Blues vs Dragons Match Thread

[GavinDragon]

Blues: 15 Rhys Patchell, 14 Dan Fish, 13 Garyn Smith, 12 Rey Lee-Lo, 11 Tom James, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Lloyd Williams; 1 Gethin Jenkins (c), 2 Kristian Dacey, 3 Taufa'ao Filise, 4 Jarrad Hoeata, 5 James Down, 6 Ellis Jenkins, 7 Sam Warburton, 8 Josh Turnbull

Replacements: 16 Matthew Rees, 17 Brad Thyer, 18 Dillon Lewis, 19 Manoa Vosawai, 20 Josh Navidi, 21 Tomos Williams, 22 Harri Millard, 23 Aled Summerhill

Dragons: C Meyer, A Hughes, T Morgan, A Warren, H Amos, D Jones, S Pretorius, P Price, E Dee, B Harris, R Landman, N Crosswell, L Evans (captain), N Cudd, T Faletau. Replacements: R Buckley, B Stankovich, L Fairbrother, M Screech, E Jackson, C Davies, A O'Brien, GR Jones.

Although buoyed by our victory over Gloucester, I still think we will struggle in this match. The Blues have been playing some sublime attacking rugby at home and on that artificial surface, despite Kingsley pointing out that we train on one all week, I don't think we are fit enough to cope with that intensity.

For the Dragons, I don't think we will see too many changes from the side that beat Gloucester. So hopefully no injuries. It would have been nice if Ollie Griffiths was fit as I would have liked to seen the battle between him and Ellis Jenkins whom, along with James Davies, will in my opinion all be competing for the Welsh 7 jersey in a few years. Jack Dixon and James Thomas continued their comebacks with Bedwas in their defeat to Llandovery last night.

I also hope you the Blues involve Hobbs and Mitchell so we can see them in action before they move east to Rodney Parade in the summer.

I think it will be an entertaining game with a lot of tries scored, and with the Blues coming out on top and keeping their hopes of a top 6 finish alive.

[Stone Motif]

Now there's an unimaginative thread title.

Wonder if Lynn the Quin is going to be in charge for this one?

[Cardiff Dave]

Now there's an unimaginative thread title.

How about, Cardiff v Jonesy and the Pussycats?

[munkian]

Not Cardiff RFC V Wally's Hybrid Farce

[GavinDragon]

How about some contribution towards the actual rugby - now there's an idea!

Lyn not in charge for this.

[Cardiff Dave]

Not Cardiff RFC V Wally's Hybrid Farce

or Kick it up with the Joneses

[munkian]

How about some contribution towards the actual rugby - now there's an idea!

Lyn not in charge for this.

Not much to discuss until teams are announced

[GavinDragon]

Predictions?

[ScarletSpiderman]

Predictions?

Whoever wins, it is because they were confident going into this game following a decisive away win last time out, and the side that lost will be due to players being burnt out after leaving it all on the pitch during their crucial away win last time out. Also the winner will be tipped to have a good final few weeks of the season, where they will achieve a goal that will impress their fans (RCC2 title, or sneak into top 6) leading to them being dark horses for the Pro12 next season.

[munkian]

Predictions?

Whoever wins, it is because they were confident going into this game following a decisive away win last time out, and the side that lost will be due to players being burnt out after leaving it all on the pitch during their crucial away win last time out.  Also the winner will be tipped to have a good final few weeks of the season, where they will achieve a goal that will impress their fans (RCC2 title, or sneak into top 6) leading to them being dark horses for the Pro12 next season.

It will be interesting to see if Kingsley will pick the same side or a weakend team now the league is a dead rubber for us and we have Montpelier away.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Munk, I am really hoping the Dragons throw it all into this game. Bragging rights against the local 'bigger' team and all that, and also how good would it feel to put one over them on their home patch? Then after that the Dragons can take their next two league games easy.

[munkian]

Munk, I am really hoping the Dragons throw it all into this game.  Bragging rights against the local 'bigger' team and all that, and also how good would it feel to put one over them on their home patch?  Then after that the Dragons can take their next two league games easy.

Oh so do I mate but we really can't afford injuries/burnout when we play in France.

[Stone Motif]

Not Cardiff RFC V Wally's Hybrid Farce

or Kick it up with the Joneses

The pitch is artificial v Lynn's no clart: official

[RiscaGame]

Playing Auckland, are we

[RiscaGame]

Fancy Cardiff to win to be honest. I did anyway before last weekend, but now I think we will protect a few players and with Cardiff pushing for top six, they'll be up for it.

[Blueschief]

Cardiff had a week off last week so are rested, while Dragons have Montpellier next week, I won't be surprised to see Dragons put out a weakened side this weekend. Should be a great game and hoping Cardiff win it.

[Coleman]

Very excited for the this game. The weather forecast says the sun will be out so that will drag a few fair weather fans along I hope.

I think having a week off from the Scarlets game was a good thing as we can't blame being "drained, emotionally spent" for our performance. We've had two weeks to prepare for this game and without being direspectful I want us to take five points.

Excited to see Dacey v Dee (if Dacey is selected over Rees that is). Also I think Cudd vs Warbs will be a great clash as well. I think the Blues scrum as of late has been the better of the two. You won't see Mitchell or Hobbs in the squad for this one as they've been surpassed by younger, better players.

[GavinDragon]

Playing Auckland, are we

Bedford I thought

[GavinDragon]

Very excited for the this game. The weather forecast says the sun will be out so that will drag a few fair weather fans along I hope.

I think having a week off from the Scarlets game was a good thing as we can't blame being "drained, emotionally spent" for our performance. We've had two weeks to prepare for this game and without being direspectful I want us to take five points.

Excited to see Dacey v Dee (if Dacey is selected over Rees that is). Also I think Cudd vs Warbs will be a great clash as well. I think the Blues scrum as of late has been the better of the two. You won't see Mitchell or Hobbs in the squad for this one as they've been surpassed by younger, better players.

Straight shoot out for the 3rd hooking spot. I think Dacey is a better ball carrier and more destructive, whereas Dee is a more mobile technically accurate hooker. Dee reminds me of Huw Bennett whereas Dacey is more like Hibbard. Be interesting.

[PhilBB]

Will post teams up when thy are announced.

Although buoyed by our victory over Gloucester, I still think we will struggle in this match. The Blues have been playing some sublime attacking rugby at home and on that artificial surface, despite Kingsley pointing out that we train on one all week, I don't think we are fit enough to cope with that intensity.

For the Dragons, I don't think we will see too many changes from the side that beat Gloucester. So hopefully no injuries. It would have been nice if Ollie Griffiths was fit as I would have liked to seen the battle between him and Ellis Jenkins whom, along with James Davies, will in my opinion all be competing for the Welsh 7 jersey in a few years. Jack Dixon and James Thomas continued their comebacks with Bedwas in their defeat to Llandovery last night.

I also hope you the Blues involve Hobbs and Mitchell so we can see them in action before they move east to Rodney Parade in the summer.

I think it will be an entertaining game with a lot of tries scored, and with the Blues coming out on top and keeping their hopes of a top 6 finish alive.

Not one use of Cardiff.

Epic trolling.

[PhilBB]

Straight shoot out for the 3rd hooking spot. I think Dacey is a better ball carrier and more destructive, whereas Dee is a more mobile technically accurate hooker. Dee reminds me of Huw Bennett whereas Dacey is more like Hibbard. Be interesting.

But Dacey can't scrummage and is significantly smaller than Hibbard.

[GavinDragon]

Straight shoot out for the 3rd hooking spot. I think Dacey is a better ball carrier and more destructive, whereas Dee is a more mobile technically accurate hooker. Dee reminds me of Huw Bennett whereas Dacey is more like Hibbard. Be interesting.

But Dacey can't scrummage and is significantly smaller than Hibbard.

Hadn't observed Dacey closely enough to comment on his scrummaging. Dee's not renowned for his scrummaging either. Which is why TRT has been preferred by the Lyp at times this year.

[Coleman]

Straight shoot out for the 3rd hooking spot. I think Dacey is a better ball carrier and more destructive, whereas Dee is a more mobile technically accurate hooker. Dee reminds me of Huw Bennett whereas Dacey is more like Hibbard. Be interesting.

But Dacey can't scrummage and is significantly smaller than Hibbard.

I do agree. I think of the two Dee is more likely to be the better international player. The difference between Dacey and Dee come scrumtime is stark. I think Myhill will make himself No.1 at the Blues next season. Not that I don't like Dacey. I do, he always shows up for us and has a good try scoring record. I just think there is better players coming in and coming through.

[GavinDragon]

I think Myhill was a very shrewed signing for the Blues. Saying that, you've made many for next season - top 6 beckons me thinks!

I do wonder, had you not stole that win against us at Christmas, how both teams' seasons would have gone.

[wales606]

Should be an interesting game,

Blues were fantastic against the Scarlets and now will be under a lot of pressure to perform at home and keep the race for 6th on.

Will be interesting to see how this team under Wilson responds to that pressure.

Still think we will be looking back at those 2 away games in Italy with despair come the end of the season.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Will post teams up when thy are announced.

Although buoyed by our victory over Gloucester, I still think we will struggle in this match. The Blues have been playing some sublime attacking rugby at home and on that artificial surface, despite Kingsley pointing out that we train on one all week, I don't think we are fit enough to cope with that intensity.

For the Dragons, I don't think we will see too many changes from the side that beat Gloucester. So hopefully no injuries. It would have been nice if Ollie Griffiths was fit as I would have liked to seen the battle between him and Ellis Jenkins whom, along with James Davies, will in my opinion all be competing for the Welsh 7 jersey in a few years. Jack Dixon and James Thomas continued their comebacks with Bedwas in their defeat to Llandovery last night.

I also hope you the Blues involve Hobbs and Mitchell so we can see them in action before they move east to Rodney Parade in the summer.

I think it will be an entertaining game with a lot of tries scored, and with the Blues coming out on top and keeping their hopes of a top 6 finish alive.

Not one use of Cardiff.

Epic trolling.

You can't be unaware that most people refer to Cardiff Blues as the Blues. Are they all trolling, too?

[GavinDragon]

LP don't engage mun. He actually knows his stuff if you engage him on on the pitch rugby.

[GavinDragon]

Rhys Patchell is obviously a troll to - “I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again, as long as I’m a Blues player, I will give 100 per cent for the Blues and that’s the way it should be,” http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/rhys-patchell-interview-no-regrets-11185704

[PhilBB]

I think Myhill was a very shrewed signing for the Blues. Saying that, you've made many for next season - top 6 beckons me thinks!

I do wonder, had you not stole that win against us at Christmas, how both teams' seasons would have gone.

But for two mistakes in Italy, wouldn't Cardiff now be in 5th

[PhilBB]

You can't be unaware that most people refer to Cardiff Blues as the Blues. Are they all trolling, too?

I don't know them all so couldn't comment. I know Gavin's output well enough, however.

Hope that helps.

[PhilBB]

Rhys Patchell is obviously a troll to - “I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again, as long as I’m a Blues player, I will give 100 per cent for the Blues and that’s the way it should be,” http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/rhys-patchell-interview-no-regrets-11185704

Written by Simon who has confirmed numerous times that WO will use Cardiff Blues first up and then only Blues thereafter.

Look at what is written on the official website nowadays. They are going out of their way to use only Cardiff Blues.

[GavinDragon]

Rhys Patchell is obviously a troll to - “I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again, as long as I’m a Blues player, I will give 100 per cent for the Blues and that’s the way it should be,” http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/rhys-patchell-interview-no-regrets-11185704

Written by Simon who has confirmed numerous times that WO will use Cardiff Blues first up and then only Blues thereafter.

Look at what is written on the official website nowadays. They are going out of their way to use only Cardiff Blues.

But in a direct quote?

[PhilBB]

But in a direct quote?

Yep. In the past I can remember reading one script of the same interview on three different outlets (Pro12, BBC and WO) with three different 'quotes'.

That's Editors for you.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

People use Blues as shorthand. They don't do it to deny the Cardiff bit. Nothing's meant by it.

[PhilBB]

People use Blues as shorthand. They don't do it to deny the Cardiff bit. Nothing's meant by it.

Good to know.

[Cardiff Dave]

Will post teams up when thy are announced.

Although buoyed by our victory over Gloucester, I still think we will struggle in this match. The Blues have been playing some sublime attacking rugby at home and on that artificial surface, despite Kingsley pointing out that we train on one all week, I don't think we are fit enough to cope with that intensity.

For the Dragons, I don't think we will see too many changes from the side that beat Gloucester. So hopefully no injuries. It would have been nice if Ollie Griffiths was fit as I would have liked to seen the battle between him and Ellis Jenkins whom, along with James Davies, will in my opinion all be competing for the Welsh 7 jersey in a few years. Jack Dixon and James Thomas continued their comebacks with Bedwas in their defeat to Llandovery last night.

I also hope you the Blues involve Hobbs and Mitchell so we can see them in action before they move east to Rodney Parade in the summer.

I think it will be an entertaining game with a lot of tries scored, and with the Blues coming out on top and keeping their hopes of a top 6 finish alive.

Not one use of Cardiff.

Epic trolling.

You can't be unaware that most people refer to Cardiff Blues as the Blues. Are they all trolling, too?

I bet most French people would say "Cardeeff" or something like that. Never Blues, for obvious reasons. And it seems to be mostly Cardiff with the Irish, NI, Scottish and English media. S4C never say "Blues" either. Actually they don't say Cardiff or Caerdydd come to think of it.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Will post teams up when thy are announced.

Although buoyed by our victory over Gloucester, I still think we will struggle in this match. The Blues have been playing some sublime attacking rugby at home and on that artificial surface, despite Kingsley pointing out that we train on one all week, I don't think we are fit enough to cope with that intensity.

For the Dragons, I don't think we will see too many changes from the side that beat Gloucester. So hopefully no injuries. It would have been nice if Ollie Griffiths was fit as I would have liked to seen the battle between him and Ellis Jenkins whom, along with James Davies, will in my opinion all be competing for the Welsh 7 jersey in a few years. Jack Dixon and James Thomas continued their comebacks with Bedwas in their defeat to Llandovery last night.

I also hope you the Blues involve Hobbs and Mitchell so we can see them in action before they move east to Rodney Parade in the summer.

I think it will be an entertaining game with a lot of tries scored, and with the Blues coming out on top and keeping their hopes of a top 6 finish alive.

Not one use of Cardiff.

Epic trolling.

You can't be unaware that most people refer to Cardiff Blues as the Blues. Are they all trolling, too?

I bet most French people would say "Cardeeff" or something like that. Never Blues, for obvious reasons. And it seems to be mostly Cardiff with the Irish, NI, Scottish and English media. S4C never say "Blues" either. Actually they don't say Cardiff or Caerdydd come to think of it.

S4C don't ever use Ospreys or Dragons either mind.

[LordDowlais]

S4C use Gleision for Blues, I thought that was common knowledge. Anyway I gave a strange feeling that this game will be a belter.

[Cardiff Dave]

S4C use Gleision for Blues, I thought that was common knowledge. Anyway I gave a strange feeling that this game will be a belter.

Fecking wibblers.
The S4C Euro highlights show is confusing too. Dunno who done what to who half the time. Made up names for many foreign club sides. French tv call us Cardiff, so why does Welsh tv continue to get it so wrong?

[Cardiff Dave]

Will post teams up when thy are announced.

Although buoyed by our victory over Gloucester, I still think we will struggle in this match. The Blues have been playing some sublime attacking rugby at home and on that artificial surface, despite Kingsley pointing out that we train on one all week, I don't think we are fit enough to cope with that intensity.

For the Dragons, I don't think we will see too many changes from the side that beat Gloucester. So hopefully no injuries. It would have been nice if Ollie Griffiths was fit as I would have liked to seen the battle between him and Ellis Jenkins whom, along with James Davies, will in my opinion all be competing for the Welsh 7 jersey in a few years. Jack Dixon and James Thomas continued their comebacks with Bedwas in their defeat to Llandovery last night.

I also hope you the Blues involve Hobbs and Mitchell so we can see them in action before they move east to Rodney Parade in the summer.

I think it will be an entertaining game with a lot of tries scored, and with the Blues coming out on top and keeping their hopes of a top 6 finish alive.

Not one use of Cardiff.

Epic trolling.

You can't be unaware that most people refer to Cardiff Blues as the Blues. Are they all trolling, too?

I bet most French people would say "Cardeeff" or something like that. Never Blues, for obvious reasons. And it seems to be mostly Cardiff with the Irish, NI, Scottish and English media. S4C never say "Blues" either. Actually they don't say Cardiff or Caerdydd come to think of it.

S4C don't ever use Ospreys or Dragons either mind.

You've reminded me that they do in fact, on the red, no wibble button.

[Cardiff Dave]

Predictions?

Ask Andy's bowels.

[Cardiff Dave]

S4C use Gleision for Blues, I thought that was common knowledge. Anyway I gave a strange feeling that this game will be a belter.

In the relatively small world of not-team-Wales rugby in Wales, it probably is.

[Guest]

Will post teams up when thy are announced.

Although buoyed by our victory over Gloucester, I still think we will struggle in this match. The Blues have been playing some sublime attacking rugby at home and on that artificial surface, despite Kingsley pointing out that we train on one all week, I don't think we are fit enough to cope with that intensity.

For the Dragons, I don't think we will see too many changes from the side that beat Gloucester. So hopefully no injuries. It would have been nice if Ollie Griffiths was fit as I would have liked to seen the battle between him and Ellis Jenkins whom, along with James Davies, will in my opinion all be competing for the Welsh 7 jersey in a few years. Jack Dixon and James Thomas continued their comebacks with Bedwas in their defeat to Llandovery last night.

I also hope you the Blues involve Hobbs and Mitchell so we can see them in action before they move east to Rodney Parade in the summer.

I think it will be an entertaining game with a lot of tries scored, and with the Blues coming out on top and keeping their hopes of a top 6 finish alive.

Not one use of Cardiff.

Epic trolling.

You can't be unaware that most people refer to Cardiff Blues as the Blues. Are they all trolling, too?

I bet most French people would say "Cardeeff" or something like that. Never Blues, for obvious reasons. And it seems to be mostly Cardiff with the Irish, NI, Scottish and English media. S4C never say "Blues" either. Actually they don't say Cardiff or Caerdydd come to think of it.

Cardiff RFC: world famous, in Wales.

[Cardiff Dave]

Will post teams up when thy are announced.

Although buoyed by our victory over Gloucester, I still think we will struggle in this match. The Blues have been playing some sublime attacking rugby at home and on that artificial surface, despite Kingsley pointing out that we train on one all week, I don't think we are fit enough to cope with that intensity.

For the Dragons, I don't think we will see too many changes from the side that beat Gloucester. So hopefully no injuries. It would have been nice if Ollie Griffiths was fit as I would have liked to seen the battle between him and Ellis Jenkins whom, along with James Davies, will in my opinion all be competing for the Welsh 7 jersey in a few years. Jack Dixon and James Thomas continued their comebacks with Bedwas in their defeat to Llandovery last night.

I also hope you the Blues involve Hobbs and Mitchell so we can see them in action before they move east to Rodney Parade in the summer.

I think it will be an entertaining game with a lot of tries scored, and with the Blues coming out on top and keeping their hopes of a top 6 finish alive.

Not one use of Cardiff.

Epic trolling.

You can't be unaware that most people refer to Cardiff Blues as the Blues. Are they all trolling, too?

I bet most French people would say "Cardeeff" or something like that. Never Blues, for obvious reasons. And it seems to be mostly Cardiff with the Irish, NI, Scottish and English media. S4C never say "Blues" either. Actually they don't say Cardiff or Caerdydd come to think of it.

Cardiff RFC: world famous, in Wales.

Dunno, but I can't see how made-up names like Gleision, Gweilch and Dreigiau have helped matters. Adds to the existing confusion imho and certainly doesn't help attracting new punters coz those names would mean naff all to fresh folk who could be persuaded to join in. Cardiff, Swansea and Newport on the other hand... Just guessing, of course.

[PhilBB]

Dave, Dave, Dave. You'll never be welcome in Wales with a thought pattern like that.

Our teams MUST be inclusive because, after all, that's how the Ospreys have been mega successful. Right? Through not having a club name in their, erm, name. That's how they've managed to win those PrO'12 titles and those knockout games in Eur... erm, scratch that.

It's all to do with their name. Right?

Nothing at all to do with a free stadium, a financing deal that allows them to piggy back off a Premiership Soccer team and really cheap tickets.

It's just because they don't have a place name in their brand.

[GavinDragon]

I wonder what the crowd will be. You'd expect a good one, given the proximity. What is the capacity at CAP?

[PhilBB]

I wonder what the crowd will be. You'd expect a good one, given the proximity. What is the capacity at CAP?

About 12k.

I can't see it being a sell out, however, what with the NGD being crap and the game being on a Sunday.

There doesn't seem to be any 'buzz' about this game.

[wales606]

Are these match threads still getting completely de-railed by whether the name Cardiff should be used before you say anything.

How about we actually talk about the match and you can start your own thread on what shortened name to use for the Cardiff Blues.

[GavinDragon]

So 606, predictions?

[wales606]

So 606, predictions?

Going to depend on how both team respond to their recent successes,

Think the Blues have the better squad and have been in better form recently, the Dragons pulled off a good win, but before that their form was very poor. Can't see them pulling off another big away win in a row.

Blues 25 - 15 Dragons

[Sponsored content]