Gwent Dragons 2015/16 thread

by dragon4life Tue 21 Oct 2014, 4:17 pm

First topic message reminder :

3 in Wales squad that would have been 4 if tyler was fit

by Guest Sat 09 May 2015, 1:10 am

Unless Connacht do something.

by dragon4life Sat 09 May 2015, 10:34 am

How did Luc do at 9? Couldnt go to the game and how did we play?

by Guest Sat 09 May 2015, 12:10 pm

To be fair to him, pretty well. His service was pretty decent and I didn't feel like I had to shout all the time to speed up play at the back of the ruck (like I do with Jon Evans).

by dragon4life Sat 09 May 2015, 12:13 pm

It makes sense playing him as he's the only 9 staying so we might as well play him for the remaining games

by The Saint Wed 17 Jun 2015, 1:53 pm

So in the upcoming season we are grouped with Sale and Castres in the challenge cup. Not an easy pool! Castres may rest their players in this competition? I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Oh and can we just change the title to Dragons season thread? The 2013/14 bit is kinda annoying now...and we'll just carry it on from there once this one reaches maximum capacity.

by dragon4life Wed 17 Jun 2015, 2:02 pm

Done. I think in our group our biggest threat will be Sale as they are likely to put there first team out. But Castre who nearly got relegated are likely to concentrate on top 14 after last season and so are Pau as they have just come up.

by munkian Wed 17 Jun 2015, 2:05 pm

The Saint wrote:So in the upcoming season we are grouped with Sale and Castres in the challenge cup. Not an easy pool! Castres may rest their players in this competition? I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Oh and can we just change the title to Dragons season thread? The 2013/14 bit is kinda annoying now...and we'll just carry it on from there once this one reaches maximum capacity.

The French teams may taker it more seriously this season now a Champions Cup spot is up for grabs (I think...)

Pau are hyper rich, will make Toulon look like paupers eventually.

Almost feel sorry for Bath - Toulon, Leinster and Wasps in their group Smile

by The Saint Wed 17 Jun 2015, 2:10 pm

Pau just come up, and will not be easy, but we should perhaps target them as they're new to European rugby. I don't think they will be concentrating on this competition either, as that is what usually happens with newly promoted teams. The only notable signings are All Blacks Slade and Smith.

Also, just noticed that Montpellier are in this competition, so us and everybody else can forget about winning it!

by dragon4life Wed 17 Jun 2015, 2:19 pm

The Saint wrote:Pau just come up, and will not be easy, but we should perhaps target them as they're new to European rugby. I don't think they will be concentrating on this competition either, as that is what usually happens with newly promoted teams. The only notable signings are All Blacks Slade and Smith.

Also, just noticed that Montpellier are in this competition, so us and everybody else can forget about winning it!

Montpelliers' second team would give some of the Champions cup teams a run for their money. Their first and second choice TH props are Mas and Du Plesis!

by Guest Wed 17 Jun 2015, 3:50 pm

Can't see us doing much this season, in this comp. Though it might be an unrealistic target, I think we should prioritise the league too and give the top six a real go.

by bedfordwelsh Wed 17 Jun 2015, 4:09 pm

Seems quite a hard group compared to the Blues given how we performed better in league and cup than them.

by munkian Wed 17 Jun 2015, 4:15 pm

Dems the breaks I guess.

by Luckless Pedestrian Wed 17 Jun 2015, 7:49 pm

Risca Rev wrote:Can't see us doing much this season, in this comp. Though it might be an unrealistic target, I think we should prioritise the league too and give the top six a real go.

Agreed. We had a great run in the cup this season, and it gave us confidence that we brought into our league performances as the season went on, but we need to start climbing the Pro12 table.

by Cardiff Dave Wed 17 Jun 2015, 8:26 pm

Risca Rev wrote:Can't see us doing much this season, in this comp. Though it might be an unrealistic target, I think we should prioritise the league too and give the top six a real go.

Aye.

by The Saint Wed 17 Jun 2015, 8:54 pm

Cardiff Dave wrote:
Risca Rev wrote:Can't see us doing much this season, in this comp. Though it might be an unrealistic target, I think we should prioritise the league too and give the top six a real go.

Aye.

Keep us update on your 'progress' too... Millions upon millions of pounds splashed about in the last couple years and the only way you've gone is down...

by Cardiff Dave Wed 17 Jun 2015, 9:09 pm

The Saint wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
Risca Rev wrote:Can't see us doing much this season, in this comp. Though it might be an unrealistic target, I think we should prioritise the league too and give the top six a real go.

Aye.

Keep us update on your 'progress' too... Millions upon millions of pounds splashed about in the last couple years and the only way you've gone is down...

Aye. CCS see. Cost a feckin fortune. Entirely predictable btw, but there we are. Won a couple of trophies though. HEC semi too. Beat Toulon an orl. Big changes happening at Cardiff as we speak.

by The Saint Wed 17 Jun 2015, 9:41 pm

That's going back quite a while though. I was referring to post-Dai Young era...

by GavinDragon Thu 18 Jun 2015, 7:23 am

I was hoping we would have seen or heard a little more regarding signings at this point

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu 18 Jun 2015, 7:43 am

Tomas Francis posted a photo on Twitter of him and Rhys Buckley at Big Pit. I'm not saying he's signing for the Dragons, but you never know!

by GavinDragon Thu 18 Jun 2015, 8:56 am

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Tomas Francis posted a photo on Twitter of him and Rhys Buckley at Big Pit. I'm not saying he's signing for the Dragons, but you never know!

they must know each other from their championship days - were they both at Doncaster together?

by munkian Thu 18 Jun 2015, 9:45 am

GavinDragon wrote:I was hoping we would have seen or heard a little more regarding signings at this point

I doubt we'll see anymore though we could really do with a couple of props and a lock.

by ScarletSpiderman Thu 18 Jun 2015, 10:24 am

munkian wrote:
GavinDragon wrote:I was hoping we would have seen or heard a little more regarding signings at this point

I doubt we'll see anymore though we could really do with a couple of props and a lock.

With the exclusion of possibly picking up someone from the ITM cup etc, once the season has started, I would assume most the regions have finished their signings now. Pre-season training must be starting pretty soon after all.

by Guest Thu 18 Jun 2015, 10:25 am

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Tomas Francis posted a photo on Twitter of him and Rhys Buckley at Big Pit. I'm not saying he's signing for the Dragons, but you never know!

Obviously I didn't believe it would happen, but I did get excited at the prospect.

by The Saint Thu 18 Jun 2015, 2:25 pm

We need a LH anyway...

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 19 Jun 2015, 6:17 am

Oh I forgot to say, Alex Corbisiero took the photo...

by Guest Fri 19 Jun 2015, 11:03 am

Haven't rated him since he looked a bit iffy at EXP last season, so he can stick to photography Wink

by GavinDragon Fri 19 Jun 2015, 1:14 pm

he hasnt been the same since 2013. Perhaps suffering from the rule change in the same way as Adam Jones?

by Cardiff Dave Fri 19 Jun 2015, 8:29 pm

The Saint wrote:That's going back quite a while though. I was referring to post-Dai Young era...

DY aint that long ago though and I bet the Pieman is still reeling after the CCS debacle. How many millions did that cost I wonder? The years leading up to it that included the proposed destruction of CAP weren't nice either. Then the war with Dodger. Thought Hammett was the way forward. Hopefully Wilson is. Not counting my chickens though.

by The Saint Fri 19 Jun 2015, 9:09 pm

GavinDragon wrote:he hasnt been the same since 2013. Perhaps suffering from the rule change in the same way as Adam Jones?

I haven't seen any premiership reports stating so. However he has had a lot of bad luck with injury, so maybe his inconsistent performances can be attributed to that. I never thought he was an amazing LH anyway, Adam Jones always got the better of him. But for the Lions in 2013 he was brilliant.

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 19 Jun 2015, 9:29 pm

I doubt we'd turn him down if he became available!

by Guest Sat 20 Jun 2015, 1:30 am

I doubt we would turn Phil Vickery down, if he became available. Wonder where he's playing now?

by maestegmafia Sat 20 Jun 2015, 9:21 am

GavinDragon wrote:I was hoping we would have seen or heard a little more regarding signings at this point

Looks like Bath RFC are after Faletau again with a renewed vi

by GavinDragon Sat 20 Jun 2015, 9:42 am

If there is a landman type no8 available now u would cash in. If there is no replacement I would keep him until next season

by Luckless Pedestrian Sat 20 Jun 2015, 12:46 pm

maestegmafia wrote:Looks like Bath RFC are after Faletau again with a renewed vi

Nothing concrete, so all that's started again is the speculation. (No idea what a vi is.)

If he doesn't want to stay, let's cash in on him. We're okay in the back row (although I bet Jack Condy's a bit miffed if Faletau goes) so let's invest in the front five.

by The Saint Sat 20 Jun 2015, 12:48 pm

They brought that wasps back-row in as cover, but I doubt he's good enough to be a regular in the league when you look at the opposition back-rows he'd be up against...

by maestegmafia Mon 22 Jun 2015, 12:27 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:Looks like Bath RFC are after Faletau again with a renewed vi

Nothing concrete, so all that's started again is the speculation. (No idea what a vi is.)

If he doesn't want to stay, let's cash in on him. We're okay in the back row (although I bet Jack Condy's a bit miffed if Faletau goes) so let's invest in the front five.

LP there are rumours of Northampton and the Blues showing interest now..

by ScarletSpiderman Mon 22 Jun 2015, 12:40 pm

maestegmafia wrote:
Luckless Pedestrian wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:Looks like Bath RFC are after Faletau again with a renewed vi

Nothing concrete, so all that's started again is the speculation. (No idea what a vi is.)

If he doesn't want to stay, let's cash in on him. We're okay in the back row (although I bet Jack Condy's a bit miffed if Faletau goes) so let's invest in the front five.

LP there are rumours of Northampton and the Blues showing interest now..

The ways the rumours are going it will not be long before Merthyr are after him too.

To be honest if he wants to go fair enough. Good luck to him in Bath or Northampton. However if he goes to the Blues then there must be something very wrong, or some very iffy dealings going on (seems a bit Blues to 'buy' North off Scarlets IMO).

by Luckless Pedestrian Mon 22 Jun 2015, 12:44 pm

Exactly, SS: for me, this hinges on whether Faletau wants to go. If he does, then fair enough - let's get as much as we can for him.

by LordDowlais Mon 22 Jun 2015, 12:48 pm

I think he would have signed a DC by now if he wanted to stay, if he goes then if he has any thought for Dragons who have made him the player he is today, then he should leave Wales all together, it would be a slap in the face for Dragons if he signed a DC with another region.

by Steffan Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:01 pm

Hopefully Faletau will leave Newport to go to an English club which can only improve his game. I'm sure the Dragons have a good and young replacement lined up if he does leave

by dragon4life Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:07 pm

Steffan wrote:Hopefully Faletau will leave Newport to go to an English club which can only improve his game. I'm sure the Dragons have a good and young replacement lined up if he does leave

Harrison Keddie with Wales u20 could play in acouple years time at 8, he doesn't have a well rounded game as Faletau yet but is imo a bigger ball carrier and also a good lineout option. There is also Crosswell and Jackson to cover. I think Lewis Evans will be the starting 8 next season if Faletau goes

by The Saint Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:18 pm

Steffan wrote:Hopefully Faletau will leave Newport to go to an English club which can only improve his game. I'm sure the Dragons have a good and young replacement lined up if he does leave

How do you think Pontypridd will do in next seasons B&I Cup?

by LordDowlais Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:21 pm

The Saint wrote:How do you think Pontypridd will do in next seasons B&I Cup?

What has that got to do with Faletau potentially leaving Dragons ?

by Steffan Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:22 pm

LordDowlais wrote:
The Saint wrote:How do you think Pontypridd will do in next seasons B&I Cup?

What has that got to do with Faletau potentially leaving Dragons ?

Ponty are not in the B & I Cup. Kind of sad though that you use that as a form of trying to bait me

With people like you supporting Newport its no wonder Faletau is going to leave

by The Saint Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:23 pm

LordDowlais wrote:
The Saint wrote:How do you think Pontypridd will do in next seasons B&I Cup?

What has that got to do with Faletau potentially leaving Dragons ?

It was an unnecessary reply to an unnecessary comment. If you want to do your usual and longwinded regurgitation, please do it on your own thread. This thread is for real rugby fans.

by The Saint Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:24 pm

Steffan wrote:
LordDowlais wrote:
The Saint wrote:How do you think Pontypridd will do in next seasons B&I Cup?

What has that got to do with Faletau potentially leaving Dragons ?
Ponty are not in the B & I Cup.

by Steffan Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:26 pm

The Saint wrote:
LordDowlais wrote:
The Saint wrote:How do you think Pontypridd will do in next seasons B&I Cup?

What has that got to do with Faletau potentially leaving Dragons ?

It was an unnecessary reply to an unnecessary comment

How is it an unnecessary comment?

I want Welsh players playing at the highest level and that is not the Pro12. I approve of any Welsh player going to England or France as its good for their game plus I respect the fact that its a short career and they want to earn all the bucks they can while able to play

Don't dismiss comments that you don't agree with as 'unnecessary' pal and I am much a rugby fan as you are

by Steffan Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:29 pm

The Saint wrote:
Steffan wrote:
LordDowlais wrote:
The Saint wrote:How do you think Pontypridd will do in next seasons B&I Cup?

What has that got to do with Faletau potentially leaving Dragons ?
Ponty are not in the B & I Cup.

Typical Newport fan. Still upset of all the pastings we gave you pre-regional era I bet

Sad really that instead of discussing your own team would rather laugh at other teams misfortunes. That's you as a person all over though

Nevermind your fancy fella Risca will be here to back you up soon I hope

by The Saint Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:30 pm

Pre-regional era, holy cow that's clutching straws laughing

by LordDowlais Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:32 pm

Steffan wrote:I am much a rugby fan as you are

Probably more, he spouts all his nonsense about how much he know about rugby, but I have been to watch Dragons more times than he has last season, yet he is the complete rugby fan.

oh well that's the Saint for you.

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