Ospreys 2015/16 Season

by wayne Wed 02 Sep 2015, 12:43 pm

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.

by mikey_dragon Fri 12 Feb 2016, 10:50 pm

Swap hookers (i don't rate Parry) and that's possibly one of the top 3 reserve teams in the league! Your directors have to look at some wing recruitment next season, at least two. It would be nice for you to also be able to hold onto JJ.

by VinceWLB Fri 12 Feb 2016, 11:11 pm

Massive game from Morgan Allen tonight, the more i watch him and Baker the more i realise O's let the wrong 8 go!

by Valleyboy Sat 13 Feb 2016, 6:50 am

I was a fan of Allen and was sad to see him go. It made sense at the time, Baker looked like the real deal, we had good backup in Bearman, Ardron, King if necessary and Delve was due to come in.
It's sensible to let players go sometimes so they get a chance to play some rugby.
I still think Baker will come good again but Delve ....wtf was that all about??

by True Raven Sat 13 Feb 2016, 9:18 am

Yeah delve was a an awful signing but last year baker was the superior player to Allen and he's also younger. If ardron is fit, the order would have been ardron, king, baker then Allen so there was no need to keep him with young job fox also coming through

by Stone Motif Sat 13 Feb 2016, 10:15 am

VinceWLB wrote:Massive game from Morgan Allen tonight, the more i watch him and Baker the more i realise O's let the wrong 8 go!

He's really coming along. The environment out west must be superior to that in Swansea in order for him to flourish like he has.

by wayne Sat 13 Feb 2016, 2:54 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:Swap hookers (i don't rate Parry) and that's possibly one of the top 3 reserve teams in the league! Your directors have to look at some wing recruitment next season, at least two. It would be nice for you to also be able to hold onto JJ.

Mikey, I've said for a few months now that Otten should be in front of Parry, Sam is a better scrummager but is arrows are poor and there is not much in it around the park, Sam is much better now than when he joined us, but he's had enough chances, Scott should be given a go.
JJ is possibly given a chance to show his worth, and whether we both like each other perhaps some extension could be arranged, and yet again there is talk of us signing an inexperienced Welsh youngster who needs improving Very Happy

We do need one or two back three covers especially with the amount of injuries the wings are experiencing and we need backup for our full back.

by wayne Sat 13 Feb 2016, 3:00 pm

True Raven wrote:Yeah delve was a an awful signing but last year baker was the superior player to Allen and he's also younger. If ardron is fit, the order would have been ardron, king, baker then Allen so there was no need to keep him with young job fox also coming through

Yes this is spot on, Morgan Allen had plenty of opportunities starting or off the bench, he was better as an impact, but still not good enough.

by wayne Sat 13 Feb 2016, 8:24 pm

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.

You're not even above us before we play, so much for the optimism.

I think Dowlais could be right, even with all these millionaires behind you, you couldn't beat as you put it Treviso's 3rds.

by Cardiff Dave Sat 13 Feb 2016, 9:32 pm

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.
You're not even above us before we play, so much for the optimism.

I think Dowlais could be right, even with all these millionaires behind you, you couldn't beat as you put it Treviso's 3rds.

A mere abberation mun.
I blame the ref. Or not being the finished article yet (a Dai Young favourite). Or the continental breakfast perhaps.

by wayne Sat 13 Feb 2016, 9:38 pm

Cardiff Dave wrote:
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.
You're not even above us before we play, so much for the optimism.

I think Dowlais could be right, even with all these millionaires behind you, you couldn't beat as you put it Treviso's 3rds.

A mere abberation mun.
I blame the ref. Or not being the finished article yet (a Dai Young favourite). Or the continental breakfast perhaps.

I'm glad the prompt worked, it would have been better if the prompt wasn't needed.

by Cardiff Dave Sat 13 Feb 2016, 9:48 pm

wayne wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
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.
You're not even above us before we play, so much for the optimism.

I think Dowlais could be right, even with all these millionaires behind you, you couldn't beat as you put it Treviso's 3rds.

A mere abberation mun.
I blame the ref. Or not being the finished article yet (a Dai Young favourite). Or the continental breakfast perhaps.
I'm glad the prompt worked, it would have been better if the prompt wasn't needed.

"prompt"?

by wayne Sat 13 Feb 2016, 10:00 pm

Cardiff Dave wrote:
wayne wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
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.
You're not even above us before we play, so much for the optimism.

I think Dowlais could be right, even with all these millionaires behind you, you couldn't beat as you put it Treviso's 3rds.

A mere abberation mun.
I blame the ref. Or not being the finished article yet (a Dai Young favourite). Or the continental breakfast perhaps.
I'm glad the prompt worked, it would have been better if the prompt wasn't needed.

"prompt"?

The PM I sent you at 9.32 tonight which is in my outbox so is obviously in your inbox, that prompt.

by Cardiff Dave Sat 13 Feb 2016, 10:09 pm

wayne wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
wayne wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
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.
You're not even above us before we play, so much for the optimism.

I think Dowlais could be right, even with all these millionaires behind you, you couldn't beat as you put it Treviso's 3rds.

A mere abberation mun.
I blame the ref. Or not being the finished article yet (a Dai Young favourite). Or the continental breakfast perhaps.
I'm glad the prompt worked, it would have been better if the prompt wasn't needed.

"prompt"?
The PM I sent you at 9.32 tonight which is in my outbox so is obviously in your inbox, that prompt.

Just read it. Next season is the one anyway.

by **RiscaGame** Sat 13 Feb 2016, 10:11 pm

wayne wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
wayne wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
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.
You're not even above us before we play, so much for the optimism.

I think Dowlais could be right, even with all these millionaires behind you, you couldn't beat as you put it Treviso's 3rds.

A mere abberation mun.
I blame the ref. Or not being the finished article yet (a Dai Young favourite). Or the continental breakfast perhaps.
I'm glad the prompt worked, it would have been better if the prompt wasn't needed.

"prompt"?
The PM I sent you at 9.32 tonight which is in my outbox so is obviously in your inbox, that prompt.

So you pm'd him to try getting him on your hook? Poor wum Wink

by wayne Sat 13 Feb 2016, 10:13 pm

RiscaGame wrote:
wayne wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
wayne wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
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.
You're not even above us before we play, so much for the optimism.

I think Dowlais could be right, even with all these millionaires behind you, you couldn't beat as you put it Treviso's 3rds.

A mere abberation mun.
I blame the ref. Or not being the finished article yet (a Dai Young favourite). Or the continental breakfast perhaps.
I'm glad the prompt worked, it would have been better if the prompt wasn't needed.

"prompt"?
The PM I sent you at 9.32 tonight which is in my outbox so is obviously in your inbox, that prompt.

So you pm'd him to try getting him on your hook? Poor wum

No wum Rev just a bit of fun Very Happy

by Cardiff Dave Sat 13 Feb 2016, 10:34 pm

wayne wrote:
RiscaGame wrote:
wayne wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
wayne wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
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.
You're not even above us before we play, so much for the optimism.

I think Dowlais could be right, even with all these millionaires behind you, you couldn't beat as you put it Treviso's 3rds.

A mere abberation mun.
I blame the ref. Or not being the finished article yet (a Dai Young favourite). Or the continental breakfast perhaps.
I'm glad the prompt worked, it would have been better if the prompt wasn't needed.

"prompt"?
The PM I sent you at 9.32 tonight which is in my outbox so is obviously in your inbox, that prompt.

So you pm'd him to try getting him on your hook? Poor wum
No wum Rev just a bit of fun

Wumming is fun. I do it all the time as most on here have noticed. Always been part of the game anyway.

by VinceWLB Sun 14 Feb 2016, 5:17 pm

What a poor try to concede, not sure if it is the scrumhalf fault or the forwards not protecting him.

by glamorganalun Sun 14 Feb 2016, 5:21 pm

Ospreys should get the scrum half off before he gives away another try.

by wayne Sun 14 Feb 2016, 5:55 pm

The very good and poor of Sam Davies all in one movement, 2 stupid kicks from Engelbrecht, and very poor protection for Leonard for the chargedown and try, how can the smallest player on the field Williams get through on the box kick, yet some very good play from us. Kilcoyne should have been penalised for the pull down when Arhip got injured, he also tried it with Fia but with no success.

by True Raven Sun 14 Feb 2016, 6:03 pm

Underhill though is having a hell of a game, bed everywhere!

by glamorganalun Sun 14 Feb 2016, 6:08 pm

Get Webb on this kiwi scrum half is a liability

by True Raven Sun 14 Feb 2016, 6:09 pm

Also lets get webb on before Leonard makes any more mistakes

by VinceWLB Sun 14 Feb 2016, 6:25 pm

Very good try that, Ospreys back in the lead.

by wayne Sun 14 Feb 2016, 6:28 pm

Excellent try, the movement is superb

by VinceWLB Sun 14 Feb 2016, 6:36 pm

Try saving tackle from Munster tighthead prop.

by VinceWLB Sun 14 Feb 2016, 6:52 pm

Very good win for the O's, well back in the hunt for top 6.

by True Raven Sun 14 Feb 2016, 6:53 pm

What a win! Underhill was immense, Sammy Davies ran the show, cracknell and baker were huge ball carriers and Webb just oozed class

by gog1992 Sun 14 Feb 2016, 6:59 pm

Owen Watkin should start for Wales at 12. Offer us something different.

by exile jack Sun 14 Feb 2016, 7:27 pm

My trip back from Cork won't seem long.The O's were excellent,particularly in the second half because the conditions weren't great.Some great continuity which impressed the Munster fans around me.At times Sam D reminded me of Stephen Larkham.For the future it would help the O's if Sam D and Dan E could be reminded of the need for composure before line/touchkicking,Brendan doesn't box kick when there are better options,and no more blind passes when there's no support.The Ref tried hard to make the scrums contestable but seemed to me to be using an Irish offside rule.Special mention for Parry and Bearman.A great result.

by Geen sport voor watjes Sun 14 Feb 2016, 7:55 pm

exile jack wrote:My trip back from Cork won't seem long.The ~~O's~~ Leighton Hodges wasexcellent,particularly in the second half because the conditions weren't great.Some great continuity which impressed the Munster fans around me.At times Sam D reminded me of Stephen Larkham.For the future it would help the O's if Sam D and Dan E could be reminded of the need for composure before line/touchkicking,Brendan doesn't box kick when there are better options,and no more blind passes when there's no support.The Ref tried hard to make the scrums contestable but seemed to me to be using an Irish offside rule.Special mention for Parry and Bearman.A great result.

by mikey_dragon Sun 14 Feb 2016, 8:02 pm

gog1992 wrote:Owen Watkin should start for Wales at 12. Offer us something different.

Calm down.

by wayne Sun 14 Feb 2016, 8:30 pm

Really excellent performance this evening, apart from a couple of brainfarts from Sam Davies and overall a poor display from Leonard, the rest outstanding. The variance of angles by our support to Sam showed what a good coach Rees is, which Sam took full advantage of with some telling breaks of his own, I said before this game that I would have had Otten over Parry, I was wrong, that was probably his best game for us, and for me the MOTM should have been Underhill, what a superb player he is and I expect he will be a thorn in the TW side for many a year when he gets called up to TE, and Cracknell was also very effective when taking over from the much maligned Bearman, Baker also showed glimpses of last years form.
Finally things seem to be coming together for us, BIG BIG game coming up against Edinburgh on Friday need to win this one without them getting anything.

by Cardiff Dave Sun 14 Feb 2016, 9:30 pm

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.

D'oh!

by exile jack Sun 14 Feb 2016, 9:52 pm

Cardiff Dave 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.

D'oh!

The One True Region would appreciate hugely if your lads could kindly do over Leinster and Ulster for us.Thanking you in advance.

by glamorganalun Sun 14 Feb 2016, 9:58 pm

Ospreys need some bonus points and stopping opposition getting any.

More results like todays

by Cardiff Dave Sun 14 Feb 2016, 10:11 pm

exile jack wrote:
Cardiff Dave 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.

D'oh!

The One True Region would appreciate hugely if your lads could kindly do over Leinster and Ulster for us.Thanking you in advance.

I predict Cardiff'll do both at fortress CAP, no problem. There again my predictions are sh!t.

by Geen sport voor watjes Mon 15 Feb 2016, 12:17 am

Must be the first thread/discussion on a welsh/irish game where the ref hasnt been reemed by the welsh supporters....wonder why....

any comments...

no no...didnt think so.

by exile jack Mon 15 Feb 2016, 6:41 am

Geen sport voor watjes wrote:Must be the first thread/discussion on a welsh/irish game where the ref hasnt been reemed by the welsh supporters....wonder why....

any comments...

no no...didnt think so.

With 8 matches left it's all Dutch to me.

by VinceWLB Mon 15 Feb 2016, 8:27 am

Geen sport voor watjes wrote:Must be the first thread/discussion on a welsh/irish game where the ref hasnt been reemed by the welsh supporters....wonder why....

any comments...

no no...didnt think so.

Thought the ref was equally lenient for both sides and had the 1st scrum call wrong when he penalised Arhip. He certainly ain't the reason why Munster lost.

By the way that was a great game, even more so considering 6N is going on. Great advert for the league.

by LordDowlais Mon 15 Feb 2016, 8:40 am

Geen sport voor watjes wrote:Must be the first thread/discussion on a welsh/irish game where the ref hasnt been reemed by the welsh supporters....wonder why....

any comments...

no no...didnt think so.

It just shows the true parity between the sides when the Irish provinces do not bring their own refs with them. Rolling Eyes

by wayne Tue 16 Feb 2016, 10:19 am

We've signed Rhodri Jones from the Scarlets and aim to develop him in the TIGHT HEAD position, he is probably the worst signing we could have made in that position, apparently Jarvis is going in the opposite direction, as far as scrummaging is concerned Jarvis is poor but I would rate him above Rhodri. We even have Scarlet fans come on to our board questioning our sanity in making this signing.
About the only consolation is that at best he will only be 3rd choice and if either Suter or the youngster Walsh carries on showing promise he could be down as far as 5th. He would make sense if he was to battle with Nicky Smith for the loose head position in the next couple of seasons with the help of Paul James, but as I said above we are developing him as a tight head, this from the mouth of Andrew Millward General Manager of the team.

LUDICROUS SIGNING

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 16 Feb 2016, 10:47 am

wayne wrote:We've signed Rhodri Jones from the Scarlets and aim to develop him in the TIGHT HEAD position, he is probably the worst signing we could have made in that position, apparently Jarvis is going in the opposite direction, as far as scrummaging is concerned Jarvis is poor but I would rate him above Rhodri. We even have Scarlet fans come on to our board questioning our sanity in making this signing.
About the only consolation is that at best he will only be 3rd choice and if either Suter or the youngster Walsh carries on showing promise he could be down as far as 5th. He would make sense if he was to battle with Nicky Smith for the loose head position in the next couple of seasons with the help of Paul James, but as I said above we are developing him as a tight head, this from the mouth of Andrew Millward General Manager of the team.

LUDICROUS SIGNING

I have read some interesting views of this signing on facebook this morning. Numerous Ospreys fans who seem ecstatic that they have signed him, and that he will be a top draw signing, and a couple of Scarlets fans who seem to believe that he has joined the Ospreys because the Scarlets refused to play him at loosehead where he has asked to play.

I have a feeling he will end up as one of those players who get used as injury cover for both sides of the scrum as opposed to an expert for either.

by exile jack Tue 16 Feb 2016, 11:25 am

wayne wrote:We've signed Rhodri Jones from the Scarlets and aim to develop him in the TIGHT HEAD position, he is probably the worst signing we could have made in that position, apparently Jarvis is going in the opposite direction, as far as scrummaging is concerned Jarvis is poor but I would rate him above Rhodri. We even have Scarlet fans come on to our board questioning our sanity in making this signing.
About the only consolation is that at best he will only be 3rd choice and if either Suter or the youngster Walsh carries on showing promise he could be down as far as 5th. He would make sense if he was to battle with Nicky Smith for the loose head position in the next couple of seasons with the help of Paul James, but as I said above we are developing him as a tight head, this from the mouth of Andrew Millward General Manager of the team.

LUDICROUS SIGNING

Wayne,let's give the lad a chance.I can recall Gethin,Adam and Biggar to name but three who were basically written off early in their careers and Gethin's scrummaging is still a valid debate.With Assey there he"ll find out in training what's necessary to be a big beast TH.

by True Raven Tue 16 Feb 2016, 1:09 pm

I'm not sold on him but Arhip and Fia are clearly our two matchday tightheads and will be available all year so if he comes on a cheaper salary than Jarvis then i guess it's a bit of money saved!

The problem is that as we're restricted by NWQ rules, how many welsh tightheads are available as Jarvis clearly doesn't want to be third choice

by exile jack Tue 16 Feb 2016, 2:39 pm

True Raven wrote:I'm not sold on him but Arhip and Fia are clearly our two matchday tightheads and will be available all year so if he comes on a cheaper salary than Jarvis then i guess it's a bit of money saved!

The problem is that as we're restricted by NWQ rules, how many welsh tightheads are available as Jarvis clearly doesn't want to be third choice

Fair point.Let's see how he gets on.At the game on Sunday the Munster fans around me thought their front row would have a field day when Arhip went off but Fia gave them an unpleasant surprise.

by wayne Tue 16 Feb 2016, 3:31 pm

True Raven wrote:I'm not sold on him but Arhip and Fia are clearly our two matchday tightheads and will be available all year so if he comes on a cheaper salary than Jarvis then i guess it's a bit of money saved!

The problem is that as we're restricted by NWQ rules, how many welsh tightheads are available as Jarvis clearly doesn't want to be third choice

The lower salary apparently was one of the reasons for releasing Jarvis and taking on Jones, and as you say the 2 NWQ are definitely first and second choice, I've said on here before that Suter is too small for this standard of Rugby but there is Walsh who big things are expected of, so if he is 3rd choice for only a season or two it makes a bit of sense. There is a decent discussion on our forum ATM about the validity of the statements emanating from Millward, because a couple of the more sensible posters are saying this is a bit of a smokescreen, that with Assey helping him and Nicky Smith we will have 2 very good loose heads in less than a year, this is what I'm hoping for as well.

Let me just add if what Millward is saying is true, there are a lot saying heads should roll, not only over this appointment but the number of crap signings we have made over the last couple of years, Roberts, Phillips, Delve, Griffiths and now Jones and apparently with Knoyle also joining, even though we've made some excellent signings in the same period like Evans, Arhip, Matavesi and looking as though Fia is going to be a gem, and the few years further back like the Canadians, people are talking about the need for a DOR, overseeing the whole Rugby playing structure, practically everybody on the forum are happy with Tandy's hand on coaching, and are very happy with Gruff Rees's input, you only have to look at the way we played on Sunday to see where his influence is leading us.
Most are in agreement if he is willing to accept a DOR above him Tandy should stay, which I endorse.

by wayne Tue 16 Feb 2016, 3:53 pm

exile jack wrote:
wayne wrote:We've signed Rhodri Jones from the Scarlets and aim to develop him in the TIGHT HEAD position, he is probably the worst signing we could have made in that position, apparently Jarvis is going in the opposite direction, as far as scrummaging is concerned Jarvis is poor but I would rate him above Rhodri. We even have Scarlet fans come on to our board questioning our sanity in making this signing.
About the only consolation is that at best he will only be 3rd choice and if either Suter or the youngster Walsh carries on showing promise he could be down as far as 5th. He would make sense if he was to battle with Nicky Smith for the loose head position in the next couple of seasons with the help of Paul James, but as I said above we are developing him as a tight head, this from the mouth of Andrew Millward General Manager of the team.

LUDICROUS SIGNING

Wayne,let's give the lad a chance.I can recall Gethin,Adam and Biggar to name but three who were basically written off early in their careers and Gethin's scrummaging is still a valid debate.With Assey there he"ll find out in training what's necessary to be a big beast TH.

Jack, according to the Scarlet fan who was on our board this morning, Danny Wilson who was forwards coach at the Scarlets when Rhodri was asked to move from loosehead to tighthead at Gatlands request, told a fans meeting he will never be a decent tighthead, now Wilson IIRC had been Wales U20s forward coach at about the same time and had seen to the development of Samson at this time, I've also seen with my one good eye the mauling's Rhodri has taken not only last Friday but for a few seasons, as I said I hope it's a bit of a smokescreen and he's going to be nurtured by Assey into a very decent loosehead.
The 3 examples are totally different, Gethin never was a great scrummager but he never got hammered the way Rhodri has, and basically was always brilliant in the loose, Adam had is issues over conditioning, but he could ALWAYS scrummage, as for Dan he from the very beginning was a far superior outside half to Hook, and it was only for a very short period when Mathew Morgan came on the scene that a very SMALL section of our fans wanted him in instead of Dan, that there was a bit of disquiet about his play, it was only when MM started to believe his, his brothers and his mothers hype and making breaks that nobody was prepared for and 9 times out of 10 he would lose possession or give away a penalty for holding on, believe it or not myself and others are still hearing to this day we should have held onto MM, that he's a proper Welsh outside half.

by exile jack Tue 16 Feb 2016, 3:57 pm

Wayne,i'm trying to avoid commenting on O's coaching,Rob Howley and Rhys Priestland.Can't disagree with you on the bad signings that either hardly ever played or played poorly.Given what I saw in Cork the combination of Matavesi and Engelbrecht is one of great potential,so signing JJE should be a priority.If what the O's produced in Cork is the end product of the O's coaching team over 4 years and can be reproduced consistently there will be no more debate over Ospreylia coaching.It takes a lot to impress Munster fans at home and they were impressed on Sunday.On your DoR point if a Head Coach is good enough to be a Head Coach what will the DoR do?

by LordDowlais Tue 16 Feb 2016, 4:02 pm

I thought Owen Watkin was the better center on Sunday when he came on, I hope Matavesi or Engelbrecht do not get in the way of his development, I would hate to see another Welsh player feeling he might need to ply his trade elsewhere to get more game time.

by True Raven Tue 16 Feb 2016, 4:14 pm

Thing is though Wayne, if we're restricted on our NWQ's then the crap welsh signings are going to continue unless we poach top players for other teams and after the Scott Williams saga, that's not going to go down to well.

Once Josh is fit as he cant cope with 80 mins at the moment for some reason, him and JJ look like they could be electric but we are now at our limit of NWQ's so we can only sign crap welsh players who no other region want or stick two fingers to the WRU and buy in more NWQ

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