Ospreys season thread 2014-15

[The Saint]

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.

[The Saint]

Shouldn't hinder them too much as they'll be conditioned to a high standard, for that reason I don't get why a lot of fans complain the 4th AI does them no favours. Another thing I will say, I was totally wrong about Webb. I thought some of his good form was a flash in the pan when I seen his erratic play, but he had a very good series with Wales and made me realise just how valuable to the team he is. Like others he needs to iron out some flaws in his game but for now, he is deservedly owning that No.9 jersey.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Tito Tibaldi is off to the Quins on loan

[LordDowlais]

Tito Tibaldi is off to the Quins on loan

Yeah, just saw this, the Ospreys must be offloading some of their wage bill for somebody else, Lydiate...cough,cough.....erm.

[ScarletSpiderman]

He may be coming, but he isn't euro-registered. Only Alfie got added to their euro squad, oh hang on wrong Gareth Thomas

[LordDowlais]

Big blow for the ospreys, looks like Jeff Hasler is out for the rest of the season.

http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/Ospreys-expect-winger-Jeff-Hassler-miss-rest/story-25069448-detail/story.html#ixzz3KreCgo6g

[wayne]

Big blow for the ospreys, looks like Jeff Hasler is out for the rest of the season.

http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/Ospreys-expect-winger-Jeff-Hassler-miss-rest/story-25069448-detail/story.html#ixzz3KreCgo6g

Lord, yes it is bad news, I haven't read the article, apparently it happened right at the end of Canada's last match of the AIs, there is a bit of good news for us, Eli Walker should be ready for the squad this weekend if rumours are true.

[maestegmafia]

Ospreys: Dan Evans; Tom Grabham, Ashley Beck, Josh Matavesi, Eli Walker; Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb; Marc Thomas, Scott Baldwin, Dmitri Arhip, Lloyd Peers, Alun Wyn Jones (capt), James King, Justin Tipuric, Tyler Ardron.

Replacements: Sam Parry, Gareth Thomas, Daniel Suter, Rynier Bernardo, Sam Lewis, Martin Roberts, Sam Davies, Hanno Dirksen.

[The Saint]

Racing look pretty strong up front. That'll be a test for your looseheads and featherweight 2nd row (Peers). I'm guessing Baker has been injured for a while?

[The Saint]

Looks rather ominous so far. Racing are strong and very well drilled.

[bedfordwelsh]

Racing look pretty strong up front. That'll be a test for your looseheads and featherweight 2nd row (Peers). I'm guessing Baker has been injured for a while?

He was carrying a knock which is why didn't get any game time during the AIs I think. Shame though

[VinceWLB]

This Webb is a pretty poor player, tries to play penalty quick but he is so slow that it's useless

[DeludedOptimistorjustDave]

The English Ref couldn't look any more disappointed when he has to award the Ospreys a scrum or penalty.

[No 7&1/2]

The refs JP Doyle and Irish.

[VinceWLB]

Where is the yellow card ref?

[bedfordwelsh]

Whats the score?

[Guest]

This Webb is a pretty poor player, tries to play penalty quick but he is so slow that it's useless

???!

[Notch]

16-12. Racing have done some stupid, stupid things to prevent them adding to their half of the score.

[Notch]

Goosen nails a drop goal. 19-12, Ospreys need two scores for the win. Draw at home is rarely a good enough result! Seven minutes left.

And they have a try! Nearly under the posts as well. This next five minutes should be very entertaining.

[DeludedOptimistorjustDave]

Irish right that explains why he is so rubbish

[Notch]

Brilliant scrum there to earn Goosen a shot at winning the game. Decisive from that big pack.

But Goosen bottles it, not even close.

19-19 FT.

[Guest]

Doyle is Irish by birth, but is an RFU referee so you're both right and wrong.

[VinceWLB]

This Webb is a pretty poor player, tries to play penalty quick but he is so slow that it's useless

???!

Was poor in the 1st half.

Strange game Ospreys showed some spirit coming back in it but bringing Arhip out almost cost them the game.

[bedfordwelsh]

Was it the proverbial 'game of two halves', did Os struggle, did the Racing thing game was won by half time etc etc?

[doctor_grey]

Was it the proverbial 'game of two halves', did Os struggle, did the Racing thing game was won by half time etc etc?

That is a great result for Saints.

[Breadvan]

We struggled to handle RMs rolling maul. Better second half display by the Os..

[Cyril]

Was it the proverbial 'game of two halves', did Os struggle, did the Racing thing game was won by half time etc etc?

That is a great result for Saints.  

Yes, I was thinking the same. Perfect result for Saints.

Munster's loss to at home to Clermont does Sarries no harm at all either.

[DeludedOptimistorjustDave]

Was it the proverbial 'game of two halves', did Os struggle, did the Racing thing game was won by half time etc etc?

That is a great result for Saints.  

Yes, I was thinking the same. Perfect result for Saints.

Munster's loss to at home to Clermont does Sarries no harm at all either.

You a Saints or a Sarries fan Cyril?

[No9]

Could have been worse... Os could have lost it..

Ospreys have made this so much harder now, but win away at Racing next week and they are back in the mix. Loose and it will be all over for another season.

[Cyril]

Was it the proverbial 'game of two halves', did Os struggle, did the Racing thing game was won by half time etc etc?

That is a great result for Saints.  

Yes, I was thinking the same. Perfect result for Saints.

Munster's loss to at home to Clermont does Sarries no harm at all either.

You a Saints or a Sarries fan Cyril?

I don't support either specifically but I like to see the English clubs do well.

Feel free to chime in with "you're not a proper fan then, and you've no right to comment"

[wayne]

Can this season get any worse as far as injuries are concerned, Lloyd Peers damaged ankle ligaments on Saturday and is probably out into the new year, the South African Rynier Bernardo will probably come off the bench into the team this week, IMO this will actually strengthen the team, there is no other recognised 2nd row available to us, we will probably have to put Olly Cracknell the former RGC youngster who played for Wales U 20s last season in the back row onto the bench. IIRC he has not played a single minute for us and we only last week added him to our RCC squad, with us down to our 5th and 6th choice loose heads, things are not looking good at all.

[The Saint]

Who are you missing at LH, Jones, Bev and Thomas? Who else? Peers is no loss IMO. Can't you get Lydiate into the squad? Rely on King to cover back 5 then.

[maestegmafia]

Who are you missing at LH, Jones, Bev and Thomas? Who else? Peers is no loss IMO. Can't you get Lydiate into the squad? Rely on King to cover back 5 then.

First choice LH Nicky Smith was injured on Wales duty.

[wayne]

Who are you missing at LH, Jones, Bev and Thomas? Who else? Peers is no loss IMO. Can't you get Lydiate into the squad? Rely on King to cover back 5 then.

LH Bevington, Duncan, Nicky Smith and Jarvis, if you actually followed things properly you would know that Lydiate would have to have been signed over a week ago to qualify for this round of RCC games, Metro stopped that as part of this deal, Peers is no loss you say well thankfully you have SFA, to do with our organisation, since the injury of the South African Steenkamp he has been a regular in our second row with either AWJ or Bernardo partnering him and has done a decent job on the whole. King will cover the back 5, and will be starting as 6, as the new boy Cracknell will cover 6 and 8, with Lewis covering Tips.

[The Saint]

Who are you missing at LH, Jones, Bev and Thomas? Who else? Peers is no loss IMO. Can't you get Lydiate into the squad? Rely on King to cover back 5 then.

LH Bevington, Duncan, Nicky Smith and Jarvis, if you actually followed things properly you would know that Lydiate would have to have been signed over a week ago to qualify for this round of RCC games, Metro stopped that as part of this deal, Peers is no loss you say well thankfully you have SFA, to do with our organisation, since the injury of the South African Steenkamp he has been a regular in our second row with either AWJ or Bernardo partnering him and has done a decent job on the whole. King will cover the back 5, and will be starting as 6, as the new boy Cracknell will cover 6 and 8, with Lewis covering Tips.  

So Jarvis goes from 2nd TH to 4th LH? Only in Ospreylia I guess. Sorry, I don't follow news on Ospreys rugby. It involves too much correspondence with their cycloptic fans.

Fair enough, I agree that Peers has done a decent job (though still not a good enough job) and is probably the only 2nd row in world rugby that is faster going backwards than forwards. I don't think it's going to be pretty for you guys down in Paris btw, arguably they should have won last weekend. This weekend they'll be stronger.

[wayne]

Who are you missing at LH, Jones, Bev and Thomas? Who else? Peers is no loss IMO. Can't you get Lydiate into the squad? Rely on King to cover back 5 then.

LH Bevington, Duncan, Nicky Smith and Jarvis, if you actually followed things properly you would know that Lydiate would have to have been signed over a week ago to qualify for this round of RCC games, Metro stopped that as part of this deal, Peers is no loss you say well thankfully you have SFA, to do with our organisation, since the injury of the South African Steenkamp he has been a regular in our second row with either AWJ or Bernardo partnering him and has done a decent job on the whole. King will cover the back 5, and will be starting as 6, as the new boy Cracknell will cover 6 and 8, with Lewis covering Tips.  

So Jarvis goes from 2nd TH to 4th LH? Only in Ospreylia I guess. Sorry, I don't follow news on Ospreys rugby. It involves too much correspondence with their cycloptic fans.

Fair enough, I agree that Peers has done a decent job (though still not a good enough job) and is probably the only 2nd row in world rugby that is faster going backwards than forwards. I don't think it's going to be pretty for you guys down in Paris btw, arguably they should have won last weekend. This weekend they'll be stronger.

You don't need to be an Osprey supporter to know you have to have any player registered the Tuesday before a group of games to play in that group of games, what position did Jarvis cover for Wales against South Africa? and actually come on in. You trying to lecture me when the Lip plays a recognised tight head on the loosehead and he gets mullered and he still picks him there. I've already said I expect us to get hammered this weekend, and when they can replace Internationals with Internationals last weekend when they have a players budget of over double ours, that result was outstanding in my eyes.

[The Saint]

I'm not aware of rulings.

I know what position Jarvis covered, it was TH, just ONCE in that series, and ONCE previously for Ospreys? Come on..,

Yeah I agree. I think Ospreys would have won last weekend if they had De Kock, Lydiate and more LHs available.

[wayne]

I'm not aware of rulings.

I know what position Jarvis covered, it was TH, just ONCE in that series, and ONCE previously for Ospreys? Come on..,

Yeah I agree. I think Ospreys would have won last weekend if they had De Kock, Lydiate and more LHs available.

Therein lies your problem Saint, you keep going onto different topics and give your misinformed opinions, when you don't know the true facts, it is quite a common fact that you can add 2 players to your original squad, one HAS to be a front row forward and the other can play in any position.
Jarvis covered loosehead, Rhodri Jones was the covering tighthead and Jarvis came on for Gethin, he was selected to cover there after his performance in the Trial at the Liberty, if Nicky Smith or Jarvis and De Kock and Baker had been available, IMO we would have won that game quite comfortably.
WTF, is the the Lip on about again today, skulduggery by the Ospreys, as a couple on our forum said today, one of the main reasons that Dan decided NOT to sign for the Dragons is he would be coached by the Lip

[Seagultaf]

Its the same every season, the Welsh regions get splattered in the 3rd and 4th games of the Euro tournament as half of their players have been beasted by Gatland and team Wales for the previous month.

Combine that with the Regions having to release their star players because they are being tsrved of cash by Roger the Dodger. Imagine the difference, the likes of: Ianto, Hibbard, Adam and Ryan Jones, Paul James, Bowe would have made to that match day squad. Also how much better side would the Scarlets be if they could have kept: Jon Davies, North, Owen Williams, Mike Phillips, Smiler, Turnbull and Ben Morgan?

Doesn't make a lot of difference in the second tier European competition as frankly some of the games in the LV Cup are a higher standard! Hopefully that competition will improve next season or more and more Welsh players will be missing out on top level club experience.

[Guest]

I'm not aware of rulings.

I know what position Jarvis covered, it was TH, just ONCE in that series, and ONCE previously for Ospreys? Come on..,

Yeah I agree. I think Ospreys would have won last weekend if they had De Kock, Lydiate and more LHs available.

Therein lies your problem Saint, you keep going onto different topics and give your misinformed opinions, when you don't know the true facts, it is quite a common fact that you can add 2 players to your original squad, one HAS to be a front row forward and the other can play in any position.
Jarvis covered loosehead, Rhodri Jones was the covering tighthead and Jarvis came on for Gethin, he was selected to cover there after his performance in the Trial at the Liberty, if Nicky Smith or Jarvis and De Kock and Baker had been available, IMO we would have won that game quite comfortably.
WTF, is the the Lip on about again today, skulduggery by the Ospreys, as a couple on our forum said today, one of the main reasons that Dan decided NOT to sign for the Dragons is he would be coached by the Lip      

What did the Lip say about skullduggery by the Ospreys specifically? I thought he didn't mention anybody specific, so surely that includes Team Wales staff that might've turned his head?

[Breadvan]

DL's a great signing but It's a kick in the plums for James King and Tyler Ardron imo. King has been great so far and Ardron is a good back up. Wether we'll see them both playing at lock more I dunno?

[wayne]

DL's a great signing but It's a kick in the plums for James King and Tyler Ardron imo. King has been great so far and Ardron is a good back up. Wether we'll see them both playing at lock more I dunno?

Breadvan, I don't know if you have access to our website, have a look at the Chris Gibbes Press Conference, to aspire to compete at the top level and we do, you need strong competition at all positions, just have a look at the number of injuries we have suffered recently, did you notice we have just extended the loan period for Ieuan Jones until just after the 6 Nations earlier this week, and we had to register Olly Cracknell a Wales U20 Cap last season in the RCC competition as well. IMO we have recruited very well recently, Dan Evans, Bernardo, Paul James, Matavesi, Steenkamp and now Lydiate, have been good acquisitions, the only one so far that has not shown up too well IMO is Martin Roberts, he still has time though

[LordDowlais]

The Ospreys have the potential to have a very serious side next season, there is something building in that region and there seems to be an end game to all their goals, a little bit how I have watched Glasgow start emerging as a serious force over the last few years. The Ospreys have shed their galacticos image and are starting to become a good side, with players like Lydiate,Tipuric,Baker,James,AWJ, in their pack, and players like, Webb,Biggar,Dan Evans,Eli Walker, they are only a centre or two away from being serious contenders for both the Rabbo and the CC next season.

[wayne]

The Ospreys have the potential to have a very serious side next season, there is something building in that region and there seems to be an end game to all their goals, a little bit how I have watched Glasgow start emerging as a serious force over the last few years. The Ospreys have shed their galacticos image and are starting to become a good side, with players like Lydiate,Tipuric,Baker,James,AWJ, in their pack, and players like, Webb,Biggar,Dan Evans,Eli Walker, they are only a centre or two away from being serious contenders for both the Rabbo and the CC next season.

Lord, we badly need back ups at tighthead and scrum half, even though Jarvis could do a job at TH, if Otten doesn't come through as well we would also need a good hooker, Parry is getting better, yet he might not ever get to RCC standard and we could also do with cover for Dan Evans, we have made a good start in our recruitment IMO, the new year should hopefully see some more signings in the right positions.

[LordDowlais]

The Ospreys have the potential to have a very serious side next season, there is something building in that region and there seems to be an end game to all their goals, a little bit how I have watched Glasgow start emerging as a serious force over the last few years. The Ospreys have shed their galacticos image and are starting to become a good side, with players like Lydiate,Tipuric,Baker,James,AWJ, in their pack, and players like, Webb,Biggar,Dan Evans,Eli Walker, they are only a centre or two away from being serious contenders for both the Rabbo and the CC next season.

Lord, we badly need back ups at tighthead and scrum half, even though Jarvis could do a job at TH, if Otten doesn't come through as well we would also need a good hooker, Parry is getting better, yet he might not ever get to RCC standard and we could also do with cover for Dan Evans, we have made a good start in our recruitment IMO, the new year should hopefully see some more signings in the right positions.  

What has happened to that young fullback from Bridgend, Ross Jones isn't it ? I remember him being talked up a season or two ago, and the times I saw him play for the Ospreys he looked good. TH though could be a problem, but the Ospreys are not alone in that department.

[Breadvan]

Yeh I agree the new players have done well and healthy competition is a good thing for the region. I hope the Ospreys can secure Ieuan Jones permenantly next season, he looks a cracking prospect. I'd like to see Dirksen start more games now Hassler is out. I guess he's paying the price for being cover at wing and the centres option from the bench.

[wayne]

Yeh I agree the new players have done well and healthy competition is a good thing for the region. I hope the Ospreys can secure Ieuan Jones permenantly next season, he looks a cracking prospect. I'd like to see Dirksen start more games now Hassler is out. I guess he's paying the price for being cover at wing and the centres option from the bench.

Breadvan, I'm hoping for 3 changes when the team is announced soon for tomorrows game, Dirksen for Grabham, Bishop for Beck and as Peers is out injured Bernardo to come off the bench, the last change will actually improve the team IMO, Grabham got skinned a few times last weekend and Hanno is more physical, and I would have Bishop in there for his defensive work, as I expect the Doc to be back for them, for all his attacking attributes Beck is not as solid as Andrew in the tackling department, which I think we will need, it will also be interesting who the 2nd row replacement will be.
To add, Dirksen has replaced Grabham, Beck has retained his place, Bishop has come onto the bench with no other changes in the backs, Bernardo has replaced the injured Peers and Cracknell is on the bench, I anticipate if there are any 2nd row changes King will go there from 6 and Cracknell or Sam Lewis will come on.

[bedfordwelsh]

Its the same every season, the Welsh regions get splattered in the 3rd and 4th games of the Euro tournament as half of their players have been beasted by Gatland and team Wales for the previous month.

Combine that with the Regions having to release their star players because they are being tsrved of cash by Roger the Dodger. Imagine the  difference, the likes of: Ianto, Hibbard, Adam and Ryan Jones, Paul James, Bowe would have made to that match day squad. Also how much better side would the Scarlets be if they could have kept: Jon Davies, North, Owen Williams, Mike Phillips, Smiler, Turnbull and Ben Morgan?

Doesn't make a lot of difference in the second tier European competition as frankly some of the games in the LV Cup are a higher standard! Hopefully that competition will improve next season or more and more Welsh players will be missing out on top level club experience.

But they never really set the European world alight when they had those players, I agree abouth the 4th game (WRUs fault not Gatlands) but saying if they had all those players would make a difference is wrong as it didn't really.

[maestegmafia]

It would be a huge win if they can do this. I don't fancy our chances, their team selection looks immense.

[The Saint]

Its the same every season, the Welsh regions get splattered in the 3rd and 4th games of the Euro tournament as half of their players have been beasted by Gatland and team Wales for the previous month.

Combine that with the Regions having to release their star players because they are being tsrved of cash by Roger the Dodger. Imagine the  difference, the likes of: Ianto, Hibbard, Adam and Ryan Jones, Paul James, Bowe would have made to that match day squad. Also how much better side would the Scarlets be if they could have kept: Jon Davies, North, Owen Williams, Mike Phillips, Smiler, Turnbull and Ben Morgan?

Doesn't make a lot of difference in the second tier European competition as frankly some of the games in the LV Cup are a higher standard! Hopefully that competition will improve next season or more and more Welsh players will be missing out on top level club experience.

But they never really set the European world alight when they had those players, I agree abouth the 4th game (WRUs fault not Gatlands) but saying if they had all those players would make a difference is wrong as it didn't really.

Right now the only players they could really do with from that list is Davies, North and Williams.

[bedfordwelsh]

Oh I think they would happily take Morgan as well though I do like the look of Pitman.

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