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 Cardiff Dave Fri 12 Jun 2015, 6:26 pm

The Saint wrote:
wales606 wrote:
The Saint wrote:
wales606 wrote:
The Saint wrote:Would Gavin Henson be seen in a Blues shirt again?! He would be an ideal 12 for your team right now I reckon...

No chance, don't want him or need him.

We have Lee-Lo arriving next season who is rated very highly and hopefully will form a good partnership with Allen when he is fit again.

If he was willing to come then I doubt Wilson would be as daft as you, knowing that all he's got is two erratic 10s, a league convert and Gavin Evans... Allen is constantly injured.

What league convert?

I was all for Henson joining last time, but he didn't show anything and ended up getting sacked due to irresponsible behaviour. He is not 3 years older and playing at a lower level.

Why on earth would we want him back?

Also, who is the rugby league convert?

I also don't think you can call Anscombe 'erratic' and Patchell is no more erract than say, Preistland. When was the last time Henson played 10 for anyone? When was the last time Henson wasn't 'erratic' playing 10?

I would take Matthew Morgan over Henson any day of the week.

Is Lee-Lo a league convert? If not I must be thinking of somebody else...

Can you honestly say Gavin Henson was given a fair crack though? He wasn't because B&B didn't have a clue how to run the squad. I remember him having a few games at 15 (not his best position) where he did alright. Then he threw an ice cube and Laurel n Hardy decided to sack him. I wouldn't call that irresponsible behaviour from Gavin, more like amateur behaviour from the coaching staff, etc. Lualala said this at the time too, before deleting the tweet. I didn't bank on Henson playing 10 for you, more like 12 to help your two erratic 10s. A bit like Twelvetrees carries Hook at Gloucester. Morgan would be a good signing for you too though.

Doubt those two were doing any hiring OR firing. Not so sure DY was either, before he naffed off.

by Welshmushroom Fri 12 Jun 2015, 6:43 pm

Got to be honest here. Its great news for Wilson but I'm not sure he's really got the experience for the head coach role. For me Hammett did have the calibre and even if his approaches didn't sit well with his players the board should have actually fully backed him, let him hire his own people are actually changed the culture of the region. I think we all know that any coach coming in needs time to really establish a ethos in a squad.

Time will tell if Wilson can make the step up and if Pieman can really stay away from all the rugby related stuff then at least they will have made some positive changes. However I really have my doubts about if Wilson will really make the changes he needs to and has the experience to really turn the ship around.

I suppose though at this stage there cant have been to many really top draw candidates that went for the post so they probably have the best they can get. I do hope it works out for Wilson though.

by Cardiff Dave Fri 12 Jun 2015, 7:24 pm

Welshmushroom wrote:Got to be honest here. Its great news for Wilson but I'm not sure he's really got the experience for the head coach role. For me Hammett did have the calibre and even if his approaches didn't sit well with his players the board should have actually fully backed him, let him hire his own people are actually changed the culture of the region. I think we all know that any coach coming in needs time to really establish a ethos in a squad.

Time will tell if Wilson can make the step up and if Pieman can really stay away from all the rugby related stuff then at least they will have made some positive changes. However I really have my doubts about if Wilson will really make the changes he needs to and has the experience to really turn the ship around.

I suppose though at this stage there cant have been to many really top draw candidates that went for the post so they probably have the best they can get. I do hope it works out for Wilson though.

Rugby decisions eh?

by Welshmushroom Fri 12 Jun 2015, 7:37 pm

how you feeling about the Wilson appointment Dave?

by Cardiff Dave Fri 12 Jun 2015, 7:50 pm

Welshmushroom wrote:how you feeling about the Wilson appointment Dave?

Excellent acquisition. Will certainly improve things, on the pitch. Off the pitch is another matter. The Pieman needs to hand over the reigns in my view.

by Welshmushroom Fri 12 Jun 2015, 7:52 pm

Do you think he's going to keep the current coaches on? or look for his own team? And do you think those guys are up to the job?

by Cardiff Dave Fri 12 Jun 2015, 8:24 pm

Welshmushroom wrote:Do you think he's going to keep the current coaches on? or look for his own team? And do you think those guys are up to the job?

Dunno.
All I hope he gets who he wants and is allowed to do what is required. With adequate resources obviously and without any tinkering from those above. Not convinced though.

by wales606 Sat 13 Jun 2015, 5:16 pm

Wales online are reporting that the Chief is gone Smile

by Coleman Sat 13 Jun 2015, 9:17 pm

Watched the Hurricanes v Chiefs game today and Lee-Lo looked pretty good. Made some good breaks and also a big hit on SBW. Be good to see him at the Blues.

by The Saint Sat 13 Jun 2015, 11:38 pm

Anyone know what Lee-Lo will be on at the Blues? I'd imagine it would have to be a hefty package...

by Coleman Sun 14 Jun 2015, 7:53 am

The Saint wrote:Anyone know what Lee-Lo will be on at the Blues? I'd imagine it would have to be a hefty package...

I don't think it will a massive amount. He had only made a hand full of appearances before this season and was warming the bench at the Cruaders last year. I think he's having a break through season at the moment and we may have got him at a bargain.

by Guest Sun 14 Jun 2015, 9:20 am

The Chief is apparently going to be dropped from the coaching staff, while I feel sorry for him, he might be a great coach in the Premiership but hes not up to the task at this level.

by wales606 Sun 14 Jun 2015, 4:11 pm

John Muggleton also rumoured for defence coach role. Would make sense since he is unattached and has worked at the Scarlets before so Wilson might know him.

by ScarletSpiderman Sun 14 Jun 2015, 5:04 pm

wales606 wrote:John Muggleton also rumoured for defence coach role. Would make sense since he is unattached and has worked at the Scarlets before so Wilson might know him.

Oooh Mark Jones is also without a club, get him in as backs coach too?

by The Saint Sun 14 Jun 2015, 6:06 pm

I don't remember defence being a strong suit for Scarlets... Good move? Probably not.

by wales606 Sun 14 Jun 2015, 6:51 pm

The Saint wrote:I don't remember defence being a strong suit for Scarlets... Good move? Probably not.

He has been with Gloucester this year, and by all accounts their defence has improved.

by The Saint Sun 14 Jun 2015, 7:10 pm

Fair, didn't know that. Anyone else's name in the grapevine?

by ScarletSpiderman Sun 14 Jun 2015, 8:06 pm

wales606 wrote:
The Saint wrote:I don't remember defence being a strong suit for Scarlets... Good move? Probably not.

He has been with Gloucester this year, and by all accounts their defence has improved.

He came to the Scarlets highly rated, but his style didn't suit the players we had. If I remember correctly, he wanted us to be utilising a fast openside as a key component in the defensive line, which meant fielding Richie Pugh or Jonathan Edwards when Turnbull/McCusker/Shingler were the rest of the rest of the coaching teams preferred options.

At the Blues I think he may work out well. Danny Wilson should ensure your set piece play is solid, and Muggleton could give you a solid defensive line. Fingers crossed you can bag a decent backs/attack coach though, as otherwise I can see the Blues being a hard team to break down, but lacking any bite as defence/forward play will rule the roost.

P.s. I think Muggleton had gone before Wilson arrived at PYS

by formerly known as Sam Sun 14 Jun 2015, 8:21 pm

wales606 wrote:
The Saint wrote:I don't remember defence being a strong suit for Scarlets... Good move? Probably not.

He has been with Gloucester this year, and by all accounts their defence has improved.

Hmm. Glaws discipline is poor and they concede cheap tries on a regular basis. Considering the talent they have available they are under achievers in the AP. The fact that Sale who are financially well below their level of expenditure and support regularly finish above them is not an indication of a well drilled side.

Might not be down to the defence coach and there was a definite improvement over the course of the season though that wouldn't have been difficult.

by wales606 Sun 14 Jun 2015, 8:49 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:
wales606 wrote:
The Saint wrote:I don't remember defence being a strong suit for Scarlets... Good move? Probably not.

He has been with Gloucester this year, and by all accounts their defence has improved.

Hmm. Glaws discipline is poor and they concede cheap tries on a regular basis. Considering the talent they have available they are under achievers in the AP. The fact that Sale who are financially well below their level of expenditure and support regularly finish above them is not an indication of a well drilled side.

Might not be down to the defence coach and there was a definite improvement over the course of the season though that wouldn't have been difficult.

Well he only took over this year apparently.

by wales606 Sun 14 Jun 2015, 11:19 pm

by bedfordwelsh Mon 15 Jun 2015, 8:22 am

Matthew Rees seems to be linked with Worcester now not Merthyr.

by Cardiff Dave Tue 16 Jun 2015, 8:48 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:
wales606 wrote:John Muggleton also rumoured for defence coach role. Would make sense since he is unattached and has worked at the Scarlets before so Wilson might know him.

Oooh Mark Jones is also without a club, get him in as backs coach too?

You big stirrer you. To match your sospan fawr is it?

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 16 Jun 2015, 9:26 pm

Cardiff Dave wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:
wales606 wrote:John Muggleton also rumoured for defence coach role. Would make sense since he is unattached and has worked at the Scarlets before so Wilson might know him.

Oooh Mark Jones is also without a club, get him in as backs coach too?

You big stirrer you. To match your sospan fawr is it?

He's an ex Wales attack coach who has worked with Wilson before, and not currently coaching. Similar as Holley, who is an ex Wales coach and worked with Wilson before (Bristol & Scarlets), but he is still at Bristol. Fingers crossed you get a young up and coming coach who Howley can help out part time, but Jones would fit the bill.

by wales606 Tue 16 Jun 2015, 9:29 pm

Pretty sure Paul John is staying as backs coach.

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 16 Jun 2015, 10:15 pm

wales606 wrote:Pretty sure Paul John is staying as backs coach.

That's good news. Continuity helps. I though both him and the chief were axed.

by Coleman Wed 17 Jun 2015, 1:48 pm

Some good games for us in Europe this coming season:

Calvisano, Montpellier and Quins in our group.

by doctornickolas Wed 17 Jun 2015, 5:08 pm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/33169067

Wow what a signing! Rolling Eyes

by wales606 Wed 17 Jun 2015, 5:29 pm

doctornickolas wrote:http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/33169067

Wow what a signing!

Been coming for ages. Coaches thing the guy can make a good second row, and no doubt he was very cheap. Extra money for players won't really be available until next year.

by The Saint Wed 17 Jun 2015, 5:39 pm

Wonder what Northampton think of that? That's two lock forwards they've lost now.

by ScarletSpiderman Thu 18 Jun 2015, 8:26 am

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/33172613

Wilson was appointed in June following Mark Hammett's departure as director of rugby in February.
The 38-year-old has been told he can appoint his own coaches, but doubts he will be able to sign any players.
"This time of the year, most people are in contract so, at this moment now, the squad is as it is," said Wilson, who has worked with Scarlets and Dragons.

So it looks like it will be a season of finding out what he can do with the players he has and then possibly a raft of changes next season (if he doesn't progress the team this season).

by Coleman Thu 18 Jun 2015, 10:54 am

I think there is a lot more to come out of the squad. We had some dreadful performances last year and it is up to Wilson to get a structure in place that will work.

There are players who played poorly last season who I think will improve such as Hoeata and Cuthbert. We should have a stronger midfield with Lee-Lo coming in and hopefully Evans getting much less game time.

A pre season under the direction of the man in charge will help as it will be focused towards his game plan and not the sub coaches. I would hope under best case curcumatances that our starting XV will look something like:

Jenkins
Dacey
Mitchell
Turnbull
Hoeata
Navidi
Warburton
Vosawi
Williams
Patchell/Anscombe
Cuthbert
Lee-Lo
Allen
Scully
Anscombe/Patchell

by The Saint Thu 18 Jun 2015, 2:16 pm

Only problem with that is you ALWAYS have injuries to a few of those players. Is a decent team otherwise, but why would you put Turnbull at 2nd row when you just signed the USA international?

by Guest Thu 18 Jun 2015, 2:30 pm

If anything, I'd have him in over Hoeata who is a loose canon

by ScarletSpiderman Thu 18 Jun 2015, 3:15 pm

You have to feel sorry for Turnbull mind, he went to the Blues so he could get away from being a utility back row and focus on being a blindside. And since joining the he is seen more as a back-five forward than he was before.

by Coleman Thu 18 Jun 2015, 4:05 pm

I picked Turnbull because he has done a job there for us whereas Cam Dolan has never started a test at Lock for the US to my knowledge. We still have Normandale and Seb Davies developing and i'd be happy for them to get as much game time as possible this season. More than likely Warbs will be away which will see Turnbull at 6.

Does anyone know if we're getting the No.8 Ieuan Jones back from the Ospreys. A change in coaching could see him starting ahead of Vos.

by dragon4life Thu 18 Jun 2015, 6:04 pm

Coleman wrote:I picked Turnbull because he has done a job there for us whereas Cam Dolan has never started a test at Lock for the US to my knowledge. We still have Normandale and Seb Davies developing and i'd be happy for them to get as much game time as possible this season. More than likely Warbs will be away which will see Turnbull at 6.

Does anyone know if we're getting the No.8 Ieuan Jones back from the Ospreys. A change in coaching could see him starting ahead of Vos.

He signed for cross keys

by Coleman Fri 19 Jun 2015, 8:01 am

That's a shame. I would have thought the Ospreys would have tried to keep him after he had a few good games.

by The Saint Fri 19 Jun 2015, 3:24 pm

Coleman wrote:I picked Turnbull because he has done a job there for us whereas Cam Dolan has never started a test at Lock for the US to my knowledge. We still have Normandale and Seb Davies developing and i'd be happy for them to get as much game time as possible this season. More than likely Warbs will be away which will see Turnbull at 6.

Does anyone know if we're getting the No.8 Ieuan Jones back from the Ospreys. A change in coaching could see him starting ahead of Vos.

Has he not? Not sure that was what I was disputing anyway. I questioned why you would leave out an international lock (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/33169067 10 caps) in favour of some average back-row player. Seb Davies looks alright.

by dragon4life Fri 19 Jun 2015, 5:09 pm

Coleman wrote:That's a shame. I would have thought the Ospreys would have tried to keep him after he had a few good games.

He has said personal issues means he is taking a break from pro rugby

by Cardiff Dave Thu 25 Jun 2015, 9:34 pm

New defence coach.....

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/cardiff-blues-set-name-ex-rugby-9525340

Old defence coach.....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/33265229

by Guest Fri 26 Jun 2015, 4:18 pm

Was there any likelihood of the Chief keeping his job?

by Cardiff Dave Fri 26 Jun 2015, 7:37 pm

IronMike wrote:Was there any likelihood of the Chief keeping his job?

Probably very unlikely, but there again the bonkers bloos have form in throwing curve balls.

by Cardiff Dave Wed 08 Jul 2015, 8:42 pm

#BluesFamily.......

davidmoffettrugby ‏@moffettrugby 9 hrs9 hours ago
"looking ominous for the Blues afraid"

"Cardiff Blues or Auckland Blues?"

davidmoffettrugby ‏@moffettrugby 8 hrs8 hours ago
"Try NSW Blues State of Origin"

by Coleman Thu 09 Jul 2015, 9:58 am

Very confusing indeed.

by ScarletSpiderman Thu 09 Jul 2015, 10:27 am

Cardiff Dave wrote:
IronMike wrote:Was there any likelihood of the Chief keeping his job?

Probably very unlikely, but there again the bonkers bloos have form in throwing curve balls.

I guess if Wilson doesn't work out by mid season then the Chief will be back for the last handful of games (again).

by Cardiff Dave Thu 09 Jul 2015, 6:21 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
IronMike wrote:Was there any likelihood of the Chief keeping his job?

Probably very unlikely, but there again the bonkers bloos have form in throwing curve balls.

I guess if Wilson doesn't work out by mid season then the Chief will be back for the last handful of games (again).

You're mischief making (again).
Very unlikely, but if that did happen, then i'd suggest a Trebuchet ride for the Pieman.

by Cardiff Dave Thu 09 Jul 2015, 6:39 pm

Coleman wrote:Very confusing indeed.

That was the idea I think, down our way.
Add a suffix and suddenly something is something else to some.
Cardiff with a strap on if you ask me.

by bedfordwelsh Mon 20 Jul 2015, 4:27 pm

See that Rees has re-signed for the Blues for a season, wasn't he one of the main players in the power struggles involving Hammett.

by wales606 Mon 20 Jul 2015, 7:30 pm

bedfordwelsh wrote:See that Rees has re-signed for the Blues for a season, wasn't he one of the main players in the power struggles involving Hammett.

Apparently. Pretty annoyed about this news, but I guess it is DWs decision.

In other news, James Down has returned from London Welsh. Be interesting to see how he gets on considering the lack of anything at lock.

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