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

[Chunky Norwich]

First topic message reminder :

Come on bois.

[mikey_dragon]

I agree Dave, hopefully we've all just had a bad year and the world cup disruptions are the reason - I mean, it doesn't seem to have affected the players that exited early...

[Cardiff Dave]

Turks 10-22 Northampton FT.
It's another Turk fullhouse and I don't mean a rammed new Stradey Park. 6 out of 6.

[mikey_dragon]

Ouch.

[Cardiff Dave]

Ouch.

Cruel.
Cardiff had the fullhouse too once.

[maestegmafia]

Very very poor performance all round

Time Pivac gave a good kick up the backside to his squad

[ScarletSpiderman]

Was definitely far friom a good display.

First up tackling is not up to scratch, yet when we get the defensive line set we are not too bad.

Also, and I will get the calls of cyclops, but Tom Williams was inches from latching on to two intercepts that he would have finished off, so for his first game back I was pleased.

I'm looking forward to the league during the 6N when others are hampered by call ups.

[George Carlin]

https://www.606v2.com/t61970-connacht-v-scarlets-30-january

[Seagultaf]

I think the Scarlets had 14 players unavailable through injury including 10 probable starters. Add to this that they have not yet replaced Priestland so Europe was always going to be an impossible task. Before injury crisis, they pushed Saints all the way at Franklin Gardens and should have won. Perhaps next season with Patchell and fewer injuries they may make a better fist of it, if they qualify!

[ScarletSpiderman]

It all depends on the comings and going over the summer. We have a very good international standard ba line for next season if they remain injury free. And they are all signed up for sure with the exception of a right wing (but with Foxy and Scott in the centre that could see Parkes out there).

The pack however needs some work. Talk of Aaron Jarvis coming in to replace Rhodri Jones (going the other way), and ex Turks Day (for Earle), and Reed (for Paulino) coming in to add options at lock. Also rumour of two nwq front five forwards (not sure what standard, have heard some big names but doubt it). So all in all unless these nwq turn out to be top draw I think we could be in a similar position again in Europe next season, although theoretically in an easier group if we finish of ok in the pro12.

[mikey_dragon]

Jarvis and Reed aren't good signings tbh - unless they're considered wider squad players then it's good strength in depth. Bringing Dom Day back is a good shout, him and Ball did well in that thrown test against Ireland.

Seagul is right, not bringing in a replacement for RP was a disastrous idea given who was available. That said I think Patchell will suit you guys, and don't you have two fly-halves in the U20s this year?

[mikey_dragon]

PS, if Rhodri Jones is off to Ospreys does that mean his NDC is up?

[Seagultaf]

PS, if Rhodri Jones is off to Ospreys does that mean his NDC is up?

Strange move for Rhodri, why move from one side where you are second choice to another where you will also be second choice? At least at the Scarlets he will get plenty of rugby when Samson is away with Wales.

[Cardiff Dave]

PS, if Rhodri Jones is off to Ospreys does that mean his NDC is up?

Good question. Wonder if this particular scenario was catered for in the RSA.

[Cardiff Dave]

Anyway, will we see the Turks rocketing down the table as fast as they rocketed up it?

[wayne]

PS, if Rhodri Jones is off to Ospreys does that mean his NDC is up?

Strange move for Rhodri, why move from one side where you are second choice to another where you will also be second choice? At least at the Scarlets he will get plenty of rugby when Samson is away with Wales.

At the best he would be 3rd choice, and judging by his performance today he'd be lucky to get a game in the Premiership with one of our teams,
it looks as though there is a serious error of judgement by our recruitment committee if they think he is a decent tighthead, I hope he's been selected for his loose head credentials

[Seagultaf]

PS, if Rhodri Jones is off to Ospreys does that mean his NDC is up?

Good question. Wonder if this particular scenario was catered for in the RSA.

I think his NDC is up for renewal at the end of the season, so looks like it won't be renewed, so no issue he will be a free agent.

[mikey_dragon]

It was one of those odd NDCs if you ask me. The money could have been better spent elsewhere IE our Wales starting team.

[LordDowlais]

Rhodri Williams is going to Bristol then:-

http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/35458482

He is behind Gareth Davies and Aled Davies, I would have liked to have seen him go to Blues or Dragons, he would be behind Webb and Haberfield at Ospreys.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Rhodri Williams is going to Bristol then:-

http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/35458482

He is behind Gareth Davies and Aled Davies, I would have liked to have seen him go to Blues or Dragons, he would be behind Webb and Haberfield at Ospreys.

I think with the possible exception of the Dragons, Rhodri Williams would have been playing second fiddle at any of the regions, possibly 3rd choice at the Ospreys and Blues.

That said he has joined Bristol who have two more welsh international scrum halves on their books in Dwayne Peel and Martin Roberts.

[ScarletSpiderman]

It was one of those odd NDCs if you ask me. The money could have been better spent elsewhere IE our Wales starting team.

Rhodri Jones was given his NDC before he was injured, when he was seen internationally as higher up the pecking order that Samson. His injuries have then made Gatland have to look at Francis, which in turn has made the NDC decision look worse.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Also as an interesting note, the Scarlets are now up to 17 yellow cards in the Pro12 this season, and another handful in the RCC (inc a ban). This is a shocking stat, and like I said re: Ulster last season, the only way to shake the rep of being a poorly disciplined side is going to be being white than white, which I can not see happening this season sadly.

[Cardiff Dave]

PS, if Rhodri Jones is off to Ospreys does that mean his NDC is up?

Good question. Wonder if this particular scenario was catered for in the RSA.

I think his NDC is up for renewal at the end of the season, so looks like it won't be renewed, so no issue he will be a free agent.

I see. Wonder though if players are allowed to shift, when on an NDC.

[Cardiff Dave]

Also as an interesting note, the Scarlets are now up to 17 yellow cards in the Pro12 this season, and another handful in the RCC (inc a ban).  This is a shocking stat, and like I said re: Ulster last season, the only way to shake the rep of being a poorly disciplined side is going to be being white than white, which I can not see happening this season sadly.

Dirty fecking cheating Turks! One match ban for the whole lot I reckon.

[wayne]

PS, if Rhodri Jones is off to Ospreys does that mean his NDC is up?

Good question. Wonder if this particular scenario was catered for in the RSA.

I think his NDC is up for renewal at the end of the season, so looks like it won't be renewed, so no issue he will be a free agent.

I see. Wonder though if players are allowed to shift, when on an NDC.

Rhodri's DC ends at the end of this season, his new contract to whoever he goes to starts after this season ends.

[ScarletSpiderman]

David Burbling from the Eastern Kings is apparently on his way as a short term loan to cover us at lock.

[VinceWLB]

Something needed to be done but strange that this guy isn't with the Kings super rugby team for this coming season. Anyway even a Currie Cup level player would be an improvement on anything you have at the moment. George Earle indifferent form/injuries has really let you down.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Yeah, we were meant to have Earle and Ball as our 'lumps' and Rawlins and Price as our athletic locks with Paulino as a punt based on potential. But sadly with injury we have dropped to having Rawlings and Price together. They did a really good job early doors, but now the weather is more traditional rugby weather, they just lack the bulk.

Fingers crossed this lad helps us out on that front.

[VinceWLB]

3 years deal for Bulbring, not quite the same as a short term loan! Great name by the way.

Can't help but think this wouldn't have happened if Scarlets had kept the right Saffa lock at the end of last season or if Paulino was any good.

[LordDowlais]

Another inspiring NWQ signing by our regions.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Lord, do you know anything about this lad? Played Super XV for the Blues Bulls and for the Southern Kings, and played a total of 30 out of 30 possible games. Also a former baby Bok. Given how good Johan Snyman, and George Earle were for us over the past two seasons (before injury hit him badly), it is interesting to see that this lad has more experience coming in and is also younger (and more of physical presence too).

So out of interest, what one of our two lightweight welsh options at lock are as good? Or are you telling me that Jack Jones is better?

[ScarletSpiderman]

3 years deal for Bulbring, not quite the same as a short term loan! Great name by the way.

Can't help but think this wouldn't have happened if Scarlets had kept the right Saffa lock at the end of last season or if Paulino was any good.

Possibly. The problem was he had signed for the Blues, and then when the Hammer was axed, so was his contract. And sadly the Scarlets had already started their recruitment of Price by then to replace him.

[LordDowlais]

Lord, do you know anything about this lad?  Played Super XV for the Blues Bulls and for the Southern Kings, and played a total of 30 out of 30 possible games.  Also a former baby Bok.  Given how good Johan Snyman, and  George Earle were for us over the past two seasons (before injury hit him badly), it is interesting to see that this lad has more experience coming in and is also younger (and more of physical presence too).

So out of interest, what one of our two lightweight welsh options at lock are as good?  Or are you telling me that Jack Jones is better?

You've gotta love this. SS, if he was any good, do you reckon he would be playing up here ? No, he has no chance at becoming a sprinbok so he has decided to take the ££££'s and play in the NH. 

If we are in a position where we find we need to sign these types of players then there is something seriously wrong with the Welsh system. This looks like a classic case of he's a second rower from South Africa so he must be good mentality. What is going wrong in Wales and is preventing us from developing our own players ?

Scarlets have had 4 NWQ locks over the last two or three seasons, FFS what is going on ? Why are we not developing players ? 

Oh, and to answer your question, NO I know nothing about this lad. Also, Jack Jones is not a bad player, he did well out in Italy, I am a good friend of his father, and if he turns out to be as good as his father then Scarlets will have a pretty handy player on their books.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Also, Jack Jones is not a bad player, he did well out in Italy, I am a good friend of his father, and if he turns out to be as good as his father then Scarlets will have a pretty handy player on their books.

He is nowhere near the standard we need right now to push for a top 4 pro12 finish. Hopefully he will come good, but right now we need fit players of a decent standard. Also, how is doing well in Italy acceptable, yet playing in the Super XV is not?

Certain positions take time to develop into, and having experienced players around you helps. Lock is certainly in that category. The Scarlets started this season with six welsh qualified locks (Ball, Kelly, Rawlins, Price, Payne and Earle). We were then forced into signing a 'punt' player in Paulino, who had to fall into our budgetary restraints when injury struck forcing Payne out for the best part of the season, and forcing Kelly to reitre. Now we have lost Ball to injury/international call ups, and Earle has had some nasty knocks and is looking unlikely to regain his fitness/form in time for us. We were in the position of having to put a young centre on the bench as a lock for our game away against Racing, due to the injuries crisis. The 'punt' on Paulino has not worked out, which is a shame as he has the physical attributes (see DaiTH's try against Racing) but really not capable of utilising his attributes correctly.

Bulbring will replace Earle, and we are looking at Dom Day to replace Paulino, which will give us six locks for next season (5 welsh, 1 time serving).

[BamBam]

Lord, do you know anything about this lad?  Played Super XV for the Blues Bulls and for the Southern Kings, and played a total of 30 out of 30 possible games.  Also a former baby Bok.  Given how good Johan Snyman, and  George Earle were for us over the past two seasons (before injury hit him badly), it is interesting to see that this lad has more experience coming in and is also younger (and more of physical presence too).

So out of interest, what one of our two lightweight welsh options at lock are as good?  Or are you telling me that Jack Jones is better?

You've gotta love this. SS, if he was any good, do you reckon he would be playing up here ? No, he has no chance at becoming a sprinbok so he has decided to take the ££££'s and play in the NH. 

If we are in a position where we find we need to sign these types of players then there is something seriously wrong with the Welsh system. This looks like a classic case of he's a second rower from South Africa so he must be good mentality. What is going wrong in Wales and is preventing us from developing our own players ?

Well unless Etzebeth and De Jager wanted to come and Scarlets turned them down, whats wrong with going for a player of the next level down?

[LordDowlais]

whats wrong with going for a player of the next level down?

He is not the next level down though is he ? If he was he would be in the South Africa squad subbing for those two.

[BamBam]

Unfortunately there was a chap called Matfield who was in the squad for his experience, you might have heard of him

If he's better than what they've got, I see no issues.

You seem to be under the illusion that Welsh regions should be attracting World XV type players

[VinceWLB]

LD, you are massively underestimating the number of quality 2nd row in South Africa. Snyman was not deemed super rugby standard but had an immediate impact when playing for the Scarlets. I think this guy will have a similar impact too.

[mikey_dragon]

LD talking turd again. Bulbring is a great signing, he should be available all season so is exactly the type of signing the Scarlets need. You could have another Landman there. Are you still rumoured to be chasing Dom Day?

[mikey_dragon]

Unfortunately there was a chap called Matfield who was in the squad for his experience, you might have heard of him

If he's better than what they've got, I see no issues.

You seem to be under the illusion that Welsh regions should be attracting World XV type players

My friend, the likes of Matfield and Etzebeth are useless. If they were that good do you really think they would be in England/Japan chasing the money....

[LordDowlais]

Unfortunately there was a chap called Matfield who was in the squad for his experience, you might have heard of him

If he's better than what they've got, I see no issues.

You seem to be under the illusion that Welsh regions should be attracting World XV type players

My friend, the likes of Matfield and Etzebeth are useless. If they were that good do you really think they would be in England/Japan chasing the money....

Mikey, take the chip off your shoulder.

The regions are constantly signing NWQ 2nd rows. There must be something wrong with the system in Wales if we cannot produce 8 players, 2 per region of sufficient quality to cover international call ups. 

What is happening in the academies ? What is happening in the Premiership ? We have 4 pro teams, we cannot afford to fill them with NWQ players just so that they are available all year round we do not have that convenience. The international side would die a death at this rate.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Are you still rumoured to be chasing Dom Day?

I have heard we have shown interest in Day and Reed. However, I have also hear that Dom has been offered a contract out in Japan, so I guess it depends if he wants to return home or take the 'big' money.

[ScarletSpiderman]

The regions are constantly signing NWQ 2nd rows. There must be something wrong with the system in Wales if we cannot produce 8 players, 2 per region of sufficient quality to cover international call ups. 

A decent squad requires two players in each shirt who can realistically hold their own in the first team. Then you need another one or two per position who are able to step up and fill the gaps during the international windows or injuries. So realistically you are talking about needing 45 players in your pro squad. The regions have at most 8 NWQ players (and 2 of those are time serving), so that is a maximum of 32 NWQ out of 180 players.

As for your concerns about NWQ locks, a few seasons ago there was a worry about the NWQ backrow players. Look at the situation Wales are in now, we have backrow options coming out our rears.

[LordDowlais]

As for your concerns about NWQ locks, a few seasons ago there was a worry about the NWQ backrow players. Look at the situation Wales are in now, we have backrow options coming out our rears.

Well, that proves a point then doesn't it ? If the regions work hard enough, they can produce the players needed. Even if we up it to 4 2nd row players per region, that is only 16 players they need to develop in that position.

The only 2nd row players developed by the regions that fall into the decent category and are able to step up and fill the gaps during the international windows or injuries as you have put it, in recent years is Rory Thornton and Jake Ball. 

If we have to cast our gaze to South Africa all the time for decent 2nd rowers then something is seriously failing at the regions, and in the premiership. I remember not too long ago we had to poach the likes of Olly Kohn to fill the gaps left by injuries.

Unless none of you care about the Welsh national side, this is something that should concern everyone.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Or we had a real need to have skilled player aid development of our kids, much like at lock now

[ScarletSpiderman]

Also Hake was one of those jolly useless players in the lower levels of SH rugby. Not a local lad from academies

[LordDowlais]

Or we had a real need to have skilled player aid development of our kids, much like at lock now

Either way, something is wrong somewhere if we have to keep shipping in players from South Africa to do a job.

[LordDowlais]

Also Hake was one of those jolly useless players in the lower levels of SH rugby.  Not a local lad from academies

So that is one player developed through the regions in recent years, brill.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Also Hake was one of those jolly useless players in the lower levels of SH rugby.  Not a local lad from academies

So that is one player developed through the regions in recent years, brill.

Dom Day, Bradley Davies, Lou reed, Luke Charteris, Awj, and Ianto aside anyway.

[LordDowlais]

Also Hake was one of those jolly useless players in the lower levels of SH rugby.  Not a local lad from academies

So that is one player developed through the regions in recent years, brill.

Dom Day, Bradley Davies, Lou reed, Luke Charteris, Awj, and Ianto aside anyway.

Recent years, not eight to ten years ago.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Also Hake was one of those jolly useless players in the lower levels of SH rugby.  Not a local lad from academies

So that is one player developed through the regions in recent years, brill.

Dom Day, Bradley Davies, Lou reed, Luke Charteris, Awj, and Ianto aside anyway.

Recent years, not eight to ten years ago.

Lloyd Ashley, Lewis Rawlings, Corey Hill, Matthew Screech, Macauley Cook, James Down, etc.

I think you are determined to be down about our production of locks, and not wanting to look at what we are producing, and who are regularly running out for the regions. I can't think of any of the regions who have less than two welsh qualified locks running out in their match day 23 squads.

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