Cardiff Blues Season Thread 3 - Danny Wilson Appointed Head Coach

[Guest]

First topic message reminder :

Navidi is better in other positions in my opinion. Williams is an out and out 8. Good signing.

[Cardiff Dave]

Deserves it's own thread I reckon and I got knackered half way through reading it....

"Peace in Our Time"

http://www.cardiffrfcfans.co.uk/editorials/2003/05/

[dragon4life]

Have read Vosawi is leaving you for Dragons any truth in this??

[RiscaGame]

Have read Vosawi is leaving you for Dragons any truth in this??

Interesting. Where has that come from?

[Coleman]

Nightmare if true. He has been our standout player this season. Guess that means we are keeping Dolan.

[wales606]

Nightmare if true. He has been our standout player this season. Guess that means we are keeping Dolan.

We have Nick Williams coming in.

No need to keep Dolan, it's not like he has played for us at all this season.

[mikey_dragon]

Would love that rumour to be true, I don't think we have a destructive carrier like Vosawai. It's another LH we need in addition to Hobbs IMO, and a TH.

[GavinDragon]

I can't see it if you ask me. Why would he leave an improving Blues with a very good coach to go to the Dragons - unless he is earning far more at the Dragons which, if is the case, means that I seriously wonder how the Dragons' directors have solvent businesses

[wales606]

I can't see it if you ask me. Why would he leave an improving Blues with a very good coach to go to the Dragons - unless he is earning far more at the Dragons which, if is the case, means that I seriously wonder how the Dragons' directors have solvent businesses

He has voiced publically that he wants to stay at the Blues, question was whether they would offer him a contract.

Personally think I would rather have kept Vosawoi and Williams to used both in the 23 and keep smashing it forward for the whole 80 minutes.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Why would he leave an improving Blues with a very good coach

He probably isn't choosing to leave.

[dragon4life]

Have read Vosawi is leaving you for Dragons any truth in this??

Interesting. Where has that come from?

Robin Davey on Twitter I think it was (we all know how correct he is with transfers

[ScarletSpiderman]

Have read Vosawi is leaving you for Dragons any truth in this??

Interesting. Where has that come from?

Robin Davey on Twitter I think it was (we all know how correct he is with transfers

Mikey Tagicikibau is also meant to heading to Dave too (but Treviso are also in the chase).

[Blueschief]

Hate to see Vosawai go, but if he does, Dragons have a quality no 8.

[Cardiff Dave]

I can't see it if you ask me. Why would he leave an improving Blues with a very good coach to go to the Dragons - unless he is earning far more at the Dragons which, if is the case, means that I seriously wonder how the Dragons' directors have solvent businesses

He has voiced publically that he wants to stay at the Blues, question was whether they would offer him a contract.

Personally think I would rather have kept Vosawoi and Williams to used both in the 23 and keep smashing it forward for the whole 80 minutes.

They all say that though don't they?

[PhilBB]

Aye and BTW, what became of CAC inviting bids with regards to selling CAP? Received 3 IIRC; from the WRU, Uncle Pete and A. Another. Did the place ever get evaluated to CAC's satisfaction?

It was never put to the members.

[PhilBB]

Deserves it's own thread I reckon and I got knackered half way through reading it....

"Peace in Our Time"

http://www.cardiffrfcfans.co.uk/editorials/2003/05/

We were young, then. We had more energy (and time) to write something that in depth.

And it still holds true to today, funnily enough.

[Cardiff Dave]

Aye and BTW, what became of CAC inviting bids with regards to selling CAP? Received 3 IIRC; from the WRU, Uncle Pete and A. Another. Did the place ever get evaluated to CAC's satisfaction?

It was never put to the members.

I'm guessing then that CAC never got presented with accurate info that they had requested which would've enabled them to put a true figure on CAP's worth, yeah?

[Cardiff Dave]

Deserves it's own thread I reckon and I got knackered half way through reading it....

"Peace in Our Time"

http://www.cardiffrfcfans.co.uk/editorials/2003/05/

We were young, then. We had more energy (and time) to write something that in depth.

And it still holds true to today, funnily enough.

I was younger then and blissfully unaware. Like many more bog standard terracers I guess. Took a while for me to realise that Welsh rugby might be a madhouse. Then it dawned on me that Cardiff rugby could be a tad Tonto too.

[PhilBB]

I'm guessing then that CAC never got presented with accurate info that they had requested which would've enabled them to put a true figure on CAP's worth, yeah?

If they hadn't commissioned an independent valuation then they would be in serious breach of their Trustee status.

[mikey_dragon]

Hey guys, anyone on here familiar with 120kg prop Joe Jones? He's fresh out of the Blues academy and is apparently a very promising player, yet can't get a contract. If he is as good as made out then I hope a Welsh team picks him up, before he gets re-stolen by an England club, Sale for instance...

[PhilBB]

Hey guys, anyone on here familiar with 120kg prop Joe Jones? He's fresh out of the Blues academy and is apparently a very promising player, yet can't get a contract. If he is as good as made out then I hope a Welsh team picks him up, before he gets re-stolen by an England club, Sale for instance...

This guy: http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Teams/Player?PersonId=173843 ?

[mikey_dragon]

That's the guy Phil. Apparently he's a very promising player, but is struggling to get a contract? Looking back the U20s team he was part of had a string of very bad results, but I was always told they had a strong scrum - I guess he's the reason for that.

[Seagultaf]

Looks like Bradley is coming back to Wales but not to the Blues. According to the Fail he is going to the Ospreys, suprise, suprise, on a NDC!

[wales606]

Looks like Bradley is coming back to Wales but not to the Blues. According to the Fail he is going to the Ospreys, suprise, suprise, on a NDC!

Would be really annoying. Ospreys have a lot of good options at lock while Bradley would be a huge boost for the Blues

[True Raven]

The blues have first option on him. If you're board is not willing to put up the compensation for him then they're the ones to blame.

If the blues fail to pay the compensation then hrs fair game and the choice is his.

[Stone Motif]

The blues have first option on him.  If you're board is not willing to put up the compensation for him then they're the ones to blame.  

If the blues fail to pay the compensation then hrs fair game and the choice is Gatland's

Fixed.

[mikey_dragon]

So it's been made clear that Wales want all their internationals playing in the top tier competition, yet when Ospreys are set to be in the second tier next year they continue to load them up with everyone else's internationals.... I would personally like to see efforts for 4 strong teams in Wales, with all our intetnationals here. Blues are desperate for a quality lock so Davies should be coming back to his home region.

[True Raven]

But the blues won't pay for his compensation to release him from his wasps contract as it expires in 2017 and that's the issue. They'd have first choice of Davies on a NDC but they won't stump up the £150,000 required. I agree with you that all the other regions could do with Bradley more than the Ospreys but none are willing to go that extra mile to get him but the Ospreys are. Also he's not going to be on a NDC apparently

[mikey_dragon]

If they won't, then I believe they should. Do Ospreys need locks? Thornton and Beard look like they can step up, you also have AWJ and Bernardo... Surely it's in the backs where that money should be spent? Also, any idea why Davies wants to leave a Wasps team on a high? They could win the RCC this year. If he's not on a NDC then I guess that's good news. The WRU should relax their policy if they hope to sign up more players.

[Cardiff Dave]

Wasps and compo? Not again, shewerly?

[PhilBB]

That's the guy Phil. Apparently he's a very promising player, but is struggling to get a contract? Looking back the U20s team he was part of had a string of very bad results, but I was always told they had a strong scrum - I guess he's the reason for that.

I think that he's a victim of some very good props coming through at Cardiff.

[PhilBB]

Ref: Bradley

Can somebody please explain to me the business rationale behind spending a transfer fee on a player for whom you are not the primary employer?

[Guest]

Is it because you then have his services for X number of years for only 40% of the cost, which might seem worth paying the transfer fee for a good international level player?

[mikey_dragon]

That's the guy Phil. Apparently he's a very promising player, but is struggling to get a contract? Looking back the U20s team he was part of had a string of very bad results, but I was always told they had a strong scrum - I guess he's the reason for that.

I think that he's a victim of some very good props coming through at Cardiff.

Good news for Cardiff, but who would they be? Because technically speaking he's a year ahead of Lewis and Domachowski in development. I hope someone else picks Jones up if Blues think they don't need him, he looks way too good for premiership rugby.

[mikey_dragon]

Ref: Bradley

Can somebody please explain to me the business rationale behind spending a transfer fee on a player for whom you are not the primary employer?

I've read that he's not going to be on a NDC, if that's what you were getting at.

[True Raven]

Exactly, £150,000 is small change for someone who will improve the squad to hopefully get you a champions cup spot especially when lock is an area the blues need a massive upgrade

[mikey_dragon]

You'd think it was small change for Mr and Mr Thomas.

[PhilBB]

Is it because you then have his services for X number of years for only 40% of the cost, which might seem worth paying the transfer fee for a good international level player?

You only have, at best, 50% of his services but have next to no control over his conditioning, game time, injury rehab etc.

It's not your asset.

[PhilBB]

Good news for Cardiff, but who would they be? Because technically speaking he's a year ahead of Lewis and Domachowski in development. I hope someone else picks Jones up if Blues think they don't need him, he looks way too good for premiership rugby.

When did you see him play Premiership rugby?

Cardiff have Lewis, Assirati, plus a couple more at age grades below.

[PhilBB]

I've read that he's not going to be on a NDC, if that's what you were getting at.

The first Rugby Paper story was about an NDC, wasn't it?

[PhilBB]

You'd think it was small change for Mr and Mr Thomas.

There's only one Mr Thomas involved.

[mikey_dragon]

Good news for Cardiff, but who would they be? Because technically speaking he's a year ahead of Lewis and Domachowski in development. I hope someone else picks Jones up if Blues think they don't need him, he looks way too good for premiership rugby.

When did you see him play Premiership rugby?

Cardiff have Lewis, Assirati, plus a couple more at age grades below.

Admittedly, through a highlight reel. I know it doesn't tell the whole story but he was absolutely annihilating a few opposition scrums, and looks as if he's a strong defender and carrier. Wales needs more props so I think someone should be taking a closer look at him. I'm not really familiar with Assirati but will take your word for it.

I've read that he's not going to be on a NDC, if that's what you were getting at.

The first Rugby Paper story was about an NDC, wasn't it?

I'm not sure. I've only read it on here, and the Ospreys fans who are usually in the know on their signings are convinced there is no NDC.

[True Raven]

Is it because you then have his services for X number of years for only 40% of the cost, which might seem worth paying the transfer fee for a good international level player?

You only have, at best, 50% of his services but have next to no control over his conditioning, game time, injury rehab etc.

It's not your asset.

Yes but even having 50% of his services is still far better than having 100% of James Down. Anyway NDC are not as bad as your suggesting, AWJ, Biggar have been on them all year and when available have hardly missed a game. AWJ was on the becnh for the Leinster game but that's it as far as I can remember.

[PhilBB]

Yes but even having 50% of his services is still far better than having 100% of James Down.  Anyway NDC are not as bad as your suggesting, AWJ, Biggar have been on them all year and when available have hardly missed a game.  AWJ was on the becnh for the Leinster game but that's it as far as I can remember.

Is 50% of Bradley better than 100% of a decent SH lock? I'd say not.

NDCs are a disaster when it comes to player welfare as the decision is removed from the secondary employer. We know the game time is limited but, where your point is correct, is that we know Phillips was wise enough to allow Biggar and AWJ more game time.

[True Raven]

Yes but even having 50% of his services is still far better than having 100% of James Down.  Anyway NDC are not as bad as your suggesting, AWJ, Biggar have been on them all year and when available have hardly missed a game.  AWJ was on the becnh for the Leinster game but that's it as far as I can remember.

Is 50% of Bradley better than 100% of a decent SH lock? I'd say not.

NDCs are a disaster when it comes to player welfare as the decision is removed from the secondary employer. We know the game time is limited but, where your point is correct, is that we know Phillips was wise enough to allow Biggar and AWJ more game time.

Don't get me wrong , im in favour of having more SH players in our regions but the blues recent SH lock acquisitions were Filo Paulo and Jared Hoeata, hardly top quality. Whereas, you know what you'll get with Bradley. I wouldn't trust the Blues scouting department to unearth a better quality player than Bradley Davies. However, its not my region and if the Blues dont want Bradley, we'll have him

[PhilBB]

Don't get me wrong , im in favour of having more SH players in our regions but the blues recent SH lock acquisitions were Filo Paulo and Jared Hoeata, hardly top quality.  Whereas, you know what you'll get with Bradley.  I wouldn't trust the Blues scouting department to unearth a better quality player than Bradley Davies.  However, its not my region and if the Blues dont want Bradley, we'll have him

Hoeata is a tidy player, surrounded by guff for most of his time with us.

I agree with the rest of the sentiment, bar the awful terminology. Although, in fairness, Paul Tito should be able to recognise a lock suitable for Northern Hemisphere rugby, even if half of it is played on a plastic pitch.

[Blueschief]

Great win tonight, beating Munster is no mean feat.

[RiscaGame]

Good result, fair play. Bet super fan Lord D had a nice night at CAP with that win.

[Cardiff Dave]

You'd think it was small change for Mr and Mr Thomas.

There's only one Mr Thomas involved.

Any chance of an update of happenings down at Thomas Towers?

[Coleman]

Warburton has been passed fit to play this Friday. Could also see the other Wales lads in the team.

I'd like to see:
1. Thyer (Kid is very good)
2. Dacey
3. Ma'afu
4. Hoeata
5. Dolan (He did well vs Munster)
6. Cook (Also earned another start vs Munster)
7. Jenkins
8. Vosawai
9. Lloyd
10. Anscombe (He needs game time at 10 for us)
11. James
12. Lee-Lo
13. Smith (Same as the others)
14. Fish (Shame Scully got injured)
15. Patchell (Was good vs Munster but is off. FB for him.)

Keep Warbs on the bench as he's coming back from having his bell rang.

Also, we NEED five points from this. We need to get 20 points from the next five games if we are to make top six (in my opinion).

[wales606]

Think top 6 is no longer possible to be honest.

Pretty much agree with that team though, woud have Warburton and Gethin on the bench with a view to starting them in the next game against the Scarlets.

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