The official "Even London Irish have got a thread" Scarlets thread 2015/16

[Chunky Norwich]

First topic message reminder :

Come on bois.

[Cardiff Dave]

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/ospreys-ready-admit-defeat-race-10570258

So long story short, big pat on the back to the Ospreys (and Scotts agent), they have managed to screw the Scarlets out of 60% of Scott's wages, whilst leaving ndc money for uncapped 53rd choice players like Thornton

If it means that some time in the future, when both of our teams are in for the same player, you have £80000 less to bid for said player, now that is good business, as for 53rd choice players on DC, what would Rhodri be 153, more to the point you were willing to screw your own player and get him for less than what he is really worth.
It is called business SS

Cheque book charlies!
Not very reejunal friendly either. I'm shocked.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Wayne, relax man. I did say well done to them for it.

Not sure I want to screw Scott, not really my type. But aren't the union the ones who decide the 'market value'?

[mikey_dragon]

Anyone ever wondered why exactly the players need agents? I've never gone to an interview and said "talk to my agent"...

[ScarletSpiderman]

Anyone ever wondered why exactly the players need agents? I've never gone to an interview and said "talk to my agent"...

Ah you do get 'recruiting companies' though, which I guess are similar. They forward your CV on to people, and companies go to them for potential new hires etc.

[wayne]

Wayne, relax man.  I did say well done to them for it.

Not sure I want to screw Scott, not really my type.  But aren't the union the ones who decide the 'market value'?

Hollol ymlacio SS. Dim problemau.

[mikey_dragon]

Anyone ever wondered why exactly the players need agents? I've never gone to an interview and said "talk to my agent"...

Ah you do get 'recruiting companies' though, which I guess are similar.  They forward your CV on to people, and companies go to them for potential new hires etc.

Recruitment consultation is silly and an unnecessary cost IMO. They put out the advert for you, but the company will still be the ones interviewing potential candidates and training new ones.

So what d'you think Scott will do now, wait for a higher offer from Scarlets and WRU?

[ScarletSpiderman]

Mikey, I guess it all depends on what your business is and what skills/qualifications you need etc. No point advertising a financial managers job in the local job centre etc.

From what I have heard it is likely Scott will stay put. The Scarlets matched the Ospreys additional 80k. But that said the fail seem to want him to join Coventry Welsh, I mean Wasps.

[mikey_dragon]

Well no, but if you want to work for PWC then you make sure you have the necessary qualifications and then apply directly to them - their process is quite vigorous btw, it has five stages to it.

That's good news. If you get some extra players in the front 5 then the Scarlets squad is looking very formidable for next year. The fail have also been running the Halfpenny to Wasps/Scarlets rumour - any truth in those?

[ScarletSpiderman]

I honestly don't know. I'd like to say 1/2p makes sense, top tier euro rugby (hopefully), international back line, and near to home. But then who knows what's actually going on...

[VinceWLB]

No post about it yet?

Scott Williams has signed a new contract.

Chuffed for you, Scarlets fans

[Chunky Norwich]

Never in doubt.

Nw, Gareth Davies to sign an extension next week and it will be a merry Xmas.

[ScarletSpiderman]

The screwed up its not Tnewsday.

[mikey_dragon]

Good news Tuesdays again SS, Patchell has now officially signed up, and not on a NDC it appears. So next season there will be no excuses when the Scarlets have the likes of Evans, Phillips, Owens, Lee, Ball, Cub, Davies, Barclay, Patch, Williams, Foxy, DTH, Sanjay and adequate cover from two Kiwi utility players. I for one hope they can play some good rugby.

[ScarletSpiderman]

To be honest I'm not 100% sure about Patchell as a player, he is very much Priest mk2 in my eyes. Hopefully seeing as Stevo is coaching, he will be looked after properly and develop into a quality, consistent fly half. But only time will tell.

Looking towards next season we still need to nail down Sanjay, Cawdor and one or two others, and bolster the pack with some lumps, but things are definitely looking up. It's very promising to see we are bringing in/retaining decent players this early on.

[Chunky Norwich]

 It's very promising to see we are bringing in/retaining decent players this early on.

Also some encouraging rumours on the forward recruitment front.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Time will tell about the rumours. I'm so used to a huge list of high class players being mentioned that never materialised though. I aka bit concerned as we may have a bit of a dull summer if our recruitment carries on like this, with nothing to talk about.

[mikey_dragon]

Phil John probably won't be around much next season so I guess you're looking to replace him, who will then act as cover for Evans and Lee? You look covered at lock and back-row, except it lacks balance due to your No.8s always being injured. Starting with two open-side is still your best option, however I'd still be looking at transitioning out Shingler for somebody like Tom Phillips. I've named Shingler because I believe he is responsible for causing the back-row disruption. Forwards are bigger and stronger at this level in the present era and there isn't any room for a 6 like Shingler or Croft.

[Cardiff Dave]

To be honest I'm not 100% sure about Patchell as a player, he is very much Priest mk2 in my eyes.  Hopefully seeing as Stevo is coaching, he will be looked after properly and develop into a quality, consistent fly half.  But only time will tell.

Looking towards next season we still need to nail down Sanjay, Cawdor and one or two others, and bolster the pack with some lumps, but things are definitely looking up.  It's very promising to see we are bringing in/retaining decent players this early on.

Patchell looked to be developing quite nicely until Anscombe appeared out of the ether. Could be the dogs given a season or 2 at OH, who knows. We'll take him back then of course. Anyway another Cardiff boy shifting West has given me the hump. Could be worse I spose.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Dai, hopefully we will send you Harry back in return

[Cardiff Dave]

Dai, hopefully we will send you Harry back in return

Have your lot "ruined" him already?

[LordDowlais]

Interestingly he has not signed a DC but he has re-signed with the region until 2018, Wales outstanding world cup player, Gareth Davies:-

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/wales-star-gareth-davies-hands-10635639

[Seagultaf]

Interestingly he has not signed a DC but he has re-signed with the region until 2018, Wales outstanding world cup player, Gareth Davies:-

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/wales-star-gareth-davies-hands-10635639

I suspect that all the remaining NDC cash is earmarked for retaining Ospreys stars Biggar, Webb and Alan Wyn. Does seem strange when guys like King and Thornton are on NDCs?

[Seagultaf]

Dai, hopefully we will send you Harry back in return

Have your lot "ruined" him already?

He is much the same as when he was at Cardiff, ellusive runner, quick but not fast and pretty much no defensive game. I guess his neck injury has not helped but little different to Jordan Williams or Martin Morgan, who was in the Welsh World Cup squad, so who knows?

[Chunky Norwich]

Ball injured long term now.

Season wrecked.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Chin up Chunks, this just means that we are going to have to dust of old Earle and use him for a while.

[Chunky Norwich]

That's what I'm afraid of! Cardiff should win on new year's day.

[Seagultaf]

Ball injured long term now.

Season wrecked.

Big blow for the Scarlets, he is pretty much the only quality lock they have. Rawlins is a 6/5, Earle has not been the same since his injury and Paulino has been a poor signing to date.

[ScarletSpiderman]

I'd hope to god your wrong. If your season falls to pieces from the loss of one player then there are serious underlying issues.

The partnership of Price and Rawlings with Earle in the bench took us to our longest winning streak whilst the internationals were away. Jake would have been off with Team Wales for a chunk of the time he is out injured, and we would have had to rely on them then too. And to that we have that Samoan lump now too, we should be ok.

Also I can't see his absence causing us to lose to the Kerdiff Retirement Home For Old Turks.

We can still field a side looking like

Collins, Steff, Owen/Reggie, Parkes, DTH, Aled, Aled/Cawdor;
Rob, Ken, Samson, Price, Rawlings, Condy, Shingler, Allen

Which should be more than enough.

[Seagultaf]

That team has 3 full backs, 5 blindside flankers / no 8s and no 7s or locks. Hardly a balanced team! The Scarlets badly need some big hairy locks, cover for Cubby and Barkley at 7 and someone who can play 10. Patchell will help but I think locks are needed more than a new expensive full back!

I know they won lots of games with Price and Rawlins in the boiler house but that was against teams weakened by World Cup call ups and on hard dry pitches. It's going to be different against strong sides on heavy pitches.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Fair enough, I shall leave you both to your doom and gloom

[wayne]

I'd hope to god your wrong.  If your season falls to pieces from the loss of one player then there are serious underlying issues.

The partnership of Price and Rawlings with Earle in the bench took us to our longest winning streak whilst the internationals were away.  Jake would have been off with Team Wales for a chunk of the time he is out injured, and we would have had to rely on them then too.  And to that we have that Samoan lump now too, we should be ok.

Also I can't see his absence causing us to lose to the Kerdiff Retirement Home For Old Turks.  

We can still field a side looking like

Collins, Steff, Owen/Reggie, Parkes, DTH, Aled, Aled/Cawdor;
Rob, Ken, Samson, Price, Rawlings, Condy, Shingler, Allen

Which should be more than enough.

Morgan Allen is and always was an 8 for the Ospreys, so how is he a 6?
Sorry that should have been quoting the following post

[Seagultaf]

I'd hope to god your wrong.  If your season falls to pieces from the loss of one player then there are serious underlying issues.

The partnership of Price and Rawlings with Earle in the bench took us to our longest winning streak whilst the internationals were away.  Jake would have been off with Team Wales for a chunk of the time he is out injured, and we would have had to rely on them then too.  And to that we have that Samoan lump now too, we should be ok.

Also I can't see his absence causing us to lose to the Kerdiff Retirement Home For Old Turks.  

We can still field a side looking like

Collins, Steff, Owen/Reggie, Parkes, DTH, Aled, Aled/Cawdor;
Rob, Ken, Samson, Price, Rawlings, Condy, Shingler, Allen

Which should be more than enough.

Morgan Allen is and always was an 8 for the Ospreys, so how is he a 6?
Sorry that should have been quoting the following post

Sorry, still don't understand what point you are trying to make, would you like to clarify?

[wayne]

That team has 3 full backs, 5 blindside flankers / no 8s and no 7s or locks. Hardly a balanced team! The Scarlets badly need some big hairy locks, cover for Cubby and Barkley at 7 and someone who can play 10. Patchell will help but I think locks are needed more than a new expensive full back!

I know they won lots of games with Price and Rawlins in the boiler house but that was against teams weakened by World Cup call ups and on hard dry pitches. It's going to be different against strong sides on heavy pitches.

You said That team has 3 full backs, 5 blindside flankers/ no8s so if they have 5 flankers and no 8s what position does Morgan Allen play, if you are saying something else you need to make it plainer.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Wayne, I believe it was 5 blindside flankers and/or Number 8s, but no open sides.

To be fair though Seagul, Price is a lock not a blindside and Aled Thomas is a fly half not a fullback.  Collins is pretty much a utility back the same as Owen.  Granted it's down to personal opinion of where players fit best mind.

[mikey_dragon]

Where was Condy playing at Keys? I have to say he's looked good when he's come on, I believe he did play at open-side for you at some point. Allen has also been looking decent at 8, and as far as I know has always played at 8. Shingler is the only blind-side I can see, and not a very good one might I add. Price is definitely a lock and was playing there for Leicester and England U20s.

[Cardiff Dave]

I'd hope to god your wrong.  If your season falls to pieces from the loss of one player then there are serious underlying issues.

The partnership of Price and Rawlings with Earle in the bench took us to our longest winning streak whilst the internationals were away.  Jake would have been off with Team Wales for a chunk of the time he is out injured, and we would have had to rely on them then too.  And to that we have that Samoan lump now too, we should be ok.

Also I can't see his absence causing us to lose to the Kerdiff Retirement Home For Old Turks.  

We can still field a side looking like

Collins, Steff, Owen/Reggie, Parkes, DTH, Aled, Aled/Cawdor;
Rob, Ken, Samson, Price, Rawlings, Condy, Shingler, Allen

Which should be more than enough.

Not so bad for Turk leftovers.

[Cardiff Dave]

Surprised you didn't take the 3 when Cuthbert accidently knocked on deliberately. Playing for time while your sinners were in the bin maybe?

[ScarletSpiderman]

Dai, fair play I didn't expect that win from your lot. But hey still top of the table for another week though.

[mikey_dragon]

Connacht are closing in on you. Once Ospreys, Glasgow, Leinster and Ulster improve in what's been a very poor Pro12 so far I imagine Scarlets will be falling away.

[Seagultaf]

Wayne, I believe it was 5 blindside flankers and/or Number 8s, but no open sides.

To be fair though Seagul, Price is a lock not a blindside and Aled Thomas is a fly half not a fullback.  Collins is pretty much a utility back the same as Owen.  Granted it's down to personal opinion of where players fit best mind.

Anyone who watched Aled play at 10 on Boxing Day would probably disagree with you.

[Cardiff Dave]

Dai, fair play I didn't expect that win from your lot.  But hey still top of the table for another week though.

What was your OH doing in the final phase when he got mugged with only a winger to his right in support? All your forwards were to the left IIRC.

[Seagultaf]

Connacht are closing in on you. Once Ospreys, Glasgow, Leinster and Ulster improve in what's been a very poor Pro12 so far I imagine Scarlets will be falling away.

The Scarlets plight is symptomatic all of what has been happening in Welsh Rugby over the past few years. Underinvestment has caused them to lose their star players and work with a small squad which suffers at times when they have a number of injuries. Liam, Scott, Barkley, Cubby, Ball, Tagi all would have probably been starting choices today and they have not replaced Priestland. I know Cardiff were missing Warburton and Anscombe but they had excellent replacements in Navidi and Patchell.

I think this is one of the weakest sides I can recall the Scarlets fielding, they started with 2 hookers! They are actually doing very well given the resources at their disposal. With a bigger budget next season hopefully they can start strengthening their squad, as long as they don't blow it all on Halfpenny!

[ScarletSpiderman]

Connacht are closing in on you. Once Ospreys, Glasgow, Leinster and Ulster improve in what's been a very poor Pro12 so far I imagine Scarlets will be falling away.

Yeah, I am not to sure we will still be there next Sunday unless we can magic some back rowers up before we play Connacht. But still we are there still for now.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Dai, fair play I didn't expect that win from your lot.  But hey still top of the table for another week though.

What was your OH doing in the final phase when he got mugged with only a winger to his right in support? All your forwards were to the left IIRC.

I genuinely don't know. Whilst we don't have a prolific kicking option, I still would have thought we would have dropped someone back in the pocket to try the drop goal.

[mikey_dragon]

Did Scarlets start with two hookers? I thought I noticed Evans, Owens and Lee all on the field at the same time. Have to agree with you though, something hasn't been right in what has been a decent Scarlets squad for a number of years. I thought there was going to be a replacement for Priestland too, but you gambled with Shingler and it hasn't paid off.

[Cardiff Dave]

Dai, fair play I didn't expect that win from your lot.  But hey still top of the table for another week though.

What was your OH doing in the final phase when he got mugged with only a winger to his right in support? All your forwards were to the left IIRC.

I genuinely don't know.  Whilst we don't have a prolific kicking option, I still would have thought we would have dropped someone back in the pocket to try the drop goal.

Watch the last 20 seconds again. Nuts.

[Seagultaf]

Did Scarlets start with two hookers? I thought I noticed Evans, Owens and Lee all on the field at the same time. Have to agree with you though, something hasn't been right in what has been a decent Scarlets squad for a number of years. I thought there was going to be a replacement for Priestland too, but you gambled with Shingler and it hasn't paid off.

Emyr Phillips started at 7 as the Scarlets had only one fit flanker.

Shingler started the season well but was injured and has not looked the same since, perhaps he hasn't fully recovered, Aled Thomas is certainly not the answer.

[mikey_dragon]

Oh. That's far out... Might be worth looking for back-row cover from one of the other regions if it's come to that. I don't agree that Shingler started well, he started okay but has got worse since. Aled Thomas looks better at 10 and Pivac must think so to be starting him. Patchell still has a lot of work to do so I doubt things will get better right away next season.

[Chunky Norwich]

Emyr Phillips out for 6 months with a ruptured ACL. That's our openside out long term, our reserve openside out long term, our academy openside out long term, and our hooker playing as an emergency openside out long term.

Injury List:

John Barclay
George Earle
Harry Robinson
Jack Condy
Wil Boyd
Tom Phillips
Peter Edwards
Michael Tagicackibau
Rory Pitman
Tom Williams
Emyr Phillips
Liam Williams
Scott Williams
Jake Ball
James Davies

[ScarletSpiderman]

Chunky Barclay is starting on Sunday boss

Scarlets team to take on Connacht at Parc y Scarlets, Sunday 10th January kick-off 2.30pm;

15 Michael Collins, 14 Steff Evans, 13 Regan King, 12 Hadleigh Parkes, 11 DTH van der Merwe, 10 Aled Thomas, 9 Aled Davies, 1 Rob Evans, 2 Ken Owens ©, 3 Samson Lee, 4 Tom Price, 5 Lewis Rawlins, 6 Aaron Shingler, 7 John Barclay, 8 Morgan Allen

Replacements: Ryan Elias, Phil John, Rhodri Jones, Maselino Paulino, Rory Pitman, Rhodri Williams, Steve Shingler, Steff Hughes

Unavailable for selection:
Will Boyde (foot),
James Davies (foot),
Peter Edwards (elbow),
Liam Williams (foot),
Scott Williams (knee),
Tom Williams (shoulder),
Tom Phillips (concussion),
Michael Tagicakibau (hamstring),
Jake Ball (knee),
George Earle (calf),
Harry Robinson (hamstring),
Gareth Owen (shoulder),
Emyr Phillips (knee),
Jack Condy (shoulder)

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