Ospreys season thread 2014-15

by The Saint Tue Aug 26, 2014 3:44 pm

First topic message reminder :

Will Ospreys be worst team in Wales 2014-15?

Outside of some fairly decent signings (Bernardo, Matavesi, Roberts), and their inspiring captain (AWJ) the Ospreys squad looks very average and the first team could struggle to be within the top 6 of the Guinness Pro12. Squad: http://www.ospreysrugby.com/Teams/Squad/Ospreys. Do Ospreys fans believe little was done when Ryan/Adam Jones, Hibbard declared intentions to move? I think the current squad has potential, but the current coaches will neither develop them or get the best out of them when it comes to the field of play, I think Tandy is the worst pro rugby coach in Wales and quite possibly all of Europe. The departures of the senior players will do little to help either.

Dragons have a slightly better squad this term and are lead by a good coaching panel, as are the Scarlets and Blues. The Blues also have built quite a formidable squad and look the most likely to be winning silverware this season. This is why I can see Ospreys being the worst performing team in the 2014/15 season. To go from the team most likely to win silverware for a No. of years to potentially the worst is unforgivable.

by Guest Sun Sep 14, 2014 9:42 pm

Yes, but I think we need Ash or Leach at 12 for a bit more leadership in the backs.

by bedfordwelsh Sun Sep 14, 2014 9:53 pm

Cant agree more Rev, have said numerous times that I think Ash is the main ingredient to our back line and if he can get a full season injury free then his experience along with Leachs' will prove invaluable to the likes of O'Brien, Dixon and Morgan.

by Luckless Pedestrian Sun Sep 14, 2014 10:22 pm

Any news on Tovey's injury? I was impressed with O'Brien and it would be interesting to see who they go for if both are fit. Big game up next against Glasgow.

by Guest Sun Sep 14, 2014 10:43 pm

Think AOB will start on Saturday, but again he will be not helped. People like to slate Jase too easily and to be fair, the criticism he gets can't help sometimes, as a lot of it is over the top. I would be interested to see how both go with Ash at 12 (when he is fit). I think the trouble is, people still moan about Tovey for him trying to better himself at the Blouse and only look for the negatives (like when he misses a kick for touch from a pen). The guy deserves a bit more respect given that he is our record points scorer and somebody else Brewy (who also left us) isn't given the same treatment though he looks a good yard slower nowadays.

by Stone Motif Sun Sep 14, 2014 11:18 pm

maestegmafia wrote:
The Saint wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
The Saint wrote:Nah it isn't Jon Evans, I've always thought he was average. Has Lyn openly stated that he thinks Evans is best? Judging by the Rees' No. of start since he joined I would say he is in the driving seat.

First two games of the season Rees is on the bench Jon Evans starts..!

Okay maes you don't like Rees, I think WE GET IT by now.

Didn't say that.

I said Jon Evans is the better player and backed that up with the fact that the coach keeps picking him ahead of Rees

Comedy gold

by wayne Mon Sep 15, 2014 1:17 pm

Stone Motif wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
The Saint wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
The Saint wrote:Nah it isn't Jon Evans, I've always thought he was average. Has Lyn openly stated that he thinks Evans is best? Judging by the Rees' No. of start since he joined I would say he is in the driving seat.

First two games of the season Rees is on the bench Jon Evans starts..!

Okay maes you don't like Rees, I think WE GET IT by now.

Didn't say that.

I said Jon Evans is the better player and backed that up with the fact that the coach keeps picking him ahead of Rees
Comedy gold

WOW, THE Organ Grinder is back, Comedy Gold, nearly as hilarious as the point that you said every game you've seen Webb play he has been SHYTE, was he SHYTE last Friday, when he made about 4 of your players look pedestrian.

by Luckless Pedestrian Mon Sep 15, 2014 2:06 pm

For the sake of argument: which four?

by LordDowlais Mon Sep 22, 2014 9:16 am

I this thread still relevant ?

I will say one thing, the youngsters are realy stepping up to the mark, we will see how they fair in Thommond park next Saturday though, if the Ospreys win it will be massive for the young guns down at the Liberty.

by Guest Mon Sep 22, 2014 9:57 am

The Ospreys are proving that a squad is more than just marquee players, the players look like they're enjoying their rugby and playing with confidence.

Now lets hope they can do it when it matters in the European Cup

by LordDowlais Mon Sep 22, 2014 11:37 am

IronMike wrote:The Ospreys are proving that a squad is more than just marquee players, the players look like they're enjoying their rugby and playing with confidence.

Now lets hope they can do it when it matters in the European Cup

Even if the Ospreys do struggle away from home against the Munster and Leinsters of this world, I would think that if they can hold onto their players they are going to be quite the force in two or three years.

by LordDowlais Mon Sep 22, 2014 11:50 am

Also, the die hard Dragon's fans have gone quiet on this site as of late, I wonder why ? Whistle

by Guest Mon Sep 22, 2014 1:42 pm

Good banter Dowlais

by LordDowlais Mon Sep 22, 2014 1:50 pm

Risca Rev wrote:Good banter Dowlais

That is all it is, before your gang come's on here to tar and feather me. Hug

by bedfordwelsh Mon Sep 22, 2014 2:06 pm

This one hasn't, I am never afraid to admit when wrong and at the moment they are proving me wrong though I still think Tandy is not the right man to take them on to bigger prizes.

I think we will get a better idea of where they are after the game against Munster, who whilst not the force they once were are still very very good at Thomond.

by No9 Mon Sep 22, 2014 2:49 pm

Ospreys are doing really well, and playing some lovely rugby. The youngsters have stepped up to the mark and delivering...

But (as you say bedford), and I am an Osprey fan, I also agree, Tandy is NOT the man to take this team forward.

by Luckless Pedestrian Mon Sep 22, 2014 3:42 pm

bedfordwelsh wrote:This one hasn't, I am never afraid to admit when wrong and at the moment they are proving me wrong though I still think Tandy is not the right man to take them on to bigger prizes.

I think we will get a better idea of where they are after the game against Munster, who whilst not the force they once were are still very very good at Thomond.

I agree with this (apart from the bit about Steve Tandy, I don't care either way). They've had a great start, but there's also no denying they've had a favourable first few fixtures. That's not a dig, that's just stating the truth of it. There's still a lot of rugby to be played.

I hope they keep it up, they're playing with confidence and let's see if they can really get on a roll.

by LordDowlais Mon Sep 22, 2014 3:45 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:
bedfordwelsh wrote:This one hasn't, I am never afraid to admit when wrong and at the moment they are proving me wrong though I still think Tandy is not the right man to take them on to bigger prizes.

I think we will get a better idea of where they are after the game against Munster, who whilst not the force they once were are still very very good at Thomond.

I agree with this (apart from the bit about Steve Tandy, I don't care either way). They've had a great start, but there's also no denying they've had a favourable first few fixtures. That's not a dig, that's just stating the truth of it. There's still a lot of rugby to be played. I hope they keep it up, they're playing with confidence and let's see if they can really get on a roll.

Does that include the Dragons at Rodney Parade, where they always seem to struggle ?

by Luckless Pedestrian Mon Sep 22, 2014 3:49 pm

That's the only tough match they've had, Dowlais, and they were a missed drop goal from losing. It's still early days.

by LordDowlais Mon Sep 22, 2014 3:51 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:That's the only tough match they've had, Dowlais.That's my point, it's still early days.

You are correct, and Munster in Thommond will show us where they are, but they have not had all easy fixtures, everybody and their dog on here were convinced the Dragons were going to win and although the score finished 17-15 the Ospreys were by far and away the better side.

by Guest Mon Sep 22, 2014 4:31 pm

LordDowlais wrote:
Luckless Pedestrian wrote:That's the only tough match they've had, Dowlais.That's my point, it's still early days.

You are correct, and Munster in Thommond will show us where they are, but they have not had all easy fixtures, everybody and their dog on here were convinced the Dragons were going to win and although the score finished 17-15 the Ospreys were by far and away the better side.

Hmmm, I'd be interested to see evidence of "every man and their dog" being convinced the Dragons were going to win.

by LordDowlais Mon Sep 22, 2014 4:33 pm

I am sure it is on this thread, if I could be bothered to trawl back far enough.

by Guest Mon Sep 22, 2014 4:38 pm

Well I've asked you to, to prove a point and to show you're not a liar/poor wum.

by LordDowlais Mon Sep 22, 2014 4:51 pm

So you are now going to make go trawling through threads over a week old now are you ? Come on, even I thought the Ospreys might lose, seriously if you realy want me to I will, but please just try and use your memory.

by LordDowlais Mon Sep 22, 2014 4:54 pm

Ok you got me, people were not saying they WOULD win, but a lot were saying they could win, and this thread in particular brought out a lot of arguments between Ospreys and Dragons, therefore, I apologise for getting the wrong end of the stick. thumbsup

by bedfordwelsh Tue Sep 23, 2014 9:49 am

I thought it was our best chance to win in a long time but never took it as a gimme.

by tatterd Sat Sep 27, 2014 8:23 pm

great win against munster despite the most one eyed homer ref I've seen in a while

by IanBru Sat Sep 27, 2014 8:27 pm

Great result for the O's tonight!

It's clear at the moment that best two teams in the league are Glasgow and Ospreys, which makes the scheduling of the fixtures all the more ridiculous; we won't be meeting each other until round 15 in late February!

by LeinsterFan4life Sat Sep 27, 2014 8:34 pm

Great to see the Ospreys playing well again as this league needs a good Ospreys team!

Hopefully they can give the HC a good go this season. They can definatley get out of their group.

by glamorganalun Sat Sep 27, 2014 8:55 pm

LeinsterFan4life wrote:Great to see the Ospreys playing well again as this league needs a good Ospreys team!

Hopefully they can give the HC a good go this season. They can definatley get out of their group.

Totally agree, it is a shame the other Welsh teams don't man up as they have the players but don't have the committment of the Irish teams, Glasgow and the Ospreys.

I expected the Blues to be the top team in Wales and the Dragons not far behind but as usual the results so far speak for themselves maybe another year may see improvements in the case of the Dragons this has been 10 years and counting.

by VinceWLB Sun Sep 28, 2014 1:23 am

IanBru wrote:Great result for the O's tonight!

It's clear at the moment that best two teams in the league are Glasgow and Ospreys, which makes the scheduling of the fixtures all the more ridiculous; we won't be meeting each other until round 15 in late February!

Ospreys' fans probably glad about that as Glasgow has been a nightmare side for them and a real confidence killer!

Have to say well done to the Ospreys, proved a lot of people, including me, wrong.

by Luckless Pedestrian Sun Sep 28, 2014 9:03 am

The thing that stood out for me yesterday, again, was that the Ospreys knew exactly what they were doing when they had the ball, but at the same time they were playing what they saw - they weren't just going through the motions. They were quick and they were clever. It was the same when they came to Rodney Parade, there was a purpose about them that we didn't seem to have.

glamorganalun wrote:I expected the Blues to be the top team in Wales and the Dragons not far behind but as usual the results so far speak for themselves maybe another year may see improvements in the case of the Dragons this has been 10 years and counting.

I never bought the hype around the Blues. As for the Dragons, I think we'd have lost to Glasgow regardless, but in our defence we were missing plenty of players through injury. That doesn't make our capitulation any less embarrassing, but I do think it was slightly misleading. A good win this afternoon and we could be up to 7th in the table. (A defeat and we're rock bottom, but I don't want to think about it!)

by **George Carlin** Sun Sep 28, 2014 9:07 am

Os were very good against Munster. They looked fit, defensive line speed was very good and the tactical judgement of the conditions was what won them the game, with positional kicking a highlight. They were lying on the wrong side of the ball a lot too, but managed to get away without being pinged, which is a victory of playing the referee in itself.

Hassler has got to be one of the club's best signings in recent year - he looks like a real weapon and Rhys Webb looks to be the man to fill the large (albeit tiny) shoes of Kahn Fotuali'i. Tellingly, what placed the Os high in recent seasons is their defence and it looks to be just as mean this year.

It's going to be interesting to see how they do against Glasgow's fast offloading game. Ospreys flooded the Munster midfield very effectively, but Glasgow moves the point of attack much more, so you guys are going to have to be careful running the same blitz defence.

by Guest Sun Sep 28, 2014 10:29 am

Where has my post gone?

by DeludedOptimistorjustDave Sun Sep 28, 2014 12:35 pm

Oh dear the OP just gets more embarrassing by the week. Doh

Lots of posters on 606v2 like this "all media knowledge fans" with little or no insight into the actual reality in Rugby! go bury your head and don't come back.

by Guest Sun Sep 28, 2014 1:19 pm

I thought you two were mates?

by No9 Sun Sep 28, 2014 11:33 pm

Isn't it time to close this post now, as the Ospreys have proved this thread a complete load of hairy spheres...

warning

by RDSguru Mon Sep 29, 2014 12:12 am

No9 wrote:Isn't it time to close this post now, as the Ospreys have proved this thread a complete load of hairy spheres...

I'd leave it up as a reminder that the O's have always dealt with the loss of Star/BigName/DamnGood players.

Sound player and financial management at its best, regionally!

Still early days yet though, but looking good

by LordDowlais Mon Sep 29, 2014 8:28 am

I was absolutely fuming on Saturday night with the ref watching this game, at one point the penalty count was something like 9-2 in favour of Munster, especially when Jeff Hassler was pinged for taking somebody out in the air, what was he supposed to do FFS, then in the second half the Eli Walker was taken out, quite deliberately and nothing given, the Ospreys were well on top in the scrums and linouts but the ref just let Munster do what ever they pleased, I might be well off the mark here, but the conspiracy theorist in me still thinks that the refs are told to lean towards the Irish teams, especially at home, to keep the Irish sponsors happy. steam

by No9 Mon Sep 29, 2014 9:44 am

I don't actually go along with that conspiracy theory LD. But it does wind me up when you see Irish refs officiating games between Irish and Non Irish clubs, which seems to happen alot between the Irish and Welsh clubs. This especially winds me up when the games are the final play -offs. I don't believe the ref's can be fully impartial, especially when its a team from your nation verses a team from another... Its nearly as bad as putting Alain Colm Pierre Rolland to referee Wales v France in a RWC knock out round, and no-one would be that stupid would they... oh hang on... Shocked

by LordDowlais Mon Sep 29, 2014 11:24 am

No9 wrote:I don't actually go along with that conspiracy theory LD. But it does wind me up when you see Irish refs officiating games between Irish and Non Irish clubs, which seems to happen alot between the Irish and Welsh clubs. This especially winds me up when the games are the final play -offs. I don't believe the ref's can be fully impartial, especially when its a team from your nation verses a team from another... Its nearly as bad as putting Alain Colm Pierre Rolland to referee Wales v France in a RWC knock out round, and no-one would be that stupid would they... oh hang on...

Munster had twice as many penalty's as the Ospreys in that game, 14-7 in favour of Munster, also the Ospreys had a perfectley good try dissalowed, although, perhpas my conspiracy theory is a little far of the mark. Anyway, isn't it about time the author of this article changed the title, to perhaps, Ospreys saeson thread ?

by No9 Mon Sep 29, 2014 11:46 am

LordDowlais wrote:Munster had twice as many penalty's as the Ospreys in that game, 14-7 in favour of Munster

...and still lost... So perhaps it shows how low Munster have dropped this season...

LordDowlais wrote: the Ospreys had a perfectley good try dissalowed

There was crossing/obstruction, don't think it was intentional, and not sure, if it hadn't happened, that Munster would have stopped the try being scored. But either way, it was the right call with the try being disallowed.

LordDowlais wrote: Anyway, isn't it about time the author of this article changed the title, to perhaps, Ospreys saeson thread ?

Or as I suggested, the thread closed as being nothing more than hairy spheres...

Either way, lets hope the Ospreys keep this up for the season and shout "bah ya sucks" to all the doubters... Yahoo

by The Saint Mon Sep 29, 2014 12:05 pm

Ospreys certainly proving me and other wrong so far this season, Webb and Biggar are winning games almost single-handedly. Though it's amazing how a different opinion can seemingly bring out the worst in people. And for the final time if you want an alternative Ospreys thread then go and start one.

by The Saint Mon Sep 29, 2014 12:09 pm

Risca Rev wrote:I thought you two were mates?

I don't like having bald mates, so no.

by ScarletSpiderman Mon Sep 29, 2014 12:42 pm

The Saint wrote:Ospreys certainly proving me and other wrong so far this season, Webb and Biggar are winning games almost single-handedly. Though it's amazing how a different opinion can seemingly bring out the worst in people. And for the final time if you want an alternative Ospreys thread then go and start one.

Or do the tradition jack thing an steal one ..... Run

Fair play, I think the Ospreys have surprised nearly everyone, except their own fans, with the way they have started the season. However we are only four games into the season, and we shall have to see how they fair when the dual-contracts are handed out (missing Biggar/Webb for all bar 4 more league games, and AWJ for most of them too etc). That said, I do still have a feeling my predictions were wrong, and they should be far from the worst come the end of the season.

by Seagultaf Mon Sep 29, 2014 1:00 pm

The Saint wrote:Ospreys certainly proving me and other wrong so far this season, Webb and Biggar are winning games almost single-handedly. Though it's amazing how a different opinion can seemingly bring out the worst in people. And for the final time if you want an alternative Ospreys thread then go and start one.

I think we have all been suprised by how well the Ospreys have played this season. Saying that Evans, Adam and Ryan Jones hardly played last season so they were not missed as much as many would have thought.

I have to disagree on Webb and Biggar though. Whilst they are playing really well, it's because of the hard work their pack are doing that they look so good. Both (Biggar in particular) tend to stuggle behind a retreating pack, so it will be very interesting to see how they fare against the Saints and Racing. Great chance to progress to the knockout stages though, with 2 bonus point bys (against Treviso), 2 teams should progress from the group. Between Ospreys and Racing (who may or may not turn up) to go to the Knockout stages with Saints?

by The Saint Mon Sep 29, 2014 1:33 pm

Who do they have left to face in the league before the euro champs cup? They could do with a stern test before the Saints game and a rematch against Treviso won't provide that. That should be a 5 pointer for the Spreys easily. I don't rate Racing tbh, so I think Ospreys can do well there.

by Welshmushroom Mon Sep 29, 2014 3:23 pm

I've got to be honest i was the first to be overly critical of the Ospreys going into this season. In fairness the way they are playing though they are totally proving me wrong.

Have to say some of their players are playing out of their skin. Baker, Webb and Biggar are having a massive impact for them. Nicky Smith is looking like a great find already and must be miles ahead of Bevington. Hassler is just a great club player, really puts himself on the line. To be honest I also think Dan Evans has added something to their game if only to remove Fussell from full back.

Fair play to them! Its a long season though and in terms of fixtures they look like they have a harder month coming up next. That said they look full of confidence at this stage and opposition wont be taking them for granted either so may very well get some more results in Europe and the Pro 12 in Oct.

by Breadvan Mon Sep 29, 2014 4:42 pm

This is the official Ospreys season thread now. It's done us no harm so far. Wink

I thought we might come unstuck on Sat night but what a great performance in pretty gash conditions. Ospreys did lose some big players but thb, Hibbard was believing his own hype. Putting in massive hits but forgetting the basics of playing hooker. Adam jones was making cameo appearances off the bench, Ian Evans a liability. Ryan jones will be missed but at 34, not as effective.
It looks like last years squad players are really stepping up along with the summer signings. Great to finally have a big off loading inside cenrtre. Matevesi, king, Evans have been superb. Biggar and Webb partnership can only get better. Still early doors but a great start nonetheless...

by LordDowlais Mon Sep 29, 2014 4:51 pm

Breadvan wrote:This is the official Ospreys season thread now. It's done us no harm so far. I thought we might come unstuck on Sat night but what a great performance in pretty gash conditions. Ospreys did lose some big players but thb, Hibbard was believing his own hype. Putting in massive hits but forgetting the basics of playing hooker. Adam jones was making cameo appearances off the bench, Ian Evans a liability. Ryan jones will be missed but at 34, not as effective.
It looks like last years squad players are really stepping up along with the summer signings. Great to finally have a big off loading inside cenrtre. Matevesi, king, Evans have been superb. Biggar and Webb partnership can only get better. Still early doors but a great start nonetheless...

.

i'll go along with that. thumbsup

by LordDowlais Fri Oct 03, 2014 9:43 am

Seeing as this is now the Ospreys season the Ospreys season thread, they are away to the Zebre tonight, how can we see this one going ?

No Dan Baker tonight, and Rhys Webb starts on the bench, could be interesting.

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