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 The Saint Mon 06 Oct 2014, 12:48 pm

Reed was billed as the worst 2nd row in Wales for a while, now you're saying this when he leaves... Dico is a very good player, agree about Paulo though.

by XR Mon 06 Oct 2014, 12:50 pm

Dico hasn't shown anything for the blues and at the moment seems to be a bit of a waste of £40k.

by Coleman Mon 06 Oct 2014, 3:07 pm

I disagree. I think he is a solid player. He dosn't set the world alight and maybe regional rugby picked him up to late but he hasnt let us down. I'd pick Dico over Filo at the moment. Filo seems happy to amble around the park, and make as little impact as poasible. He slows down in to contact (he's massive ffs) which really gets on my nerves. Hoeata has been good for us. Weird that Reed hasnt been used. Has he offended someone?

by Cardiff Dave Wed 08 Oct 2014, 9:53 pm

Seems Uncle Pete means business;

"Cardiff Blues are advertising for a head of elite performance who will work alongside new director of rugby Mark Hammett"

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/cardiff-blues-begin-hunt-new-7905744

by **George Carlin** Thu 09 Oct 2014, 6:24 am

doctornickolas wrote:
gcBlues wrote:Lou Reed departs and joins the Tigers

Surprised at that. I think Blues are really weak at lock. Not very impressed with Hoeata or Paulo so far, and it just goes off a cliff after that. Should have made an effort to sign Ian Evans or Charteris in the summer when they were available.

Totally agree. Why let Evans go to Brizzle of all places? Not that Clifton isn't a lovely part of the world.

by wales606 Tue 14 Oct 2014, 3:25 pm

Apparently Hammett is taking a hammer to his squad,

Ieuan Jones, George Watkins, Marc Breeze and a couple of others due to be let go now.

by Guest Tue 14 Oct 2014, 3:27 pm

Feel sorry for Ieuan Jones, but he was never going to get a shot down there after leaving us.

by wales606 Tue 14 Oct 2014, 3:31 pm

Seems a bit odd considering Vosawai is now the only proper 8 we have

by **George Carlin** Tue 14 Oct 2014, 4:23 pm

Does this basically mean that the arrival of Roberts, Lydiate etc is imminent?

Does rather suggest Blues are checking their wage bill in light of new people coming in.

You have to say that it's a bold management move.

by Guest Tue 14 Oct 2014, 4:47 pm

I can't see any reason for Ieuan Jones leaving then, bar maybe his character doesn't fit there?

by The Saint Tue 14 Oct 2014, 7:46 pm

What did George Watkins do wrong? Blues don't seem to be that equipped in the back 3 right now so I can't see why last years top-try scorer in the championship and this years welsh premiership leading try scorer is being let go.

by Guest Tue 14 Oct 2014, 8:31 pm

Yeah Watkins I feel for, hes scored something like 7 tries in 3 games for Cardiff RFC, why is he not been given a shot for the Blues despite us lacking a decent winger

by Coleman Wed 15 Oct 2014, 3:20 pm

Why in earth would we release Watkins? He's on fire for Cardiff. I really hope it's not true. We havnt even seen Jones. I thought Breeze had already gone. This plus Lou Reed going seems a bit strange. Are we over budget?

by ScarletSpiderman Wed 15 Oct 2014, 3:25 pm

Coleman wrote:Why in earth would we release Watkins? He's on fire for Cardiff. I really hope it's not true. We havnt even seen Jones. I thought Breeze had already gone. This plus Lou Reed going seems a bit strange. Are we over budget?

Has Warbs going from a CC (100% the union) to a DC (40% Blues) caused this?

by Sam Wed 15 Oct 2014, 3:30 pm

Madness, at least give these players a shot surely? - Watkins for example has proved himself at a lower level give him a go in the Pro12!

by The Saint Wed 15 Oct 2014, 3:32 pm

You would guess that they are over the wage bill a bit, just look at the signings made this season. There's a chance Lydiate will be there if he returns to Wales. I wouldn't mind seeing I.Jones back at Dragons along with Watkins to push our current boys (and eventually keep out Brew).

by ScarletSpiderman Wed 15 Oct 2014, 3:32 pm

It is a shame with the 'A' side game coming up some of the players like Jones and Watkins could have shown their value to the region. That said we are not aware of their habits in training etc.

by The Saint Wed 15 Oct 2014, 3:36 pm

That'll be for Wales fringe players mostly, players returning from injury and perhaps a few exiles.

by ScarletSpiderman Wed 15 Oct 2014, 3:41 pm

Really? I would have thought it would have been for the players who are expected to step up and replace the internationals when they were gone. I was imagining a Blues side like (well prior to release being official)-:

Fish, Watkins, Smith, Hewitt (c), Knight, Humberston, Knoyle;
Hobbs, Dacy, Andrews, Reed, Dicomedies, Cook, Jenkins, Jones

by The Saint Wed 15 Oct 2014, 3:46 pm

Ah, I thought you meant the Wales A game. You'd probably be right there.

by XR Wed 15 Oct 2014, 3:47 pm

Nothing to do with being over the wage bill. It's to do with hammer not being impressed with what he's got and the salaries some of these players are getting. Getting rid of 4, for example, players who take up £160k on the yearly wage bill opens up £160 to go towards a big signing whether that be Jamie Roberts or Robbie Fruean.

Fact is, Hammer has had a good look at the players he's got in training and matches and has made his mind up. We've got a pretty big squad that needs trimming down in terms of quality, not just monetarily, wise.

And to clear up, there's not definite number or who it will be let go, merely speculation. But you can look at who has yet to be played and probably guess where he's looking.

by bedfordwelsh Wed 15 Oct 2014, 5:01 pm

Risca Rev wrote:I can't see any reason for Ieuan Jones leaving then, bar maybe his character doesn't fit there?

Has he played for them yet? I can see why he left us what with Faletau there and then the signing of Powell and Copeland leaving the Blues.

by The Saint Wed 15 Oct 2014, 6:18 pm

Fair enough GC, Hammer sounds like a good manager.

Robbie Fruean... Much truth in that? Isn't he the one who had to have a heart op? That wouldn't be such a good idea to buy him if so.

by Guest Wed 15 Oct 2014, 7:51 pm

It was, he had an excellent partnership with SBW at Canterbury but I dont think he ever hit the heights he was aiming for.

by XR Thu 16 Oct 2014, 8:08 am

The Saint wrote:Fair enough GC, Hammer sounds like a good manager.

Robbie Fruean... Much truth in that? Isn't he the one who had to have a heart op? That wouldn't be such a good idea to buy him if so.

Saw it on some NZ forum so probably just a rumour from over there. Yeah he's got 'rheumatic heart' but that has not affected his career to date. Admit it would be a gamble but just a rumour at this time as he's got no super rugby contract right now.

by Coleman Fri 17 Oct 2014, 2:12 pm

Oh dear. Patch back to 15. Smith on the wing. Thomas at center. I've not seen Walsh play, but is he scoring tries left right and down the middle in the Prem? (He might be, i wouldnt know). Where is Alex? Glad to see Vos back at 8 and Cook starting at 6. Shame Josh isn't starting at 7. I think Dacey should be starting. People argue that Rees is the better scrummager (I agree) but when you pick Hobbs you're not picking a pack to scrummage. So get Dacey on and out work the other team?

by Guest Fri 17 Oct 2014, 3:18 pm

Cuthbert has a slight strain, so I read (I'm sure)

by Coleman Fri 17 Oct 2014, 3:34 pm

Is he's avoiding a potentially physical game because the Wales camp starts soon? Too synical?

by Guest Fri 17 Oct 2014, 4:44 pm

Have to wonder aye.

by The Saint Fri 17 Oct 2014, 6:17 pm

When I first saw the team, I said to myself are they trying to purposely lose...

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 17 Oct 2014, 7:21 pm

The feeling of them prioritising the league struck me tbh.

by Guest Fri 17 Oct 2014, 10:11 pm

I can see the logic in that, given that winning the Challenge Cup doesn't mean a great deal without Champions Cup qualification.

by Luckless Pedestrian Sat 18 Oct 2014, 5:45 am

ScarletSpiderman wrote:The feeling of them prioritising the league struck me tbh.

So they've only just decided to prioritise the league? censored

by wales606 Sat 18 Oct 2014, 11:44 am

Prioritising the league makes no sense when they are desperate for a win...anywhere.

Just a terrible, terrible team

by The Saint Sat 18 Oct 2014, 2:56 pm

Two tries and 12 nil up...still, I expected them to turn over Grenoble twice this season.

by maestegmafia Sat 18 Oct 2014, 3:22 pm

The Saint wrote:Two tries and 12 nil up...still, I expected them to turn over Grenoble twice this season.

Hope so

Lloyd and Rhys the scorers...?

by The Saint Sat 18 Oct 2014, 3:36 pm

Warbs touches down early in the 2nd half, 22-6. Keep it going guys, utilise that bench.

by The Saint Sat 18 Oct 2014, 5:03 pm

37-14, well done guys. Forwards must have won it, unless any spectators can comment otherwise?

by ScarletSpiderman Sat 18 Oct 2014, 5:47 pm

Yeah I could certainly do with an egg on face smiley. Well done Blues, you shown us doubters a huge middle finger, and hopefully this will kick the rest if your season off.

by Coleman Sun 19 Oct 2014, 10:23 am

I'll give credit where credit is due. Adam Thomas was good yesterday, as was Sam Hobbs and Richard Smith. I still don't like the team set up. Patch should be our 10, and that is that. Vosawai was immence as well. We've really needed a big lumper No.8, and he's really filling that old Xav roll. It felt like more then 6,200 yesterday. It wasn't by any means full but still a good crowd. A lot of positives but still some work to be done. Excited for tomorrow now.

by maestegmafia Sun 19 Oct 2014, 11:01 am

Great result, glad to see the blues getting a good result. Consistency is now the name of the game.

I agree regarding Patchell, I thought Fish was a decent enough fullback...?

by Coleman Sun 19 Oct 2014, 11:44 am

We're away to Rovigo next week, which should be a win. Then a toughie against Munster in Cardiff. So a bit of consistency would go a long way to helping us reboot the season. Anscombe will be here by then, which may well be the nail in the coffin for Fish. He isnt a bad FB by any means, he's good going forward but his defence isnt great.

by maestegmafia Sun 19 Oct 2014, 11:50 am

Coleman wrote:We're away to Rovigo next week, which should be a win. Then a toughie against Munster in Cardiff. So a bit of consistency would go a long way to helping us reboot the season. Anscombe will be here by then, which may well be the nail in the coffin for Fish. He isnt a bad FB by any means, he's good going forward but his defence isnt great.

Aye his defence isn't great, though i always thought that his issues in defence were more technique than courage...?

Anscombe should fill the 15 issue for sure. Looks like Lloyd Williams had a decent game yesterday too. Lewis Jones doesn't cut it in my opinion, but if Lloyd or Tav get to their best form you have to good options.

by Guest Sun 19 Oct 2014, 4:30 pm

Lloyd Williams is our best scrum half by far, not impressed with Lewis Jones and I haven't even seen Knoyle play yet

by wayne Sun 19 Oct 2014, 9:44 pm

Tell me Blues fans how do you feel about WRUburton saying that he is NOT available for you until December, I quite accept he would not be needed for next weeks game against Rovigo, yet the following week you have Munster in the Guinness, considering he missed a big game a few weeks ago, the 13 day Wales rule doesn't come in until the Sunday, is this the price of the DC fiasco?

by maestegmafia Sun 19 Oct 2014, 9:48 pm

wayne wrote:Tell me Blues fans how do you feel about WRUburton saying that he is NOT available for you until December, I quite accept he would not be needed for next weeks game against Rovigo, yet the following week you have Munster in the Guinness, considering he missed a big game a few weeks ago, the 13 day Wales rule doesn't come in until the Sunday, is this the price of the DC fiasco?

Interesting point but gives a great opportunity for Nalvdi or josh Turnbull to playq at openside... Both are quality players who will benefit from the opportunity.

by wayne Sun 19 Oct 2014, 10:07 pm

maestegmafia wrote:
wayne wrote:Tell me Blues fans how do you feel about WRUburton saying that he is NOT available for you until December, I quite accept he would not be needed for next weeks game against Rovigo, yet the following week you have Munster in the Guinness, considering he missed a big game a few weeks ago, the 13 day Wales rule doesn't come in until the Sunday, is this the price of the DC fiasco?

Interesting point but gives a great opportunity for Nalvdi or josh Turnbull to playq at openside... Both are quality players who will benefit from the opportunity.

Maes, the 3 of them played against Os a week ago, Navidi could play against Rovigo, Turnbull will never make a viable open side as long as he has a hole in his .... WRUburton should be available for that game, and I bet Turnbull will be playing even though I expect him to be selected for the TW squad for the AIs

by Coleman Mon 20 Oct 2014, 9:18 am

I'm not bothered if Sam isn't available. He has been good for us this season so far but Navidi is a Blues player through and through. If we put out Cook, Vos and Navidi vs Munster then i'll be delighted. Losing Warbs isnt something that bothers me as i'm used to him not being there.

by ScarletSpiderman Mon 20 Oct 2014, 9:24 am

maestegmafia wrote:
wayne wrote:Tell me Blues fans how do you feel about WRUburton saying that he is NOT available for you until December, I quite accept he would not be needed for next weeks game against Rovigo, yet the following week you have Munster in the Guinness, considering he missed a big game a few weeks ago, the 13 day Wales rule doesn't come in until the Sunday, is this the price of the DC fiasco?

Interesting point but gives a great opportunity for Nalvdi or josh Turnbull to playq at openside... Both are quality players who will benefit from the opportunity.

Didn't Josh join the Blues because he was getting tired of being shoved to openside, when he prefers to be a blindside?

by wales606 Mon 20 Oct 2014, 10:20 am

wayne wrote:Tell me Blues fans how do you feel about WRUburton saying that he is NOT available for you until December, I quite accept he would not be needed for next weeks game against Rovigo, yet the following week you have Munster in the Guinness, considering he missed a big game a few weeks ago, the 13 day Wales rule doesn't come in until the Sunday, is this the price of the DC fiasco?

Im fine with that, since we only pay 40% of his wages and he has already played quite a lot for us this season and is in pretty good form.

This is the whole point of the central contracts

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