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.

[munkian]

[Guest]

It's very encouraging that we have a lot of talent coming through at the Dragons region.  They're emerging from the academy, getting regular rugby at semi-pro club level and then (quite often) being introduced slowly at regional level, and then making the step to international in some case too.  I know regional/provincial/franchise rugby (call it what you want) has it's knockers, but it does have some merit in developing youngsters and giving them regular rugby and a 'shop window' due to links and relationships with clubs in the area, which is not always the case in the cut throat world of pro club rugby where everyone is in competition with everyone else and is loathe to share playing resources (like France and England).  There, players often come through the academy and either bench warm and/or get no game time and need to leave for regular rugby.  I'm over-generalising of course, but that's how it seems to me for the most part.

Some very recent successes:
Hallam Amos
Jack Dixon
Tyler Morgan
Elliot Dee
Ashton Hewitt
Ollie Griffiths

I'm missing a few probably.  Memory is not in gear today.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

And more waiting in the wings: Luke Garrett, Leon Brown, Joe Davies, Harrison Keddie, Barney Nightingale, Angus O'Brien - and a surplus of opensides.

The number of Dragons players in the last few Under-20s teams is really encouraging.

[GavinDragon]

We have done well. However, we must not rest on our laurels. I think we have 5 u20's this year which is a reduction on recent years if memory serves me right.

Also this is not the first time I have heard of cliques in the Dragons academy - http://penallta.rfc.wales/news/f26aa8e0-7f53-4e48-b415-b4b665417a15/jack-condys-scarlet-letters

"A journalist has been questioning how the Dragons could miss out on a colossal signing like me. After all, I’m a Penallta boy, ex captain, played all my rugby in the Dragons region. How could it possibly go wrong? It must be difficult for the Dragons Academy in those press conferences. “Condy wasn’t in the clique” isn’t the most convincing answer, LOL."

Now it may be that the powers that be felt that Harrison Keddie was a better prospect.

However, I can tell you I watched Condy in the 2014 youth cup final at CAP and you could tell then he had something about him.

2-3 other players from that side have gone on to play semi pro rugby and Penalta's first team are also performing.

As their clubhouse is 100 yards from our training base we MUST be trying to create better ties with such well run community clubs.

[wayne]

And more waiting in the wings: Luke Garrett, Leon Brown, Joe Davies, Harrison Keddie, Barney Nightingale, Angus O'Brien - and a surplus of opensides.

The number of Dragons players in the last few Under-20s teams is really encouraging.

That is quite right LP, and for all his faults, as I've said a few times before, Lyn the Lip, will fetch them through to a good standard, he's a bit like Gareth Jenkins in certain roles they have very good pedigree, it's only at the very highest level is he found wanting, you need to keep hold of him in some capacity.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

We have done well. However, we must not rest on our laurels. I think we have 5 u20's this year which is a reduction on recent years if memory serves me right.

Also this is not the first time I have heard of cliques in the Dragons academy - http://penallta.rfc.wales/news/f26aa8e0-7f53-4e48-b415-b4b665417a15/jack-condys-scarlet-letters

"A journalist has been questioning how the Dragons could miss out on a colossal signing like me. After all, I’m a Penallta boy, ex captain, played all my rugby in the Dragons region. How could it possibly go wrong? It must be difficult for the Dragons Academy in those press conferences. “Condy wasn’t in the clique” isn’t the most convincing answer, LOL."

Now it may be that the powers that be felt that Harrison Keddie was a better prospect.

However, I can tell you I watched Condy in the 2014 youth cup final at CAP and you could tell then he had something about him.

2-3 other players from that side have gone on to play semi pro rugby and Penalta's first team are also performing.

As their clubhouse is 100 yards from our training base we MUST be trying to create better ties with such well run community clubs.

There's only so many players we (or any region) can sign up. It's a shame, but Scott Matthews will probably end up going elsewhere, because he's (by the looks of things) behind James Benjamin, Ollie Griffiths and Nic Cudd in the pecking order. It's just the reality of things. And we did offer Jack Condy a contract.

[GavinDragon]

Scott Matthews isnt fit enough. Was a passenger in both BIC games I watched. One he started, the other he benched.

I agree we are not in a position to stockpile young prospects due to finances.

I have now heard, from more than one source, that there is a clique.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I remember Ethan Davies (is it Davies?) complaining when Dorian Jones got a contract instead of him, but that was a suggestion of nepotism, not a complaint of a clique.

[GavinDragon]

Yes it is davies. Although in fairness Dorian hasn't done terribly since he has been with the region.

Now Luc Jones.....

[GavinDragon]

I suppose to mitigate the rumours you could argue that the Dragons do cast the net wide when selecting both of their u16's sides.

At the end of the Dewar Shield competition last year (that is the premier comp at u15's where school boys are put forward to represent their district i.e Newport Schools, Pontypool Schools, Blaenau-Gwent, Islwyn and Rhymney Valley) they had all of their constituent sides at YM for trials training and I think they even took them on tour.

I suppose that works out because at 16's you have a Dragons 'North' and a Dragons 'South', but it is the u18's where they come together as one and a number of development contracts are handed out.

[mikey_dragon]

Phil Price is getting mashed in the scrum, don't understand why we select him.

[mikey_dragon]

TRT has thrown two lineouts to Sale - I believe the hooker/captain selection has also been discussed...

[Coleman]

Not ideal for the Dragons. Effion is still a big lump. Cudd is looking good though.

[mikey_dragon]

Possibly Harriss' worst game for us. If they hope to get possession and then be in a position to score points they need to sub the front row.

[Guest]

Not looking good!

[mikey_dragon]

Some excellent home truths from Dewi Morris. I can only hope the coaches recorded this and go listen to it.

[mikey_dragon]

It's just not working, again, so WHY is the front row not changed?

[Guest]

Some excellent home truths from Dewi Morris. I can only hope the coaches recorded this and go listen to it.

What was he saying? I'm glad I am on nights and can't watch this. It's painful just following it on the Argus website.

[mikey_dragon]

Some excellent home truths from Dewi Morris. I can only hope the coaches recorded this and go listen to it.

What was he saying? I'm glad I am on nights and can't watch this. It's painful just following it on the Argus website.

Can't remember what exactly. But he did say we wouldn't get past the quarters on this form. He also said playing like that at the top level was unacceptable - with that he was alluding to the lost scrums and lineouts. I could have told that to Lyn but he won't listen. I hope he and the rest listen to Dewi.

[VinceWLB]

This is beyond pathetic from the Dragons, Treviso have signed a decent coach for next season in Crowley, i can see the Dragons being the worst team in the league with how things are going, they are lucky there is no relegation.

Price is a useless scrummager, why are they persisting with him i will never know, they had a decent scrummager in Owen Evans but they let him go.

Nobody wanted to believe me when i said they have gone backward from the previous season despite having the same personnel. This is a case in point.

[Guest]

I am more than happy to finish below both Italian teams. I want Lyn Jones gone and the board to stop coasting along and that is maybe the rocket that they will need. I won't hold my breath though.

[mikey_dragon]

This is beyond pathetic from the Dragons, Treviso have signed a decent coach for next season in Crowley, i can see the Dragons being the worst team in the league with how things are going, they are lucky there is no relegation.

Price is a useless scrummager, why are they persisting with him i will never know, they had a decent scrummager in Owen Evans but they let him go.

Nobody wanted to believe me when i said they have gone backward from the previous season despite having the same personnel. This is a case in point.

Like rev says if that's what it takes to make us shift our arses, on and off the field, then so be it. I just hope we don't take as long as the Blues to realise it. I know we haven't been great for some time, but to be going backwards when we have some fine players on the pitch is...well it's pathetic.

Owen Evans was okay, he wasn't great. He's the same now - I'd feel more comfortable with him packing down in the loosehead berth than Price but I'd probably feel the same if it was any other LH. Our hooker, who also happens to be our uninspiring captain for some reason continued his trend of not being able to hit his jumper at the lineout. Harris at TH probably had his worst game for us yet so to just be alluding to him is somewhat unfair. I though Mujati, Beaumont and Cipriani for Sale were very good and were the ones who made the difference.

[bedfordwelsh]

I am more than happy to finish below both Italian teams. I want Lyn Jones gone and the board to stop coasting along and that is maybe the rocket that they will need. I won't hold my breath though.

Rev,

Do you think it would be a case of KJ then stepping up a level and bringing in new coaches below him or would a clean broom throughout be better?

[GavinDragon]

I would like to keep KJ as I think he has improved our scrum and lineout (last night aside)

[munkian]

I am more than happy to finish below both Italian teams. I want Lyn Jones gone and the board to stop coasting along and that is maybe the rocket that they will need. I won't hold my breath though.

Rev,

Do you think it would be a case of KJ then stepping up a level and bringing in new coaches below him or would a clean broom throughout be better?

Thing is, I really don't think our board care - they have always been content with mediocrity and the Blue's recent poor form has flattered the Dragon's league position. Maybe now the Blues have a tidy coach and are recruiting well it will give our board some ambition and a kick up the arse.

[LordDowlais]

That was a very poor performance last night, passing was amateur, kicking the ball away, handling errors, it's not even as though Sale are a top side, very poor performance, at least we now know why Hewitt should not be in the Welsh squad, that performance along with Scarlets last Sunday really does put the regions into perspective.

[munkian]

That was a very poor performance last night, passing was amateur, kicking the ball away, handling errors, it's not even as though Sale are a top side, very poor performance, at least we now know why Hewitt should not be in the Welsh squad, that performance along with Scarlets last Sunday really does put the regions into perspective.

Firstly, Sale are a good solid side who haven't lost at home in 9 months and do all the basics very well. Whilst we were awful its is a little unfair to take anything away from their performance.

Secondly, not sure how you can belittle a young winger based on a game where his pack were mullered in the set piece and the 9/10 kicked what little ball they had away ?

[LordDowlais]

munkian, it is very commendable of you defending your team, but the stark reality is, that Sale are not a force in their league, they are currently in 8th pace in the league and only 10pts from the bottom, they are no big hitters. 

I watched the game last night and Ashton Hewitts opposite number had him on toast. He was poor under the high ball, but in all fairness Sarel Pretorios's box kicking was very poor, as was his all round game. 

I was not expecting Dragons to win last night, but I was expecting a lot better than what they served up, they just limped out of that game.

[Stone Motif]

I am more than happy to finish below both Italian teams. I want Lyn Jones gone and the board to stop coasting along and that is maybe the rocket that they will need. I won't hold my breath though.

Rev,

Do you think it would be a case of KJ then stepping up a level and bringing in new coaches below him or would a clean broom throughout be better?

Thing is, I really don't think our board care - they have always been content with mediocrity and the Blue's recent poor form has flattered the Dragon's league position. Maybe now the Blues have a tidy coach and are recruiting well it will give our board some ambition and a kick up the arse.

This in spades. We'll never change whilst Hazell and Godfrey are in charge. Unfortunately, if they were to leave we'd also do a Warriors pretty quick. Regional experiment has been an utter failure in this neck of the woods.

[munkian]

I am more than happy to finish below both Italian teams. I want Lyn Jones gone and the board to stop coasting along and that is maybe the rocket that they will need. I won't hold my breath though.

Rev,

Do you think it would be a case of KJ then stepping up a level and bringing in new coaches below him or would a clean broom throughout be better?

Thing is, I really don't think our board care - they have always been content with mediocrity and the Blue's recent poor form has flattered the Dragon's league position. Maybe now the Blues have a tidy coach and are recruiting well it will give our board some ambition and a kick up the arse.

This in spades. We'll never change whilst Hazell and Godfrey are in charge. Unfortunately, if they were to leave we'd also do a Warriors pretty quick. Regional experiment has been an utter failure in this neck of the woods.

Yupp - we'd owe them too much money.

[LordDowlais]

Regional experiment has been an utter failure in this neck of the woods.

I could not agree more with that.

[Stone Motif]

munkian, it is very commendable of you defending your team, but the stark reality is, that Sale are not a force in their league, they are currently in 8th pace in the league and only 10pts from the bottom, they are no big hitters. 

I watched the game last night and Ashton Hewitts opposite number had him on toast. He was poor under the high ball, but in all fairness Sarel Pretorios's box kicking was very poor, as was his all round game. 

I was not expecting Dragons to win last night, but I was expecting a lot better than what they served up, they just limped out of that game.

There is a world of difference between 'not being a force in their league and 'not being a force' in the joke product we take part in.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I watched the game last night and Ashton Hewitts opposite number had him on toast. He was poor under the high ball, but in all fairness Sarel Pretorios's box kicking was very poor, as was his all round game. 

Apart from his try from Cipriani's break, which was literally a run-in, how exactly did he 'have him on toast'?

[Stone Motif]

Regional experiment has been an utter failure in this neck of the woods.

I could not agree more with that.

You'd know I suppose

[munkian]

munkian, it is very commendable of you defending your team, but the stark reality is, that Sale are not a force in their league, they are currently in 8th pace in the league and only 10pts from the bottom, they are no big hitters. 

I watched the game last night and Ashton Hewitts opposite number had him on toast. He was poor under the high ball, but in all fairness Sarel Pretorios's box kicking was very poor, as was his all round game. 

I was not expecting Dragons to win last night, but I was expecting a lot better than what they served up, they just limped out of that game.

Where did I defend my team ? I said we were awful but that would be disingenuous to Sale's solid performance. And they are a strong force at home.

[LordDowlais]

And they are a strong force at home.

I think you are taking what Stuart Barnes is saying a little too literally when he is saying Sale have mot lost at home for 8 months. You do realise there is an off season and a world cup during that period where Sale did not play any games ? 

Yes I will give credit to Sale they played well, but that was only because Dragons were, again, very disappointing. 

The thing is, there has been a pro team in Newport for the last 13yrs, and not once have they ever achieved anything and neither do they look like improving, I could not agree with what stone motif said any stronger. Regional rugby has been an utter failure in Newport, so much so, that you now accept mediocrity. As fans you should be demanding more, and I think the commentators were brutally fair in their assessment of Dragons last night.

It's a shame, as I was expecting more, knowing that a home semi was on the line, and how much that competition meant last season, but what I saw last night was a wimper, the same as I saw last Sunday when Scarlets played, it really does put where our regions are into perspective with other teams outside of Wales, and I find it very depressing.  

I only hope next season is better, with our internationals coming home or staying, perhaps we can make a better fist of things.

[munkian]

And they are a strong force at home.

I think you are taking what Stuart Barnes is saying a little too literally when he is saying Sale have mot lost at home for 8 months. You do realise there is an off season and a world cup during that period where Sale did not play any games ? 

Yes I will give credit to Sale they played well, but that was only because Dragons were, again, very disappointing. 

The thing is, there has been a pro team in Newport for the last 13yrs, and not once have they ever achieved anything and neither do they look like improving, I could not agree with what stone motif said any stronger. Regional rugby has been an utter failure in Newport, so much so, that you now accept mediocrity. As fans you should be demanding more, and I think the commentators were brutally fair in their assessment of Dragons last night.

It's a shame, as I was expecting more, knowing that a home semi was on the line, and how much that competition meant last season, but what I saw last night was a wimper, the same as I saw last Sunday when Scarlets played, it really does put where our regions are into perspective with other teams outside of Wales, and I find it very depressing.  

I only hope next season is better, with our internationals coming home or staying, perhaps we can make a better fist of things.

I'm not sure why you have me pegged as a happy clappy accept anything kind of fan, have you seen my other post further up ?

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Yes I will give credit to Sale they played well, but that was only because Dragons were, again, very disappointing.

I'd say 'but also', or else you're not really giving Sale much credit at all.

There has been a pro team in Newport for the last 13yrs, and not once have they ever achieved anything and neither do they look like improving, I could not agree with what stone motif said any stronger. Regional rugby has been an utter failure in Newport, so much so, that you now accept mediocrity. As fans you should be demanding more, and I think the commentators were brutally fair in their assessment of Dragons last night.

I challenge you to find a single Dragons fan who accepts mediocrity. None of us is happy to see us struggle, but what do you expect us to do, turn our backs on the team?

[LordDowlais]

Sadly, for me I can see the writing on the wall for Dragons, unless a very wealthy person comes along and invests, there is no future for Dragons. 

It pains me to say that, as I think the fans down at RP deserve more.

[Stone Motif]

[quote="LordDowlais"]

The thing is, there has been a pro team in Newport for the last 13yrs, and not once have they ever achieved anything and neither do they look like improving, I could not agree with what stone motif said any stronger. Regional rugby has been an utter failure in Newport, so much so, that you now accept mediocrity. As fans you should be demanding more, and I think the commentators were brutally fair in their assessment of Dragons last night.

It's a shame, as I was expecting more, knowing that a home semi was on the line, and how much that competition meant last season, but what I saw last night was a wimper, the same as I saw last Sunday when Scarlets played, it really does put where our regions are into perspective with other teams outside of Wales, and I find it very depressing.  

Spectacularly disingenuous

[GavinDragon]

munkian, it is very commendable of you defending your team, but the stark reality is, that Sale are not a force in their league, they are currently in 8th pace in the league and only 10pts from the bottom, they are no big hitters. 

I watched the game last night and Ashton Hewitts opposite number had him on toast. He was poor under the high ball, but in all fairness Sarel Pretorios's box kicking was very poor, as was his all round game. 

I was not expecting Dragons to win last night, but I was expecting a lot better than what they served up, they just limped out of that game.

You singling out Ashton for his performance last night shows a complete lack of understanding of a blitz defence and how, if not executed properly, it leaves the winger vulnerable to 2 on 1's and trying to defend a 3rd of the width of the pitch by himself!

[GavinDragon]

I am more than happy to finish below both Italian teams. I want Lyn Jones gone and the board to stop coasting along and that is maybe the rocket that they will need. I won't hold my breath though.

Rev,

Do you think it would be a case of KJ then stepping up a level and bringing in new coaches below him or would a clean broom throughout be better?

Thing is, I really don't think our board care - they have always been content with mediocrity and the Blue's recent poor form has flattered the Dragon's league position. Maybe now the Blues have a tidy coach and are recruiting well it will give our board some ambition and a kick up the arse.

This in spades. We'll never change whilst Hazell and Godfrey are in charge. Unfortunately, if they were to leave we'd also do a Warriors pretty quick. Regional experiment has been an utter failure in this neck of the woods.

Again, show me an investor(s) willing to invest millions if it was club rugby?

No? Didn't think so. We have failed to perform because of a lack of investment on the pitch, because the business is poorly run, and because of poor coaching appointments.

[GavinDragon]

And they are a strong force at home.

I think you are taking what Stuart Barnes is saying a little too literally when he is saying Sale have mot lost at home for 8 months. You do realise there is an off season and a world cup during that period where Sale did not play any games ? 

Yes I will give credit to Sale they played well, but that was only because Dragons were, again, very disappointing. 

The thing is, there has been a pro team in Newport for the last 13yrs, and not once have they ever achieved anything and neither do they look like improving, I could not agree with what stone motif said any stronger. Proffesional rugby in the last 13 years has been an utter failure in Newport, so much so, that you now accept mediocrity. As fans you should be demanding more, and I think the commentators were brutally fair in their assessment of Dragons last night.

It's a shame, as I was expecting more, knowing that a home semi was on the line, and how much that competition meant last season, but what I saw last night was a wimper, the same as I saw last Sunday when Scarlets played, it really does put where our regions are into perspective with other teams outside of Wales, and I find it very depressing.  

I only hope next season is better, with our internationals coming home or staying, perhaps we can make a better fist of things.

Fixed that for you

[LordDowlais]

Again, show me an investor(s) willing to invest millions if it was club rugby?

I didn't say there is one. Because of this, and the fact that you have people in charge who are happy to just make up the numbers in the competitions they are in leads me to the fact that UNLESS something drastic happens, like a new investor Dragons have a bleak future.

Who is going to want to have anything to do with a team that just makes up the numbers ? 

It's unfair to the fans who turn out every week, and pay to watch this crud with no sign of improvement. If Dragons were an animal, it would be put down by now out of mercy, but no, Dragons will still be in the same position every season making up the numbers until something drastic happens, and if it is not an investor into the region, then we know what else it could be. The Gwent region is on it's knees. If it were not for the Italian sides you would be the worst pro team in the league, at least Cardiff are showing some ambition by trying to make better signings.

[munkian]

The thing is, there has been a pro team in Newport for the last 13yrs, and not once have they ever achieved anything and neither do they look like improving, I could not agree with what stone motif said any stronger. Regional rugby has been an utter failure in Newport, so much so, that you now accept mediocrity. As fans you should be demanding more, and I think the commentators were brutally fair in their assessment of Dragons last night.

It's a shame, as I was expecting more, knowing that a home semi was on the line, and how much that competition meant last season, but what I saw last night was a wimper, the same as I saw last Sunday when Scarlets played, it really does put where our regions are into perspective with other teams outside of Wales, and I find it very depressing.  

Spectacularly disingenuous

I didnt write that

[Guest]

Sadly, for me I can see the writing on the wall for Dragons, unless a very wealthy person comes along and invests, there is no future for Dragons. 

It pains me to say that, as I think the fans down at RP deserve more.

But this is the problem: regional/provincial rugby is meant to do away with the money men and over-reliance on them in favour of a union/national government body run game which promotes a relatively level playing field for the pro clubs within it, movement of players between them so we don't get inequalities and stock piling, equal funding, etc.  It's like capitalism approaches (England & France leagues) vs socialism approaches (Ireland, NZ, etc.).  Each have their merits.  Unfortunately, as with many things in Wales, we've gone for a botched quasi provincial system where it's half union run but they still want private investors to make up the short fall while not being fully in command of their own destinies.  I'm sick of it.  We've got to be one or the other.  I like the provincial rugby concept but it's got to be 'proper' if we're doing it at all!  Either the WRU takes over pro rugby and stumps up ALL of the cash, buys out the current ownership and runs the thing fully like provincial rugby is meant to be, or they should just let the businesses do what they have to do, call themselves what they want, sign who they want, let themselves develop and either succeed or fold and then allow someone else to come in as is the nature of business.  But we can't go on much longer being a mishmash of approaches. And this is not a knee jerk reaction - this is 13 years in the making.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Again, show me an investor(s) willing to invest millions if it was club rugby?

I didn't say there is one. Because of this, and the fact that you have people in charge who are happy to just make up the numbers in the competitions they are in leads me to the fact that UNLESS something drastic happens, like a new investor Dragons have a bleak future.

Who is going to want to have anything to do with a team that just makes up the numbers ? 

It's unfair to the fans who turn out every week, and pay to watch this crud with no sign of improvement. If Dragons were an animal, it would be put down by now out of mercy, but no, Dragons will still be in the same position every season making up the numbers until something drastic happens, and if it is not an investor into the region, then we know what else it could be. The Gwent region is on it's knees. If it were not for the Italian sides you would be the worst pro team in the league, at least Cardiff are showing some ambition by trying to make better signings.

Aside from the fact that our recent signings have actually been good (Landman and Pretorius for starters), do you honestly think the Dragons haven't been trying to sign better players?

[Guest]

Again, show me an investor(s) willing to invest millions if it was club rugby?

I didn't say there is one. Because of this, and the fact that you have people in charge who are happy to just make up the numbers in the competitions they are in leads me to the fact that UNLESS something drastic happens, like a new investor Dragons have a bleak future.

Who is going to want to have anything to do with a team that just makes up the numbers ? 

It's unfair to the fans who turn out every week, and pay to watch this crud with no sign of improvement. If Dragons were an animal, it would be put down by now out of mercy, but no, Dragons will still be in the same position every season making up the numbers until something drastic happens, and if it is not an investor into the region, then we know what else it could be. The Gwent region is on it's knees. If it were not for the Italian sides you would be the worst pro team in the league, at least Cardiff are showing some ambition by trying to make better signings.

Aside from the fact that our recent signings have actually been good (Landman and Pretorius for starters), do you honestly think the Dragons haven't been trying to sign better players?

Good point: we've been linked to pretty much everyone lately - Matthew Morgan, Mike Phillips (!), Hook, Henson, Ian Evans, Charteris, Lydiate, etc. We've tried. We've put in offers. It's not like we're NOT trying.

[mikey_dragon]

That was a very poor performance last night, passing was amateur, kicking the ball away, handling errors, it's not even as though Sale are a top side, very poor performance, at least we now know why Hewitt should not be in the Welsh squad, that performance along with Scarlets last Sunday really does put the regions into perspective.

Firstly, Sale are a good solid side who haven't lost at home in 9 months and do all the basics very well. Whilst we were awful its is a little unfair to take anything away from their performance.

Secondly, not sure how you can belittle a young winger based on a game where his pack were mullered in the set piece and the 9/10 kicked what little ball they had away ?

How on earth are you singling out Hewitt? What did he do? If you singled out Amos, who earned himself a YC then I could understand. Not Hewitt though, who once again got on the scoresheet. If he was in Bloos jersey he'd still be the form winger in Wales!

[mikey_dragon]

And they are a strong force at home.

I think you are taking what Stuart Barnes is saying a little too literally when he is saying Sale have mot lost at home for 8 months. You do realise there is an off season and a world cup during that period where Sale did not play any games ? 

Yes I will give credit to Sale they played well, but that was only because Dragons were, again, very disappointing. 

The thing is, there has been a pro team in Newport for the last 13yrs, and not once have they ever achieved anything and neither do they look like improving, I could not agree with what stone motif said any stronger. Regional rugby has been an utter failure in Newport, so much so, that you now accept mediocrity. As fans you should be demanding more, and I think the commentators were brutally fair in their assessment of Dragons last night.

It's a shame, as I was expecting more, knowing that a home semi was on the line, and how much that competition meant last season, but what I saw last night was a wimper, the same as I saw last Sunday when Scarlets played, it really does put where our regions are into perspective with other teams outside of Wales, and I find it very depressing.  

I only hope next season is better, with our internationals coming home or staying, perhaps we can make a better fist of things.

Tbh I think a region that joined up Merthyr and Ponty would have won three European trophies by now. Leinster and Toulon who?

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