Gwent Dragons 2015/16 thread

by Luckless Pedestrian Wed Feb 10, 2016 9:51 am

First topic message reminder :

With Warburton, I can only conclude that they like him as captain because of how he deals with referees. He's very respectful towards them.

by munkian Mon Apr 11, 2016 3:48 am

Let go of Crosswell ? He has been solid for us Shocked

by GavinDragon Mon Apr 11, 2016 3:51 am

He has. I just think we may find better that is all.

by LordDowlais Mon Apr 11, 2016 4:18 am

After taking time to reflect on the result from Saturday, what a difference it was to see the players actually play rugby rather than constantly kick the ball to the opposition and try and stop them play. It really does go to show how good Dragons can be when they actually keep hold of the ball, and this in affect caused Gloucester a whole world of problems as they had to resort to illegally slowing the ball down all the time.

Now I do not see this as any coincidence that this refreshing style of play all came about when Lynn Jones was not there due to sickness. I think that the new era at Dragons will not go far wrong if Lynn the dinosaur Jones was cut adrift and Kingsley Jones was made head honcho. What do you think ?

by munkian Mon Apr 11, 2016 4:19 am

LordDowlais wrote:After taking time to reflect on the result from Saturday, what a difference it was to see the players actually play rugby rather than constantly kick the ball to the opposition and try and stop them play. It really does go to show how good Dragons can be when they actually keep hold of the ball, and this in affect caused Gloucester a whole world of problems as they had to resort to illegally slowing the ball down all the time.

Now I do not see this as any coincidence that this refreshing style of play all came about when Lynn Jones was not there due to sickness. I think that the new era at Dragons will not go far wrong if Lynn the dinosaur Jones was cut adrift and Kingsley Jones was made head honcho. What do you think ?

Worth a go, can't get any worse.

by GavinDragon Mon Apr 11, 2016 4:22 am

Our set piece has improved massively under Kinglsey and our forward play is pretty solid.

I would be happy for Kingsley to get the role. I would love to see Jason Strange brought in to work with the backs and on our attacking game in general.

by munkian Mon Apr 11, 2016 4:25 am

GavinDragon wrote:Our set piece has improved massively under Kinglsey and our forward play is pretty solid.

I would be happy for Kingsley to get the role. I would love to see Jason Strange brought in to work with the backs and on our attacking game in general.

I don't mind Kingsley, Strange would be a shout.

by Guest Mon Apr 11, 2016 4:52 pm

Dragons have signed Criag Michell for next season. At first look I thought 'yay', but he seems to have struggled at the Blues so will he be just another past it/rejected player? I'm going to stay with 'yay' for now as I feel he could add something to our pack if (big if) we can get him back to his Wales playing level from a few years ago.

by ScarletSpiderman Mon Apr 11, 2016 5:07 pm

On the plus side he is a Welsh qualified tight head, which are hard to get hold of. On the down side his caps came pre law change, and it seems most decent props from before the change are not so good now.

by Stone Motif Mon Apr 11, 2016 5:20 pm

GavinDragon wrote:I do like Nick Croswell, just think we may be able to pick up another NWQ player who had played a higher level.

And my little Stoney, what alterations would you make to my list above? Other than the two you already said?

Loads. But then I understand that rugby is a squad game, and that we're so skint we don't even spend the salary minimum so are unlikely to go out and buy a new team

by **RiscaGame** Mon Apr 11, 2016 5:20 pm

Boo from me.

by mikey_dragon Mon Apr 11, 2016 5:38 pm

Harris, Knight and Mitchell at TH with a promising and might I add massive player to come in like Leon Brown - those are the best options we've had in that position since our creation. I've seen Mitchell play for Wales post law changes and he was good, so SS I feel you're wrong there. Mitchell has had a few injuries whilst with Blues and seems to have disappeared into obscurity. Maybe, just maybe if he stays injury free and works well with Kingsley then he might rediscover that form that seen him play for Wales. If not then yeah I guess this is another reject but put it this way, he's no Aaron Jarvis.

I still feel that we're in need of cover at LH, and at hooker because I think TRT has fast become surplus to requirements. Dee has shown how quality and abrasive he is again, why Lyn would even consider TRT ahead of him throughout this season is forever ringing in my ears.

by **RiscaGame** Mon Apr 11, 2016 5:45 pm

Mitchell had a lesson off the Newport RFC loose head the other day. If Mitchell still has it, then we should promote lavender too. Clearly a wrecking ball.

by mikey_dragon Mon Apr 11, 2016 6:08 pm

No idea, but we'll see. Sounds as if Mitchell has fallen from grace! And I'm surprised he would be starting ahead of Joe Jones.

Also Gavin, there's this sorry:

Speaking at a meeting with supporters at Rodney Parade, Jones also revealed Wales U20 stars Ashton Hewitt, George Gasson and Ollie Griffiths have signed new deals.

They are joined by Matthew Screech, Cory Hill, James Benjamin, Keagan Bale, Dorian Jones and Connor Edwards.

Hewitt awesome, Gasson and Griffiths promising. I'm not sure why Benjamin is on the list, unless it's just to play sevens and for the premiership select.

by GavinDragon Tue Apr 12, 2016 1:19 am

Certainly it seems that, until a new investor is found, all attempts will be made to retain the remaining young talent we have on longer term deals and build around them. Dee, Brown, Griffiths, Keddie, Robson, OBrien, Jones, Amos, Dixon, Morgan, Hewitt all mentioned as targets for long term contracts. 6-7 are being looked at by Welsh coached and 2-3 considere for NDC.

Beyond that, the legal separation of the region will allow a new investor to come in and put money straight into the region. But it will not be allowed to move outside of Gwent and it is very unlikely, unless the new investor(s) have the money to build a new stadium within Gwent, that it will move from RP.

Off the field, the aim is to increase the use of the Bisley Suite for commercial purposes, improve the playing surface, and it was also mentioned that the Pro12 chiefs are discussing ways of improving its product to ensure they get larger TV deals to compete with the Franglais teams.

Again, unless there is significant investment, we can forget about marquee signings. Lyn and Kingsley do talk to targets but usually get priced out. We did talk to Charteris and apparently our offer was "not a million miles away", Kingsley also hinted that Lydiate and Taulupe may be back in Gwent in two years.

by Guest Tue Apr 12, 2016 3:25 am

I reckon Lyn is off. I've got no evidence for it but just a gut feeling. He's ill for our biggest game of the season (arguably); he's seen at Harlequins when he's meant to be ill; he leaves Kingsley and SD to do the fans meeting Q&A; we've just had a big announcement about a proposed change in board structure (the board that brought Lyn in). Something is afoot.

by VinceWLB Tue Apr 12, 2016 3:53 am

Griff wrote:Dragons have signed Criag Michell for next season. At first look I thought 'yay', but he seems to have struggled at the Blues so will he be just another past it/rejected player? I'm going to stay with 'yay' for now as I feel he could add something to our pack if (big if) we can get him back to his Wales playing level from a few years ago.

A fairly good signing, done relatively well for Blues at the start of the season then Filise got younger and Ma'afu was signed, Mitchell should be ahead of Jarvis and Rhodri Jones in the Wales setup, a much better scrummager.

What's the latest on Vosawai? He would be a great signing for you.

by mikey_dragon Tue Apr 12, 2016 4:10 am

Things have been quiet on that front. A few fans didn't think it was anything more than rumour.

by PhilBB Tue Apr 12, 2016 4:21 am

mikey_dragon wrote:Harris, Knight and Mitchell at TH with a promising and might I add massive player to come in like Leon Brown - those are the best options we've had in that position since our creation. I've seen Mitchell play for Wales post law changes and he was good, so SS I feel you're wrong there. Mitchell has had a few injuries whilst with Blues and seems to have disappeared into obscurity. Maybe, just maybe if he stays injury free and works well with Kingsley then he might rediscover that form that seen him play for Wales. If not then yeah I guess this is another reject but put it this way, he's no Aaron Jarvis.

I still feel that we're in need of cover at LH, and at hooker because I think TRT has fast become surplus to requirements. Dee has shown how quality and abrasive he is again, why Lyn would even consider TRT ahead of him throughout this season is forever ringing in my ears.

"I've seen Mitchell play for Wales post law changes and he was good"

Mitchell's last cap was 15 June, 2013 against Japan. He played the last 23 minutes, replacing Scott Andrews.

I don't know if the new scrum engagement law was used in that game but it didn't come into play in Europe until September, 2013.

by mikey_dragon Tue Apr 12, 2016 5:57 am

Maybe I was thinking of the wrong year then, and I actually thought his last cap was against Ireland in 2013.

Have you seen much of Mitchell this year Phil, for Cardiff RFC?

by munkian Tue Apr 12, 2016 6:01 am

He's been rather scathing on twitter about us signing Cardiff rejects

by LordDowlais Tue Apr 12, 2016 6:20 am

Griff wrote:I reckon Lyn is off. I've got no evidence for it but just a gut feeling. He's ill for our biggest game of the season (arguably); he's seen at Harlequins when he's meant to be ill; he leaves Kingsley and SD to do the fans meeting Q&A; we've just had a big announcement about a proposed change in board structure (the board that brought Lyn in). Something is afoot.

Well now that you are saying this, look at what is in the news:-

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/newport-gwent-dragons-chief-insists-11171843

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/new-twist-lyn-jones-saga-11172347

So if Nick Easter saw him at the Stoop on Thursday perhaps he is replacing Conor O'Shea. Whistle

by munkian Tue Apr 12, 2016 6:25 am

So, possibly a stupid question, but Kingsley is our 'head coach' and Lynn is our 'Director of rugby'

Whats the difference then ?

by GavinDragon Tue Apr 12, 2016 6:42 am

DOR is more senior. The head coach thing is just a trumped up title for 'forwards coach'. Besides, he could soon be getting a promotion anyway.

by munkian Tue Apr 12, 2016 6:47 am

GavinDragon wrote:DOR is more senior. The head coach thing is just a trumped up title for 'forwards coach'. Besides, he could soon be getting a promotion anyway.

If hes not from Cardiff RFC then Im not interested.

by **RiscaGame** Tue Apr 12, 2016 6:48 am

I think he's a goner. He seems to know anyway, if he's after jobs. Or maybe he is that confident that the quarter and semi are/were going to be a formality, he was scouting our opponents.

He also probably just wanted to see Owen Evans and Talei again.

by mikey_dragon Tue Apr 12, 2016 6:59 am

munkian wrote:He's been rather scathing on twitter about us signing Cardiff rejects

It's debatable whether Hobbs and Mitchell are rejects. Earlier in the season Hobbs looked good and was scrumming well. When the move was announced he seemed to fall down the pecking order, which was probably inevitable anyway as Blues have a few good front-row players coming through.

by GavinDragon Tue Apr 12, 2016 7:56 am

This was touched on last night. About budgets and looking at what we have and what is coming through. Obviously part of the reason for Tovey leaving is because the coaches felt in Robson, OBrien and Jones they had ample cover and, given what I imagine to be not inconsiderable salary demands from Tovey, felt that a deal for him didnt give value for money.

by munkian Tue Apr 12, 2016 8:08 am

Was anything asked about Brew ? I assume he'll be let go ?

by GavinDragon Tue Apr 12, 2016 8:12 am

No. In fairness other than tovey and toby, there were no questions about players.

by **RiscaGame** Tue Apr 12, 2016 3:09 pm

Lyn has clearly gone. Announcement must be imminent.

by mikey_dragon Tue Apr 12, 2016 5:04 pm

Brew might be off if he's out of contract? A few weeks ago SS seemed to believe that we would be signing Tagi from Scarlets, a bit of a like-for-like, I guess.

If Lyn has gone then it can only be a good thing, we might see the team play to their strengths, rather than kick for territory all the time and try to overpower teams.

by yappysnap Tue Apr 12, 2016 5:14 pm

Whats Lyn Jones like?

If he was to come to Quins do you think he'd push us forward? I can't help but notice it's all pretty negative on here about him!

by **RiscaGame** Tue Apr 12, 2016 5:20 pm

Depends how much you like your team kicking. He might be ok for Quins, but for us he has turned us into a bit of a joke. His daft appearances on tv (Ospreys tie for a start), his stupid quips in interviews like the Dorian stuff etc, his treatment of players who stand up to him or that he doesn't like and stubbornness in not changing his tactics despite not working and evidence in Europe suggesting we had greater joy keeping the ball more.

On the upside, if you get him you will probably gain a 9.

He is gone, I've been told. I'd imagine they'll keep running this sick line for a bit longer.

by mikey_dragon Tue Apr 12, 2016 5:54 pm

Not sure about Lyn at Quins, and I don't reckon kicking all the time would suit them either. It would suit a team like Sarries. Harlequins have always relied on creativity, throwing it around and running with it. He might come to his senses and realise Quins are good at playing to their strengths. I guess you might see a positive impact for a little while, you usually do when Lyn arrives, but then things quickly go stale.

"On the upside, if you get him you will probably gain a 9."

Haha brilliant. If he's gone Risca then I guess it's Kingsley to take over now and into next season? Does this also mean that Tovey could come back next season?

by yappysnap Wed Apr 13, 2016 3:19 am

Cheers guys, doesn't fill me with confidence! We'r chatting to some superrugby coaches too so will hopefully go with one of them.

by **RiscaGame** Wed Apr 13, 2016 4:01 am

O'Shea said it isn't going to be Lyp. Perhaps that's just bluffing till "Lyn stops being ill" too. Though I did laugh at this. I told you his son would be part of the package.

O'Shea wrote:"He was just here with his son, so I would suspect if he was ill he was ill the following day. Nothing wrong with that."

by **RiscaGame** Wed Apr 13, 2016 4:02 am

No Mikey, I don't think Tovey will be back. I do think Edinburgh will sign him permanently, though haven't heard anything.

by Guest Wed Apr 13, 2016 5:58 am

Did Lyn always favour the kicking game at Ospreys and London Welsh? Didn't see much of LW during Lyn's reign there but the Ospreys played good rugby under him according to my memory (which isn't great!). This was the reason I was happy he joined the Dragons.

by mikey_dragon Wed Apr 13, 2016 6:15 am

They played good rugby, but not consistently. Given the team Lyn had I would have expected them to at least top their group in Europe and get to the final - they achieved neither of those under him.

by **RiscaGame** Wed Apr 13, 2016 6:33 am

The Ospreys fans I've seen (on Twitter) didn't seem very keen on him. Not that you can really read too much into that, but I'm pretty sure most I've seen didn't like his tactics.

London Welsh fans probably consider it good rugby. Then again, most I've seen said Nick Scott was a good player and we would love him Wink

I'll be honest, I was happy when we got Lyn as I thought we played our best rugby when he had his spell with us before he went to Dubai. Now, as it's turned out we've probably played our worst ever rugby on the whole.

by True Raven Thu Apr 14, 2016 4:09 am

Read on Scarlet Fever by a poster who seems knowledgable and 'in the know' that Dragons are talking to Gareth Evans of Gloucester as a replacement fro Faletau.

A quick check on the forums and some fans prefer him to Ben Morgan and he's actually WQ too. Any dragons fans know if this is true or not?

by munkian Thu Apr 14, 2016 4:17 am

True Raven wrote:Read on Scarlet Fever by a poster who seems knowledgable and 'in the know' that Dragons are talking to Gareth Evans of Gloucester as a replacement fro Faletau.

A quick check on the forums and some fans prefer him to Ben Morgan and he's actually WQ too. Any dragons fans know if this is true or not?

Not heard it myself but that would be a tidy signing.

by GavinDragon Thu Apr 14, 2016 4:57 am

http://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/features/young-gun/1410/young-gun-gareth-evans-gloucester-no-8/

by GavinDragon Thu Apr 14, 2016 4:58 am

http://www.gloucestercitizen.co.uk/Gareth-Evans-signs-new-deal-Gloucester-Rugby/story-24916968-detail/story.html

by munkian Thu Apr 14, 2016 5:03 am

Hmm, the rugby paper article says that Moriarty 'opted for the Red Rose' laughing

by Cardiff Dave Fri Apr 15, 2016 3:45 pm

Fantastic pass by Tovey to put his Edinburgh team mate in at the corner. Then he dinks the convo from the touchline, no probs.

by Guest Fri Apr 15, 2016 4:16 pm

Cardiff Dave wrote:Fantastic pass by Tovey to put his Edinburgh team mate in at the corner. Then he dinks the convo from the touchline, no probs.

So year after year of inconsistency and fairly average play, at both dragons and blues, but 2 games for Edinburgh and he's Dan Carter? I'm not buying it.

by Cardiff Dave Fri Apr 15, 2016 4:35 pm

Griff wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:Fantastic pass by Tovey to put his Edinburgh team mate in at the corner. Then he dinks the convo from the touchline, no probs.

So year after year of inconsistency and fairly average play, at both dragons and blues, but 2 games for Edinburgh and he's Dan Carter? I'm not buying it.

Both pass and kick were off his wrong foot too, if that makes sense. Drags ruined him obviously.

by mikey_dragon Fri Apr 15, 2016 6:38 pm

Griff wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:Fantastic pass by Tovey to put his Edinburgh team mate in at the corner. Then he dinks the convo from the touchline, no probs.

So year after year of inconsistency and fairly average play, at both dragons and blues, but 2 games for Edinburgh and he's Dan Carter? I'm not buying it.

So many inaccuracies in this drivel that I don't know where to begin.

by Guest Sat Apr 16, 2016 3:46 am

mikey_dragon wrote:
Griff wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:Fantastic pass by Tovey to put his Edinburgh team mate in at the corner. Then he dinks the convo from the touchline, no probs.

So year after year of inconsistency and fairly average play, at both dragons and blues, but 2 games for Edinburgh and he's Dan Carter? I'm not buying it.

So many inaccuracies in this drivel that I don't know where to begin.

Are you saying he was awesome for us?

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