Cardiff Blues Season Thread 2 - Rey Lee-Lo signs long term at centre

by wales606 Mon 21 Oct 2013, 4:33 pm

First topic message reminder :

Prop
Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones, Taufa'ao Filise, Craig Mitchell, Sam Hobbs, Scott Andrews, Thomas Davies, Dillon Lewis

Hooker
Matthew Rees, Kristian Dacey, Marc Breeze, Rhys Williams, Ethan Lewis

2nd Row
Jarrad Hoeata, Filo Paulo, Lou Reed, Chris Dicomidis, Miles Normadale

Flanker
Sam Warburton, Josh Turnbull, Macauley Cook, Ellis Jenkins, Josh Navidi, Rory Watts-Jones, Jevon Groves, Ben Roach

Eight
Manoa Vosawai, Ieaun Jones

Scrum half
Tavis Knoyle, Lloyd Williams, Lewis Jones, Tomos Williams

Fly half
Rhys Patchell, Gareth Anscombe, Gareth Davies, Simon Humberstone, Jarrod Evans, Will Thomas

Centre
Cory Allen, Dafydd Hewitt, Gavin Evans, Richard Smith, Tom Pascoe, Adam Thomas, Garyn Smith (Ray Lee-Lo)

Wing
Alex Cuthbert, ~~George Watkins~~, Lucas Amorisino, Harry Davies, Owen Jenkins, Chris Knight, Tom Williams (Tom James)

Full back
Joaquin Tuculet, Dan Fish, Geraint Walsh, Aled Summerhill

by Coleman Mon 19 May 2014, 7:22 am

That's good to hear. Hopefully through him, John and the Cheif we can build a legitimate team who are willing to put it on the line everyweek for the fans and region.

by XR Mon 19 May 2014, 8:39 am

Glad that this is sorted now, think the 3 we will have in charge will change the culture of the squad for the better.

Interestingly also is something the Cardiff Blues SUpporters Club tweeted when posting this news on their feed. Something along the lines of 'an exciting announcement from RRW later today'. Agreement finally reached between WRU and Regions?

by Guest Mon 19 May 2014, 8:51 am

All criticisms of him aside, he cannot be worse than Phil Davies, therefore it is a step forward

by wales606 Thu 22 May 2014, 3:16 pm

Benoit Bourrust is leaving

Rhys Williams has signed a new contract

by Coleman Thu 22 May 2014, 3:18 pm

I guess with Mitchell coming in he's been seen as surplus. Real shame as i've always like him, even with limited game time. Would have prefered we kept him and got shot of Andrews.

by wales606 Thu 22 May 2014, 3:20 pm

Coleman wrote:I guess with Mitchell coming in he's been seen as surplus. Real shame as i've always like him, even with limited game time. Would have prefered we kept him and got shot of Andrews.

Agree :/

by Coleman Thu 22 May 2014, 3:30 pm

Again, we don't get to see the day to day in training and in meetings. But Hobbs, Andrews and Tom Davies have all been destroyed in games on a regular basis. Why we keep any of them i do not know. Also, Hobbs has been captain on a number of occasions. I understand good props don't grow on trees but i'm 100% sure these three are not up to the standard. Gethin and Felise won't last forever.

by The Saint Thu 22 May 2014, 7:53 pm

Bourrust, should have kept him, would have been decent TH cover. The only decent cover you have now is Filise.

by Guest Wed 04 Jun 2014, 11:20 am

Tuifua has gone, we've signed Adam Thomas the 7s captain

by Comfort Wed 04 Jun 2014, 3:15 pm

Mark Hammet? So much better than what I expected to be honest. With some of the signings we look to be in a much better starting position next season.

by ScarletSpiderman Wed 04 Jun 2014, 3:21 pm

Every time I read Mark Hammett I think Metallica (Kirk Hammett), you boys are gonna have to give him some sort of nickname to save me from having Master Of Puppets stuck in my head all season.

by Comfort Wed 04 Jun 2014, 3:24 pm

SS, I keep thinking Mark Hammill!!!I can only hope the force be with us Cool

by Jhamer25 Wed 04 Jun 2014, 4:00 pm

Why did they let Tuifua go. Him Cory Allen and Owen Williams would have been a good stock of centers to have.
Who is this 7's boy, is he any good or will he just be another journeyman from pontypridd?

by The Saint Wed 04 Jun 2014, 8:48 pm

I would have kept Tuifua. He would have added some good depth to Blues and Cardiff RFC.

by XR Thu 05 Jun 2014, 9:27 am

I imagine he's off because they're bringing in more NWQ and need the space.

by Jhamer25 Thu 05 Jun 2014, 4:21 pm

gcBlues wrote:I imagine he's off because they're bringing in more NWQ and need the space.

Fair point, Hopefully they are anyway.
Still need 2 props, flanker, 10 and 2 versatile full back who can also play wingers for good depth. Your starting 15 is pretty much build but still missing a quality full back which should be priority.

by dragon4life Thu 05 Jun 2014, 5:03 pm

Martyn Thomas to Blues? Can play wing but mostly a fullback

by ScarletSpiderman Thu 05 Jun 2014, 7:54 pm

Thomas is linked with London Welsh, prob better option than the Blues

by Welshmushroom Thu 05 Jun 2014, 8:48 pm

Blues will have a hell of a big starting pack next season:

1. Jenkins
2. Rees
3. Mitchell
4. Hoeata
5. Paulo
6. Turnbull
7. Warburton
8. Vosawai

To be honest that 8 could seriously cause some damage. The real key is if Hammett can get them to gel quickly and develop the Blues attacking game - which has been non existent for quite a few years. If Anscombe joins as well it will give them a major fight at 10 between him and Patchell which will be critical for them. If I was a Blues supporter I would be seriously optimistic for next season.

by Welshmushroom Thu 05 Jun 2014, 8:50 pm

Given they have also got forward like Lou Reed and Elis Jenkins to work into that pack as well they look very well positioned. Main problem for the Blues is they have at times looked unmotivated prior to Mackintosh joining. If Hammett can harness this and get them taking the league seriously I see no reason why they wont be aiming for a top 4 finish next season.

by Guest Thu 05 Jun 2014, 10:15 pm

Its weird how we seem to have a load of capable flankers, but not enough wingers, flyhalves or fullbacks

by The Saint Thu 05 Jun 2014, 11:20 pm

Matthew Morgan is being linked with you guys now. I guess he could slot into wing, full back or fly-half.

by XR Fri 06 Jun 2014, 8:30 am

The blues being quite open about things, Peter Thomas coming out and saying that they want Morgan at the Blues and also Anscombe. If we got both, i think we'd see Morgan at Wing, Anscombe at full back and patchell at 10. Then a lot of rotation.

by bedfordwelsh Fri 06 Jun 2014, 10:17 am

So did they make a move for Morgan before now?

by XR Fri 06 Jun 2014, 11:08 am

It hasn't come out that they did, the Dragons did but i guess Bristol looked like going up and probably offered him more money.

Moreos, the blues had Fish playing at 15 but i think they've realised he'll find it tough to ever become the real deal at professional level.

by Welshmushroom Fri 06 Jun 2014, 9:53 pm

gcBlues wrote:It hasn't come out that they did, the Dragons did but i guess Bristol looked like going up and probably offered him more money.

Moreos, the blues had Fish playing at 15 but i think they've realised he'll find it tough to ever become the real deal at professional level.

Dave, as a Blues fan you've got to be looking forward to the new season. Just watched the Hammett interview as well and the guy is a typical hard nosed New Zealander. I don't expect many powder puff games from the forwards with him at the helm. I also have to say on paper they look to me to have the strongest pack by a big distance (if they can gel quickly). In fact it's going to be hard to think of any Pro 12 side fielding a heavier pack in the league after the summer signings. Granted Bulk isn't everything but I certainly expect that pack to make yards. What's your thoughts?

by XR Sat 07 Jun 2014, 2:48 pm

The forwards do look rather decent for next year. When we had our best pack in regional times a few years ago (Jenkins, Williams, Thomas, Tito, Jones, Molitika, Williams, Rush) our backs could play some great rugby. Let's hope this pack next year can get us good ball and let our young, exciting backs let loose.

Hammet, Chief & John can bring us great things, we just need to start performing and from the start of the season, not when there's nothing left to win.

by Cardiff Dave Sun 08 Jun 2014, 9:29 pm

Two seasons was the prediction following the "take a look at yewer selves" Holland Chief Exec burrp and we're not moving back to CAP even though we did actually, hiccup, etc. We were already there and paying for it Richard?
Now Cardiff RFC means business at last. About time too.

by Coleman Mon 09 Jun 2014, 9:22 am

Last season was always a "building season", I kept telling people that. Some of our up and comers broke through last year which has given us a good core of players to use all season. Now we can have a decent crack at the league (Top 6 is a goal in my eyes) and the Quaters of the Challenge Cup. That would be a very sucessful season in my eyes. Also keen to see who breaks through the academy this year.

by Coleman Mon 09 Jun 2014, 10:27 am

Hate to double post. But our roster for the 14/15 season has been updated on the Blues website.

Link

Warburton is in there. Does this mean that we'll be playing him next season. Still not sure if this has all been resolved yet.

by Cardiff Dave Mon 09 Jun 2014, 1:58 pm

Coleman wrote:Hate to double post. But our roster for the 14/15 season has been updated on the Blues website.

Link

Warburton is in there. Does this mean that we'll be playing him next season. Still not sure if this has all been resolved yet.

Probably and I guess it would mean bad PR for RRW if Cardiff didn't play him. Hope everything will be sorted before then though.

by XR Mon 09 Jun 2014, 3:00 pm

Pre Season friendly away to Leicester Tigers announced today.

by ScarletSpiderman Mon 09 Jun 2014, 3:24 pm

gcBlues wrote:Pre Season friendly away to Leicester Tigers announced today.

What date?

by Cardiff Dave Mon 09 Jun 2014, 3:47 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:
gcBlues wrote:Pre Season friendly away to Leicester Tigers announced today.

What date?

Announced on Cardiff's website and Leicester's website. Excellent. Will the propaganda m/c do the same?

by Coleman Mon 09 Jun 2014, 4:34 pm

The 29th of Aug.

by Welshmushroom Mon 09 Jun 2014, 6:46 pm

Coleman wrote:Last season was always a "building season", I kept telling people that. Some of our up and comers broke through last year which has given us a good core of players to use all season. Now we can have a decent crack at the league (Top 6 is a goal in my eyes) and the Quaters of the Challenge Cup. That would be a very sucessful season in my eyes. Also keen to see who breaks through the academy this year.

Surely a top 4 should be top of the Blues agenda given the squad they have signed? Is there actually any purpose to winning the challenge cup if an auto qualifying spot is no longer available. I don't think the challenge cup generates that much money in prize money either. Would it not be better for the Blues to make sure their first team is playing league games over the challenge cup? I see no value in the Challenge Cup. I certainly hope that the Dragons (my team) ignore the temptation to focus on anything else other than the league. At least that way they can manage their resources for a good league campaign given the natural intensity increase they will face in the league due to the European qualifying changes.

by Cardiff Dave Wed 11 Jun 2014, 10:51 am

Welshmushroom wrote:
Coleman wrote:Last season was always a "building season", I kept telling people that. Some of our up and comers broke through last year which has given us a good core of players to use all season. Now we can have a decent crack at the league (Top 6 is a goal in my eyes) and the Quaters of the Challenge Cup. That would be a very sucessful season in my eyes. Also keen to see who breaks through the academy this year.

Surely a top 4 should be top of the Blues agenda given the squad they have signed? Is there actually any purpose to winning the challenge cup if an auto qualifying spot is no longer available. I don't think the challenge cup generates that much money in prize money either. Would it not be better for the Blues to make sure their first team is playing league games over the challenge cup? I see no value in the Challenge Cup. I certainly hope that the Dragons (my team) ignore the temptation to focus on anything else other than the league. At least that way they can manage their resources for a good league campaign given the natural intensity increase they will face in the league due to the European qualifying changes.

I'm still not convinced WM.
What's worth more in prize money - winning the Pro12 or the Amlin? I'm asking coz i'm not sure. What I do know is that Cardiff's main objective was always HEC qualification. Winning the league never seemed to matter that much.

by Coleman Wed 11 Jun 2014, 11:21 am

I didn’t know that qualification for the top tier of Euro Rugby was removed from the Challenge Cup. But still, It's nice to win things. I don't want to get over excited about this coming season. Yeah, we've signed some good players but injuries happen, and those players need to integrate in to the team. We also have a new head coach and the squad has to adjust our playing style to fit his game plan. Not to mention the dreaded Wales camps bleed the quality from our squad. So I think Top 6 is a fair and achievable target for this season. Once we get there, then we can start to target the end of season play-offs the following year.

by Welshmushroom Thu 12 Jun 2014, 7:48 pm

Cardiff Dave wrote:
Welshmushroom wrote:
Coleman wrote:Last season was always a "building season", I kept telling people that. Some of our up and comers broke through last year which has given us a good core of players to use all season. Now we can have a decent crack at the league (Top 6 is a goal in my eyes) and the Quaters of the Challenge Cup. That would be a very sucessful season in my eyes. Also keen to see who breaks through the academy this year.

Surely a top 4 should be top of the Blues agenda given the squad they have signed? Is there actually any purpose to winning the challenge cup if an auto qualifying spot is no longer available. I don't think the challenge cup generates that much money in prize money either. Would it not be better for the Blues to make sure their first team is playing league games over the challenge cup? I see no value in the Challenge Cup. I certainly hope that the Dragons (my team) ignore the temptation to focus on anything else other than the league. At least that way they can manage their resources for a good league campaign given the natural intensity increase they will face in the league due to the European qualifying changes.

I'm still not convinced WM.
What's worth more in prize money - winning the Pro12 or the Amlin? I'm asking coz i'm not sure. What I do know is that Cardiff's main objective was always HEC qualification. Winning the league never seemed to matter that much.

Its unclear because they haven't published the new challenge cup prize fund which makes me think a lot of the European money has gone into finding the new formula for the main event. That said I reckon given the extra home games etc it would probably make more than winning the pro 12. That said though if it comes at the cost of the main European event it wont be as profitable.

You make an excellent point regarding the Blues focus. That said I do think all of the welsh regions need to refocus their attention to the league because I don't think the mantra from previous welsh players of losing one game wont cost you the league is exactly at the route problem of some of the poor performances. I actually don't think the gap is that big between the irish sides and welsh teams (with maybe the exception of Leinster who do have a quality second team as well) but the difference between those sides has often been the attitude of welsh sides in terms of physicality. They need to address this and treat every league game like a cup final because the days of losing a couple of games but having a good end of season run wont get you into the playoffs.

And lets be fair despite welsh international call ups the Blues cant exactly always lay the blame there because at times last season the players looked like they couldn't care less which is unacceptable. I'm glad they have brought Macintosh in last term as we saw the difference in defence from the blues that made in most games and under new coach Hammett I cant see poor performances being accepted. So I would be very hopeful for a good campaign if I was a blues supporter.

by wales606 Sat 14 Jun 2014, 11:06 am

I will be very excited for next season if we get Anscombe and another few players (we are apparently expected to fill the NWQ quota), I imagine things will get moving soon with the participation agreement due and the expected extra money in central contracts.

Top 6 has to be the aim for next season, and we can realistically look to the semi/final/win the Challenge cup, with Stade and Gloucester the biggest teams in it.

Top 6 this season, give Hammett a chance to bed in, decide on his gameplan and then have a chance to change up his squad and backroom for 2015/16 with a full pre-season to push for top 4 and hopeful a run at the HC.

by doctornickolas Wed 18 Jun 2014, 12:00 pm

wales606 wrote:I will be very excited for next season if we get Anscombe and another few players (we are apparently expected to fill the NWQ quota), I imagine things will get moving soon with the participation agreement due and the expected extra money in central contracts.

Top 6 has to be the aim for next season, and we can realistically look to the semi/final/win the Challenge cup, with Stade and Gloucester the biggest teams in it.

Top 6 this season, give Hammett a chance to bed in, decide on his gameplan and then have a chance to change up his squad and backroom for 2015/16 with a full pre-season to push for top 4 and hopeful a run at the HC.

What is the NWQ quota for the season. The last PA said that by the end of it the number of welsh qualified players in a 23 man match day squad was to be increased from 17 to 19. ie from 6 NWQ to 4 NWQ. This seems to have been largely ignored. So will any new agreement start with 4 NWQ per match day squad?

by Cardiff Dave Fri 20 Jun 2014, 7:02 pm

The World Club Rugby 10s - Saturday 21 June 2014;

The World Club 10s will be the first sports event ‘kicking off’ the new National Stadium at the Singapore Sports Hub on Saturday 21 June 2014;

THE BRUMBIES
SAMOA WATER PRESIDENT'S 10
THE BLUES
PETRACA RUGBY
London Welsh
THE DRAGONS
BIARRITZ OLYMPIQUE
CARDIFF BLUES

http://worldclubtens.com/

by Cardiff Dave Sat 21 Jun 2014, 10:33 am

Game one: Cardiff Blues 12 Dragons 19
Game two: Cardiff Blues 36 Petrarca Rugby 0

by Coleman Sat 21 Jun 2014, 11:06 am

Read a comment on the Blues facebook page that London Welsh were being sick during their first game as they were on the lash last night.

by Guest Mon 23 Jun 2014, 11:28 am

Looks as though Owen Williams has suffered a neck injury in the 3rd place play off match, I hope he recovers

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/owen-williams-injured-cardiff-blues-7309264

by wales606 Mon 23 Jun 2014, 11:43 am

Sad news, sounds like it could be serious

Hope he makes a fast recovery :/

by Guest Mon 23 Jun 2014, 8:58 pm

Still nothing on Owen Williams, this doesn't sound too good

by Bluedragon Mon 23 Jun 2014, 10:34 pm

Blues website showing Gareth Davies as staying next season. Do London Welsh want him now they got unexpectedly promoted. PS how did Burnell manage that ?

and Tau Filise also doesn't seem to have retired yet.

Macauley Cook is apparently staying in hospital with Owen Williams whilst his family fly out to Singapore - sounds like it could be a very serious neck injury. Hope its not got long term consequences for him. Wishing him a speedy return to full fitness.

by Coleman Wed 25 Jun 2014, 2:31 pm

The Beeb have just updated their article. Looks like it's a bad one. Devistated for him and his family.

by doctornickolas Wed 25 Jun 2014, 4:18 pm

Cardiff Blues have revealed Wales centre Owen Williams has suffered a "significant injury" to his cervical vertebrae and spinal cord

That doesn't sound good at all. Hope he makes a decent recovery but that sounds life changing.

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