention about Halfpenny's blocking line stopping the tackler (Heaslip?) from getting to Cuthbert, so much so that Halfpenny was tackled.

Byrne really bugs me, as I expect him to give an irish view point, but all he does is nod along in agreement with the others.

[Guest]

I wonder did some of the opinions on this thread come from watching the game on bbc wales?

Not suggesting that you lads can't make up your own minds and are lead by commentators, but it has to have some effect.

I was at the game and have not seen it back yet, but from some accounts of Leinster fans in the UK the bbc wales commentary was horendously biased.

No one seems to be aware of the foot in touch for cuthbert's try for example. there is a clear pic of it. apperently bbc wales put in a freeze frame just after the event and claimed it was fine.

Result was fair enough. Which some of you have said already. ref made a few  mistakes on both sides but was ok.

There was no mention about Halfpenny's blocking line stopping the tackler (Heaslip?) from getting to Cuthbert, so much so that Halfpenny was tackled.

Byrne really bugs me, as I expect him to give an irish view point, but all he does is nod along in agreement with the others.

Didnt look like Halfpenny was in the way?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/24324841

[The Saint]

I wonder did some of the opinions on this thread come from watching the game on bbc wales?

Not suggesting that you lads can't make up your own minds and are lead by commentators, but it has to have some effect.

I was at the game and have not seen it back yet, but from some accounts of Leinster fans in the UK the bbc wales commentary was horendously biased.

No one seems to be aware of the foot in touch for cuthbert's try for example. there is a clear pic of it. apperently bbc wales put in a freeze frame just after the event and claimed it was fine.

Result was fair enough. Which some of you have said already. ref made a few  mistakes on both sides but was ok.

That's exactly what you're suggesting. You do the supporters a great disservice by assuming they can't see what is going on from their point of view, applying their knowledge and experiences before giving an opinion. Yes the commentary is biased, but it's not like Setanta isn't. Can't speak for Alba, never watch that channel.

[TJ]

Nobody knows what the alba commentators say.

[The Saint]

What I should have said, is that I have watched it in the past, but couldn't understand the middle English/Scottish lingo!

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Nobody knows what the alba commentators say.

I think 'Matawalu' means scrum half.

[wales606]

Apparently contracts with Halfpenny and Warburton should be sorted this week and announced next week, one way or the other.

Looks likely that both with sign on, with Leigh almost certain to stay.

[George Carlin]

Nobody knows what the alba commentators say.

I think 'Matawalu' means scrum half.

 

[funnyExiledScot]

I used to think "penas" referred to Michael Bradley - but they are still saying it.

[Guest]

I do like how the Blues are advertising the attack coach role on the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/24354175

"We are looking for somebody who is experienced. I don't want an up-and-coming coach," he said.

Yeah, wish the same could be said for the head coach role.

[The Saint]

Apparently contracts with Halfpenny and Warburton should be sorted this week and announced next week, one way or the other.

Looks likely that both with sign on, with Leigh almost certain to stay.

And so Leigh should. Blues showed faith in him when nobody else did.

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

What I should have said, is that I have watched it in the past, but couldn't understand the middle English/Scottish lingo!

That's pretty obvious.

Scots Gaelic is basically Irish which has evolved over the 1400 or so years since we first invaded them.

Like Aafrikans is Dutch that has evolved in the 400 or so years since the Dutch went there. Or Quebec French. Even American English over the 250 or so years there.

[Cardiff Dave]

Apparently contracts with Halfpenny and Warburton should be sorted this week and announced next week, one way or the other.

Looks likely that both with sign on, with Leigh almost certain to stay.

And so Leigh should. Blues showed faith in him when nobody else did.

Must be costing a frigging fortune though and he was a big loser against lowly Zebra. Looks like a tim Wales decision to me.

[whocares]

What I should have said, is that I have watched it in the past, but couldn't understand the middle English/Scottish lingo!

That's pretty obvious.

Scots Gaelic is basically Irish which has evolved over the 1400 or so years since we first invaded them.

Like Aafrikans is Dutch that has evolved in the 400 or so years since the Dutch went there. Or Quebec French. Even American English over the 250 or so years there.

Quebec French is actually french from the 18th century blended with some american words. Not quite evolved.

[Cardiff Dave]

What I should have said, is that I have watched it in the past, but couldn't understand the middle English/Scottish lingo!

That's pretty obvious.

Scots Gaelic is basically Irish which has evolved over the 1400 or so years since we first invaded them.

Like Aafrikans is Dutch that has evolved in the 400 or so years since the Dutch went there. Or Quebec French. Even American English over the 250 or so years there.

Quebec French is actually french from the 18th century blended with some american words. Not quite evolved.

Like those southern comfort Cajuns possibly? Cajun sounds like Canadian if you say it really fast.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Apparently contracts with Halfpenny and Warburton should be sorted this week and announced next week, one way or the other.

Looks likely that both with sign on, with Leigh almost certain to stay.

And so Leigh should. Blues showed faith in him when nobody else did.

Must be costing a frigging fortune though and he was a big loser against lowly Zebra. Looks like a tim Wales decision to me.

I went to school with a Tim Wales.

[George Carlin]

I think I must have passed out and woken up on a completely different set of boards.

[wales606]

Anyone got a reason to keep any of the current coaches?

[Coleman]

None of the full timers. We really need to rebuild our back room staff. Edwards could be called in as head coach and we could get The Chief and Ring could come in as backs and forwards. None of them are really full time coaches at the moment. Give them the rest of the season and we could maybe do something next season. Right now i have no hope and will be voting with my feet. I'm refusing to attend until Davies is gone.

[Steffan]

I'm refusing to attend until Davies is gone.

Spoken like a true Cardiff rugby fan

[Coleman]

Well i'm not made of money, it's just not enjoyable with us playing like we are. I'm clearly not a fair weather fan as I've only missed a hand full of games at home in the past three seasons. So until we get rid of the problem (in my eyes it is Davies) i'll just go watch club rugby and save my money.

[Steffan]

True. It is a lot to pay to watch Cardiff lose to below standard Italian teams and Irish teams fielding reserves. I guess though they do give away free tickets to Cardiff youngsters to be fair

[Scrumdown]

There is actually no chance of Phil Davies ever being sacked by Peter Thomas.

As most will know, phil davies is the brother in law of jonathon davies and therefore scrumv will probably blame the players or even Roger Lewis.

What some might not know however is that the brother of the wife of Jonathon Davies is Peter Thomas son in law (husband of p thomas daughter). P Thomas is not going to sack a family member. P Davies will have to walk.

In fact the whole set up at the blues stinks of 'jobs for the family'.

The stat man rhodri manning is son of peter manning who is peter thomas's long time busness partner and in turn is responsible for recruitment at the region. Are they the best men for the job? Does P Thomas know what a good coaching set up looks like?

[Guest]

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_8971868,00.html

What an absolute suck up he is, but I agree he probably wont get the boot any time soon, if thats the case this season is a write off for the Blues, again. And without trying to be too pessimistic we are probably going to lose Halfpenny and Warburton to France because those boys want to win.

[wales606]

Phil Davies isn't doing himself many favours with the press

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/24517109

Trying to deny that Exeter are a mid-table English side while they currently are 6/12 in the premiership and finished mid-table last season

I don't think the interviewer appreciated being told to do his research - clearly PD should be doing some instead, perhaps coaching for dummies...

[Guest]

I've been feeling very negative about the Blues for some time, so lets take some positives out of yesterdays game if we can.

1. Robin Copeland is clearly our best forward at the moment, he gets us moving forward with every carry and so he has to start from now on. I don't see Pretorious as an 8, he was good as a flanker, leave him there.
2. Alex Cuthbert is still dangerous with ball in hand, give him more of the ball.
3. We did manage 2 tries early in the second half before they went down to 13, that takes a bit of character to come out of shell shock.

But then again, I keep coming back to the negatives
1. Defence, too many missed tackles, not enough urgency
2. Kicking away possession, Exeter only made 14 tackles in the first half
3. Patchell needs to control the game more, we spent far too much time in our own half.

[Cardiff Dave]

I've been feeling very negative about the Blues for some time, so lets take some positives out of yesterdays game if we can.

1. Robin Copeland is clearly our best forward at the moment, he gets us moving forward with every carry and so he has to start from now on. I don't see Pretorious as an 8, he was good as a flanker, leave him there.
2. Alex Cuthbert is still dangerous with ball in hand, give him more of the ball.
3. We did manage 2 tries early in the second half before they went down to 13, that takes a bit of character to come out of shell shock.

But then again, I keep coming back to the negatives
1. Defence, too many missed tackles, not enough urgency
2. Kicking away possession, Exeter only made 14 tackles in the first half
3. Patchell needs to control the game more, we spent far too much time in our own half.

Agree with all this, but as for Patchell who I have no doubt will one day be first choice for Wales (and a Lion), has been thrown in the deep end at the ripe old age of 20. He's done marvelously so far in my opinion with all things considered. Second choice OH is Gareth Davies (29), a fine player at WP level, but also with limited experience at a higher level. Cardiff Blues needed to recruit an experienced OH during the summer, but they didn't hey ho.

[wales606]

Something weird has happened to Patchell

At the start of the season our entire gameplan was to give it to Patchell - and he did a fantastic job and was thriving,

but that is just way too much pressure to put on a 20 year old FH who has absolutely no decent backs coaching to work with,

I think the Zebre loss hit him hard and really knocked his confidence since the whole team seemed to be desperately looking at him to pull something out of his hat to save the day - rather than concentrating on doing their job right.

I hope we can get a good backs coach in soon before Patchell suffers further from the complete lack of an attacking pattern or decent coaching.

[Cardiff Dave]

Something weird has happened to Patchell

At the start of the season our entire gameplan was to give it to Patchell - and he did a fantastic job and was thriving,

but that is just way too much pressure to put on a 20 year old FH who has absolutely no decent backs coaching to work with,

I think the Zebre loss hit him hard and really knocked his confidence since the whole team seemed to be desperately looking at him to pull something out of his hat to save the day - rather than concentrating on doing their job right.

I hope we can get a good backs coach in soon before Patchell suffers further from the complete lack of an attacking pattern or decent coaching.

We need an experienced OH to aid Patchell's development, end of story, but again the board haven't delivered. I think i'm getting a touch of deja vu as didn't the same thing happen with Nicky Robinson all those years ago?

[VietGwentRevisited]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/24514520

"Phil Davies wants Cardiff Blues to build on fight-back"


Hmm, well we all knew that would be the spin on it. The second half was completely irrelevant and they should be looking at what went wrong in the first half and fixing it. The season is spiralling down-hill and something needs to change.

[XR]

the blues need centre cover for Allen & Williams (Hewitt & Evans don't cut it for me) so why don't the blues ask the hurricanes if they can have this guy?

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=11140018

Perfect name!  

[Sponsored content]