Cardiff Blues Season Thread 3 - Danny Wilson Appointed Head Coach

by wales606 Sun 01 Feb 2015, 5:07 pm

First topic message reminder :

Prop
Gethin Jenkins, Taufa'ao Filise, Craig Mitchell, Sam Hobbs, Scott Andrews, Thomas Davies, Dillon Lewis

Hooker
Matthew Rees, Kristian Dacey, Rhys Williams, Ethan Lewis

2nd Row
Jarrad Hoeata, James Down, Lou Reed, Chris Dicomidis, Miles Normandale

Flanker
Sam Warburton, Josh Turnbull, Macauley Cook, Ellis Jenkins, Josh Navidi, Jevon Groves, Ben Roach

Eight
Manoa Vosawai

Scrum half
Tavis Knoyle, Lloyd Williams, Lewis Jones, Tomos Williams

Fly half
Rhys Patchell, Gareth Anscombe, Gareth Davies, Jarrod Evans, Will Thomas

Centre
Cory Allen, Gavin Evans, Richard Smith, Tom Pascoe, Adam Thomas, Garyn Smith, Ray Lee-Lo

Wing
Alex Cuthbert, Harry Davies, Owen Jenkins, Chris Knight, Tom Williams, Tom James

Full back
Blaine Scully, Dan Fish, Geraint Walsh, Aled Summerhill

by wales606 Wed 04 Mar 2015, 9:00 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:His comments were a bit worrying mind, something about not planning on returning home until in his mid twenties, and how his opportunities are limited in Wales.

Gats should slap him on the bench in the December game (I assume we will have a post rwc game we usually do) to ensure the French can't have him.

Or just play him for the U20 against France (or another nation who declares it their second side)

by bedfordwelsh Wed 04 Mar 2015, 9:04 pm

The Saint wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
bedfordwelsh wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
bedfordwelsh wrote:
Steffan wrote:Hopefully Cardiff will continue to be rubbish along with the rest of the "regions"

OLE

Yeah because the old clubs had so much more success and really tore rest of Europe apart.

Cardiff 18-21 Toulouse (95/96 Heineken Cup Final)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOQ_-UeUBKI

Such a great record since then I admit

Note the Bloos logo at the beginning and end of the clip.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/european/3619903.stm

Stade Francais 49-3 Llanelli
Neath 33-51 Perpignan
Munster 34-10 Neath
Perpignan 60-24 Neath
Toulouse 108-16 Ebbw Vale
Edinburgh 41-17 Ebbw Vale
Ebbw Vale 28-61 Ulster
Ulster 43-18 Ebbw Vale
Benetton Treviso 33-19 Pontypridd
Stade Francais 71-14 Pontypridd

There some 70 pointers put on Newport and Cardiff by Toulouse and Leinster too, which I can't seem to find. Next time you lot cry for the old days to come back, engage your brain, because then you'll think otherwise.

Ebbw did beat Toulouse in the return fixture mind at ECP Smile

and a great 'I was there moment'

by Cardiff Dave Wed 04 Mar 2015, 9:12 pm

The Saint wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
bedfordwelsh wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
bedfordwelsh wrote:
Steffan wrote:Hopefully Cardiff will continue to be rubbish along with the rest of the "regions"

OLE

Yeah because the old clubs had so much more success and really tore rest of Europe apart.

Cardiff 18-21 Toulouse (95/96 Heineken Cup Final)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOQ_-UeUBKI

Such a great record since then I admit

Note the Bloos logo at the beginning and end of the clip.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/european/3619903.stm

Stade Francais 49-3 Llanelli
Neath 33-51 Perpignan
Munster 34-10 Neath
Perpignan 60-24 Neath
Toulouse 108-16 Ebbw Vale
Edinburgh 41-17 Ebbw Vale
Ebbw Vale 28-61 Ulster
Ulster 43-18 Ebbw Vale
Benetton Treviso 33-19 Pontypridd
Stade Francais 71-14 Pontypridd

There some 70 pointers put on Newport and Cardiff by Toulouse and Leinster too, which I can't seem to find. Next time you lot cry for the old days to come back, engage your brain, because then you'll think otherwise.

Here you go mun;

Biarritz 75-25 Cardiff....

"Cardiff were embarrassed by a side that chose not to convert their last seven tries to give themselves more time in open play."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/european/2664801.stm

by The Saint Wed 04 Mar 2015, 9:19 pm

There you go dave, answered your own question again. Stop going to Steffan's level IE, idiot level.

by Coleman Wed 04 Mar 2015, 9:24 pm

wales606 wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:His comments were a bit worrying mind, something about not planning on returning home until in his mid twenties, and how his opportunities are limited in Wales.

Gats should slap him on the bench in the December game (I assume we will have a post rwc game we usually do) to ensure the French can't have him.

Or just play him for the U20 against France (or another nation who declares it their second side)

Seems like there is more to this. If he think he'll be playing in the Toulon side sooner that the Blues than he's in lala Land. We do need more progression for our academy players. The prem just isnt good enough.

by bedfordwelsh Wed 04 Mar 2015, 9:27 pm

Maybe he's just happier to sit in the academy get a few bit parts for Toulon but probably still be on more money rather than play for the Blues for less etc etc.

by ScarletSpiderman Wed 04 Mar 2015, 9:47 pm

Bedford, that is most likely true. He will definitely have decent people to help develop him there too, learn from the masters and all that

by Cardiff Dave Wed 04 Mar 2015, 9:48 pm

The Saint wrote:There you go dave, answered your own question again. Stop going to Steffan's level IE, idiot level.

That there link you posted, can't see the names of Cardiff or Swansea. Welsh rugby in turmoil?

by ScarletSpiderman Wed 04 Mar 2015, 9:54 pm

Cardiff Dave wrote:
The Saint wrote:There you go dave, answered your own question again. Stop going to Steffan's level IE, idiot level.

That there link you posted, can't see the names of Cardiff or Swansea. Welsh rugby in turmoil?

Or is it City boys cause over a decade of cack for everyone

by formerly known as Sam Wed 04 Mar 2015, 10:10 pm

I remember the Jocks being up in arms when a young Bennett decided to head to the Clermont academy. He was there a couple of years and then came back ready to step into the Glasgow first team and is a regular international at 22.

The French system has a longer under 20/A league season if I remember rightly so maybe he fancies getting game time in that and being around the no expense spared pro atmosphere of Toulon whilst he develops.

by Cardiff Dave Wed 04 Mar 2015, 10:11 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
The Saint wrote:There you go dave, answered your own question again. Stop going to Steffan's level IE, idiot level.

That there link you posted, can't see the names of Cardiff or Swansea. Welsh rugby in turmoil?

Or is it City boys cause over a decade of cack for everyone

Well over a decade of cack...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998%E2%80%9399_rebel_season

by Jhamer25 Wed 04 Mar 2015, 10:24 pm

It's weird to see this happen to a young player. It's not like the Blues are blessed with props. I mean Gethin is still going strong but only has 1-2 seasons left in him and when he leaves is there any quality props there; Filise is past his best and will presumably retire at the end of the season, Adam isn't the force he was, Scott andrews well we have all seen him scrummage, Sam Hobbs isn't progressing in the scrum and Tom Davies is a premiership level player at least. When someone knows what the hell Craig Mitchell is doing or if he is playing in the World championship of hide and seek let me now because I had big expectations on him this season.

Why would the Blues let a promising young slip through their ranks?
Also, He isn't in the U18's welsh squad either so could that have something to do with it or is he injured?

The Ospreys or Cardiff Blues need to sign Tomas Francis and/or Rhys Gill because both will add so much to either.

by formerly known as Sam Thu 05 Mar 2015, 7:06 am

Rhys the penalty merchant Gill? He's not adapted well to the new scrum interpretations at all. Francis is being developed well at Exeter doubt he'd try and opt out of his contract at a growing club that are looking to really shine next season.

by Jhamer25 Thu 05 Mar 2015, 12:04 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:Rhys the penalty merchant Gill? He's not adapted well to the new scrum interpretations at all. Francis is being developed well at Exeter doubt he'd try and opt out of his contract at a growing club that are looking to really shine next season.

Well i haven't seen to much of Rhys this season because he has harldy had any game time apart from the start of the season when Vunipolo was injured. I've watches him twice once against Sharks and Exeter. He was up against Tommas Francis with Exeter and Francise did get the better of him most the time. When he played Sharks though, he went through Kruger like he nothing but Kruger is no push over in the SuperXV.

Personally I would like to see Gill go the Blues as Ospreys have Smith, Bevington and James for next season. Blues only have Gethin who is out for half of next season anyway, Hobbs can't cut it in the bigger games.

Francis could excel with the ospreys as they also have a young developing team

by bedfordwelsh Thu 05 Mar 2015, 12:24 pm

Gill had a nasty leg break a season or two back didn't he? Since then he has struggled for game time and is clearly second choice behind Mako so maybe a move would do him good.

by Coleman Thu 05 Mar 2015, 2:43 pm

I'd like to have Gill here. He's been rumoured to be coming back every season forever. Still only 28 he's much better that Hobbs or T.Davies. We have one or two more good seasons left in Jenkins but then we need someone to come out of the academy like Lee did for the Scarlets. We're very short of quality props at Loosehead in Wales now it would seem.

by LordDowlais Thu 05 Mar 2015, 5:14 pm

Coleman wrote:I'd like to have Gill here. He's been rumoured to be coming back every season forever. Still only 28 he's much better that Hobbs or T.Davies. We have one or two more good seasons left in Jenkins but then we need someone to come out of the academy like Lee did for the Scarlets. We're very short of quality props at Loosehead in Wales now it would seem.

Ospreys have quite the exciting one playing for them.

by Coleman Fri 06 Mar 2015, 8:20 am

I just feel that our hopeful loosehead props in Wales keep turning out to be flops. Hobbs and T.Davies here at the Blues, Bevington hasnt kicked on at the O's, Gustafson at the Dragons was playing at hooker last i saw, Jones at the Scarlets has been warpped from a great prospect in to a mediocre tighthead.

by XR Fri 06 Mar 2015, 10:01 am

Don't know why this Ringer story is being debated. Such a non-story cooked up because of his last name.

Toulon got money to throw around and can take punts on players, we cannot. Wales U20 deemed him not good enough to pick so as far as i'm concerned it's a non-issue.

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 06 Mar 2015, 10:56 am

Coleman wrote:I just feel that our hopeful loosehead props in Wales keep turning out to be flops. Hobbs and T.Davies here at the Blues, Bevington hasnt kicked on at the O's, Gustafson at the Dragons was playing at hooker last i saw, Jones at the Scarlets has been warpped from a great prospect in to a mediocre tighthead.

Rhodri was getting converted as request of Team Wales, and to be fair he looks like a future version of Paul James capable of doing the job on both sides of the scrum, which is a handy type of player to have in a 6Ns/RWC squad to save calling up people to cover injuries. Also at PYS we have Rob Evans who is looking likely to pick up his first cap next weekend.

by Coleman Fri 06 Mar 2015, 12:13 pm

Yeah i know he got changed as a result of the Wales management. I just wondwr where he'd be if he'd focused on loose. The worry is that he becomes John Yapp and Not Paul James.

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 06 Mar 2015, 12:17 pm

Coleman, I think he would be in the same place regionally, getting splinters on his bum as a better prop starts, and internationally he would not be getting played at all.

by Guest Fri 06 Mar 2015, 10:39 pm

So far its 2/3 wins since Hammett announced he was leaving, coincidence?

by Cardiff Dave Fri 06 Mar 2015, 10:51 pm

IronMike wrote:So far its 2/3 wins since Hammett announced he was leaving, coincidence?

Nope.

by Coleman Wed 11 Mar 2015, 4:23 pm

Two more Academy players sign long term.

Highly-rated hooker Belcher, 18, currently part of the Wales Under-20 international set-up during the 6 Nations, is regarded as one of the most promising front row prospects in Welsh rugby.

Lock Seb Davies, 18, from the Whitchurch area of Cardiff, played his junior and youth rugby for Pentyrch RFC before being called into the Blues age grade system and has been capped by Wales at Under-18 level.

Really excited about Seb Davies. He'll be a real unit when he fills out. A year or two off of being a regular starter i reckon, but he's coming through in a position we really need some depth in.

by Cardiff Dave Wed 11 Mar 2015, 6:52 pm

Have I missed something or is this headline just stating the bleeding obvious and a non-story?

"Cardiff Blues keen to keep Rhys Patchell.
Cardiff Blues recruitment chief Billy Millard says he will be working "around the clock" to keep Rhys Patchell."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/31835722

by Coleman Wed 11 Mar 2015, 7:55 pm

I thought he had one year left. Maybe they want him to resign soon rather then next year.

by Cardiff Dave Wed 11 Mar 2015, 8:01 pm

Coleman wrote:I thought he had one year left. Maybe they want him to resign soon rather then next year.

Eats, shoots and leaves mun!

by VinceWLB Tue 17 Mar 2015, 6:36 pm

Filo Paulo apparently off to Treviso for next season. Underrated player imo.

Will never forget this hit:

by ScarletSpiderman Wed 18 Mar 2015, 8:57 am

Adds weight to the Snyman rumour too.

by Coleman Wed 18 Mar 2015, 10:14 am

I'm sad about Filo going (if true) as he is a charicter. He always comes back out to pose or sign autographs after games (a lot don't). He has all the attributes to be a menace but he's been very lazy this season. He wanders around the field with his floppy arms waiting to hit someone late.

by Cardiff Dave Wed 18 Mar 2015, 8:37 pm

"Go Blues!"
#BluesFamily? WTF is all that about? Is "I have haven't got a clue" back or what?
Hawaiian luaus again next I suppose.
picard

http://www.cardiffblues.com/news/7553.php#.VQnf0OEnRL8

by XR Thu 19 Mar 2015, 11:13 am

Coleman wrote:I'm sad about Filo going (if true) as he is a charicter. He always comes back out to pose or sign autographs after games (a lot don't). He has all the attributes to be a menace but he's been very lazy this season. He wanders around the field with his floppy arms waiting to hit someone late.

He's always been lazy. he just relies on the occassional big hit to get him by. His carrying is abysmal and he makes stupid decisions when he does have the ball. Won't be missed and hopefully we can use his wage plus the money saved through Anscombe's NDC to invest in a quality second row and not another powder puff player.

by Cardiff Dave Thu 19 Mar 2015, 7:37 pm

gcBlues wrote:
Coleman wrote:I'm sad about Filo going (if true) as he is a charicter. He always comes back out to pose or sign autographs after games (a lot don't). He has all the attributes to be a menace but he's been very lazy this season. He wanders around the field with his floppy arms waiting to hit someone late.

He's always been lazy. he just relies on the occassional big hit to get him by. His carrying is abysmal and he makes stupid decisions when he does have the ball. Won't be missed and hopefully we can use his wage plus the money saved through Anscombe's NDC to invest in a quality second row and not another powder puff player.

Eh?

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 20 Mar 2015, 9:12 am

Adam Jones is apparently eyeing up a move to Quins. Although if I remember right he was meant to have a 'deal' with Toulon to join them after the RWC, so I assume he must have only had a contract until the end of the season at CAP anyway.

by Coleman Fri 20 Mar 2015, 11:32 am

It would be nice to keep Jones but i think he's looking to cash in now in his last 1/2 years. I'm really worried about tighthead again. Felies is going to retire. Jones may well move on, Mitchell seems to be cursed with injuries and Andrews is not up to standard. Going to have to hope the academy pop something out soon. Suprised we've not picked Douglas up from Cardiff RFC for short term cover.

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 20 Mar 2015, 11:41 am

Coleman wrote:It would be nice to keep Jones but i think he's looking to cash in now in his last 1/2 years. I'm really worried about tighthead again. Felies is going to retire. Jones may well move on, Mitchell seems to be cursed with injuries and Andrews is not up to standard. Going to have to hope the academy pop something out soon. Suprised we've not picked Douglas up from Cardiff RFC for short term cover.

You can't rely on that as academy props get signed up by Toulon.

by Jhamer25 Fri 20 Mar 2015, 12:29 pm

Well I'm hoping Craig Mitchell will step up to the mark a bit becuase I was really looking forward to seeing him play this season.
Dillon Lewis looks very promising with the under 20's and he's only 19 and has another year left at Under 20's I assume. Cardiff have a chance to do hear what Scarlets done with Samson. Get him a few games off the bench for Cardiff now and ease him into the Rabo. Sadly Ospreys missed on the chance to do it with Nicky Thomas and now he is off to Gloucester. He could make heaps of improvements with both Gethin and Adam at the same region to mentor him.

by wales606 Fri 20 Mar 2015, 12:47 pm

Yeah, Dillion Lewis looks really good

by Cardiff Dave Fri 20 Mar 2015, 8:48 pm

Coleman wrote:It would be nice to keep Jones but i think he's looking to cash in now in his last 1/2 years. I'm really worried about tighthead again. Felies is going to retire. Jones may well move on, Mitchell seems to be cursed with injuries and Andrews is not up to standard. Going to have to hope the academy pop something out soon. Suprised we've not picked Douglas up from Cardiff RFC for short term cover.

Again?
And a loosehead forced to play 3, so I understand. Great player for Cardiff nonetheless.

by Guest Sat 21 Mar 2015, 10:25 am

Coleman wrote:It would be nice to keep Jones but i think he's looking to cash in now in his last 1/2 years. I'm really worried about tighthead again. Felies is going to retire. Jones may well move on, Mitchell seems to be cursed with injuries and Andrews is not up to standard. Going to have to hope the academy pop something out soon. Suprised we've not picked Douglas up from Cardiff RFC for short term cover.

Oi, that's our scrum coach over at the Dragons. He's busy with us!

by Guest Sat 21 Mar 2015, 11:24 am

Griff wrote:
Coleman wrote:It would be nice to keep Jones but i think he's looking to cash in now in his last 1/2 years. I'm really worried about tighthead again. Felies is going to retire. Jones may well move on, Mitchell seems to be cursed with injuries and Andrews is not up to standard. Going to have to hope the academy pop something out soon. Suprised we've not picked Douglas up from Cardiff RFC for short term cover.

Oi, that's our scrum coach over at the Dragons. He's busy with us!

True, he is part time with us. He also was not very good for us last season scrummaging, compared to good old Duncan Bell anyway.

by Cardiff Dave Mon 23 Mar 2015, 10:26 pm

New member of the faaahrmily to be announced tomorrow.

by Coleman Tue 24 Mar 2015, 9:01 am

Scully. Someone did call that a few weeks ago. I've not seen a lot of him but the Tigers fans seem to think a highly of him.

by Guest Tue 24 Mar 2015, 9:15 am

Hes a very good player, but is another backline player what the Blues need right now?

by Coleman Tue 24 Mar 2015, 10:03 am

We'll be in need of at least one more winger or fullback at least as i'm assuming both of the Argies are leavIng. Cuthbert is rumoured to be off as well.

by LordDowlais Tue 24 Mar 2015, 2:03 pm

Coleman wrote:It would be nice to keep Jones but i think he's looking to cash in now in his last 1/2 years. I'm really worried about tighthead again. Felies is going to retire. Jones may well move on, Mitchell seems to be cursed with injuries and Andrews is not up to standard. Going to have to hope the academy pop something out soon. Suprised we've not picked Douglas up from Cardiff RFC for short term cover.

Well nice it could be he is in talks to sign a new one year deal with the Blues:-

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/32037720

by Jhamer25 Tue 24 Mar 2015, 3:11 pm

Adam might as well move on now and get some good money in France.
He won't be considered for Wales becuase Gatland is too stubborn to do so.
Craig Mitchell needs game time as he is a strong tight head and would not only add to the Blues but to Wales when on form.
Francis still has a year with exeter so a move to any region would be unlikely but would be a great signing for Cardiff or Ospreys (would be better off at Ospreys though)

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 24 Mar 2015, 3:13 pm

Coleman wrote:We'll be in need of at least one more winger or fullback at least as i'm assuming both of the Argies are leavIng. Cuthbert is rumoured to be off as well.

Cuthbert was meant to be unhappy with Hammett, so maybe he will stay after all?

by LordDowlais Tue 24 Mar 2015, 3:17 pm

Jhamer25, I would give you my house if Adam decided to up sticks and move to another country, he has a young daughter who has only just started school, and they are a very settled family, which is why I think he will finish off at the Blues, the furthest he would probably go for his rugby is one of the closer Englsih sides, like Bristol or Gloucester or Bath, or furthest at a push a London side, he will play at the Blues for one or two more seasons and then call it a day I reckon.

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