Ospreys 2015/16 Season

First topic message reminder :

True Raven wrote:I'm sure King said he's happy to play anywhere in the back row he just won't play anymore in the 2nd row so hopefully that experiment has come and gone.

It looks like Fia will be starting tomorrow if the training session was anything to go by as he was doing reps with the first team so Jarvis should be planted on the bench

So much for what King wants then TR, ridiculous selection, as for your second sentence correct hope we don't see Jarvis until at least the 70th minute.

wayne wrote:

exile jack wrote:

wayne wrote:It was looking tough to qualify for RCC 1 next season as it stood, it got a whole lot harder today with the news that Tips is out of next weekends game and AWJ is out of the next 2 matches at least, will Tandy select 2 proper 2nd rows (Thornton and Bernardo or Beard) a 2nd row and a back rower (Thornton and Ardron or King) or heaven forbid 2 back rowers in the boilerhouse (Ardron and King). I expect the middle selection of Thornton and Ardron, hopefully Underhill has made a full recovery and could fill in for Tips, because as well as Cracknell has played he is not quick enough for a 7, this is looking a very hard fixture to get anything out of.

Wayne,didn't post after the Leinster game because I was really annoyed at the O's not learning the lessons from the Connacht game namely composure,defensive alignment and that blydi unbalanced second row.Even more annoyed with AWJ being played at less than full fitness by Gats.If i've understood  the RCC1 qualification route the O's have to finish 5th or better if neither the Scottish or Italian teams finish in the top 6.That's going to be tough because I don't see Munster imploding.Hope the boys can do the business on Saturday.

Jack, we have to finish above one Scottish and Irish team to qualify, I can't see it happening personally, but it will not stop me shouting my head off on Saturday, there is going to be a decent crowd, but I presume there will be a lot of Scarlets there.

I'm afraid that it's Bristol Zoo with the grandchildren for me on Saturday.Have a good one.Look forward to the posts after the game.

Going by the Press Conference earlier in the week and the match preview today on our website, Ardron is carrying a knock but should be available, could see Underhill, Baker and Lydiate packing down, what with Daimitri playing International Rugby last weekend could Fia be starting? If Ardron is considered too big a risk to be starting, will it be Rory and King or Rory and Bernardo, although could see Adam Beard taking a full part.
What was extremely pleasing to see was Ashley Beck and Hanno Dirksen along with Eli Walker again in full view, all taking full contact. If these 3 are all available it will be a nice headache for Tandy to have.
Would like to see the following team run out, Evans, Hassler, Watkin, Matavesi, John, Biggar, Webb, James, Baldwin, Arhip, Bernardo, Thornton, Lydiate, Underhill and Baker starting with Smith, Otten, Fia, Ardron, King, Habberfield, Davies and Dirksen on the bench, I wouldn't mind betting though that there could well be half a dozen changes to that selection

lTeam announced
Evans, Hassler, John, Matavesi, Walker, Davies, Webb, James (c), Baldwin, Jarvis, King, Thornton, Lydiate, Underhill, Baker with Smith, Parry, Arhip, Beard, Cracknell, Leonard, Biggar and Watkin on the bench.
Some interesting selections there Davies instead of Biggar, Jarvis instead of Daimitri, and John ahead of Watkin, with Ardron out injured I suppose we have to go with King in the boilerhouse.
Tough, tough game coming up.

Ospreys team to play the Dragons tomorrow is as follows
Evans, Dirksen, Watkin, Matavesi, Walker, Biggar, Webb (c), Smith, Baldwin, Arhip, Bernardo, Beard, Cracknell, Underhill, King with Thomas, Otten, Jarvis, Lydiate, Bearman, Leonard, Davies and Hassler on the bench. At least we have 2 proper 2nd rows playing with a decent scrummaging tight head  in front of them, what has Thornton done to be dropped totally out of the squad, it either means King taking over in the boiler house and Lydiate or Bearman coming on, or one of them coming in to a position neither has ever played in for the Ospreys, totally ridiculous selection policy and why is Walker still in there, I know Hassler was poor last week but he's still better than Eli.
Again not optimistic for this game, we really need to win this game to instill a bit of confidence in the group. We need a stable selection policy and we are not having it at the moment.

wayne wrote:Ospreys team to play the Dragons tomorrow is as follows
Evans, Dirksen, Watkin, Matavesi, Walker, Biggar, Webb (c), Smith, Baldwin, Arhip, Bernardo, Beard, Cracknell, Underhill, King with Thomas, Otten, Jarvis, Lydiate, Bearman, Leonard, Davies and Hassler on the bench. At least we have 2 proper 2nd rows playing with a decent scrummaging tight head  in front of them, what has Thornton done to be dropped totally out of the squad, it either means King taking over in the boiler house and Lydiate or Bearman coming on, or one of them coming in to a position neither has ever played in for the Ospreys, totally ridiculous selection policy and why is Walker still in there, I know Hassler was poor last week but he's still better than Eli.
Again not optimistic for this game, we really need to win this game to instill a bit of confidence in the group. We need a stable selection policy and we are not having it at the moment.

Wayne,the selection policy at the O's beggars belief.What is going on down there in Ospreylia? Bernardo and Thornton play really well against Munster and then Bernardo disappears from the squad.Dan B,one of the best 10's in Europe,doesn't start against the Scarlets.Players out of form,Walker,get picked.James King is never ever going to be a lock forward.I could go on.Something doesn't feel right.The current coaching team appears to be taking us backwards.This can't continue surely.

exile jack wrote:

wayne wrote:Ospreys team to play the Dragons tomorrow is as follows
Evans, Dirksen, Watkin, Matavesi, Walker, Biggar, Webb (c), Smith, Baldwin, Arhip, Bernardo, Beard, Cracknell, Underhill, King with Thomas, Otten, Jarvis, Lydiate, Bearman, Leonard, Davies and Hassler on the bench. At least we have 2 proper 2nd rows playing with a decent scrummaging tight head  in front of them, what has Thornton done to be dropped totally out of the squad, it either means King taking over in the boiler house and Lydiate or Bearman coming on, or one of them coming in to a position neither has ever played in for the Ospreys, totally ridiculous selection policy and why is Walker still in there, I know Hassler was poor last week but he's still better than Eli.
Again not optimistic for this game, we really need to win this game to instill a bit of confidence in the group. We need a stable selection policy and we are not having it at the moment.

Wayne,the selection policy at the O's beggars belief.What is going on down there in Ospreylia? Bernardo and Thornton play really well against Munster and then Bernardo disappears from the squad.Dan B,one of the best 10's in Europe,doesn't start against the Scarlets.Players out of form,Walker,get picked.James King is never ever going to be a lock forward.I could go on.Something doesn't feel right.The current coaching team appears to be taking us backwards.This can't continue surely.

You are right Jack, with all due respect to Cracknell, why is either Lydiate or King NOT at 6 and Baker at 8, he is beginning to hit a decent amount of form, IIRC Baker was MOTM in both games against the Dragons last season, he was definitely in one of them, as you say Bernardo and Thornton should have been playing regularly together.
Most of the talk on our Forum is that Tandy is a dead man walking, with either dismissal or a DOR being placed above him, I personally would prefer the latter, considering his only other appointment was with Bridgend and IMO he has made a decent fist of it, with all the financial constraints he has been under, it is mainly his selections that have left people bemused.

Isn't Baker meant to be one of the players on the injury list?

wayne wrote:

exile jack wrote:

wayne wrote:Ospreys team to play the Dragons tomorrow is as follows
Evans, Dirksen, Watkin, Matavesi, Walker, Biggar, Webb (c), Smith, Baldwin, Arhip, Bernardo, Beard, Cracknell, Underhill, King with Thomas, Otten, Jarvis, Lydiate, Bearman, Leonard, Davies and Hassler on the bench. At least we have 2 proper 2nd rows playing with a decent scrummaging tight head  in front of them, what has Thornton done to be dropped totally out of the squad, it either means King taking over in the boiler house and Lydiate or Bearman coming on, or one of them coming in to a position neither has ever played in for the Ospreys, totally ridiculous selection policy and why is Walker still in there, I know Hassler was poor last week but he's still better than Eli.
Again not optimistic for this game, we really need to win this game to instill a bit of confidence in the group. We need a stable selection policy and we are not having it at the moment.

Wayne,the selection policy at the O's beggars belief.What is going on down there in Ospreylia? Bernardo and Thornton play really well against Munster and then Bernardo disappears from the squad.Dan B,one of the best 10's in Europe,doesn't start against the Scarlets.Players out of form,Walker,get picked.James King is never ever going to be a lock forward.I could go on.Something doesn't feel right.The current coaching team appears to be taking us backwards.This can't continue surely.

You are right Jack, with all due respect to Cracknell, why is either Lydiate or King NOT at 6 and Baker at 8, he is beginning to hit a decent amount of form, IIRC Baker was MOTM in both games against the Dragons last season, he was definitely in one of them, as you say Bernardo and Thornton should have been playing regularly together.
Most of the talk on our Forum is that Tandy is a dead man walking, with either dismissal or a DOR being placed above him, I personally would prefer the latter, considering his only other appointment was with Bridgend and IMO he has made a decent fist of it, with all the financial constraints he has been under, it is mainly his selections that have left people bemused.

You would think that the Board and the sponsors would be asking themselves why are they content to accept the current position.I just don't believe team morale is being helped by the team selections being made.There have been outstanding performances this season but too few of them.If the O's were a premiership football team i'm certain Steve T would be long gone.Other Pro12 sides have managed the RWC year and injuries better than the O's.We've got the players but they need coaches to maximise their potential.Good luck for tonight.I'm off to Bath v Saracens.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Isn't Baker meant to be one of the players on the injury list?

Yes you are right SS, missed that, that is all the more reason to select Thornton IMO, he would do a better impact job than Bearman, at least he knows how to run towards the opposition try line NOT towards the touchline.

exile jack wrote:

wayne wrote:

exile jack wrote:

wayne wrote:Ospreys team to play the Dragons tomorrow is as follows
Evans, Dirksen, Watkin, Matavesi, Walker, Biggar, Webb (c), Smith, Baldwin, Arhip, Bernardo, Beard, Cracknell, Underhill, King with Thomas, Otten, Jarvis, Lydiate, Bearman, Leonard, Davies and Hassler on the bench. At least we have 2 proper 2nd rows playing with a decent scrummaging tight head  in front of them, what has Thornton done to be dropped totally out of the squad, it either means King taking over in the boiler house and Lydiate or Bearman coming on, or one of them coming in to a position neither has ever played in for the Ospreys, totally ridiculous selection policy and why is Walker still in there, I know Hassler was poor last week but he's still better than Eli.
Again not optimistic for this game, we really need to win this game to instill a bit of confidence in the group. We need a stable selection policy and we are not having it at the moment.

Wayne,the selection policy at the O's beggars belief.What is going on down there in Ospreylia? Bernardo and Thornton play really well against Munster and then Bernardo disappears from the squad.Dan B,one of the best 10's in Europe,doesn't start against the Scarlets.Players out of form,Walker,get picked.James King is never ever going to be a lock forward.I could go on.Something doesn't feel right.The current coaching team appears to be taking us backwards.This can't continue surely.

You are right Jack, with all due respect to Cracknell, why is either Lydiate or King NOT at 6 and Baker at 8, he is beginning to hit a decent amount of form, IIRC Baker was MOTM in both games against the Dragons last season, he was definitely in one of them, as you say Bernardo and Thornton should have been playing regularly together.
Most of the talk on our Forum is that Tandy is a dead man walking, with either dismissal or a DOR being placed above him, I personally would prefer the latter, considering his only other appointment was with Bridgend and IMO he has made a decent fist of it, with all the financial constraints he has been under, it is mainly his selections that have left people bemused.

You would think that the Board and the sponsors would be asking themselves why are they content to accept the current position.I just don't believe team morale is being helped by the team selections being made.There have been outstanding performances this season but too few of them.If the O's were a premiership football team i'm certain Steve T would be long gone.Other Pro12 sides have managed the RWC year and injuries better than the O's.We've got the players but they need coaches to maximise their potential.Good luck for tonight.I'm off to Bath v Saracens.

Jack IMO, we have a first 23 who is a match for anybody, as was proven in our RCC exploits except for the Exeter away debacle, it's when we go down to the next level that we really struggle and we are VERY dependent on 4 or 5 players and when they are missing we are up the creek without a paddle, with the extraordinary injury list we have suffered this season on top, we have to just grin and bear it, now we know how the other Welsh teams have felt for the last 10 years or so, hopefully things will return to normal next season.

Good win, thoroughly deserved, see what you get Tandy when you select proper players in their rightful positions, a few more injuries to the list, at least we have a few weeks to get over this game, too late for this season but a step in the right direction.

wayne wrote:Good win, thoroughly deserved, see what you get Tandy when you select proper players in their rightful positions, a few more injuries to the list, at least we have a few weeks to get over this game, too late for this season but a step in the right direction.

Went to Bath,and they are really not happy down there, so didn't see game but Mrs EJ watched it for me.O's played with pace and power for about 60 minutes then lost some focus?She thought Cracknell and Underhill were very good and the second row went well.Some of the tackles on Arhip were a bit dodgy? Webb and Matavesi very good.She wondered why Baldwin kept running into multiple contact and why Webb kept box kicking in the second half and giving the ball back to the Dragons but she says Webb's backrow like performance in the last 10 minutes kept the Dragons out.

I agree the O's have the players of the right calibre(with great young talent coming through).My concern is whether or not the current coaching regime can maximise their potential next season.Anyway,looks like Bath will be joining us in next season's RCC2.

exile jack wrote:

wayne wrote:Good win, thoroughly deserved, see what you get Tandy when you select proper players in their rightful positions, a few more injuries to the list, at least we have a few weeks to get over this game, too late for this season but a step in the right direction.

Went to Bath,and they are really not happy down there, so didn't see game but Mrs EJ watched it for me.O's played with pace and power for about 60 minutes then lost some focus?She thought Cracknell and Underhill were very good and the second row went well.Some of the tackles on Arhip were a bit dodgy? Webb and Matavesi very good.She wondered why Baldwin kept running into multiple contact and why Webb kept box kicking in the second half and giving the ball back to the Dragons but she says Webb's backrow like performance in the last 10 minutes kept the Dragons out.

I agree the O's have the players of the right calibre(with great young talent coming through).My concern is whether or not the current coaching regime can maximise their potential next season.Anyway,looks like Bath will be joining us  in next season's RCC2.

Jack a lot of that is correct, the Baldwin action you could put down to many of our players all season long, you don't see other teams doing it why do we? The score was too close for comfort late on, but that was down to a forward pass that Lacey refused to have a look at, when they scored, it should have been disallowed, he called a flat pass from Biggar forward in the first half when it wasn't and the receiving player was through, why our props were substituted so early is another mystery, Jarvis should be sent to CA NOW.

I think this thread has been overly harsh on Tandy, it was less than a year ago where we narrowly missed out on a place in the pro12 final  due to a knock on.  

There is no depth to our squad due to budget and NWQ constraints and it's no surprise that we struggled when we missed James, Baldwin, Jarvis, AWJ, Lydiate, Tipuric, Ardron, King, Webb, Biggar, Matevesi, Hassler to the World Cup and our most creative centre got injured in his first game.  We've been playing catch up ever since.  The European campaign where we beat last years runners up and got two bonus points away which many teams have failed to do when we had a fully fit squad proves we can compete with Tandy in charge but people won't give him the credit for that campaign, on the flip side Pivac led his Scarlets team to humiliating losses in their European campaign yet gets praised as a coach.

We've seen the emergence of Owen Watkin, Sam Davies, Rory Thornton, Sam Underhill, Olly Cracknell, Adam Beard to go along with last years Nicky Smith and Dan Baker who will be key Ospreys going forward but Tandy doesn't get any credit for the development of these youngsters.

What we need is someone to help with recruitment to supplement the talent we grow in our region as the signings of Gustafson and Jones are not good enough to improve this squad

I'll reserve judgement on Tandy after next season when he hasn't lost the bulk of his squad for pre season and half the regular season

True Raven wrote:I think this thread has been overly harsh on Tandy, it was less than a year ago where we narrowly missed out on a place in the pro12 final  due to a knock on.  

There is no depth to our squad due to budget and NWQ constraints and it's no surprise that we struggled when we missed James, Baldwin, Jarvis, AWJ, Lydiate, Tipuric, Ardron, King, Webb, Biggar, Matevesi, Hassler to the World Cup and our most creative centre got injured in his first game.  We've been playing catch up ever since.  The European campaign where we beat last years runners up and got two bonus points away which many teams have failed to do when we had a fully fit squad proves we can compete with Tandy in charge but people won't give him the credit for that campaign, on the flip side Pivac led his Scarlets team to humiliating losses in their European campaign yet gets praised as a coach.

We've seen the emergence of Owen Watkin, Sam Davies, Rory Thornton, Sam Underhill, Olly Cracknell, Adam Beard to go along with last years Nicky Smith and Dan Baker who will be key Ospreys going forward but Tandy doesn't get any credit for the development of these youngsters.

What we need is someone to help with recruitment to supplement the talent we grow in our region as the signings of Gustafson and Jones are not good enough to improve this squad

I'll reserve judgement on Tandy after next season when he hasn't lost the bulk of his squad for pre season and half the regular season

TR, if you think this has been harsh you want to go on our own Forum, this is like the Teddy Bears Picnic in comparison, it is the selection of certain players over others have left me bemused, our scrum has been always smashed when Jarvis has been on the field, we have selected lightweight 2nd rows or backrowers in the boiler house, when proper 2nd rows have been available. I entirely agree with you over the emergence of the players you mention and the numbers missing at totally relevant times of the season have hit us badly.
Again I agree about the 2 players we've signed, who are sanctioning these signings, it has been mentioned in interviews by the coaches and Andrew Hore that it is due to some form of committee not a one off, I think basically Steve Tandy has done a good job, but I also believe an experienced DOR above him with sole responsibility for the Rugby side of the Organisation is an absolute necessity, I don't think Tandy has the right experience for that level of job.

According to todays Rugby Paper, Earle going to the Blues, BBBD coming to us, Bernardo to the Scarlets and Kristian Phillips going to London Welsh out of all those I think the Scarlets have made the most sensible signing as at least he is a consistent performer who will be there ALL season, that is if it all comes about.

What on earth Clermont see in Jarvis god only knows.

Assuming BBBD is Bradley Davies? Not so sure about Earle as he seems to be on the wane. If he's going to Blues as third/fourth choice lock then it's a good signing I guess. So that's three Welsh teams strengthening their squads for next season.

mikey_dragon wrote:Assuming BBBD is Bradley Davies? Not so sure about Earle as he seems to be on the wane. If he's going to Blues as third/fourth choice lock then it's a good signing I guess. So that's three Welsh teams strengthening their squads for next season.

Haven't read the Rugby Paper Mikey, took it off our Forum, I think it is supposed to stand for Big Bad Bradley Davies, but could be hopelessly wrong, if it comes about I can't see it being a good signing, I think both him and AWJ are better front of the line jumpers and they will both be away with TW for a large part of the season, unless they rotate with Thornton and Beard. With a back row of Lydiate, Tipuric and Baker does not give a lot of lineout options, better if King and Ardron can be fitted in. It could be a more balanced pack during the International windows than outside especially if we can hang on to Underhill.

True Raven wrote:I think this thread has been overly harsh on Tandy, it was less than a year ago where we narrowly missed out on a place in the pro12 final  due to a knock on.  

There is no depth to our squad due to budget and NWQ constraints and it's no surprise that we struggled when we missed James, Baldwin, Jarvis, AWJ, Lydiate, Tipuric, Ardron, King, Webb, Biggar, Matevesi, Hassler to the World Cup and our most creative centre got injured in his first game.  We've been playing catch up ever since.  The European campaign where we beat last years runners up and got two bonus points away which many teams have failed to do when we had a fully fit squad proves we can compete with Tandy in charge but people won't give him the credit for that campaign, on the flip side Pivac led his Scarlets team to humiliating losses in their European campaign yet gets praised as a coach.

We've seen the emergence of Owen Watkin, Sam Davies, Rory Thornton, Sam Underhill, Olly Cracknell, Adam Beard to go along with last years Nicky Smith and Dan Baker who will be key Ospreys going forward but Tandy doesn't get any credit for the development of these youngsters.

What we need is someone to help with recruitment to supplement the talent we grow in our region as the signings of Gustafson and Jones are not good enough to improve this squad

I'll reserve judgement on Tandy after next season when he hasn't lost the bulk of his squad for pre season and half the regular season

I don't think it's harsh to point out that other Pro12 teams have managed their WC year and their injuries better than the O's and that without poor old Zebre and Treviso we're down at the bottom of the league.The question for me is which of the following statements best represents the O's coaching team-a)they are taking the team forward?,b)they are maintaining the status quo?,c)they are taking the team backwards? My view is c) because of what i've seen in the away matches at Edinburgh,Glasgow,Connacht,Leinster and Exeter,the latter being very,very disappointing.I found the changes to the team after Munster away quite baffling,but to go to Leinster not having grasped the lessons of the Connacht game was not an example of effective coaching.Preparation of the team is the coaches responsibility and expecting to claw back points against leading sides is not a recipe for success.

In contrast,the performances against Munster away and Clermont,Glasgow and UBB home show the team's potential,but that is not consistent enough.I'll temper my concerns if the performances against the Blues and,particularly,Ulster are standard setting.The only good news about the O's position is that the internationals might be less knackered before the tour to NZ.

More bad injury news for the remainder of this season, JJ Engelbrecht, Maafu Fia, Paul James and Justin Tipuric all ruled out.
JJ needs surgery, after a toe infection that spread Maafu also ruled out, Assey after eye surgery will be out for at least 6 - 10 weeks, and even though he is recovering is out for the remainder of this season and will miss the NZ tour for Wales.
Luckily it doesn't impact too much on what we can achieve this season as this is shot anyway, I just want them right for 16/17.

wayne wrote:More bad injury news for the remainder of this season, JJ Engelbrecht, Maafu Fia, Paul James and Justin Tipuric all ruled out.
JJ needs surgery, after a toe infection that spread Maafu also ruled out, Assey after eye surgery will be out for at least 6 - 10 weeks, and even though he is recovering is out for the remainder of this season and will miss the NZ tour for Wales.
Luckily it doesn't impact too much on what we can achieve this season as this is shot anyway, I just want them right for 16/17.

Wayne,what's the latest on AWJ? Any chance of him playing any of the final 3 matches?

exile jack wrote:

wayne wrote:More bad injury news for the remainder of this season, JJ Engelbrecht, Maafu Fia, Paul James and Justin Tipuric all ruled out.
JJ needs surgery, after a toe infection that spread Maafu also ruled out, Assey after eye surgery will be out for at least 6 - 10 weeks, and even though he is recovering is out for the remainder of this season and will miss the NZ tour for Wales.
Luckily it doesn't impact too much on what we can achieve this season as this is shot anyway, I just want them right for 16/17.

Wayne,what's the latest on AWJ? Any chance of him playing any of the final 3 matches?

Jack, when he had the injury update there was a 6 week time scale from TW, this scale was NOT what we agreed with. This is week 4 or 5 so wouldn't be surprised to see him included in the squad for this weekend, in the Press Conference put out today Gibbes mentioned him, but I couldn't understand the question, so not too sure what to expect, a bench position is what I'm hoping for, as IMO we will need him for Judgement Day, which is in a fortnight, and to put him in with no gametime before that could be a big risk.

Hugely talented young centre Owen Watkin has signed his first professional contract. Looking forward to watching this lad develop his talent at the liberty

True Raven wrote:Hugely talented young centre Owen Watkin has signed his first professional contract.  Looking forward to watching this lad develop his talent at the liberty

Yes good news TR, I was talking to his cousin in the Ogmore Vale Life Centre yesterday, this news hadn't broken at that time, he was telling me his father selected him to play for Bryncethin Senior team to play against one of the Cardiff clubs way before his 16th birthday, and he scored 3 tries and ripped them apart, this lad was of the opinion he shouldn't have played against seniors at that age, but an exceptional talent none the less.

Decent win last night against a team struggling in this League, there should have been a few more tries, some basic errors stopped a real hammering for Treviso, and yet another incompetent Referee at this level, he was not biased against either team, just useless for both, couple of tackles that were made on our players and were completed were allowed to move on, his reffing of the scrum was terrible the Treviso loosehead was pulling down on Daimitri and our boy was penalised, he didn't have a clue, some good performances by our youngsters, Olly Cracknell was outstanding, as was the rest of our back row, the 2nd row pairing were very good, and if the rumours are true, Bernardo going to the Scarlets and Brad coming to us from the Wasps, I would prefer us keep the status quo and buy cover for full back and centre, let me say the battle for places in our back row is fantastic, on performances for the Ospreys Cracknell is keeping Lydiate out of the team on merit, excellent prospect and would have been my MOTM not Baker even though the latter had a very good game as did James King in the 7 shirt.
The International half backs controlled the game excellently, the Captaincy given to Webb seemed to really enthuse him, he was knackered when he came off he must have covered every blade of the Liberty twice, there seems to be a bit of a weight issue with Matavesi he was quite slow especially around the tackle area and looks about 6 months pregnant.
Finally and this really made my day, we announced our renewal ST this week and at Half Time there was an announcement on the presentation of a few goodies for the first person renewing, it was to a teenage girl and there were a number of her Family present, and it was announced this Family was from the large town within Ospreylia of TREDEGAR.

Says a lot about you that the halftime thing made your night and not the rugby.

Dragons have supporters from other places too. I'm sure every team has supporters from elsewhere. I'm a Risca and Dragons fan who lives near Oxford. Doesn't mean diddly squat. But kudos anyway, I'm sure. Enjoy your hard on.

RiscaGame wrote:Says a lot about you that the halftime thing made your night and not the rugby.

Dragons have supporters from other places too. I'm sure every team has supporters from elsewhere. I'm a Risca and Dragons fan who lives near Oxford. Doesn't mean diddly squat. But kudos anyway, I'm sure. Enjoy your hard on.

No hard on from me Rev, I wouldn't mind betting your supporters from elsewhere including yourself have strong Gwent connections, eg BW, this family make this journey, because of your organisation, they have no ties to Ospreylia except for wanting to support a Region, the same applies to numbers from the Merthyr and Vale of Glamorgan areas who are very strong ST holders of long standing, who travel to European games and yet again with no affinity to our Region apart from the Rugby.
When somebody comes in and make you a Region come back and have a conversation. OK Rev.

Is a region a team that calls off a game, because they can't get a prop? Even Newport Muddled Up Dragons have never done that. Region my foot. If they need a make believe place like Ospreylia to support, then I'd recommend Narnia RFC as an alternative.

RiscaGame wrote:Is a region a team that calls off a game, because they can't get a prop? Even Newport Muddled Up Dragons have never done that. Region my foot. If they need a make believe place like Ospreylia to support, then I'd recommend Narnia RFC as an alternative.

Yes when you have so many taken by Team Wales (do you know what that means, have you ever had any), it would never apply to you Rev.

Well done on the win last night Narnia RFC.

wayne wrote:

RiscaGame wrote:Is a region a team that calls off a game, because they can't get a prop? Even Newport Muddled Up Dragons have never done that. Region my foot. If they need a make believe place like Ospreylia to support, then I'd recommend Narnia RFC as an alternative.

Yes when you have so many taken by Team Wales (do you know what that means, have you ever had any), it would never apply to you Rev.

At least try not to be silly Wayne, if you want to go on about internationals. Try posing questions properly too, not as you have. Did all the premiership clubs in Narnia have internationals too? Seems a weak defence to me, but then I guess it's par for the course if you are posting like you just did.

RiscaGame wrote:

wayne wrote:

RiscaGame wrote:Is a region a team that calls off a game, because they can't get a prop? Even Newport Muddled Up Dragons have never done that. Region my foot. If they need a make believe place like Ospreylia to support, then I'd recommend Narnia RFC as an alternative.

Yes when you have so many taken by Team Wales (do you know what that means, have you ever had any), it would never apply to you Rev.

At least try not to be silly Wayne, if you want to go on about internationals. Try posing questions properly too, not as you have. Did all the premiership clubs in Narnia have internationals too? Seems a weak defence to me, but then I guess it's par for the course if you are posting like you just did.

No, you are the only one making this thread silly, I mentioned Gwent people renewing their ST with the One True Region, rather than travelling down the road to the 50% owned Team, and you fetch up a long ago episode, that you are prone to do on a regular basis. Just to add, who were Magners League Champions that season?
So after all this hyperbole, why not answer the question, how many caps have Dragons players won when playing for them?

mikey_dragon wrote:Well done on the win last night Narnia RFC.

Thanks Sai, oh no you've changed Mikey, what did you think of the performance of the player that you said last season has never impressed you.

wayne wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Well done on the win last night Narnia RFC.

Thanks Sai, oh no you've changed Mikey, what did you think of the performance of the player that you said last season has never impressed you.

Who would that be?

mikey_dragon wrote:

wayne wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Well done on the win last night Narnia RFC.

Thanks Sai, oh no you've changed Mikey, what did you think of the performance of the player that you said last season has never impressed you.

Who would that be?

Come on Mikey if you actually believed half the guff you spout on here, you would know exactly who I'm talking about.

wayne wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

wayne wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Well done on the win last night Narnia RFC.

Thanks Sai, oh no you've changed Mikey, what did you think of the performance of the player that you said last season has never impressed you.

Who would that be?

Come on Mikey if you actually believed half the guff you spout on here, you would know exactly who I'm talking about.

No I actually don't. Is this another one of your riddles? I only watched a little bit of the match last night, and went on to watch the highlights earlier after I read this comment. Then the name Dan Evans sprang to mind, as he was first on the try-scoring sheet and I know he was talked about between our sets of fellow supporters. If it is Dan Evans then I don't think I said that about him. Having watched him play for us (Dragons) I'm pretty sure I would have said the opposite. Good player, consistent at this level, never really shone on a regular basis and not improved a great deal when moving between regions.

mikey_dragon wrote:

wayne wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

wayne wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Well done on the win last night Narnia RFC.

Thanks Sai, oh no you've changed Mikey, what did you think of the performance of the player that you said last season has never impressed you.

Who would that be?

Come on Mikey if you actually believed half the guff you spout on here, you would know exactly who I'm talking about.

No I actually don't. Is this another one of your riddles? I only watched a little bit of the match last night, and went on to watch the highlights earlier after I read this comment. Then the name Dan Evans sprang to mind, as he was first on the try-scoring sheet and I know he was talked about between our sets of fellow supporters. If it is Dan Evans then I don't think I said that about him. Having watched him play for us (Dragons) I'm pretty sure I would have said the opposite. Good player, consistent at this level, never really shone on a regular basis and not improved a great deal when moving between regions.

No riddle, I actually believe what I post and if you did the same you would remember the basics of what you post, no Dan Evans is the wrong answer, many outside of your area have sussed you out a long time ago even if you change your username, even some from within are coming to their senses about you.

Right okay I don't know who then, and I don't know what you're talking about now either. A shame, as for a moment there I thought it may be possible to have a discussion with you where you refrained from acting bonkers. Perhaps Stone Motif was right afterall...

mikey_dragon wrote:Right okay I don't know who then, and I don't know what you're talking about now either. A shame, as for a moment there I thought it may be possible to have a discussion with you where you refrained from acting bonkers. Perhaps Stone Motif was right afterall...

Yeah. I'm always right. Specially about Wayne's bellishness, tho I may well have undrestimatd it.

I won't bother replying specifically to the last 2 posts, just to say what a good day I had yesterday with a lovely little WUM, and of course the usual suspects bite.
I never resort to WUMs and that was my first, that Gwent family gave me the perfect opportunity, and the Jaws impersonation took effect.
 
Mikey/Saint, the player you said has never impressed you even though he had captained Wales U 20s, who has been outstanding in the last few matches and also earlier in the season was Olly Cracknell who is keeping Dan Lydiate out of our team at the moment on merit.

Cracknell - I don't ever remember discussing him to be honest. He was less than impressive at U20 level from what I can remember, but seems to be playing well for Ospreys in his last few games. Still, a few good games does not a good player make; just ask Josh Turnbull.

You are special Wayne, fair play. Stone is spot on with his opinion of you. Aren't you pretty old too? Such odd behaviour.

RiscaGame wrote:You are special Wayne, fair play. Stone is spot on with his opinion of you. Aren't you pretty old too? Such odd behaviour.

Nah Rev, not special in any way, just an average Ospreys fan. Why would Stone spoil the habit of a lifetime and NOW be right about me, sorry wrong again. What has my age got to do with it. Truth obviously hurts, must have struck a very large nerve with you.

Even though I put it up as a bit of a wum, there is a serious point to it, why would a Gwent family drive out of your area, bypass the next team they could support to put their hard earned cash into the One True Regions coffers? You really need to try and answer that and rectify it.

wayne wrote:

RiscaGame wrote:You are special Wayne, fair play. Stone is spot on with his opinion of you. Aren't you pretty old too? Such odd behaviour.

Nah Rev, not special in any way, just an average Ospreys fan. Why would Stone spoil the habit of a lifetime and NOW be right about me, sorry wrong again. What has my age got to do with it. Truth obviously hurts, must have struck a very large nerve with you.

Even though I put it up as a bit of a wum, there is a serious point to it, why would a Gwent family drive out of your area, bypass the next team they could support to put their hard earned cash into the One True Regions coffers? You really need to try and answer that and rectify it.

Funny enough a good few years ago when Scarlets played Bath in the Powergen Cup semi-final, I was sat next to a couple from Chester who were supporting the Scarlets. Whilst talking to them it turned out they had no connections to the Scarlets, or even Wales, however they liked rugby, and the Scarlets style o f play was the sort that they liked, and over time they ended up becoming supporters. They said that they try to attend as many games in Llanelli (obviously not Friday nights, or Sunday afternoons). We also have an Italian fan that has no links to the region, or country at all, who attends both the games out matches out in Italy and has been to PYS too. Does this mean that the English and Italians, as well as all the other regions too, need to sort their act out as these fans are ignoring them in favour of the Scarlets?

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

wayne wrote:

RiscaGame wrote:You are special Wayne, fair play. Stone is spot on with his opinion of you. Aren't you pretty old too? Such odd behaviour.

Nah Rev, not special in any way, just an average Ospreys fan. Why would Stone spoil the habit of a lifetime and NOW be right about me, sorry wrong again. What has my age got to do with it. Truth obviously hurts, must have struck a very large nerve with you.

Even though I put it up as a bit of a wum, there is a serious point to it, why would a Gwent family drive out of your area, bypass the next team they could support to put their hard earned cash into the One True Regions coffers? You really need to try and answer that and rectify it.

Funny enough a good few years ago when Scarlets played Bath in the Powergen Cup semi-final, I was sat next to a couple from Chester who were supporting the Scarlets.  Whilst talking to them it turned out they had no connections to the Scarlets, or even Wales, however they liked rugby, and the Scarlets style o f play was the sort that they liked, and over time they ended up becoming supporters.  They said that they try to attend as many games in Llanelli (obviously not Friday nights, or Sunday afternoons).  We also have an Italian fan that has no links to the region, or country at all, who attends both the games out matches out in Italy and has been to PYS too.  Does this mean that the English and Italians, as well as all the other regions too, need to sort their act out as these fans are ignoring them in favour of the Scarlets?

SS, if you cannot see the difference between your 2 examples and the fact this family has for at least 2 seasons, it could be a lot more, who knows?  (this year and next) bought ST, and travel the distances involved, for every home game. They should be Dragons supporters.

Wayne, given the distances from most areas of Gwent to Swansea are not really that vast, and you will find a number of fans in a few regions (and certainly all the provinces) that travel similar for every home game.

I think there are a lot of fairweather fans in Wales and wouldn't suprise me that when Ospreys were in their 'golden period' starting gaining more fans. People prefer winning teams, its why there are loads of Liverpool , Chelsea, Man Utd and Arsenal fans living in Wales when they have two decent teams closer to home to support

True Raven wrote:I think there are a lot of fairweather fans in Wales and wouldn't suprise me that when Ospreys were in their 'golden period' starting gaining more fans.  People prefer winning teams, its why there are loads of Liverpool , Chelsea, Man Utd and Arsenal fans living in Wales when they have two decent teams closer to home to support

In the last 6 years I have seen more Swansea city football shirts wandering around, that I did in the numerous years before.

True Raven wrote:I think there are a lot of fairweather fans in Wales and wouldn't suprise me that when Ospreys were in their 'golden period' starting gaining more fans.  People prefer winning teams, its why there are loads of Liverpool , Chelsea, Man Utd and Arsenal fans living in Wales when they have two decent teams closer to home to support

I'm glad some of you are able to talk sensibly. I'm sure the pull of Henson, Shane etc pulled a few supporters in from a few places. Like I said, hardly worth the hard on.

Your age is relevant Wayne, as all you've done is act ridiculously childishly. For a man of your age, I'd expect you to be a bit more mature, but then I suppose a man of your age has to celebrate every hard on they get too. I'll let you have your moment.