Ospreys season thread 2014-15

by The Saint Tue 26 Aug 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 The Saint Fri 03 Oct 2014, 10:23 am

Should be 5 points for Ospreys going by the form of both. That pack they have is very street-wise, Gibbes has brought them on a long way.

by LordDowlais Mon 06 Oct 2014, 9:50 am

Well a hard fought win for the Ospreys in the end on Friday night, I think they should just take this win and run, afterall they have players to come back into that first 15, Tipuric and Beck, they will only improve them.

by Breadvan Mon 06 Oct 2014, 11:47 am

Can the thread title be changed back to Worst region please saint? We are 5/5 at the mo and if we lose to the Blues on Sunday, its bad karma.... Wink

by doctornickolas Mon 06 Oct 2014, 11:49 am

Breadvan wrote:Can the thread title be changed back to Worst region please saint? We are 5/5 at the mo and if we lose to the Blues on Sunday, its bad karma....

Lose to the Blues? Are you putting out the U12's ?

by Breadvan Mon 06 Oct 2014, 2:50 pm

If the Ospreys can field a fullstrength side then I'd expect a win, plus a cheeky bp, but it'll still be a tough game..

by The Saint Mon 06 Oct 2014, 9:26 pm

I'd be surprised if you won with a BP. They will pose a stronger challenge for you up front I think, perhaps a stronger one than Munster. These games you should hopefully be looking at as foundations for the game of the season at Franklins Gardens.

by LordDowlais Tue 07 Oct 2014, 12:22 pm

De Kock Steenkamp looks as though he is out for the season then:-

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/29515496

by maestegmafia Tue 07 Oct 2014, 3:04 pm

Blues might not be top of the table but they are not a bad side... This could be the game they turn their season around.

Hammer is saying all the right things about his team, and the cheif won't be taking this lightly...

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 07 Oct 2014, 4:17 pm

maestegmafia wrote:Blues might not be top of the table but they are not a bad side... This could be the game they turn their season around.

Hammer is saying all the right things about his team,and the cheif won't be taking this lightly...

What difference does that make?!

by Guest Tue 07 Oct 2014, 6:19 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:Blues might not be top of the table but they are not a bad side... This could be the game they turn their season around.

Hammer is saying all the right things about his team,and the cheif won't be taking this lightly...

What difference does that make?!

Imagine if it did though. Dragons would be doing really well too.

by LordDowlais Mon 13 Oct 2014, 10:29 am

I see the Opsreys are taking games back to the Gnoll, I know it's only LV= cup games, but perhaps this could start a trend of taking the lesser Pro12 games there as well.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/29582311

Looks like the frosty relationship between Neath and the Ospreys looks to be warming up a little.

by The Saint Mon 13 Oct 2014, 11:40 am

Don't they play an LV cup game at the Brewery field every year though?

by LordDowlais Mon 13 Oct 2014, 12:00 pm

The Saint wrote:Don't they play an LV cup game at the Brewery field every year though?

Looks like they are taking a few to Neath now as well. thumbsup

by wayne Sat 25 Oct 2014, 11:52 am

Terrible news for us this morning, our defensive rock Andrew Bishop pulls out through illness, Jeff Hassler moves in from the wing, he played there for a short period last week and Tom Grabham comes in on the wing to mark George North, this is a serious blow to our chances, I was hopeful of getting a point in this match, we could be seriously compromised in this match. Josh Matavesi and Hassler have to have massive games for us today.

by The Saint Sat 25 Oct 2014, 12:11 pm

Yeah that's no good news at all. I always did think Ospreys were a bit light at fly-half and centre, so this problem could have been ironed out a while ago.

by Shifty Sat 25 Oct 2014, 2:31 pm

The Saint wrote:Don't they play an LV cup game at the Brewery field every year though?

Last seasons attendances at the Brewery field were bloody awful to be honest. There are big banners everywhere advertising the game and a lot of Bridgend players are picked for the games but their lucky if 3,000 turn up. It can't be any worse to play those games at the gnoll, even if it's only 10 minutes down the road.

by The Saint Sat 25 Oct 2014, 2:46 pm

Shifty wrote:
The Saint wrote:Don't they play an LV cup game at the Brewery field every year though?

Last seasons attendances at the Brewery field were bloody awful to be honest. There are big banners everywhere advertising the game and a lot of Bridgend players are picked for the games but their lucky if 3,000 turn up. It can't be any worse to play those games at the gnoll, even if it's only 10 minutes down the road.

It's not a bad thing at all. Taking regional games to the premiership clubs isn't a new thing either like someone was trying to make out.

by maestegmafia Sat 25 Oct 2014, 6:41 pm

wayne wrote:Terrible news for us this morning, our defensive rock Andrew Bishop pulls out through illness, Jeff Hassler moves in from the wing, he played there for a short period last week and Tom Grabham comes in on the wing to mark George North, this is a serious blow to our chances, I was hopeful of getting a point in this match, we could be seriously compromised in this match. Josh Matavesi and Hassler have to have massive games for us today.

North has a hat trick...

by maestegmafia Sat 25 Oct 2014, 7:02 pm

Scratch that, he just got his fourth

by maestegmafia Sat 25 Oct 2014, 7:03 pm

I think Grabham was distracted with Steve Tandy handing him his P45

by The Saint Sat 25 Oct 2014, 7:07 pm

What does that mean Maes?

Awful from Dan Evans though in his 'attempt' to prevent North's fourth try. He hesitates running back there then dives completely nowhere near the ball.

by maestegmafia Sat 25 Oct 2014, 7:15 pm

The Saint wrote:What does that mean Maes?

Awful from Dan Evans though in his 'attempt' to prevent North's fourth try. He hesitates running back there then dives completely nowhere near the ball.

Only joking saint.

Sad to see our unbeaten run come to an end but what a performance by George North ahead of the autumn internationals.

by wayne Sat 25 Oct 2014, 7:20 pm

It was as I alluded to they really attacked our midfield and North running over or through Grabham none of that would have happened if Bish hadn't pulled out, how Poite could allow that first try, when IIRC it was Clark that fell over the ball and should have been penalised, Biggar had one of worst games I have ever seen him have kicking wise. Well done Northampton the MUCH better team won

by Stone Motif Sat 25 Oct 2014, 9:26 pm

wayne wrote:Terrible news for us this morning, our defensive rock Andrew Bishop pulls out through illness, Jeff Hassler moves in from the wing, he played there for a short period last week and Tom Grabham comes in on the wing to mark George North, this is a serious blow to our chances, I was hopeful of getting a point in this match, we could be seriously compromised in this match. Josh Matavesi and Hassler have to have massive games for us today.

In reality, you were lucky to score a point.

Compromised my arse, you just came up against a decent team rather than the succession of Pro12 tomato cans you've knocked over.

by wayne Sat 25 Oct 2014, 9:33 pm

Stone Motif wrote:
wayne wrote:Terrible news for us this morning, our defensive rock Andrew Bishop pulls out through illness, Jeff Hassler moves in from the wing, he played there for a short period last week and Tom Grabham comes in on the wing to mark George North, this is a serious blow to our chances, I was hopeful of getting a point in this match, we could be seriously compromised in this match. Josh Matavesi and Hassler have to have massive games for us today.

In reality, you were lucky to score a point.

Compromised my arse, you just came up against a decent team rather than the succession of Pro12 tomato cans you've knocked over.

Good to see your back from your hibernation, still talking the same old crap though

by Stone Motif Sat 25 Oct 2014, 9:41 pm

Yes, like me saying your squad depth was as shoddy as the other Welsh regions.

Hope you enjoyed seeing the proof of that today.

by glamorganalun Sat 25 Oct 2014, 9:49 pm

Stone Motif wrote:Yes, like me saying your squad depth was as shoddy as the other Welsh regions.

Hope you enjoyed seeing the proof of that today.

I think Northampton at home are a little better than Newcastle playing away!

by Stone Motif Sat 25 Oct 2014, 9:54 pm

glamorganalun wrote:
Stone Motif wrote:Yes, like me saying your squad depth was as shoddy as the other Welsh regions.

Hope you enjoyed seeing the proof of that today.

I think Northampton at home are a little better than Newcastle playing away!

Your point being?

by wayne Tue 28 Oct 2014, 10:45 am

Absolutely Fantastic News ASSEY is coming back home, helping Nicky, Ryan and Gareth with development, our prop foursome next season for important games will be Paul, Nicky at loosehead with Dmitri and Nicky Thomas at tighthead with Jarvis and Bevington in reserve.

by TBJ9625 Tue 28 Oct 2014, 11:04 am

I don't disagree with you Wayne, but I'd like to see then develop Jarvis back to at least where he was before his leg. I thought he was coming on nicely. As for Bevington, I think he might move on if he doesn't get game time?

by wayne Tue 28 Oct 2014, 11:23 am

TBJ9625 wrote:I don't disagree with you Wayne, but I'd like to see then develop Jarvis back to at least where he was before his leg. I thought he was coming on nicely. As for Bevington, I think he might move on if he doesn't get game time?

TBJ, by all accounts Jarvis started as a loosehead, he is 28 now, Thomas played for the U20s last season and Arhip is 25, they are our long term future as tight heads IMO, and we will need Aaron for International windows etc, don't get me wrong I like him and he can still do a job for us, you could be right about Bev, although Assey will not be around for too many seasons, can you imagine what Assey and Duncan could pass onto these youngsters

by TBJ9625 Tue 28 Oct 2014, 3:28 pm

wayne wrote:
TBJ9625 wrote:I don't disagree with you Wayne, but I'd like to see then develop Jarvis back to at least where he was before his leg. I thought he was coming on nicely. As for Bevington, I think he might move on if he doesn't get game time?
TBJ, by all accounts Jarvis started as a loosehead, he is 28 now, Thomas played for the U20s last season and Arhip is 25, they are our long term future as tight heads IMO, and we will need Aaron for International windows etc, don't get me wrong I like him and he can still do a job for us, you could be right about Bev, although Assey will not be around for too many seasons, can you imagine what Assey and Duncan could pass onto these youngsters

Wayne, totally agree about the passing on of knowledge and from two of the original Ospreys loose heads at that. Both have so much experience and both are not just renowned scrumagers, but good in the loose too. I just think at 28 Jarvis is still a young prop especially at TH, plus its gives us 4 welsh qualified props. I do like Arhip, but I would always look to and want to have as many welsh/welsh qualified players in the squad as possible Wales

by The Saint Tue 28 Oct 2014, 4:34 pm

Assuming Assey is Paul James? He'll be 33 when he arrives back. There's another old prop at Blues who doesn't seem to be going particularly well (though he's still better than Andrews). I hope for your sake it pays off. Assey could be your very own Boris!

by TBJ9625 Tue 28 Oct 2014, 4:57 pm

I think the 2 season contract he's been offered will be his last, but i still think its a good signing for us

by maestegmafia Tue 28 Oct 2014, 6:41 pm

Yeah good news

by Breadvan Thu 30 Oct 2014, 1:06 pm

Squad for the Connacht game tomorrow @1935.

15 Dan Evans
14 Jeff Hassler
13 Andrew Bishop
12 Josh Matavesi
11 Tom Grabham
10 Sam Davies
9 Martin Roberts
1 Duncan Jones
2 Sam Parry
3 Aaron Jarvis
4 Lloyd Peers (Capt)
5 Rynier Bernardo
6 Sam Lewis
7 Justin Tipuric
8 Ieuan Jones

REPLACEMENTS
16 Scott Otten
17 Marc Thomas
18 Dmitri Arhip
19 Rory Thornton
20 Jordan Collier
21 Tom Habberfield
22 Ashley Beck
23 Aisea Natoga

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu 30 Oct 2014, 1:12 pm

Fairly decent Connacht team. Get the wheatabix in early tomorrow

15. Shane Layden
14. Niyi Adeolokun
13. Bundee Aki
12. Craig Ronaldson
11. Matt Healy
10. Jack Carty
9. Kieran Marmion

1. Denis Buckley
2. Jason Harris-Wright
3. Rodney Ah You
4. Mick Kearney
5. Quinn Roux
6. John Muldoon (captain)
7. Eoin McKeon
8. George Naoupu

Replacements:

16. Dave Heffernan
17. Jamie Dever
18. JP Cooney
19. Andrew Browne
20. Willie Faloon
21. Ian Porter
22. Dave McSharry
23. Darragh Leader

by Guest Thu 30 Oct 2014, 1:17 pm

Pretty decent Ospreys team. Hope Ieuan Jones goes well.

by maestegmafia Thu 30 Oct 2014, 1:32 pm

Ashley beck on the bench...! Good to see he is recovering.

by The Saint Thu 30 Oct 2014, 7:04 pm

They (team Wales) thought Tips and Jarvis needed more game time then? Surprised to see them released giving our injury rates lately.

by **George Carlin** Thu 30 Oct 2014, 7:27 pm

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:Fairly decent Connacht team. Get the wheatabix in early tomorrow

15. Shane Layden
14. Niyi Adeolokun
13. Bundee Aki
12. Craig Ronaldson
11. Matt Healy
10. Jack Carty
9. Kieran Marmion

1. Denis Buckley
2. Jason Harris-Wright
3. Rodney Ah You
4. Mick Kearney
5. Quinn Roux
6. John Muldoon (captain)
7. Eoin McKeon
8. George Naoupu

Replacements:

16. Dave Heffernan
17. Jamie Dever
18. JP Cooney
19. Andrew Browne
20. Willie Faloon
21. Ian Porter
22. Dave McSharry
23. Darragh Leader

Wow. Aki is here at last. Let's see if he justifies the hype.

by maestegmafia Thu 30 Oct 2014, 7:41 pm

The Saint wrote:They (team Wales) thought Tips and Jarvis needed more game time then? Surprised to see them released giving our injury rates lately.

Will probably only play fifty minutes

by wayne Fri 31 Oct 2014, 2:02 pm

With 7 away with TW and 11 on the injury list, this is going to be a tough night at the office, I have an appointment at the dentist just after 4, I hope it is NOT a painful night totally, I'll willingly take some pain early on as long as I can celebrate later.

by maestegmafia Fri 31 Oct 2014, 10:06 pm

Not a bad result. Great performance by the back row. Wonderful steal by Tips at the end.

by **George Carlin** Fri 31 Oct 2014, 10:39 pm

Well done Os, but a murderous run of three games to come - Ulster away, Leinster away and then Ulster again.

by maestegmafia Sat 01 Nov 2014, 8:15 am

George Carlin wrote:Well done Os, but a murderous run of three games to come - Ulster away, Leinster away and then Ulster again.

True, Ospreys have already beaten Munster at Thormund Park.

by wayne Sat 01 Nov 2014, 11:18 am

George Carlin wrote:Well done Os, but a murderous run of three games to come - Ulster away, Leinster away and then Ulster again.

George, I was worried before the game, I was even more worried at half time, the changes at prop made all the difference, as for the 3 games you quoted if we get more than 4 points from those games I will be surprised and delighted, the Leinster game in particular will be extremely difficult, it will basically be last nights team against Leinsters first team due to the 4th AI
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
the 2nd Ulster game is after the RCC games and we should be at full strength, we have to expect to win that even though it will not be easy, as for last night first half very mistake riddled by both teams, which was understandable IMO for us, there was a big deal on the BBC website made of the fact that the Scarlets are missing 18 players for their game this weekend, we ONLY had 7 players away with TW and 11 on the injured list, so no comparison there then, nothing mentioned about that though, we had a very light pack out to start with and Dmitri when he came on made a hell of a difference, good to see Ashley Beck back and it is really good to see us with a real natural FB in our squad, we actually set a record for us last night of 8 successive victories, for the depth of squad we have and been under the financial constraints, this is a truly remarkable start to this season IMO.

by maestegmafia Sun 02 Nov 2014, 7:58 am

Well said Wayne.

I would add that I am proud to see some of the young lads like Sam Lewis and Nicky Smith showing such talent. That has been very rewarding this season.

by The Great Aukster Sun 02 Nov 2014, 9:18 am

wayne wrote: the 2nd Ulster game is after the RCC games and we should be at full strength, we have to expect to win that even though it will not be easy,

Ospreys 10 Ulster 15 - you could put money on it Wink

by **George Carlin** Sun 02 Nov 2014, 11:25 am

wayne wrote:
George Carlin wrote:Well done Os, but a murderous run of three games to come - Ulster away, Leinster away and then Ulster again.
George, I was worried before the game, I was even more worried at half time, the changes at prop made all the difference, as for the 3 games you quoted if we get more than 4 points from those games I will be surprised and delighted, the Leinster game in particular will be extremely difficult, it will basically be last nights team against Leinsters first team due to the 4th AI
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
the 2nd Ulster game is after the RCC games and we should be at full strength, we have to expect to win that even though it will not be easy, as for last night first half very mistake riddled by both teams, which was understandable IMO for us, there was a big deal on the BBC website made of the fact that the Scarlets are missing 18 players for their game this weekend, we ONLY had 7 players away with TW and 11 on the injured list, so no comparison there then, nothing mentioned about that though, we had a very light pack out to start with and Dmitri when he came on made a hell of a difference, good to see Ashley Beck back and it is really good to see us with a real natural FB in our squad, we actually set a record for us last night of 8 successive victories, for the depth of squad we have and been under the financial constraints, this is a truly remarkable start to this season IMO.

7 on the bounce is something to be proud of. And you seem to be the incubator for the pick of young Welsh talent at the moment.

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