Gwent Dragons 2013/14 thread

by Guest Tue 18 Jun 2013, 7:24 pm

First topic message reminder :

A place for general Dragons chat, etc.

After renewing my season ticket recently, and with Lyn Jones being unveiled as the new DoR (yeah I know, some people thinks he's gash, but whatever), plus the training facilities at Ystrad Mynach, I feel a bit of a buzz and optimism around the Dragons. Saying that I do generally get a feeling of optimism pre season every year which usually goes by about mid October!

Just watched the Wales U20's get to the final of the Jnr World Championships and a couple of lads looked really good - Jack Dixon a rock in midfield, Hallam Amos an elusive runner at FB/wing and Ieuan Jones looking like a very good prospect at 8. Will be good to see how the go next season for the Dragons. I think their regional appearances have certainly helped them in this Jnr cup in terms of experience. Looking forward to seeing them play with the likes of Faletau, Coombes, Talei, T Rhys Thomas, etc. next season.

Anyone want to make a stab at our strongest matchday 15/23 for next season? Will have a stab myself after a bit of thought.

by munkian Wed 21 Aug 2013, 4:27 pm

GavinDragon wrote:
munkian wrote:
GavinDragon wrote:from the railway station to the ground is a pain,

from the ground to the town centre is probably the same distance as RP to Newport Train Station...

The ground is fit for purpose btw, I do feel that enough people kicked up a stink to cause the Dragons to "delay" it to next year, short sighted IMO. This has to happen only 1-2 games a year not asking much
Was there really that much of an organised stink ? A few disgruntled fans on messageboards ? There was nothing in local news or Facebook etc about organised protests etc
Fair point maybe that is my disgruntled perception. I still feel it could have gone ahead this year.

But ah well still looking forward to a good season!

Christ, bricking it allready Wales

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu 22 Aug 2013, 8:24 am

I can't wait. I'm looking forward to the Bath game tomorrow (tomorrow!), but when Ulster rock up in a couple of weeks, it's the real deal! boxing

by Guest Thu 22 Aug 2013, 9:36 pm

Gareth Davies has been unveiled as the new chief exec, as rumoured previously. Ex Wales and Lions player, held some high profile positions in the past. What I find interesting is not the fact we've pulled of a small coup but the fact that someone like him wants to take up this position - he must see something that impresses him or potential that he feels he is able to develop. It has often been difficult to attract that sort of person in the past so this is another small indication that we're turning a corner, perhaps.

by Jhamer25 Thu 22 Aug 2013, 9:53 pm

Anyone know there team to face Bath

by Guest Thu 22 Aug 2013, 10:02 pm

Dragons: D Evans, T Prydie, P Leach, J Dixon, A Hughes, J Tovey, J Evans, N Williams, R Thomas (captain), D Way, M Screech, A Jones, J Groves, N Cudd, T Faletau.

Replacements from rest of squad.

by Guest Thu 22 Aug 2013, 10:03 pm

NEW signing Rhys Thomas will captain Newport Gwent Dragons in their pre-season friendly against Bath at Rodney Parade tomorrow evening (kick-off 7.15pm).

The 31-year-old former Wales hooker will lead the side out in the absence of recently appointed skipper Andrew Coombs, who will not feature because of a minor bump.

Lions number eight Toby Faletau is given a start just seven weeks after starring in the stunning third Test drubbing of Australia.

The Wales back row forward will feature for half an hour while Matthew Screech gets the chance to impress after catching the eye in pre-season training.

The 20-year-old, who was released by Cardiff Blues at the end of last season, penned a deal with Bedwas but the Dragons have taken over the contract of the former Wales Under-20s lock.

"Matthew has had a great pre-season and has earned this start," said director of rugby Lyn Jones.

"We don't quite know what we've got with him but he is a promising player and has certainly stood up well over the summer.

"Matthew has worked hard and look forward to seeing what he can do against a good Bath side."

Fly-half Jason Tovey will make his Dragons comeback from the off following his ill-fated season at Cardiff Blues and his half-back partner is the 2012/13 player of the year Jonathan Evans.

The game against the Aviva Premiership outfit is the region's only friendly of pre-season so Jones and his coaching team will give game time to all the fit members of their squad.

Coombs is joined on the injury list by lock Robert Sidoli, loosehead prop Phil Price, wing Will Harries, fly-half/centre Lewis Robling, centre Ashley Smith, fly-half Steffan Jones and flanker Darren Waters, although only the last two are expected to be long-term absentees.

by Jhamer25 Thu 22 Aug 2013, 10:23 pm

Ok thanks guys.
Are Aaron Coundley, Chaparo, Burton, Talei and Ashley smith on the bench. I think Coundley has real potential and if he gets descent game time he could shine for your outfit this season.
It is a descent team but not there best and against Bath they would need a near full strength team but wait and see because they might shock us.
I might be pushing it know soz but does anyone know the Bath team and whether it is strong.

by bedfordwelsh Fri 23 Aug 2013, 5:56 am

I don't normally get to aggrived on boards as its all annonymous but has anyone ever been upto Ebbw who is commenting on this thread.

Yes the train station is not as close to ECP as Newports is to Dave but its a 5 min taxi drive.

As for the ground not being near the town its is right on the edge of Ebbw town centre a mear couple of minutes walk and certainly no further than walking from Newport town centre to Dave.

There is a pub immediately outside the ground, in facct 2 depending on which entrance/exit you use. There are 2 between the station and the ground and enough up in town.

by maestegmafia Fri 23 Aug 2013, 7:31 am

That looks an interesting team. Would rather see Hughes at 13 but Dragons missing a few wings.

Glad to hear Screech is pushing hard, good to see To SY back at flyhalf.

by munkian Fri 23 Aug 2013, 8:40 am

bedfordwelsh wrote:I don't normally get to aggrived on boards as its all annonymous but has anyone ever been upto Ebbw who is commenting on this thread.

Yes the train station is not as close to ECP as Newports is to Dave but its a 5 min taxi drive.

As for the ground not being near the town its is right on the edge of Ebbw town centre a mear couple of minutes walk and certainly no further than walking from Newport town centre to Dave.

There is a pub immediately outside the ground, in facct 2 depending on which entrance/exit you use. There are 2 between the station and the ground and enough up in town.

5 min taxi drive is fine. However, doubt there will be a fleet of cabs there for several hundered fans.

Anyway, like the squad, pitty we have so many injuries already but thats the way she goes.

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 23 Aug 2013, 8:44 am

Bath announce their XV at lunchtime.

by munkian Fri 23 Aug 2013, 8:45 am

They will be missing a few due to international duty I reckon.

I'm finishing early tonight and racing over. My sore throat has just about cleared up, lookign forward to it

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 23 Aug 2013, 8:46 am

If Henson plays, he'll get a warm welcome. I'm wary of him though because despite everything, he's a talented player.

by munkian Fri 23 Aug 2013, 9:01 am

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:If Henson plays, he'll get a warm welcome. I'm wary of him though because despite everything, he's a talented player.

Wonder how many Bath fans will make the trek from Isengard to Mordor Shocked

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 23 Aug 2013, 9:11 am

I imagine quite a few will come over on the train. Bank holiday weekend and all that.

by munkian Fri 23 Aug 2013, 9:37 am

There will be a lot of red chinos and barbour jackets in the Bisely Very Happy

by maestegmafia Fri 23 Aug 2013, 11:36 am

munkian wrote:
Luckless Pedestrian wrote:If Henson plays, he'll get a warm welcome. I'm wary of him though because despite everything, he's a talented player.
Wonder how many Bath fans will make the trek from Isengard to Mordor

I don't think they travel cross boarder too well. Saracens brought fifty or so to the Liberty for The HEC match a while back, Tigers not much more... The only fans who really travel are Munster.

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 23 Aug 2013, 11:40 am

London to Swansea's a bit more of a trek than Bath to Newport.

by Stone Motif Fri 23 Aug 2013, 12:10 pm

munkian wrote:
Luckless Pedestrian wrote:If Henson plays, he'll get a warm welcome. I'm wary of him though because despite everything, he's a talented player.
Wonder how many Bath fans will make the trek from Isengard to Mordor

Judging by some of the comments on the Bath Rugby forums, a trip to Dave is about as popular a prospect as finding a turd in one's caviar....

by The Saint Fri 23 Aug 2013, 12:17 pm

Probably because they were always given a hard time when coming to play Newport back in the old days...

by dragon4life Fri 23 Aug 2013, 12:42 pm

So we ve taken over matthew screech contract from bedwas

by munkian Fri 23 Aug 2013, 1:53 pm

Seems a good prospect. But so did Nimmo

by youngguns6 Fri 23 Aug 2013, 9:58 pm

Screech looked good to me tonight. Big lump and he worked hard.
Only pre season and a lot of changes throughout the game but still a 22-20 win - cant complain!

Rees looked sharp coming on, ieuan jones was great as usual and the return of the messiah was a good one kicking the winning points!

by youngguns6 Fri 23 Aug 2013, 10:00 pm

Just read the western mail - bellends

by Jhamer25 Fri 23 Aug 2013, 10:04 pm

Jhamer25 wrote:Ok thanks guys.
Are Aaron Coundley, Chaparo, Burton, Talei and Ashley smith on the bench. I think Coundley has real potential and if he gets descent game time he could shine for your outfit this season.
It is a descent team but not there best and against Bath they would need a near full strength team but wait and see because they might shock us.
I might be pushing it know soz but does anyone know the Bath team and whether it is strong.

May I be the first to eat my own words. I know I am a Scarlet's fan but I do like to see the other regions exceed and improve and this to me for the Dragons and there supporters is massive.
I mean i looked at the Bath team and apart from 4 main players (Louw, James, Stringer and Abendanen), that was a very strong Bath team and they should be very proud of themselves; a cracking start to the season for the Dragons.
I didn't see the game but I would like to know who stood out because a few players must has put there names up in that games.
Therefore i admit I was wrong and am happy the Dragons could produce a good win. Well done, a much better start than we have had.

by dragon4life Fri 23 Aug 2013, 10:22 pm

How big was the crowd? Looked quite big

by youngguns6 Fri 23 Aug 2013, 11:55 pm

Not sure but it was a decent turn out... Quiet until the last 10 where it got a bit tense.

Nice to get back over!

by Impossible Standards Sat 24 Aug 2013, 8:58 am

Good result for us. I fully expected bath to win simply because they had already had 2 games under their belt and this was our first run out from training. Both teams treated the game as if it were a genuine leage fixture which I understand why as Bath are away to Newcastle soon and this is the dragons only game before Ulster turn up. One noticeable difference for me was that the dragons actually looked coached for the first tme in ages. Nice to see JT back and the new prop looked good. R Rees was excellent and it will be a good battle at 9 this season. Rain did make the conditions poor so It was a bit of a slug fest at times.

Things dragons need to work on for me. Learn to defend a driving maul. Bath made very easy yards with their maul. How they didn't score a try from it I don't know. Srum...again! at times it functioned but more often than not we went backwards. Lineout, a few too many missed however this was their first PSF so that can be corrected.

by Guest Sat 24 Aug 2013, 9:45 am

There were so many subs I couldn't keep up! Seemed that players were playing 20 minute quarters before being rotated (not all of them, but some came back on again after being subbed!)?!

One thing's for sure - we won't be short of kicking options. Burton and Tovey, Steffan Jones and last season's 3rd highest points scorer Prydie!

by youngguns6 Sat 24 Aug 2013, 10:26 am

Tovey looked good for me.

With all the changes the backs still looked more organised than last season.

Still unsure what his first 15 will be.

by maestegmafia Sun 25 Aug 2013, 1:51 pm

From Bath RFC website.

23 August 2013, 10:05pm
Bath Rugby edged out in cagey encounter with Dragons
Bath Rugby were denied a second successive pre-season win this evening against a resilient Dragons side at Rodney Parade, final-score 22-20.
The first-half was a closely fought encounter, dominated largely by both set of forwards. In slippery conditions, both teams struggled to maintain any decent possession but it was Newport who thought they had the early breakthrough, crossing over the line only for the ball to be held up.
Pressure on the Bath line eventually told and the Dragons drew first blood. Dan Evans touched down for the opening try after quick hands from a scrum led to the fullback sneaking over in the corner. Fly-half Jason Tovey converted after 13 minutes played. 7-0.
Bath had an instant chance to respond through George Ford, but his penalty drifted just wide of the mark. Ford soon found himself with a chance to make amends though, after a dominant driving maul from the Bath pack. This time there was no mistake with the kick from the fly-half. 7-3
The boys in Blue, Black and White were beginning to find some momentum and following some more good work, big bulldozing runs and an initial jinking run from Micky Young , Rob Webber found a small gap in the defence to dart over the line. Ford was on target with the conversion, taking the score to 7-10.
Half-time score: Newport Gwent Dragons 7 - Bath Rugby 10.
Bath made two changes at half-time with Martin Roberts and Anthony Watson coming on for Micky Young and Semesa Rokoduguni, with Watson making an instant impact on proceedings, stretching for the line only to have been ruled just short by the referee.
Two successive penalties for the Dragons, one from the half-way line, put them back in the lead and control of the game, but Bath instantly responded through some fine individual play by Watson. The young back took advantage of a loose pass amongst the Dragons, chipped the ball ahead, gathered his own kick and sprinted away to dive over the line. Tom Heathcote was on target with the conversion to move Bath back into the lead after 66 minutes. 13-17.
The game looked set for a close finish when the Dragons were awarded a straightforward penalty in front of the posts, from which Kris Burton moved his side back into the lead, leaving just one point in it.
Indiscipline then threatened to cost the Dragons as Lewis Evans and a few minutes later Ian Nimmo were both sent to the sin bin for deliberate foul play. However, it was the hosts who edged further in-front with another penalty, this time for Jason Tovey.
A nervy final few minutes were in store for both teams and their supporters, as Bath were then awarded a penalty. Heathcote remaining composed to slot the ball between the posts and give his side a slender one point lead.
Just as the game looked to be over, the Dragons then had a last minute penalty opportunity of their own - Tovey was again on target for his team.
With a matter of seconds remaining on the clock, the game restarted with the visitors mustering another good strong driving maul. Their efforts looked to have paid off as the referee awarded Bath with a chance to snatch the win right at the death and in the process had another man sent to the sin bin.
Heathcote lined up the kick but it drifted agonizingly wide, just denying the visitors a second successive pre-season victory.
Final-score: Newport Gwent Dragons 22 Bath Rugby 20
Bath Rugby team to face Newport Gwent Dragons
15. Ollie Devoto
14. Semesa Rokoduguni
13. Jonathan Joseph
12. Kyle Eastmond
11. Tom Biggs
10. George Ford
9. Micky Young
1. Charlie Beech
2. Rob Webber
3. David Wilson
4. Stuart Hooper ( c )
5. Dave Attwood
6. Matt Garvey
7. Guy Mercer
8. Leroy Houston
Replacements
16. Ross Batty
17. Anthony Perenise
18. Kane Palma-Newport
19. Dominic Day
20. Mat Gilbert
21. Martin Roberts
22. Tom Heathcote
23. Anthony Watson
Players with no number on their shirt
Tom Dunn
Will Spencer
Will Skuse
Nick Koster
Peter Stringer
Matt Banahan
Alafoti Fa'osiliva

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 27 Aug 2013, 7:48 am

Impossible Standards wrote:One noticeable difference for me was that the dragons actually looked coached for the first tme in ages.

Yep. We had plenty of different moves from set piece, which is great to see. Jack Dixon will make ground when he takes the ball up, but that doesn't mean we should give it to him every time - we need to keep defences guessing, which we did on Friday. Great to see. What's more, we still looked like we knew what we were doing after first phase, where at times last season we were just shipping it on aimlessly.

The scrum struggled at times, but at other times we shoved them backwards, and we scored off a scrum too.

Kris Burton didn't have a dream start - that first penalty attempt was a shocker! - but he grew into it and I was really pleased for him.

Also, I'm really chuffed with my seat in the Bisley stand - I get such a good view.

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 27 Aug 2013, 7:50 am

youngguns6 wrote:Just read the western mail - bellends

What did they say?

by dragon999 Tue 27 Aug 2013, 10:12 pm

Andy Howell loves the Dragons - take a look at the comment from the supporter at the end "must have an axe to grind!" - take note Mr Howell,your anti Dragons stance is so obvious

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/newport-gwent-dragons-22---5779949

by youngguns6 Tue 27 Aug 2013, 11:28 pm

You'd think they'd try and encourage people to support the region. Not put such a bias downer on things. Couldn't believe what I was reading. Terrible article.

by Luckless Pedestrian Wed 28 Aug 2013, 7:51 am

It sounds like he was only there in the hope of seeing Henson and spat the dummy when he found out he wouldn't be playing. The Ospreys play Bath on the weekend, I bet they get a much more positive write-up regardless of the result. What a knobcheese.

by Luckless Pedestrian Wed 28 Aug 2013, 8:01 am

I've just read the article again and it really is shocking. He can't even bring himself to commend the Dragons on winning, only saying that the fans didn't care about the quality as long as they won. Nor does he mention that it was pretty much as strong a Bath side as they could have put out. What a clown. The problem is, most readers won't have been at the game and will believe what they read.

by ScarletSpiderman Wed 28 Aug 2013, 3:13 pm

Andy Howell is not anti-dragon, he is pretty much anti-non-Kerfiff/Ospreys, but to be fair there are very few who write for the fail that are any different. That said, I actually gave up reading that article, because it was that bad, which is a first. I doubt anyone who understands anything about rugby would really give two hoots what they read in the fail because it is known to have a slightly skewed opinion on things when it comes to rugby. Even their 'expert' pundits tend to be blinkered towards certain sides and eras (cough that means your Barry 'back in my day' John).

Anyway, good result for the Dragons, and hopefully they will keep this going and upset Ulster in the league.

by youngguns6 Wed 28 Aug 2013, 3:43 pm

Back on topic ulster is going to be a huge test. No easy games anymore but I'd of taken a few teams first up over them with this new side. One game doesn't make or break a season but we will need a good hard performance.

by dragon999 Wed 28 Aug 2013, 3:47 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Andy Howell is not anti-dragon, he is pretty much anti-non-Kerfiff/Ospreys, but to be fair there are very few who write for the fail that are any different. That said, I actually gave up reading that article, because it was that bad, which is a first. I doubt anyone who understands anything about rugby would really give two hoots what they read in the fail because it is known to have a slightly skewed opinion on things when it comes to rugby. Even their 'expert' pundits tend to be blinkered towards certain sides and eras (cough that means your Barry 'back in my day' John).

Anyway, good result for the Dragons, and hopefully they will keep this going and upset Ulster in the league.

Scarlet - i may be wrong but i think Howell ghost writes the "Barry John" articles ? - As i say,apologies to all if i got that wrong

by bedfordwelsh Wed 28 Aug 2013, 5:17 pm

Western FAIL strikes again it really is one of the shabbiest papers around these days.

by snowy2 Wed 28 Aug 2013, 5:42 pm

He has probably single handed reduced the sale of the Fail in Gwent from a couple of dozen a week to less than a handful, it,s pretty low I was told by a Newport newsagent who only ordered 2 on a Sat and usually sent one back.

by dragon4life Wed 28 Aug 2013, 8:14 pm

Was talking to lewis robling hes out for 10 weeks

by dragon999 Wed 28 Aug 2013, 8:23 pm

dragon4life wrote:Was talking to lewis robling hes out for 10 weeks

That's a shame,no chance to stake a claim on a jersey early doors

by youngguns6 Wed 28 Aug 2013, 9:24 pm

Shane but long old season and I don't think he's in the match 22 at the moment anyway.
Hopefully he can push on at 12 where he has looked good.

Whats happening with Ashley Smith ? Is he injured?

by dragon999 Wed 28 Aug 2013, 10:00 pm

Yes - i believe Ash is struggling with a shoulder injury - waterboy at the Bath game

by dragon4life Tue 21 Jan 2014, 4:10 pm

I heard Boris Stankovich might be on bis way here

by Jhamer25 Tue 21 Jan 2014, 6:41 pm

Would be a good signing but Rhys gill would be the better option. Or both aye Wink

A tight head should be more on the radar though.

by bedfordwelsh Tue 21 Jan 2014, 7:27 pm

For me a tighthead is a must. We have a great coaching set up some great back rowers, some good young backs and few decent 2nd rowers but we need a solid scrum before any of those can have an impact.

by Jhamer25 Tue 21 Jan 2014, 7:49 pm

Well Cardiff have made a gem of a signings in Mitchell. If the Dragons sign Gill and Rhodri, all four regions will have competitive scrums and it would be great for the national team.
In an ideal world, think of next season:
Ospreys - 1. Ryan Bevington/3. Adam Jones (if he re-signs)
Scarlets - 1. Rob Evans/ 3. Samson Lee
Cardiff Blues - 1. Gethin Jenkins/ 3.Craig Mitchell
Dragons - 1. Rhys Gill/ 3. Rhodri Jones

Props who have either established themselves at international level or great young talents who are getting regular game time. It would be amaizing

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