Ospreys 2015/16 Season

First topic message reminder :

Never done one of these here before, yet cannot do any worse than last years idiot.
Head Coach Steve Tandy
Backs Coach Gruff Rees
Forwards Coach Chris Gibbes
Squad Alphabetically
TYLER ARDRON 24 Back Row                  Rhodri Hughes 20 Lock
Dimitri Arhip 26 Prop                              PAUL JAMES 33 Prop
Lloyd Ashley (Peers) 24 Lock                   AARON JARVIS 29 Prop
Dan Baker 23 Back Row                          Ben John 24 Centre
SCOTT BALDWIN 27 Hooker                    ALUN WYN JONES 29 Lock
Adam Beard 19 Lock                              JAMES KING 25 Back Row  
Joe Bearman 36 Back Row                      Brendon Leonard 30 S/H
Ashley Beck 25 Centre                            DAN LYDIATE 27 Back Row
Rynier Bernardo 24 Lock                         JOSH MATAVESI 24 Centre
Ryan Bevington 26 Prop                          Scott Otten 21 Hooker
DAN BIGGAR 25 OH                               Sam Parry 23 Hooker
Andrew Bishop 30 Centre                        Kristian Phillips 24 Wing
Jordan Collier 20 Back Row                     Martin Roberts 29 S/H
Olly Cracknell 21 Back Row                     Nicky Smith 21 Prop
Sam Davies 21 O/H                                Johnathon Spratt 29 Centre
Gareth Delve 32 Back Row                      De Kock Steenkamp 28 Lock
Hanno Dirksen 24 Wing                          Dan Suter 23 Prop
Mathew Dwyer 30 Hooker                       Gareth Thomas 23 Prop
Dan Evans 26 F/B                                  Marc Thomas 25 Prop
Lloyd Evans 24 Back Row                       Rory Thornton 20 Lock
Richard Fussell 31 F/B                            JUSTIN TIPURIC 26 Back Row  
Tom Grabham 24 Wing                           Eli Walker 23 Wing
Cai Griffiths 31 Prop                               RHYS WEBB 26 S/H
Tom Habberfield 23 S/H                         The following 2 are either temporary
JEFF HASSLER 24 Wing                          or with feeder clubs
Dafydd Howells 20 Wing                         Sam Underhill 19 Back Row
                                                           Oliver Tomaszczyk 28 Prop
The players in CAPITALS will not be available until after the first 3 games of the Guinness League due to WC call ups
The past 5 seasons we have finished 3, 5, 3, 3 and 4 at the end of the regular season, I envision us finishing around the same position this season.
We will also be without Bernardo and Suter for a while early season, we have recruited Tomaszczyk to cover Suter, Underhill came on as a substitute in the Saracens friendly and there were favourable reports about him. If we have injuries in a few key positions especially early season, that prophecy above could be out the window. There has been talk we have signed a T/H from NZ, who had a serious ankle ligament injury, we are still waiting on his rehab. It needs to be soon or we will have to rely on Jarvis, which is not a good thought.
Just to add we won our first 7 matches last season, against most peoples and my expectations, and it will be more of a shock to me if we win either of our first 2 matches this season. Too many missing through injury and International call ups.

VinceWLB wrote:

wayne wrote:
No Vince, I have no explanation and I would have had Ma'afu on the bench, but there was no way that that decision cost us the game today, Baldwins brain fart, Davies's tackling ineptitude, and the decision to sub Dan Evans when it should have been a backrow forward as most teams do, had a much bigger impact on why we lost that game, and also the fact Exeter were the better team hadthe biggest impact.

I think there was 3 scrums with Jarvis on and on each occasion he was driven back and got penalised once. It certainly didn't cost you the game today but when you realise Exeter got through by a point difference of just 1, you can't help but think this had a very negative impact.

Arhip was immense once again by the way. One of the best signing of any regions in the last 3-4 years.

From what I understand even though we were only 1 point from qualifying even if we were to get 3 extra points from a penalty we still wouldn't have put us through, as for Dai Mitri he is getting TiaTia like status, a real good buy.
With Jarvis off with TW next week, our best 2 tight heads should be in the squad together, also with Engelbrecht homing in soon, although Rees says he shouldn't be available next week, I would have him on the bench as the one thing we really lack in the back division is out and out speed.

VinceWLB wrote:

Allty wrote:

VinceWLB wrote:

Pot Hale wrote:Wow.  Some result for McCafferty & Co.  Five of the quarter final spots home ties over the French and the PRO 12 completely routed.

Bottle of champagne to that man.

I have watched my last seconds of that tournament. I wont be watching any more of that corrupt tournament.

I am confused ... Please explain why this tournament is corrupt

I explained it already, officiating has been terrible and tweaked in favour of English and to a lesser extent French sides. That's the PRL power.

Rubbish.

This is not an example of PRL power it is an example of some Pro12 fans being sore losers.

English and French teams never have a referee from their own league and Pro12 teams quite often do. Therefore to suggest that Pro12 teams are hard done by is ridiculous.

RiscaGame wrote:

Steffan wrote:Another fake "region" failing to compete with the big boys...

That is sad

Did the one man and his dog from the away support enjoy the game though?

At least the Ospreys one man and his dog didn't abuse a female physio like your vile lot down Bridgend.

https: http://twitter.com/NatalieMelfa/status/688508230922833923

Lot???

It was only me who said it

Martin Roberts has left the Region with immediate effect to join English Premiership Club Bristol, I would say that is about his level, NOT good enough for Guinness League level and never was, let me just add, he should never have been brought back to us, whoever sanctioned his, Kristian Phillips and Gareth Delve's move to us ought to have been shot.
Good luck to him on his future.

The recruitment policy of bringing back old players has to stop. Kristian Phillips, job Spratt, martin Roberts, cai Griffiths don't add anything and just taken up salary space and a registration slot

I don't know what Tom Habbers has done to not start this season at scrum half. Another one that has upset the coaches one way or another??

Bloody hell. Delve. I forgot he was back in Wales. I'm guessing he's injured?

Played against ulster and been injured ever since

Breadvan id be happy next season to release Leonard if we're restricted by a NWQ quota and have Webb, habberfield and then Matthew Aubrey as third choice and then use the NWQ on a back three player

True Raven wrote:Breadvan id be happy next season to release Leonard if we're restricted by a NWQ quota and have Webb, habberfield and then Matthew Aubrey as third choice and then use the NWQ on a back three player

TR, I don't think I'd be very happy to rely on Habbers and Aubrey for Guinness League games when Rhys is away, we should be getting extra income through the new DCs to get some of the squad players you mention and other extra income, we have coming in.

Haven't we maxed our NWQ limit? We have wingers made of glass so I would prefer cover there. Lets hope the club are looking at recruitment!

Coleman wrote:Bloody hell. Delve. I forgot he was back in Wales. I'm guessing he's injured?

Yes, and from individual press releases it is not one specific injury, something would clear up, and then he'd go down with something completely different, a disastrous signing.

True Raven wrote:Haven't we maxed our NWQ limit?  We have wingers made of glass so I would prefer cover there.  Lets hope the club are looking at recruitment!

TR, I think that was a lot to the Andrew Hore interviews, he wants the NWQ to revert to the matchday squad and not the overall squad which was brought in after the last PA, there is a lot of talk about those negotiations taking place at the moment.

True Raven wrote:Haven't we maxed our NWQ limit?  We have wingers made of glass so I would prefer cover there.  Lets hope the club are looking at recruitment!

I expect your recruiters are texting Ashton Hewitt right this minute.

mikey_dragon wrote:

True Raven wrote:Haven't we maxed our NWQ limit?  We have wingers made of glass so I would prefer cover there.  Lets hope the club are looking at recruitment!

I expect your recruiters are texting Ashton Hewitt right this minute.

More likely texting Hallam Amos' agent after he has already put the feelers out down west (supposedly).

Great news...

Martin Roberts has left to join Bristol:-

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/ospreys-scrum-half-martin-roberts-10794778

For those of you who do not like to read WOL:-

Roberts has had very limited opportunities at the Liberty Stadium and Ospreys bosses have allowed him to go straight away.

Ospreys scrum-half Martin Roberts has joined Bristol with immediate effect.
The 29-year-old was on the fringes of the first team squad at the Liberty Stadium and has left straight away to try and secure a longer contract with the English club, where he will link up with Gavin Henson and former Opsreys coach Sean Holley.
Roberts has made just four appearances for the region this season, all as a replacement, and with Rhys Webb set to return from injury and the emergence of Tom Habberfield in the No.9 position, he did not appear to have much of a future.
In all Roberts played 48 games for the Ospreys in two spells, scoring three tries.
A statement on the Ospreys website wished him luck as he attempts to boost Bristol's long-running bid to return to the Aviva Premiership at the end of this campaign.

Bit slow aren't you LD. It's already been posted.

mikey_dragon wrote:Bit slow aren't you LD. It's already been posted.

I have been with clients all morning, I am only now getting back on the web.

Then scroll up before you post.

mikey_dragon wrote:Then scroll up before you post.

Yes Sir !!!!

Lloyd Ashley out for the season with ligament damage which requires surgery, and Hanno Dirksen out for about 6 weeks also with ligament damage which apparently doesn't need surgery, the first will not be missed as Bernardo is ready to come back anyway, but Hanno definitely will.

It might make sense for Ospreys to look for a winger, on a short-term loan deal perhaps. Unless you're okay with Phillips.

mikey_dragon wrote:It might make sense for Ospreys to look for a winger, on a short-term loan deal perhaps. Unless you're okay with Phillips.

Phillips is with the 7s

One of the coaches was overheard telling somebody that Rhys Webb would be in the squad for the Munster game in a fortnight, and so would  Jeff Hassler, who after Owen Watkin's fantastic break yesterday if either Jeff or Eli was the person receiving the pass would have scored. Grabham is a gutsy sort of player, but no top end speed.

wayne wrote:One of the coaches was overheard telling somebody that Rhys Webb would be in the squad for the Munster game in a fortnight, and so would  Jeff Hassler, who after Owen Watkin's fantastic break yesterday if either Jeff or Eli was the person receiving the pass would have scored. Grabham is a gutsy sort of player, but no top end speed.

Highlight of the game for me. Seems that all 4 have a crop of promising younger players.

Good to get back to some meaningful news, apparently Rhys Webb is back for our game against Munster this weekend, probably start on the bench, it'll be Leonard starting, pity for poor Habberfield played well recently.

Wayne,what's the latest on Tyler and Jeff?

wayne wrote:Good to get back to some meaningful news, apparently Rhys Webb is back for our game against Munster this weekend, probably start on the bench, it'll be Leonard starting, pity for poor Habberfield played well recently.

Good to see Rhys back, I just hope hes not rushed into the Welsh setup.

I also hope Habbers doesn't do a Rhodri Williams and leave for first team rugby as he looks to be showing the promise we hoped back when he was in the under 20's

exile jack wrote:Wayne,what's the latest on Tyler and Jeff?

Exile, somebody on our board, heard a snippet at the end of the Glasgow game, that both Rhys and Jeff (Hassler) will be available for this game, he's obviously been proved right about Rhys, we really could also do with Jeff, I think I heard on the Website about a fortnight ago that Tyler could be out for another few weeks, but I could be wrong. I'll have a check and edit this if any different.

True Raven wrote:

wayne wrote:Good to get back to some meaningful news, apparently Rhys Webb is back for our game against Munster this weekend, probably start on the bench, it'll be Leonard starting, pity for poor Habberfield played well recently.

Good to see Rhys back, I just hope hes not rushed into the Welsh setup.

I also hope Habbers doesn't do a Rhodri Williams and leave for first team rugby as he looks to be showing the promise we hoped back when he was in the under 20's

I totally agree Raven about Habbers, I just hope these rumours about Knoyle are not true, did you watch the U20s match last weekend and the kid that came on Reuben something Williams, he made one flashing break and I think he had one of his kicks charged down, many people are very excited about him, I believe he is still available for the U18s and has played a few games for Neath and they reckon he's acquitted himself very well so why go for Knoyle, I think the only reason could be to get rid of Leonard and free up a NWQ place. That wouldn't sit very well with me if Rhys is with TW I wouldn't like Habbers and Knoyle to be our front runners for GL games.

wayne wrote:

True Raven wrote:

wayne wrote:Good to get back to some meaningful news, apparently Rhys Webb is back for our game against Munster this weekend, probably start on the bench, it'll be Leonard starting, pity for poor Habberfield played well recently.

Good to see Rhys back, I just hope hes not rushed into the Welsh setup.

I also hope Habbers doesn't do a Rhodri Williams and leave for first team rugby as he looks to be showing the promise we hoped back when he was in the under 20's

I totally agree Raven about Habbers, I just hope these rumours about Knoyle are not true, did you watch the U20s match last weekend and the kid that came on Reuben something Williams, he made one flashing break and I think he had one of his kicks charged down, many people are very excited about him, I believe he is still available for the U18s and has played a few games for Neath and they reckon he's acquitted himself very well so why go for Knoyle, I think the only reason could be to get rid of Leonard and free up a NWQ place. That wouldn't sit very well with me if Rhys is with TW I wouldn't like Habbers and Knoyle to be our front runners for GL games.

Yeah Reuben Morgan-Williams, he turned 18 last week. Seemed pretty good with a good step on him.... I wouldnt mind Habbers and Knoyle for international windows as it means we can use a NWQ spot on the back three as our wingers are always injured!

True Raven wrote:

wayne wrote:

True Raven wrote:

wayne wrote:Good to get back to some meaningful news, apparently Rhys Webb is back for our game against Munster this weekend, probably start on the bench, it'll be Leonard starting, pity for poor Habberfield played well recently.

Good to see Rhys back, I just hope hes not rushed into the Welsh setup.

I also hope Habbers doesn't do a Rhodri Williams and leave for first team rugby as he looks to be showing the promise we hoped back when he was in the under 20's

I totally agree Raven about Habbers, I just hope these rumours about Knoyle are not true, did you watch the U20s match last weekend and the kid that came on Reuben something Williams, he made one flashing break and I think he had one of his kicks charged down, many people are very excited about him, I believe he is still available for the U18s and has played a few games for Neath and they reckon he's acquitted himself very well so why go for Knoyle, I think the only reason could be to get rid of Leonard and free up a NWQ place. That wouldn't sit very well with me if Rhys is with TW I wouldn't like Habbers and Knoyle to be our front runners for GL games.

Yeah Reuben Morgan-Williams, he turned 18 last week.  Seemed pretty good with a good step on him.... I wouldnt mind Habbers and Knoyle for international windows as it means we can use a NWQ spot on the back three as our wingers are always injured!

Yes that's the one, have you seen him live? Oh the break was excellent, it was a pity nobody was on his shoulder. I'm sorry we have to agree to disagree, we've just got rid of one useless SH, Roberts, personally I don't rate Knoyle any better, also the fact that Leonard still has time on his contract, that will have to be overcome. As for the back 3 cover, don't you know Amos is coming from the Dragons somebody called Robin Davey has tweeted it so it must be true

wayne wrote:

True Raven wrote:

wayne wrote:

True Raven wrote:

wayne wrote:Good to get back to some meaningful news, apparently Rhys Webb is back for our game against Munster this weekend, probably start on the bench, it'll be Leonard starting, pity for poor Habberfield played well recently.

Good to see Rhys back, I just hope hes not rushed into the Welsh setup.

I also hope Habbers doesn't do a Rhodri Williams and leave for first team rugby as he looks to be showing the promise we hoped back when he was in the under 20's

I totally agree Raven about Habbers, I just hope these rumours about Knoyle are not true, did you watch the U20s match last weekend and the kid that came on Reuben something Williams, he made one flashing break and I think he had one of his kicks charged down, many people are very excited about him, I believe he is still available for the U18s and has played a few games for Neath and they reckon he's acquitted himself very well so why go for Knoyle, I think the only reason could be to get rid of Leonard and free up a NWQ place. That wouldn't sit very well with me if Rhys is with TW I wouldn't like Habbers and Knoyle to be our front runners for GL games.

Yeah Reuben Morgan-Williams, he turned 18 last week.  Seemed pretty good with a good step on him.... I wouldnt mind Habbers and Knoyle for international windows as it means we can use a NWQ spot on the back three as our wingers are always injured!

Yes that's the one, have you seen him live? Oh the break was excellent, it was a pity nobody was on his shoulder. I'm sorry we have to agree to disagree, we've just got rid of one useless SH, Roberts, personally I don't rate Knoyle any better, also the fact that Leonard still has time on his contract, that will have to be overcome. As for the back 3 cover, don't you know Amos is coming from the Dragons somebody called Robin Davey has tweeted it so it must be true

Has Knoyle ever played for the Blues because I thought he'd been loaned to Ponty? The arrival of Knoyle coming after Roberts and Tebaldi seems a pretty odd selection hat trick.

exile jack wrote:

wayne wrote:

True Raven wrote:

wayne wrote:

True Raven wrote:

wayne wrote:Good to get back to some meaningful news, apparently Rhys Webb is back for our game against Munster this weekend, probably start on the bench, it'll be Leonard starting, pity for poor Habberfield played well recently.

Good to see Rhys back, I just hope hes not rushed into the Welsh setup.

I also hope Habbers doesn't do a Rhodri Williams and leave for first team rugby as he looks to be showing the promise we hoped back when he was in the under 20's

I totally agree Raven about Habbers, I just hope these rumours about Knoyle are not true, did you watch the U20s match last weekend and the kid that came on Reuben something Williams, he made one flashing break and I think he had one of his kicks charged down, many people are very excited about him, I believe he is still available for the U18s and has played a few games for Neath and they reckon he's acquitted himself very well so why go for Knoyle, I think the only reason could be to get rid of Leonard and free up a NWQ place. That wouldn't sit very well with me if Rhys is with TW I wouldn't like Habbers and Knoyle to be our front runners for GL games.

Yeah Reuben Morgan-Williams, he turned 18 last week.  Seemed pretty good with a good step on him.... I wouldnt mind Habbers and Knoyle for international windows as it means we can use a NWQ spot on the back three as our wingers are always injured!

Yes that's the one, have you seen him live? Oh the break was excellent, it was a pity nobody was on his shoulder. I'm sorry we have to agree to disagree, we've just got rid of one useless SH, Roberts, personally I don't rate Knoyle any better, also the fact that Leonard still has time on his contract, that will have to be overcome. As for the back 3 cover, don't you know Amos is coming from the Dragons somebody called Robin Davey has tweeted it so it must be true

Has Knoyle ever played for the Blues because I thought he'd been loaned to Ponty? The arrival of Knoyle coming after Roberts and Tebaldi seems a pretty odd selection hat trick.

Yes Exile he has been on the bench for a few months, he was there when the Blues played us at the Liberty not too long ago, and he started a game recently might have been a couple, I agree with you I don't want him anywhere near our team

wayne wrote:

exile jack wrote:Wayne,what's the latest on Tyler and Jeff?

Exile, somebody on our board, heard a snippet at the end of the Glasgow game, that both Rhys and Jeff (Hassler) will be available for this game, he's obviously been proved right about Rhys, we really could also do with Jeff, I think I heard on the Website about a fortnight ago that Tyler could be out for another few weeks, but I could be wrong. I'll have a check and edit this if any different.

Exile, just watched the Gruff Rees (Backs Coach) Press Conference and he said it was unlikely Jeff would be available for this weekend, but probably have input for the Edinburgh game. Tyler he said would still be a few weeks, he didn't want to rush him as we'd definitely need him later in the season

Wayne,thanks.Best they recover fully.I love their positive attitude and commitment when they're on the pitch.Hoping for a big performance in Cork this Sunday.

wayne wrote:

wayne wrote:

exile jack wrote:Wayne,what's the latest on Tyler and Jeff?

Exile, somebody on our board, heard a snippet at the end of the Glasgow game, that both Rhys and Jeff (Hassler) will be available for this game, he's obviously been proved right about Rhys, we really could also do with Jeff, I think I heard on the Website about a fortnight ago that Tyler could be out for another few weeks, but I could be wrong. I'll have a check and edit this if any different.

Exile, just watched the Gruff Rees (Backs Coach) Press Conference and he said it was unlikely Jeff would be available for this weekend, but probably have input for the Edinburgh game. Tyler he said would still be a few weeks, he didn't want to rush him as we'd definitely need him later in the season

Yes, best not rush them back. I do think Ardron was rushed back too quickly earlier this season and possibly even Hassler too. Both are easily first choice and would walk into the team. Still unimpressed by Walker and Baker.

Vince,I'm still positive about Eli and Dan.I know Eli is never going to win a tackler of the year award but you have to admire how he's responded to his injury absences.As his tries against the Scarlets and Glasgow show he can finish moves off with the best.With Dan,he may have had a bit of second season let down but he's well worth sticking with.Bring on the Munstermen!

Adam Beard and Owen Watkin released back to us from the U20s, I wonder if Engelbrecht is played on the wing this weekend because of Dirksen being out, I just wish Hassler would have been available, Eli's confidence is not very high at the moment.

Can see a team of something like the following for Sunday
Evans, Engelbrecht, Watkin, Matavesi, Walker, Davies, Leonard, Smith, Parry, Arhip, Bernardo, Thornton, Bearman, Underhill, Baker with Thomas, Otten, Fia, Beard, Cracknell, Webb, John, Grabham on the bench, although would like Otten over Parry and Cracknell over Bearman although that might be too young a squad, also wouldn't be surprised to see Engelbrecht in at OC and John on the wing, if only the Canadians were available, I would genuinely expect to get into at least the top 6 and perhaps even the top 4 at the end of the season

Wayne,a finish that gets us into next seasons Champions Cup would be excellent.A top 4 place would be a remarkable achievement.Next 2 games critical so come on the O's.Is Hanno injured?

exile jack wrote:Wayne,a finish that gets us into next seasons Champions Cup would be excellent.A top 4 place would be a remarkable achievement.Next 2 games critical so come on the O's.Is Hanno injured?

To your question, yes

exile jack wrote:Wayne,a finish that gets us into next seasons Champions Cup would be excellent.A top 4 place would be a remarkable achievement.Next 2 games critical so come on the O's.Is Hanno injured?

Reckon Cardiff will be 2 points ahead of the One-True by Sunday evening.

Cardiff Dave wrote:

exile jack wrote:Wayne,a finish that gets us into next seasons Champions Cup would be excellent.A top 4 place would be a remarkable achievement.Next 2 games critical so come on the O's.Is Hanno injured?

Reckon Cardiff will be 2 points ahead of the One-True by Sunday evening.

I like that Dave. Optimism, I'm never optimistic. Oh and get it right Dave One True Region.

wayne wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

exile jack wrote:Wayne,a finish that gets us into next seasons Champions Cup would be excellent.A top 4 place would be a remarkable achievement.Next 2 games critical so come on the O's.Is Hanno injured?

Reckon Cardiff will be 2 points ahead of the One-True by Sunday evening.

I like that Dave. Optimism, I'm never optimistic. Oh and get it right Dave One True Region.

Could happen though with us taking on Treviso's 3rds.

Team for Sunday vs Munster

Ospreys: D Evans; T Grabham, JJ Engelbrecht, J Matavesi, B John, S Davies, B Leonard (capt); N Smith, S Parry, D Arhip, R Bernardo, R Thornton, J Bearman, S Underhill, D Baker. Reps: S Otten, G Thomas, M Fia, A Beard, O Cracknell, R Webb, O Watkin, T Habberfield.

Interesting to see that Eli Walker has not been picked and he isn't injured either and they've picked Ben John who has lost his place in the centre.

Two scrum halves on the bench but Habberfield has played wing before for the Ospreys so he is the back three cover.

Finally, Rhys Webb is back

True Raven wrote:Team for Sunday vs Munster

Ospreys: D Evans; T Grabham, JJ Engelbrecht, J Matavesi, B John, S Davies, B Leonard (capt); N Smith, S Parry, D Arhip, R Bernardo, R Thornton, J Bearman, S Underhill, D Baker. Reps: S Otten, G Thomas, M Fia, A Beard, O Cracknell, R Webb, O Watkin, T Habberfield.

Interesting to see that Eli Walker has not been picked and he isn't injured either and they've picked Ben John who has lost his place in the centre.

Two scrum halves on the bench but Habberfield has played wing before for the Ospreys so he is the back three cover.

Finally, Rhys Webb is back

Bit of a shock TR, to see Eli left out altogether, I know he's had a couple of brain farts recently, I still would have had him on the bench at least.

When a scrum half is covering the wing then it's a massive fall from grace. Don't really get why he's dropped, he's scored more tries already this season (7) than any other season and it's still Feb.