Gwent Dragons 2015/16 thread

[PhilBB]

First topic message reminder :

I don't need to address anything, I am one fan with an opinion the same as you and any other fan.

Sure, but here I am trying to understand your opinion yet, sadly, you won't address a key element of it.

Previously you wrote: "Only sad, narrow minded parochial people stuck in the amateur era mindset would see gwent as something in direct competition to newport." so I wrote a detailed, honest and clear answer as to why that insult is misplaced.

It's misplaced because one club is carrying all of the risk but with only 50% ownership.

Do you think it fair that one club carries all of the financial risk, without total ownership, for a "Gwent" team? Sure, you don't need to address the question but, in all fairness, it will speak volumes if you don't address it.

[Stone Motif]

Why do we play two different ways? It doesn't make sense! Is Simons else coaching the cup squad?!

Well done boys

Maybe your team is targeting Europe. That's what Cardiff often did. Half @rsed in the Magners, but much better in the HEC.

No maybe about it. What ever you think of Lyp he's arguably right if he's thinking there's more chance of us winning RCCII than there is of us finishing in the top half of the PrO'12. Not that either scenario is particularly likely.

Agreed.
Also, I bet the players can sense a chance at grabbing some Euro silverware too.

In fairness, would do wonders in challenging how we are perceived and probably help with recruiting/retaining players.

[Cardiff Dave]

Why do we play two different ways? It doesn't make sense! Is Simons else coaching the cup squad?!

Well done boys

Maybe your team is targeting Europe. That's what Cardiff often did. Half @rsed in the Magners, but much better in the HEC.

No maybe about it. What ever you think of Lyp he's arguably right if he's thinking there's more chance of us winning RCCII than there is of us finishing in the top half of the PrO'12. Not that either scenario is particularly likely.

Agreed.
Also, I bet the players can sense a chance at grabbing some Euro silverware too.

In fairness, would do wonders in challenging how we are perceived and probably help with recruiting/retaining players.

Indeed and I think you're merely Newport to the rest of the world. Also, I heard a "Llanelli" on foreign radio this afternoon. Only in Wales eh?

[wayne]

Why do we play two different ways? It doesn't make sense! Is Simons else coaching the cup squad?!

Well done boys

Maybe your team is targeting Europe. That's what Cardiff often did. Half @rsed in the Magners, but much better in the HEC.

No maybe about it. What ever you think of Lyp he's arguably right if he's thinking there's more chance of us winning RCCII than there is of us finishing in the top half of the PrO'12. Not that either scenario is particularly likely.

Agreed.
Also, I bet the players can sense a chance at grabbing some Euro silverware too.

In fairness, would do wonders in challenging how we are perceived and probably help with recruiting/retaining players.

Indeed and I think you're merely Newport to the rest of the world. Also, I heard a "Llanelli" on foreign radio this afternoon. Only in Wales eh?

You really need to change either the record or the stylus as it's obviously still stuck in the nineties. Times move on

[GavinDragon]

Anyone know when Dixon is back? I know Morgan is 2-3 weeks away.

[Shifty]

Connacht lost, so apparently the Dragons have made it through, well done guys.

[mikey_dragon]

We need a home quarter though, so it's all to play for next week away to Sale, who will be throwing the kitchen sink at us.

[bedfordwelsh]

Another home quarter be good was great atmosphere against the Blues last season

[GavinDragon]

A home quarter would be much better. Need all the income and exposure we can get

[LondonTiger]

Dragons skipper ciuted for alleged biting

https://www.606v2.com/t61872-this-weekend-s-citings

[mikey_dragon]

Hopefully we now take the captain's armband off him and give it back to Landman.

[Guest]

208 week ban at the top end?! He'd have to chew a leg off for that sort of ban, in my book. Not that I condone it. But 208 is just a made up number in my opinion. Who or why would they ban someone for 4 years???

[Guest]

Can't see this being true. Would be very shocked if there was clear evidence too.

[munkian]

Ive seen a clip and Thomas just seems to land face first on his arm if its the incident mentioned.

Been a hell of a week for citings - gouging, pushing refs, tip tackles, biting and ball squeezing

[mikey_dragon]

Anyone know why Ollie Griffiths isn't in the Wales U20 squad? I thought he was still 19...

[Guest]

Anyone know why Ollie Griffiths isn't in the Wales U20 squad? I thought he was still 19...

He's 21 in March. Does that invalidate him some way?

[mikey_dragon]

Perhaps, but I was under the impression he was younger and still eligible.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Anyone know why Ollie Griffiths isn't in the Wales U20 squad? I thought he was still 19...

He's 21 in March.  Does that invalidate him some way?

Well it means he's not under 20.

[Guest]

Anyone know why Ollie Griffiths isn't in the Wales U20 squad? I thought he was still 19...

He's 21 in March.  Does that invalidate him some way?

Well it means he's not under 20.

Yeah, but you're allowed to be 20 in the under 20's; 18 in the U18s, etc. Just thought maybe as he turned 21 during the 6N that might put him out. If he was 20 for all of it he'd be fine, bizarrely!

Edit: perhaps it goes on seasons. I.e. If you're under 20 at the start of the season then turn 20 during it you're ok, but not if you turn 21 during the season. Perhaps?

[Guest]

Having looked at a video on Dragged Up, I think there would have to be better evidence to ban TRT.

[Cardiff Dave]

Why do we play two different ways? It doesn't make sense! Is Simons else coaching the cup squad?!

Well done boys

Maybe your team is targeting Europe. That's what Cardiff often did. Half @rsed in the Magners, but much better in the HEC.

No maybe about it. What ever you think of Lyp he's arguably right if he's thinking there's more chance of us winning RCCII than there is of us finishing in the top half of the PrO'12. Not that either scenario is particularly likely.

Agreed.
Also, I bet the players can sense a chance at grabbing some Euro silverware too.

In fairness, would do wonders in challenging how we are perceived and probably help with recruiting/retaining players.

Indeed and I think you're merely Newport to the rest of the world. Also, I heard a "Llanelli" on foreign radio this afternoon. Only in Wales eh?

You really need to change either the record or the stylus as it's obviously still stuck in the nineties. Times move on

Ha! Don't shoot the messenger. Even now, apart from the Os, the other 3 club names only are referred to quite a lot on foreign radio commentaries. By foreign I mean; Irish, NI, Scottish and English.

[Cardiff Dave]

Having looked at a video on Dragged Up, I think there would have to be better evidence to ban TRT.

You feeding him properly or what?

[wayne]

Why do we play two different ways? It doesn't make sense! Is Simons else coaching the cup squad?!

Well done boys

Maybe your team is targeting Europe. That's what Cardiff often did. Half @rsed in the Magners, but much better in the HEC.

No maybe about it. What ever you think of Lyp he's arguably right if he's thinking there's more chance of us winning RCCII than there is of us finishing in the top half of the PrO'12. Not that either scenario is particularly likely.

Agreed.
Also, I bet the players can sense a chance at grabbing some Euro silverware too.

In fairness, would do wonders in challenging how we are perceived and probably help with recruiting/retaining players.

Indeed and I think you're merely Newport to the rest of the world. Also, I heard a "Llanelli" on foreign radio this afternoon. Only in Wales eh?

You really need to change either the record or the stylus as it's obviously still stuck in the nineties. Times move on

Ha! Don't shoot the messenger. Even now, apart from the Os, the other 3 club names only are referred to quite a lot on foreign radio commentaries. By foreign I mean; Irish, NI, Scottish and English.

Look at the name of this topic, your NO messenger, agent provocateur more like it, when we played up in Glasgow up to last season at least they called us Neath Swansea Ospreys, so it is used for us, but you are the only one perpetuating this myth down here.
Your just a drip drip of a tap with a loose washer on this topic, clubs have gone it is Regions now, move with the times.

[Cardiff Dave]

Why do we play two different ways? It doesn't make sense! Is Simons else coaching the cup squad?!

Well done boys

Maybe your team is targeting Europe. That's what Cardiff often did. Half @rsed in the Magners, but much better in the HEC.

No maybe about it. What ever you think of Lyp he's arguably right if he's thinking there's more chance of us winning RCCII than there is of us finishing in the top half of the PrO'12. Not that either scenario is particularly likely.

Agreed.
Also, I bet the players can sense a chance at grabbing some Euro silverware too.

In fairness, would do wonders in challenging how we are perceived and probably help with recruiting/retaining players.

Indeed and I think you're merely Newport to the rest of the world. Also, I heard a "Llanelli" on foreign radio this afternoon. Only in Wales eh?

You really need to change either the record or the stylus as it's obviously still stuck in the nineties. Times move on

Ha! Don't shoot the messenger. Even now, apart from the Os, the other 3 club names only are referred to quite a lot on foreign radio commentaries. By foreign I mean; Irish, NI, Scottish and English.

Look at the name of this topic, your NO messenger, agent provocateur more like it, when we played up in Glasgow up to last season at least they called us Neath Swansea Ospreys, so it is used for us, but you are the only one perpetuating this myth down here.
Your just a drip drip of a tap with a loose washer on this topic, clubs have gone it is Regions now, move with the times.

Come on Barnsey, you know full well that topics tend to meander all over the place much like a Welshmun on a 6Ns Mikey Rayer. The clubs haven't gone anywhere btw.

[Stone Motif]

Why do we play two different ways? It doesn't make sense! Is Simons else coaching the cup squad?!

Well done boys

Maybe your team is targeting Europe. That's what Cardiff often did. Half @rsed in the Magners, but much better in the HEC.

No maybe about it. What ever you think of Lyp he's arguably right if he's thinking there's more chance of us winning RCCII than there is of us finishing in the top half of the PrO'12. Not that either scenario is particularly likely.

Agreed.
Also, I bet the players can sense a chance at grabbing some Euro silverware too.

In fairness, would do wonders in challenging how we are perceived and probably help with recruiting/retaining players.

Indeed and I think you're merely Newport to the rest of the world. Also, I heard a "Llanelli" on foreign radio this afternoon. Only in Wales eh?

You really need to change either the record or the stylus as it's obviously still stuck in the nineties. Times move on

Ha! Don't shoot the messenger. Even now, apart from the Os, the other 3 club names only are referred to quite a lot on foreign radio commentaries. By foreign I mean; Irish, NI, Scottish and English.

Look at the name of this topic, your NO messenger, agent provocateur more like it, when we played up in Glasgow up to last season at least they called us Neath Swansea Ospreys, so it is used for us, but you are the only one perpetuating this myth down here.
Your just a drip drip of a tap with a loose washer on this topic, clubs have gone it is Regions now, move with the times.

That'll be why they changed from RRW to PRW a bit lively then

[Guest]

Having looked at a video on Dragged Up, I think there would have to be better evidence to ban TRT.

Rev, is it you who posts on the Argus website rugby stories under the name 'Riscarevron'???

[Guest]

Having looked at a video on Dragged Up, I think there would have to be better evidence to ban TRT.

Rev, is it you who posts on the Argus website rugby stories under the name 'Riscarevron'???

No.

[Guest]

Having looked at a video on Dragged Up, I think there would have to be better evidence to ban TRT.

Rev, is it you who posts on the Argus website rugby stories under the name 'Riscarevron'???

No.

That told me.

[mikey_dragon]

Lads am I alone in thinking that Cuthbert is still in crap form whilst Hewitt is in consistent good form this season - and with that in mind their places in the Wales squad should be exchanged? Or am I completely off my rocker? Experience bla bla seems to be the retort for Cuthbert's corner, so would I also be alone in thinking that his backers coming out with this turd didn't watch an ounce of world cup rugby?

[munkian]

I dont get the whole 'inexperienced thing' either. I'd much rather blood Hewitt in the last 20 against Italy in broken play than in the AIs or against NZ in Nz

If not now, when ?

Gatland is stubborn and maybe feels he's invested so much time and faith in Cuthbert that he can't be dropped ?

This is also the showcase for Gatland to get the Lions job - he's aiming to win rather than blood new talent and invest in the future I guess.

[mikey_dragon]

But would having Cuthbert in boost his cause when he's likely to miss a tackle and the team scores a winning try?

[munkian]

But would having Cuthbert in boost his cause when he's likely to miss a tackle and the team scores a winning try?

Yeah... this is always an issue.

Back to Dragons related news - Ollie has answered me on Twitter - he's got a hamstring injury

[Stone Motif]

Lads am I alone in thinking that Cuthbert is still in crap form whilst Hewitt is in consistent good form this season - and with that in mind their places in the Wales squad should be exchanged? Or am I completely off my rocker? Experience bla bla seems to be the retort for Cuthbert's corner, so would I also be alone in thinking that his backers coming out with this turd didn't watch an ounce of world cup rugby?

Yeah but Cuthbert can deadlift more.

Actually surprised Cement Head dint give a mercy call to Mssrs Walker or Dirkson, in Cuthbert's place, seeing as he's so keen to subside the purchase of overseas players for the Ospreys.

[GavinDragon]

[quote="munkian"]

But would having Cuthbert in boost his cause when he's likely to miss a tackle and the team scores a winning try?

Yeah... this is always an issue.

Back to Dragons related news -  Ollie has answered me on Twitter - he's got a hamstring injury [/quote

Crap!

I also think Ashton Hewitt needs a few more performances like the Blues games before he can be seriously considered.

[munkian]

Dragons team to face Sale Sharks

Carl Meyer, Ashton Hewitt, Adam Hughes, Adam Warren, Hallam Amos, Jason Tovey, Sarel Pretorius; Phil Price, Thomas Rhys Thomas ©, Brok Harris, Cory Hill, Rynard Landman, Lewis Evans, Nic Cudd, Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements: Elliot Dee, Boris Stankovich, Shaun Knight, Matthew Screech, Ed Jackson, Charlie Davies, Angus O’Brien, Nick Scott.

[Guest]

See, this is what I am on about with Elliott Dee swapping with TRT all the time. What's the point? Really grips my s**t. That said, I am surprised Lyn didn't go full on tombola for this.

[mikey_dragon]

I also don't really see anything inspiring in TRT. Are the coaches still that peed off about Landman's red card last season?

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Rhys Thomas is wholehearted enough, but Dee's a better player and Landman's a better captain (or at least, more of a leader / talisman).

[GavinDragon]

Crucially, our lineout wobbled when Dee was taken off against Castre.

Maybe they see TRT as a stronger scrummager, which we will need against a beefy front row

[Guest]

I have considered the scrum, but then also thought we should then see Boris the Blade start until he runs out of puff.

[GavinDragon]

I would be interested to know who we are looking at to replace Boris (I think his contract is up at end of season?)

[Guest]

So unsurprisingly, TRT has had his biting citing thrown out.

I guess Garrett is the next in line, or Barrel. We really need to start looking at one or other more during the international break (while other teams in the League are missing players).

[Guest]

I'm very keen to seen a bit more of Leon Brown at TH. Hyped as the next big thing in front row play, he needs to get some regional exposure before someone else comes in and snaps him up (i.e. if he's as good as the reports say and he subsequently feels he's not getting a look in down at the Dragons then he may be easily enticed away, like players like Condy and Morgan Allen, if memory serves).

[GavinDragon]

Struggled against Jersey in home BIC game, but was better against an arguably better pack in Doncaster. Still only 19. Give him a couple of seasons

[munkian]

Struggled against Jersey in home BIC game, but was better against an arguably better pack in Doncaster. Still only 19. Give him a couple of seasons

He'll be playing in the U20s squad.

[GavinDragon]

He is. Also toured with Wales u18's to south Africa in summer and was on front foot in most matches

[GavinDragon]

ANyone know what is going on with Coombs or when he is likely to be back?

[munkian]

ANyone know what is going on with Coombs or when he is likely to be back?

He started to recover from his knee surgery then he got an infection in it, thats the last I heard anyways.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I'm very keen to seen a bit more of Leon Brown at TH.  Hyped as the next big thing in front row play, he needs to get some regional exposure before someone else comes in and snaps him up (i.e. if he's as good as the reports say and he subsequently feels he's not getting a look in down at the Dragons then he may be easily enticed away, like players like Condy and Morgan Allen, if memory serves).

And then Andy Howell will say we 'didn't spot' him.

[munkian]

I'm very keen to seen a bit more of Leon Brown at TH.  Hyped as the next big thing in front row play, he needs to get some regional exposure before someone else comes in and snaps him up (i.e. if he's as good as the reports say and he subsequently feels he's not getting a look in down at the Dragons then he may be easily enticed away, like players like Condy and Morgan Allen, if memory serves).

And then Andy Howell will say we 'didn't spot' him.

He does do local reejunal meedja appearances for the Drags so he certainly hasn't been forgotten about

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Gutting:

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/14220536.Dragons_hit_by_Griffiths_blow_after_injury_suffered_on_Wales_sevens_duty/

Having said that, we do have (good) cover in his position.

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