Ospreys season thread 2014-15

by The Saint Tue 26 Aug - 15:44

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 bedfordwelsh Sun 4 Jan - 16:32

I have said for a long time that coaches (Howley specifically) done a lot of damage to RP bye continually selecting him when he was so clearly off form and lacking confidence. No player is going to turn down the chance to play for his Country and I imagine they just hope they can get it right on the day.

He does get a lot of unfair criticism but if you think back then most of our recent No10s have felt the wrath of the media and fans alike, some have been able to ignore it and get in with whilst I think Priestland does take a lot of things to heart which then affects his performances.

If he can get a good run of games and get some good form and confidence under his belt it wouldn't bother me if he's in the Welsh set up as I do think he adds something different to Biggar, that said (and this is one area where I have criticised Gatland) if he or any other player is picked but then struggles get them off the field rather than leave them on there as he has done in the past.

by The Saint Sun 4 Jan - 16:34

Anyway, from on Ospreys perspective I think players like Beck have come back in and improved. He looks a bit sharper too, I think his lack of pace is what previously hindered him from becoming a regular international. Too bad he has 3 centre's ahead of him. Also, bear in mind North tends to play better at centre these days.

by dragon4life Sun 4 Jan - 16:50

Will any of your Loose heads be leaving? Can't imagine Smith, James and Bevingtom all being happy

by BuzzScarlet Sun 4 Jan - 17:05

To be fair, I can see people's frustrations when he's continued to be selected when off form but to be fair Biggar had done very little with his opportunities in a welsh shirt until this season but hes played well and now deserves the shirt.
What I find amusing is a great deal who criticise Priestland on forums, social media etc (not aimed at you saint Hug

) are the cowboy hat wearing brigade who support wales in the autumn and 6 nations and have been calling for hook to given the no 10 shirt which shows how far removed a great deal of those who use social media to criticise players are from the game on a weekly basis. Instead of following rugby regularly and forming their own opinion they instead jump on the band wagon of others opinions such as the lazy sports writers and other less knowledgeable supporters in Wales.

by Seagultaf Sun 4 Jan - 17:07

dragon4life wrote:Will any of your Loose heads be leaving? Can't imagine Smith, James and Bevingtom all being happy

Don't forget Duncan Jones, a bit of a forgotten man but still an useful prop. Any idea why he did not start for the Ospreys yesterday? With him, and Baldwin and Arhip who are both first choice that would have been a pretty strong front row.

by wayne Sun 4 Jan - 17:19

dragon4life wrote:Will any of your Loose heads be leaving? Can't imagine Smith, James and Bevingtom all being happy

Dragon, I would anticipate that Gethin would retire after the next WC, I can see Smith and Rob Evans having a right royal battle for the Wales LH position, James is around the 34, 35 mark and he will slowly be phased out and will help with Smith and Bevingtons development, Bev is not a top quality scrummager and he could do with Paul's help, you can have Marc Thomas if you want, he has done remarkably well for the last month or so, but IMO he is slightly too small.

by Seagultaf Sun 4 Jan - 17:21

BuzzScarlet wrote:To be fair, I can see people's frustrations when he's continued to be selected when off form but to be fair Biggar had done very little with his opportunities in a welsh shirt until this season but hes played well and now deserves the shirt.
What I find amusing is a great deal who criticise Priestland on forums, social media etc (not aimed at you saint ) are the cowboy hat wearing brigade who support wales in the autumn and 6 nations and have been calling for hook to given the no 10 shirt which shows how far removed a great deal of those who use social media to criticise players are from the game on a weekly basis. Instead of following rugby regularly and forming their own opinion they instead jump on the band wagon of others opinions such as the lazy sports writers and other less knowledgeable supporters in Wales.

From the reports in the press today it looks like he is off to Bath, a great shame as he has shown in the last month what a good player he is. You can't blame him as the trolls on this site and others have blamed him for everything that has gone wrong for the National side for the past two years. It's no doubt that this criticism and the fact that he has been playing behind a beaten pack and targeted by Wale’s opponents.

He was excellent yesterday he created the first try with a clean break (through Dan Biggar’s attempted tackle) and then a perfectly weighted pass to put Liam into the gap between two defenders. He missed a few kicks at goal but Anscombe only kicked one of three for his MoM on New Year’s Day! And I suspect that it will be Anscombe despite showing little form to date, who will get the WRU Dual Contract.

Great shame for the Regional game as another one of our stars seems to be leaving Wales.

by BuzzScarlet Sun 4 Jan - 17:54

Yes, looks like a done deal to Bath after the World Cup. Shame, forms been good in the last month but still erratic goal kicking though, still a shame he's going. I just hope the Scarlets have got something up their sleeve for next season as I don't think Steve Shingler is quite good enough to be our starting 10.

Anyway all the best to Rhys if he goes to Bath, I hope he's a success up there.

I wonder who welsh rugby 'supporters' will blame for our teams short comings if rhys is out of the picture though?

by bedfordwelsh Sun 4 Jan - 21:07

wayne wrote:
dragon4life wrote:Will any of your Loose heads be leaving? Can't imagine Smith, James and Bevingtom all being happy
Dragon, I would anticipate that Gethin would retire after the next WC, I can see Smith and Rob Evans having a right royal battle for the Wales LH position, James is around the 34, 35 mark and he will slowly be phased out and will help with Smith and Bevingtons development, Bev is not a top quality scrummager and he could do with Paul's help, you can have Marc Thomas if you want, he has done remarkably well for the last month or so, but IMO he is slightly too small.

Yeah I agree, can't really see Jenkins, James or A Jones being around much longer after the WC. Lee is establishing himself nicely and need to find another T/Head and I really like the look of Evans and Smith but I have never rated Bevington and just don't think he is up to the top level.

by The Saint Sun 4 Jan - 21:15

BuzzScarlet wrote:To be fair, I can see people's frustrations when he's continued to be selected when off form but to be fair Biggar had done very little with his opportunities in a welsh shirt until this season but hes played well and now deserves the shirt.
What I find amusing is a great deal who criticise Priestland on forums, social media etc (not aimed at you saint ) are the cowboy hat wearing brigade who support wales in the autumn and 6 nations and have been calling for hook to given the no 10 shirt which shows how far removed a great deal of those who use social media to criticise players are from the game on a weekly basis. Instead of following rugby regularly and forming their own opinion they instead jump on the band wagon of others opinions such as the lazy sports writers and other less knowledgeable supporters in Wales.

Yeah, calling for Hook to come in is ludicrous. I'm hoping to see Patchell and O.Williams given a chance. We are running quite low on options behind Biggar so they need to come in during this 6 Nations.

by The Saint Sun 4 Jan - 21:18

Seagultaf wrote:

He was excellent yesterday he created the first try with a clean break (through Dan Biggar’s attempted tackle) and then a perfectly weighted pass to put Liam into the gap between two defenders. He missed a few kicks at goal but Anscombe only kicked one of three for his MoM on New Year’s Day! And I suspect that it will be Anscombe despite showing little form to date, who will get the WRU Dual Contract.

Great shame for the Regional game as another one of our stars seems to be leaving Wales.

This is the BS I've been talking about - you really aren't a very knowledgeable fan seagull! Oh and because Anscombe misses a few kicks that makes it okay for RP to do so? Really don't understand the logic there!

It's good news for Scarlets and Wales that he's leaving, but it will only be to our benefit if we can convince better players like Owen Williams to come back.

by Breadvan Fri 9 Jan - 12:51

Squad to play the Dragons at the Liberty on Sunday. KO 1600...

15 Dan Evans
14 Richard Fussell
13 Ashley Beck
12 Josh Matavesi
11 Eli Walker
10 Dan Biggar
9 Rhys Webb

1 Duncan Jones
2 Sam Parry
3 Dmitri Arhip
4 James King
5 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)
6 Dan Lydiate
7 Justin Tipuric
8 Tyler Ardron

REPLACEMENTS

16 Scott Baldwin
17 Gareth Thomas
18 Aaron Jarvis
19 Rynier Bernardo
20 Sam Lewis
21 Martin Roberts
22 Sam Davies
23 Hanno Dirksen

Three changes. Dunc in at LH, Parry at hooker and Fuss, last seen about two years ago! Dirky on the bench to cover wing and centre.

by The Saint Fri 9 Jan - 13:22

Good starting team, but will be pretty weak come scrum time at 1 and 4.

by wayne Fri 9 Jan - 14:29

The Saint wrote:Good starting team, but will be pretty weak come scrum time at 1 and 4.

Yes I agree Saint, the back row battle should be a cracker, with you fielding Evans, Cudd and Faletau, if you get a nudge on in the scrum it could be a long afternoon for us, yet I hope we nudge it overall.

by bedfordwelsh Fri 9 Jan - 15:39

Be good to see Lydiate go up against his old team mates.

by wayne Fri 9 Jan - 17:00

bedfordwelsh wrote:Be good to see Lydiate go up against his old team mates.

It's not just Dan though, it is also Evans, Fussell and Parry, it could and should be interesting.

by bedfordwelsh Fri 9 Jan - 17:05

Evans Fussell and Parry have played against us before and Evans aside I don't think we have missed much. Also Prydie against the Os, I think Elliott Dee is having a great season and with current injuries to other hookers think he is in with a shot of a Welsh squad.

It will be a good backrow battle just a pity Baker is still out injured, King against Coombs should be good as well, both have had experience within the Welsh set up and both wanting more I would imagine as well.

by maestegmafia Fri 9 Jan - 21:23

Yes I agree there are a good number of rivalries...

I am looking forward to seeing how that Dragons centre partnership go... They look very good together and with Tovey pulling the strings and pace out wide the dragons have a good and very young back line...

by Luckless Pedestrian Sat 10 Jan - 7:28

We differ there, Maes. In terms of personnel it's a good backs division, but there's no structure. We don't seem to have any moves off first phase, no dummy runners or anything. It's very frustrating because we've waited so long for a decent forward platform and now that we have it, we've forgotten how to play. The only time we look dangerous is off turnover ball.

Our strike rate is abysmal. Across the three main European leagues, only London Welsh have scored fewer tries than us this season.

by GavinDragon Sat 10 Jan - 7:38

that is because we have no backs coach and Lyn Jones is setting us up to try and play like the ospreys during the galatico period (only without the galatico signings!)

by bedfordwelsh Sat 10 Jan - 8:51

GavinDragon wrote:that is because we have no backs coach and Lyn Jones is setting us up to try and play like the ospreys during the galatico period (only without the galatico signings!)

Shane Howarth anyone?

by Breadvan Sat 10 Jan - 9:30

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:We differ there, Maes. In terms of personnel it's a good backs division, but there's no structure. We don't seem to have any moves off first phase, no dummy runners or anything. It's very frustrating because we've waited so long for a decent forward platform and now that we have it, we've forgotten how to play. The only time we look dangerous is off turnover ball.

Our strike rate is abysmal. Across the three main European leagues, only London Welsh have scored fewer tries than us this season.

I can't think of any Ospreys "fans" who are looking forward to the opposing teams centres? Well I guess the chief won't be taking it laying down... Erm

by Breadvan Sat 10 Jan - 9:32

GavinDragon wrote:that is because we have no backs coach and Lyn Jones is setting us up to try and play like the ospreys during the galatico period (only without the galatico signings!)

...and he'd left us by that period of our galactico driven domination. Copyright western mail.

by The Saint Sat 10 Jan - 12:31

I think around now was the ideal time to promote Nicky Thomas and hope he adapts as well as his former U20 friend.

by GavinDragon Sat 10 Jan - 12:37

bedfordwelsh wrote:
GavinDragon wrote:that is because we have no backs coach and Lyn Jones is setting us up to try and play like the ospreys during the galatico period (only without the galatico signings!)

Shane Howarth anyone?

We could only hope - tbh id take Jason Strange atm

by Luckless Pedestrian Sat 10 Jan - 14:34

Breadvan wrote:
Luckless Pedestrian wrote:We differ there, Maes. In terms of personnel it's a good backs division, but there's no structure. We don't seem to have any moves off first phase, no dummy runners or anything. It's very frustrating because we've waited so long for a decent forward platform and now that we have it, we've forgotten how to play. The only time we look dangerous is off turnover ball.

Our strike rate is abysmal. Across the three main European leagues, only London Welsh have scored fewer tries than us this season.

I can't think of any Ospreys "fans" who are looking forward to the opposing teams centres? Well I guess the chief won't be taking it laying down...

Eh?

by Breadvan Sat 10 Jan - 15:24

Sly dig at some of mm old posts... Wink

by maestegmafia Sat 10 Jan - 22:25

Breadvan wrote:Sly dig at some of mm old posts...

How pathetic.

Grow up and learn to appreciate rugby

by Breadvan Sun 11 Jan - 13:02

Oh I do appreciate rugby. Primarily by my own team and how the players are performing and what the coaches are saying.

by Higher_Ground Sun 11 Jan - 19:19

BuzzScarlet wrote:To be fair, I can see people's frustrations when he's continued to be selected when off form but to be fair Biggar had done very little with his opportunities in a welsh shirt until this season but hes played well and now deserves the shirt.
What I find amusing is a great deal who criticise Priestland on forums, social media etc (not aimed at you saint ) are the cowboy hat wearing brigade who support wales in the autumn and 6 nations and have been calling for hook to given the no 10 shirt which shows how far removed a great deal of those who use social media to criticise players are from the game on a weekly basis. Instead of following rugby regularly and forming their own opinion they instead jump on the band wagon of others opinions such as the lazy sports writers and other less knowledgeable supporters in Wales.

That's because Biggar's 'opportunities' consisted of a Friday night game against an Island team, behind a scratch pack of forwards once a year.
The only other time he was given a run of games, he guided us to the 6N championship, only to be dumped again the minute Priestland was back fit.

by maestegmafia Sun 11 Jan - 21:26

HG I think things have changed and Biggar is the favourite. The attitude he has towards his defensive duties has been a marked change for the better, something that surely appeals to the Wales coaches.

by Higher_Ground Mon 12 Jan - 7:57

Oh I know Maes, not even Gatland could justify dropping him at this stage. But I wouldn't say that he would have to have too many mediocre games before he was dropped. Just a feeling.

by maestegmafia Mon 12 Jan - 9:12

I think that's very harsh on Gatland and the coaches involved in selection.

And if for anything in favour of Priestland that the coaches see as ability that Biggar doesn't have, it is the ease with which he gets a back line moving. Something Biggar has always struggled with. And something that is a plus for Wales...

by Higher_Ground Mon 12 Jan - 10:25

I also don't buy that about Biggar. Tommy Bowe, Lee Byrne, Shane Williams et al, all seemed to do ok outside of him.
I think taking 14 starting players from the demolition of England on the Lions tour, and leaving Biggar behind tells you it's own story.
Gatland buys in MASSIVELY to the 2011 Priestland, and not so much into Biggar, if it's harsh to point that out, then it's harsh.
Anscombe will bench for Wales in the 6n. Few quiet games from Biggar, and he'll be starting. Nailed on.

by wayne Mon 12 Jan - 11:16

maestegmafia wrote:HG I think things have changed and Biggar is the favourite. The attitude he has towards his defensive duties has been a marked change for the better, something that surely appeals to the Wales coaches.

Maes, you put yourself down as an Osprey supporter, and then you come out with crap like this, Dan has ALWAYS been an outstanding defender since the time he came into our team, not at all flaky as Hook was, very dependable covering his channel.

by wayne Mon 12 Jan - 11:21

Higher_Ground wrote:I also don't buy that about Biggar. Tommy Bowe, Lee Byrne, Shane Williams et al, all seemed to do ok outside of him.
I think taking 14 starting players from the demolition of England on the Lions tour, and leaving Biggar behind tells you it's own story.
Gatland buys in MASSIVELY to the 2011 Priestland, and not so much into Biggar, if it's harsh to point that out, then it's harsh.
Anscombe will bench for Wales in the 6n. Few quiet games from Biggar, and he'll be starting. Nailed on.

HG, I entirely agree with you, he has always put people into space with the players you have mentioned and others, the treatment meated out to Dan and Richie Rees after the Fiji game IIRC 2011 was way over the top and the public dressing down by Howley over that period says more about Howley than anybody else.

by maestegmafia Mon 12 Jan - 19:13

wayne wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:HG I think things have changed and Biggar is the favourite. The attitude he has towards his defensive duties has been a marked change for the better, something that surely appeals to the Wales coaches.
Maes, you put yourself down as an Osprey supporter, and then you come out with crap like this, Dan has ALWAYS been an outstanding defender since the time he came into our team, not at all flaky as Hook was, very dependable covering his channel.

m

Absoulte rubbish. He has been an average defender for two seasons before that he was poor. He used to miss tackles and do that hands in the air complaining thing afterwards while shouting at other players. His recent form has seen him massively up his game as a defender. This season most noticably since the AIs.

He has matured a great deal over the last two years.

by wayne Mon 12 Jan - 19:22

maestegmafia wrote:
wayne wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:HG I think things have changed and Biggar is the favourite. The attitude he has towards his defensive duties has been a marked change for the better, something that surely appeals to the Wales coaches.
Maes, you put yourself down as an Osprey supporter, and then you come out with crap like this, Dan has ALWAYS been an outstanding defender since the time he came into our team, not at all flaky as Hook was, very dependable covering his channel.
m

Absoulte rubbish. He has been an average defender for two seasons before that he was poor. He used to miss tackles and do that hands in the air complaining thing afterwards while shouting at other players. His recent form has seen him massively up his game as a defender. This season most noticably since the AIs.

He has matured a great deal over the last two years.

It is NOT rubbish at all, and this is coming from the bloke who said he had had a poor start to the season a few years ago, until I pointed out to you he had been named POTM once and had finished 2nd once and 3rd another time and that was all before Christmas, as voted by the fans on our Forum, you are talking crap as usual.

by Cardiff Dave Mon 12 Jan - 19:31

maestegmafia wrote:
wayne wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:HG I think things have changed and Biggar is the favourite. The attitude he has towards his defensive duties has been a marked change for the better, something that surely appeals to the Wales coaches.
Maes, you put yourself down as an Osprey supporter, and then you come out with crap like this, Dan has ALWAYS been an outstanding defender since the time he came into our team, not at all flaky as Hook was, very dependable covering his channel.
m

Absoulte rubbish. He has been an average defender for two seasons before that he was poor. He used to miss tackles and do that hands in the air complaining thing afterwards while shouting at other players. His recent form has seen him massively up his game as a defender. This season most noticably since the AIs.

He has matured a great deal over the last two years.

Average is adequate for an OH though isn't it?

by wayne Mon 12 Jan - 19:39

Cardiff Dave wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
wayne wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:HG I think things have changed and Biggar is the favourite. The attitude he has towards his defensive duties has been a marked change for the better, something that surely appeals to the Wales coaches.
Maes, you put yourself down as an Osprey supporter, and then you come out with crap like this, Dan has ALWAYS been an outstanding defender since the time he came into our team, not at all flaky as Hook was, very dependable covering his channel.
m

Absoulte rubbish. He has been an average defender for two seasons before that he was poor. He used to miss tackles and do that hands in the air complaining thing afterwards while shouting at other players. His recent form has seen him massively up his game as a defender. This season most noticably since the AIs.

He has matured a great deal over the last two years.

Average is adequate for an OH though isn't it?

Dave you are correct, we (Os) have had some terrible defensive OHs in our time Morgan (technique) and Hook (bottle) amongst the worst, I can think of a few others around Wales and the rest of the world, which I wont name for diplomatic reasons, how about your team?

by maestegmafia Mon 12 Jan - 20:04

Cardiff Dave wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
wayne wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:HG I think things have changed and Biggar is the favourite. The attitude he has towards his defensive duties has been a marked change for the better, something that surely appeals to the Wales coaches.
Maes, you put yourself down as an Osprey supporter, and then you come out with crap like this, Dan has ALWAYS been an outstanding defender since the time he came into our team, not at all flaky as Hook was, very dependable covering his channel.
m

Absoulte rubbish. He has been an average defender for two seasons before that he was poor. He used to miss tackles and do that hands in the air complaining thing afterwards while shouting at other players. His recent form has seen him massively up his game as a defender. This season most noticably since the AIs.

He has matured a great deal over the last two years.

Average is adequate for an OH though isn't it?

To a degree...!

Though it is good to see his improvement since the autumn, he really seems to relish his defensive duties now...

by Cardiff Dave Mon 12 Jan - 20:06

wayne wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
wayne wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:HG I think things have changed and Biggar is the favourite. The attitude he has towards his defensive duties has been a marked change for the better, something that surely appeals to the Wales coaches.
Maes, you put yourself down as an Osprey supporter, and then you come out with crap like this, Dan has ALWAYS been an outstanding defender since the time he came into our team, not at all flaky as Hook was, very dependable covering his channel.
m

Absoulte rubbish. He has been an average defender for two seasons before that he was poor. He used to miss tackles and do that hands in the air complaining thing afterwards while shouting at other players. His recent form has seen him massively up his game as a defender. This season most noticably since the AIs.

He has matured a great deal over the last two years.

Average is adequate for an OH though isn't it?
Dave you are correct, we (Os) have had some terrible defensive OHs in our time Morgan (technique) and Hook (bottle) amongst the worst, I can think of a few others around Wales and the rest of the world, which I wont name for diplomatic reasons, how about your team?

Huge respect for Biggar and those who coached him through his hand waving/toys out of the pram days. All deserve Muttley medals IMO. Not afraid to get stuck in either even though maybe he shouldn't and let the bigger boys do the tackling.

by Cardiff Dave Mon 12 Jan - 20:23

maestegmafia wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
wayne wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:HG I think things have changed and Biggar is the favourite. The attitude he has towards his defensive duties has been a marked change for the better, something that surely appeals to the Wales coaches.
Maes, you put yourself down as an Osprey supporter, and then you come out with crap like this, Dan has ALWAYS been an outstanding defender since the time he came into our team, not at all flaky as Hook was, very dependable covering his channel.
m

Absoulte rubbish. He has been an average defender for two seasons before that he was poor. He used to miss tackles and do that hands in the air complaining thing afterwards while shouting at other players. His recent form has seen him massively up his game as a defender. This season most noticably since the AIs.

He has matured a great deal over the last two years.

Average is adequate for an OH though isn't it?

To a degree...!

Though it is good to see his improvement since the autumn, he really seems to relish his defensive duties now...

Agreed, it is good especially considering the stick he's received over the years and he's still only 25 years of age let's not forget. He's extra chopsy too which I like and no doubt, not afraid to have a crack at a drop goal in the last few minutes of a RWC semi final.

by wayne Mon 12 Jan - 20:24

Cardiff Dave wrote:
wayne wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
wayne wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:HG I think things have changed and Biggar is the favourite. The attitude he has towards his defensive duties has been a marked change for the better, something that surely appeals to the Wales coaches.
Maes, you put yourself down as an Osprey supporter, and then you come out with crap like this, Dan has ALWAYS been an outstanding defender since the time he came into our team, not at all flaky as Hook was, very dependable covering his channel.
m

Absoulte rubbish. He has been an average defender for two seasons before that he was poor. He used to miss tackles and do that hands in the air complaining thing afterwards while shouting at other players. His recent form has seen him massively up his game as a defender. This season most noticably since the AIs.

He has matured a great deal over the last two years.

Average is adequate for an OH though isn't it?
Dave you are correct, we (Os) have had some terrible defensive OHs in our time Morgan (technique) and Hook (bottle) amongst the worst, I can think of a few others around Wales and the rest of the world, which I wont name for diplomatic reasons, how about your team?

Huge respect for Biggar and those who coached him through his hand waving/toys out of the pram days. All deserve Muttley medals IMO. Not afraid to get stuck in either even though maybe he shouldn't and let the bigger boys do the tackling.

Dave, if it stops teams trying to come down his channel all the better, as for his hand waving and mouthing to the referees, I remember an interview with Filo Tiatia on our website saying there was this gobby little youngster, telling us get in this position, move over there when he first came into the team and it was hard to take, until it was pointed out we couldn't see things that he could from behind us and we were told to listen to him.

by Cardiff Dave Mon 12 Jan - 20:38

wayne wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
wayne wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
wayne wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:HG I think things have changed and Biggar is the favourite. The attitude he has towards his defensive duties has been a marked change for the better, something that surely appeals to the Wales coaches.
Maes, you put yourself down as an Osprey supporter, and then you come out with crap like this, Dan has ALWAYS been an outstanding defender since the time he came into our team, not at all flaky as Hook was, very dependable covering his channel.
m

Absoulte rubbish. He has been an average defender for two seasons before that he was poor. He used to miss tackles and do that hands in the air complaining thing afterwards while shouting at other players. His recent form has seen him massively up his game as a defender. This season most noticably since the AIs.

He has matured a great deal over the last two years.

Average is adequate for an OH though isn't it?
Dave you are correct, we (Os) have had some terrible defensive OHs in our time Morgan (technique) and Hook (bottle) amongst the worst, I can think of a few others around Wales and the rest of the world, which I wont name for diplomatic reasons, how about your team?

Huge respect for Biggar and those who coached him through his hand waving/toys out of the pram days. All deserve Muttley medals IMO. Not afraid to get stuck in either even though maybe he shouldn't and let the bigger boys do the tackling.
Dave, if it stops teams trying to come down his channel all the better, as for his hand waving and mouthing to the referees, I remember an interview with Filo Tiatia on our website saying there was this gobby little youngster, telling us get in this position, move over there when he first came into the team and it was hard to take, until it was pointed out we couldn't see things that he could from behind us and we were told to listen to him.

Good story.
Filo Tiatia; never heard of him, ahem.

by Breadvan Fri 16 Jan - 17:45

Judgement days back on. 25th April at the MS. Bloos
V Os first at 1414 then drags v Turks.

by Cardiff Dave Fri 16 Jan - 18:07

Breadvan wrote:Judgement days back on. 25th April at the MS. Bloos
V Os first at 1414 then drags v Turks.

There's a disappointment.
CAP and Dave would be much, much better.

by Guest Fri 16 Jan - 20:23

Yes they would. Can't speak for the Blues, but disappointed that the Dragons sold out on home advantage again, just for a bit more money. Especially when it took a new agreement setting up.

by Cardiff Dave Fri 16 Jan - 20:45

Risca Rev wrote:Yes they would. Can't speak for the Blues, but disappointed that the Dragons sold out on home advantage again, just for a bit more money. Especially when it took a new agreement setting up.

I guess that all 4 agreed to the MS Mikey Rayer.

by Guest Fri 16 Jan - 20:50

Scarlets and Ospreys would, of course. They don't lose out on anything bar the CAP/Dave Parade experience.

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