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 Steffan Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:33 pm

The Saint wrote:Pre-regional era, holy cow that's clutching straws

Unfortunately since 2003 we cannot play your first team in the Premiership only Newport 'B' team so I can hardly use anything more up to date can I you fool

by The Saint Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:34 pm

I had a feeling that old line would come out. Regurgitation, yawn, zzzzzz! #dowlaislogic

by The Saint Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:35 pm

This was a really good thread until the two dumbest and most hated posters had to come along and spoil it like they do EVERY single thread. I hope the mods take appropriate action against cave dweller and PeasentDowlais for the good of the real rugby fans on here like myself, LP and Rev.

by Steffan Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:36 pm

LordDowlais wrote:
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.

He is jumping on the Wales football wagon now even though he admits to not liking football laughing

Agreed. I have been to Rodney Parade more times than he has and that's just from watching Ponty over the last 25 years

by The Saint Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:39 pm

PD, anyone knows more about rugby than you. Stop embarrassing yourself. Steffan, Ponty's misfortune makes me happy okay, don't judge me.

by Steffan Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:40 pm

The Saint wrote:I hope the mods take appropriate action against cave dweller and PeasentDowlais for the good of the real rugby fans on here like myself, LP and Rev.

Given the amount of personal insults you have hurled at me and in Revs case also insulted my family and my education I think it's you pair the mods should be looking at

by LordDowlais Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:41 pm

The Saint wrote:This was a really good thread until the two dumbest and most hated posters had to come along and spoil it like they do EVERY single thread. I hope the mods take appropriate action against cave dweller and PeasentDowlais for the good of the real rugby fans on here like myself, LP and Rev.

Actually Saint, we were all talking about Toby Faletau until you came on here spouting your usual obnoxious drivel about Ponty and the B&I cup, so it is YOU who has derailed the conversation, so I really do hope the MODS come on here and take action against one of the most obnoxious member of this site I have ever encountered, you never add anything towards this forum except bad atmosphere.

by Steffan Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:42 pm

The Saint wrote:Steffan, Ponty's misfortune makes me happy okay

I know hence you can't even come on a Dragons thread without mentioning them

Nice to know we mean so much to you laughing

by The Saint Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:44 pm

PD oh dear, that's the most ironic thing you've said yet! No wonder everyone laughs at you Laugh

. Never mind, this will get shrugged off and you'll continue to repeat your usual drivel. #yawn

by ScarletSpiderman Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:46 pm

In an attempt at getting back on track, Robin Davey has tweeted that he has a source inside Dave Parade that Toby is definitely not going to the Blues.

by LordDowlais Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:48 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:In an attempt at getting back on track, Robin Davey has tweeted that he has a source inside Dave Parade that Toby is definitely not going to the Blues.

Good. It would be a slap in the face for Dragons if he went there after what Dragons have done for him so far in his development.

by Steffan Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:49 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:In an attempt at getting back on track, Robin Davey has tweeted that he has a source inside Dave Parade that Toby is definitely not going to the Blues.

I agree lets get this back on track after a certain members efforts to derail it and create hostility

Sounds about right I doubt very much he would leave to join another Welsh team otherwise he would have signed the dual contract by now

by Guest Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:51 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:In an attempt at getting back on track, Robin Davey has tweeted that he has a source inside Dave Parade that Toby is definitely not going to the Blues.

Think that was pretty obvious. I can't see why Simon Thomas and a few others would see it as a positive move if he went to Cardiff Blues. It wouldn't be at all. He needs to leave Dragons though and play at a higher level.

by The Saint Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:52 pm

Glad that's been ruled out. We don't want to see him run out for Blues feeder teams like Pontypridd and Merthyr do we Wink

. The Bath rumour is beginning to sound more plausible.

by Steffan Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:52 pm

LordDowlais wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:In an attempt at getting back on track, Robin Davey has tweeted that he has a source inside Dave Parade that Toby is definitely not going to the Blues.

Good. It would be a slap in the face for Dragons if he went there after what Dragons have done for him so far in his development.

Plus leaving the Dragons for a team that only finished above the Italian teams is not really a step forward for him as a player

by LordDowlais Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:53 pm

Cardiff Blues would be a step down for him at the moment anyway. If as you say he needs to play at a higher level, then Bath it is, although, I think he is doing just fine at Dragons.

by Steffan Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:54 pm

Risca Rev wrote:He needs to leave Dragons though and play at a higher level.

Agreed. A move to England or France (looks like it will be the Aviva) will bring him on even more as a player as I feel his form has dipped a bit over the last couple of seasons

by Guest Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:54 pm

Bath or Northampton. Probably the latter I think, seeing as Houston was playing pretty well for Bath last season and Northampton have lost Manoa.

by munkian Mon 22 Jun 2015, 2:20 pm

Risca Rev wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:In an attempt at getting back on track, Robin Davey has tweeted that he has a source inside Dave Parade that Toby is definitely not going to the Blues.

Think that was pretty obvious. I can't see why Simon Thomas and a few others would see it as a positive move if he went to Cardiff Blues. It wouldn't be at all. He needs to leave Dragons though and play at a higher level.

Wales Online in pro Cardiff 'shocker'

by ScarletSpiderman Mon 22 Jun 2015, 2:41 pm

munkian wrote:
Risca Rev wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:In an attempt at getting back on track, Robin Davey has tweeted that he has a source inside Dave Parade that Toby is definitely not going to the Blues.

Think that was pretty obvious. I can't see why Simon Thomas and a few others would see it as a positive move if he went to Cardiff Blues. It wouldn't be at all. He needs to leave Dragons though and play at a higher level.

Wales Online in pro Cardiff 'shocker'

To be fair you do need to treat Wales Online articles as just the opinion of another bloke in the pub. They are always going to link any out of contract Welsh player with a move to the Blues, or the Ospreys, and they are generally going to be well off the mark.

by Steffan Mon 22 Jun 2015, 2:44 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:To be fair you do need to treat Wales Online articles as just the opinion of another bloke in the pub

If that's the case then Peter Thomas is definitely paying for Delme Parfitt's beer (and pies) laughing

by ScarletSpiderman Mon 22 Jun 2015, 2:45 pm

Steffan wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:To be fair you do need to treat Wales Online articles as just the opinion of another bloke in the pub
If that's the case then Peter Thomas is definitely paying for Delme Parfitt's beer (and pies)

And Andy Bowells as well.

by Luckless Pedestrian Mon 22 Jun 2015, 4:25 pm

Peter Thomas has said that they've put in an offer and Faletau's agent hasn't replied. He could be telling porkies, but I suppose if you know a bid's going to be rejected, there's no harm in making one.

by Cardiff Dave Mon 22 Jun 2015, 5:52 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Peter Thomas has said that they've put in an offer and Faletau's agent hasn't replied. He could be telling porkies, but I suppose if you know a bid's going to be rejected, there's no harm in making one.

Outrageous suggestion. Very Happy

by Guest Tue 23 Jun 2015, 8:39 am

Yay, we're unlocked Rolling Eyes

by munkian Tue 23 Jun 2015, 8:47 am

There's now been suggestions that he will be re-offered a DC at NGD after the World Cup AND the Captain's armband.

by GavinDragon Tue 23 Jun 2015, 8:51 am

Yea saw that on robin daveys twitter

by munkian Tue 23 Jun 2015, 8:53 am

GavinDragon wrote:Yea saw that on robin daveys twitter

Snap

Is he vocal enough to be Captain though ? Can you see him chatting with refs ? And will he be playing enough ?

by Guest Tue 23 Jun 2015, 9:23 am

munkian wrote:
GavinDragon wrote:Yea saw that on robin daveys twitter

Snap

Is he vocal enough to be Captain though ? Can you see him chatting with refs ? And will he be playing enough ?

On your first point, yes I feel he is perhaps not vocal enough. Or maybe not that way inclined. Unfortunately in the modern game you need that constant dialogue with the ref to keep him on your side and to sometimes understand the way you've approached the tackle area. A necessary evil I suppose. So Toby doesn't seem to be that sort of character.

On your second point, no I don't think he'll be playing too few games. Do you mean as it's a world cup year, or in general? I think he plays as many games as most internationals. Perhaps more. But other sides usually have internationals as their captains so I don't see it as a problem. That experience of having been their and done it on the international stage I think is good to bring to the captain's role, especially with younger players in the squad.

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 23 Jun 2015, 9:29 am

Griff, I would add to the vocal thing that sometimes a good captain doesn't have to be the mouthy type, and someone like Toby will most likely have the Refs respect (especially if he does stay put) and the fact he is usually quiet and reserved may actually most more sway when he does raise and issue with the Ref compared to a non-stop talker like AWJ or Biggar.

Another thing, whilst he will be on international duty Landman will most likely be having the arm band, and when Toby is playing, I would not rule out Landman still doing the constant talking to the Ref role.

by munkian Tue 23 Jun 2015, 10:49 am

I guess post world cup he'd be with us more, especially if we scrap the 4th Autumn AI.

I'd be happy with Landman filling in when hes not around

by The Saint Tue 23 Jun 2015, 1:14 pm

I'd probably leave Landman as captain.

by munkian Tue 23 Jun 2015, 1:14 pm

The Saint wrote:I'd probably leave Landman as captain.

As I would, I assume its just a sweetner

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 23 Jun 2015, 4:46 pm

I think he almost certainly will go, but imagine what a boost it would be if he stayed.

by Fanster Tue 23 Jun 2015, 4:53 pm

Just to ask the question, would Falatau at the Blues be all that bad?

I get why Dragons fans wouldn't want that, and I get the vitriol toward that kind of move, but to go and play with Warburton and Navidi regularly, it would keep him in Wales, and under our control, and he could be managed better.

I personally hope he stays at the Dragons, but my 2nd option if he had to move would be to the Blues.

by munkian Tue 23 Jun 2015, 5:13 pm

Why would he be managed better ?

by Steffan Tue 23 Jun 2015, 5:34 pm

I hope he goes to Bath but then I am a big fan of the Aviva (having BT Sport helps) and love seeing the Welsh players there. An 8, 9 and 10 of Faletau, Evans and Priestland would be great to watch

by Fanster Tue 23 Jun 2015, 5:35 pm

munkian wrote:Why would he be managed better ?

Well he wouldn't be flogged for 30 odd games per season before internationals, Gatland and co would be in the vacinity to lend a helping hand, his travel and logistical issues would be less etc...

He'd get all the advantages of living at home, and the contract.

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 23 Jun 2015, 8:18 pm

He could have all of that by staying at the Dragons though. It's not an incentive to move.

by Guest Tue 23 Jun 2015, 9:24 pm

Fanster wrote:
munkian wrote:Why would he be managed better ?

Well he wouldn't be flogged for 30 odd games per season before internationals, Gatland and co would be in the vacinity to lend a helping hand, his travel and logistical issues would be less etc...

He'd get all the advantages of living at home, and the contract.

As Luckless says he could get all of this with the Dragons. If the Blues were in the Champions Cup then I could understand it, but moving to the Blues isn't a step up at the moment (sorry Blues fans!). He'll be playing 2nd tier Euro rugby with the Blues too. Previously and perhaps in the future it would be a step up joining the Blues but not currently. Now, if the Ospreys had made a bid for Faletau, and if they needed an 8, then that sort of internal move would be good for the player and I'd grumble but accept it!

by munkian Tue 23 Jun 2015, 10:16 pm

Lydiate Tips and Faletau would be a scary back line

by The Saint Tue 23 Jun 2015, 10:39 pm

Griff wrote:
Fanster wrote:
munkian wrote:Why would he be managed better ?

Well he wouldn't be flogged for 30 odd games per season before internationals, Gatland and co would be in the vacinity to lend a helping hand, his travel and logistical issues would be less etc...

He'd get all the advantages of living at home, and the contract.

As Luckless says he could get all of this with the Dragons. If the Blues were in the Champions Cup then I could understand it, but moving to the Blues isn't a step up at the moment (sorry Blues fans!). He'll be playing 2nd tier Euro rugby with the Blues too. Previously and perhaps in the future it would be a step up joining the Blues but not currently. Now, if the Ospreys had made a bid for Faletau, and if they needed an 8, then that sort of internal move would be good for the player and I'd grumble but accept it!

I wouldn't bother engaging with this WUM. Faletau to the Blues for the good of Welsh rugby... Yeah in wonderland maybe.

by maestegmafia Wed 24 Jun 2015, 7:53 am

The crux of the matter is not what the player wants but what the Dragonns want. Do they want the cash? We all know they need it...

The WRU may step in to halt a move if they see it as important to keep him in Wales. They are a major share holder.

by bedfordwelsh Wed 24 Jun 2015, 8:41 am

At the end of the day the game is now a professional sport and as such players have to earn a living add that to the fact that he most probably has ambitions of winning silver its not that different to us in our jobs - want more money when possible chance of bettering yourself and achieving the best you can.

Whilst staying in Wales would benefit the Welsh set he is more likely in the next few year at least to achieve the rest outside of Wales. The Ospreys would most probably offer him the best chance of winning trophies but with Baker and Delve there already that would seem the most unlikely move.

by Luckless Pedestrian Wed 24 Jun 2015, 10:26 am

maestegmafia wrote:The crux of the matter is not what the player wants but what the Dragonns want.

It's clearly not.

by munkian Wed 24 Jun 2015, 10:40 am

If Dragons are going to lose him then we should get rid now and get a tidy transfer fee - we'd be without him for large amounts of time anyway and it gives us chance to blood some younger players at 8 or give Crosswell/Lewis Evans a decent run.

by bedfordwelsh Wed 24 Jun 2015, 10:55 am

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:The crux of the matter is not what the player wants but what the Dragonns want.

It's clearly not.

Agreed and if the club are treating him like he doesn't matter (don't think they are) then no wonder he wants away.

by GavinDragon Wed 24 Jun 2015, 12:45 pm

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/13349858.Ieuan_Jones__I_was_dumped_on_by_Cardiff_Blues_but_still_dream_of_Dragons_return/

by munkian Wed 24 Jun 2015, 1:49 pm

GavinDragon wrote:http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/13349858.Ieuan_Jones__I_was_dumped_on_by_Cardiff_Blues_but_still_dream_of_Dragons_return/

Yeah, our players don't seem to do well there.

by Cardiff Dave Wed 24 Jun 2015, 7:08 pm

munkian wrote:
GavinDragon wrote:http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/13349858.Ieuan_Jones__I_was_dumped_on_by_Cardiff_Blues_but_still_dream_of_Dragons_return/

Yeah, our players don't seem to do well there.

Your players usually don't do well at the Arms Park though. Meh!

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