Ospreys 16/17 season thread

by wayne Wed 13 Jul 2016, 8:36 pm

First topic message reminder :

Rugby Management and Squad for 16/17
Head Coach Steve Tandy
Backs Gruff Rees
Forwards Chris Gibbes
Defence Brad Davis
Backs.
Dan Evans 3,     Jeff Hassler 2,     Dafydd Howells 2,     Ashley Beck 2,     Owen Watkin 3, Kieron Fonotia 2,    Ben John 2, Tom Habberfield 3, Rhys Webb NDC 3?,     Dan Biggar NDC 3, Eli Walker 1, Josh Matavesi 2, Tom Grabham 1,    Brendon Leonard 2, Sam Davies 1,    Hanno Dirksen 1, Keelan Giles 3
Forwards.
Olly Cracknell 2, Lloyd Ashley3, Bradley Davies NDC 3, Joe Bearman 1, Gareth Thomas 3, Hugh Gustafson 2, Adam Beard 3, Scott Otten 3, AWJ NDC 3, Dan Baker NDC 3, Rory Thornton NDC 3, Scott Baldwin NDC 3, James King NDC 2, Ma'afu Fia 2, Nicky Smith 3, Dmitri Arhip 2, Justin Tipuric 4, Sam Parry 2, Tyler Ardron 1, Paul James 2, Dan Suter 1,    Rhodri Jones 2, and Sam Underhill 2 but on permit from Bridgend RFC.
Fixture list for 16/17
2/9   Zebre                                         H                        Guinness W 59-5
10/9 Connacht                                    A                        Guinness W 32-11
17/9 Treviso                                       H                         Guinness W 64-10
23/9 Leinster                                      A                         Guinness L 19-31
1/10 Ulster    A    Guinness L 7-9
7/10 Blues                                         H    Guinness W 46-24
15/10 London I    H BIC L 14-25
14/10 Newcastle Falcons H RCC2 W 45-0
23/10 Cornish Pirates    A BIC L 5-41
22/10 Lyon Olympique A RCC2 W 31-13
29/10 NGD H W W 35-15
4/11 Munster                                    A                           Guinness L 0-33
11/11 Harlequins                               H AWC L 12-15
18/11 Blues    A AWC W 31-7
25/12 Glasgow Warriors H Guinness W 22-5
2/12 Edinburgh    H    Guinness W 31-22
9/12 Grenoble H RCC W 59-7
10/12 Connacht Eagles A BIC W 20-17
17/12 Grenoble A RCC W 71-3
18/12 Connacht Eagles H BIC W 55-14
27/12 Scarlets H    Guinness W 19-9
1/1 NGD A Guinness W 10-0
7/1 Connacht    H Guinness W 29-7
14/1 Cornish Pirates H BIC L 10-34
15/1 Lyon H RCC W 47-7
21/1 Newcastle Falcons A RCC W 26-21
21/1 London I A    BIC W 26-24
28/1 Bristol    H    AWC W 20-14
5/2 Wasps    A AWC W 31-22
10/2 Zebre    A Guinness W 40-10
18/2 Munster H Guinness L 23-25
26/2 Glasgow W H    Guinness W 26-15
3/3 Edinburgh A    Guinness W 13-9
25/3 Treviso    A    Guinness L 5-13
2/4 St. Francais H P/S RCC Q/F L 18-20
8/4 Leinster    H    Guinness L 18-20
15/4 Blues    A    Guinness L 17-35
29/4 Ulster    H    Guinness W 24-10
6/5 Scarlets A    Guinness L 17-40
20/5 Munster A Guinness S/F
Will add RCC2 matches when they've been finalised.
Contrary to popular belief some of the Guinness League games will be affected by the Autumn Internationals, our players will be with TW when we play the Dragons, Munster and Glasgow Warriors, the first 2 because of the 13 day call up period and the Warriors because of the infernal 4th game which this year is against SA, and to think some people think everything is hunkydory now that Dodger Lewis has left his legacy rolls on.
The number after each player signifies how many years they have left on their Ospreys contract, there are a few others who are on either Development Contracts or appear not to be under contract, Jonathon Spratt, Jordan Collier, and Alex Jeffries and a few others come into that category.
Our first 5 games of the season account for the 2 Italians at home and 3 Irish, Connacht, Ulster and Leinster away, so we shouldn't have as bad a start as last season, but not as good as the previous seasons start, in certain positions especially during International periods we are only 1 or 2 injuries away from disaster, and I just hope Steve has learned his selection mistakes from the last few seasons.

by wayne Wed 01 Mar 2017, 4:41 pm

Sorry about the Capitals, but I think this news deserves them

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC TICKET OFFER FOR THE QUARTER FINAL MATCH AT THE PRINCIPALITY STADIUM AGAINST STADE FRANCAIS.

ADULTS £10 JUNIORS £5, PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF WHO HAVE ALREADY BOUGHT OUR TICKETS, AND PROBABLY PAID ABOVE THESE OFFER PRICES WILL BE CONTACTED WITH A RANGE OF OPTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM.

Let me finally add the WRU normally has plenty of bad press on these pages and elsewhere, but on this issue I have it on good authority they have bent over backwards to put up with us.

Whether other Rugby supporters in the South Wales Regions will come to support us in this game is highly debatable, as for a start the kick off is not the best time.

by mikey_dragon Wed 01 Mar 2017, 4:43 pm

What is the date and kick off time?

by wayne Wed 01 Mar 2017, 4:49 pm

The WRU have released 6 players to us for our game against Edinburgh on Friday. Nicky Smith, Scott Baldwin, Rhodri Jones, Rory Thornton, Olly Cracknell and Sam Davies, I doubt if many of those will start the game, as the team that beat Glasgow deserves another chance.

by wayne Wed 01 Mar 2017, 4:50 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:What is the date and kick off time?

Sunday April 2nd at 5.45

by wayne Thu 02 Mar 2017, 12:29 pm

Ospreys team to play Edinburgh tomorrow night is as follows

Dan Evans, Keelan Giles, Kieron Fonotia, Josh Matavesi, Dafydd Howells, Sam Davies, Tom Habberfield, Nicky Smith, Sam Parry, Brian Mujati, Tyler Ardron, Rory Thornton, Olly Cracknell, Sam Underhill and James King, with Hugh Gustafsson, Paul James, Rhodri Jones, Joe Bearman, Dan Baker, Brendon Leonard, Jonathon Spratt and Jay Baker on the bench.

So we are starting 5 of the 6 returnees from TW, and at least the correct one is on the bench, Ashley Beck injured again, we are a couple of injuries away from a disaster, second row is really problematical. BBBD is looking as though he is another Gareth Delve a waste of good money this season.

by wayne Thu 02 Mar 2017, 4:25 pm

What an unlucky player Hanno Dirksen is, after suffering an injury to his left leg he has already had surgery and the prognosis is that he would be out for around 6 months.

Better news for Ashley Beck, it is only a precautionary niggle and he will be back in full training for our game against Treviso in 3 weeks.

by exile jack Thu 02 Mar 2017, 4:31 pm

Wayne,looks a very impressive back line,a solid front 3 and a backrow that should be mobile and hard tackling.I think Tyler is just a bit heavier than Ashley but we need Rory to have a big game against Gilchrist and Toolis.Amazing tackling stats for James and Baker last week.I wonder more generally if there's a link between the O's willingness to absorb pressure and the injury list.On the other hand having Munster and Glasgow back to back is a pretty tough issue to handle even with rotation.Let's hope the officials aren't the focus tomorrow night.

by international198 Thu 02 Mar 2017, 5:56 pm

Ospreys should win comfortably against the struggling Edinburgh. However, Edinburgh did beat the Scarlets in the Pro12 earlier this season in Scotland so who knows maybe Edinburgh will win.

by international198 Thu 02 Mar 2017, 5:57 pm

Does anyone think that Sam Davies was giving the inside pass too much against Munster?

by True Raven Thu 02 Mar 2017, 10:22 pm

Gutted for dirko, can't get a break.

However, more game time for Giles and Howells who have been superb this season

by **RDW** Fri 03 Mar 2017, 8:47 am

international198 wrote:Ospreys should win comfortably against the struggling Edinburgh. However, Edinburgh did beat the Scarlets in the Pro12 earlier this season in Scotland so who knows maybe Edinburgh will win.

We've lost 8 of the last 9 league games. Last weekend we were utterly dominant against the Blues and were cruising comfortably at 19-6 up then just completely self destructed with 20 minutes to go.

We are a team in limbo with a new coach coming next year and are desperately short of confidence - you guys should be targeting a BP win here.

by maestegmafia Sat 04 Mar 2017, 6:26 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:
international198 wrote:Ospreys should win comfortably against the struggling Edinburgh. However, Edinburgh did beat the Scarlets in the Pro12 earlier this season in Scotland so who knows maybe Edinburgh will win.

We've lost 8 of the last 9 league games. Last weekend we were utterly dominant against the Blues and were cruising comfortably at 19-6 up then just completely self destructed with 20 minutes to go.

We are a team in limbo with a new coach coming next year and are desperately short of confidence - you guys should be targeting a BP win here.

Edinburgh are not a bad side, watched their match vs blues last week and last nights game vs Ospreys. Both narrow losses in bad weather.

by True Raven Sat 04 Mar 2017, 2:57 pm

SCFC want to take over the leasing of the liberty stadium and have said they will allow the Ospreys to continue to play there and will make it financially attractive to the Ospreys......

by maestegmafia Sun 05 Mar 2017, 4:53 pm

Good news tr

Tough game Friday. Good to win, atrocious conditions

by wayne Thu 09 Mar 2017, 9:54 pm

Great news that young centre Joe Thomas has signed his first Professional contract with us. Capped at U20 level in the centre and on the wing, he has pace to burn and will make a significant addition to our back play in future years.

by wayne Mon 20 Mar 2017, 1:03 pm

Ospreys Rugby announce Allen Clarke as our new forwards coach from next season, he is at the moment in the same job at Ulster. He will arrive at the Liberty pre 17/18 season to take over from Chris Gibbes.

by ScarletSpiderman Mon 20 Mar 2017, 9:01 pm

wayne wrote:Ospreys Rugby announce Allen Clarke as our new forwards coach from next season, he is at the moment in the same job at Ulster. He will arrive at the Liberty pre 17/18 season to take over from Chris Gibbes.

So Gibbses' brother is off to Ulster and sending the Ulster bloke to you? Ain't it a small world.

by Guest Mon 20 Mar 2017, 9:17 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:
wayne wrote:Ospreys Rugby announce Allen Clarke as our new forwards coach from next season, he is at the moment in the same job at Ulster. He will arrive at the Liberty pre 17/18 season to take over from Chris Gibbes.

So Gibbses' brother is off to Ulster and sending the Ulster bloke to you? Ain't it a small world.

Swapsies

by wayne Mon 20 Mar 2017, 9:53 pm

Griff wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:
wayne wrote:Ospreys Rugby announce Allen Clarke as our new forwards coach from next season, he is at the moment in the same job at Ulster. He will arrive at the Liberty pre 17/18 season to take over from Chris Gibbes.

So Gibbses' brother is off to Ulster and sending the Ulster bloke to you? Ain't it a small world.

Swapsies

Musical Chairs Anyone

by wayne Tue 21 Mar 2017, 9:35 pm

Press Conference was held with Gruff Rees and he said AWJs scan results might be in tonight, whatever he said AWJ, Webb, Tipuric and Biggar will not be used this weekend, neither will Baldwin because of his injury on the weekend, the rest of our Wales squad would be available, so the likes of Cracknell, King and Smith will be in and also Ashley is ready to come back. BBBD should be available mid April not before, he really has been a waste of our 40% in the NDC this season, he needs to pay us back big time next season.

Hoping for something like this team for the game against Treviso on Saturday
Evans, Giles, Fonotia, Beck, Howells, Davies, Habberfield, James, Parry, Mujati, Ashley, Thornton, Cracknell, Underhill, Baker with Phillips, Smith, Jones, Ardron, King, Leonard, Price and Matavesi. Will this team be good enough? I would hope so, as I've been able to add Thornton after recovering from injury.

by LordDowlais Fri 24 Mar 2017, 11:33 am

45 teams from 14 clubs will compete at a sold out EuroFest tag event at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park ahead of the Challenge Cup quarter-final against Stade Francais .

Hosted in conjunction with Cardiff Blues at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday 2nd April, the festival will see hundreds of U7,U8,U9 and U10 players enjoying a fun packed afternoon of rugby before they head next door to the Principality Stadium to cheer on the Ospreys against the Parisian giants with a place in the last four of the Challenge Cup at stake.

EuroFest will support the WRU’s Half a Game initiative, launched last year to encourage and grow participation among younger children, guaranteeing game time for all young players.

The success of EuroFest had handed a huge boost to the region in preparation for their big game which gets underway at 5.45pm, with the matches on the Blues’ 3G playing surface at the heart of the special supporters village which has been set up especially for the travelling Ospreys contingent after the game was switched from the Liberty Stadium.

The action at the Arms Park supporters village kicks off at 2pm with EuroFest getting underway on the pitch and the club house open for business, providing a convenient meet-up point for those heading to Cardiff.

With food and drink available, you can support the youngsters as they enjoy their tag festival before live entertainment gets underway in the club house from 4.30pm.

There will also be an appearance from non playing squad members and a Q&A ahead of kick-off to help you get in the mood for what promises to be a memorable 80 minutes of European rugby.

The clubs confirmed for EuroFest, making up 40 teams in total on the day are:

U7s

Bargoed, Cwmgors, Dulais Valley (two teams), Llanharan, Pencoed, Porthcawl, Swansea Uplands, Taibach and Tondu.

U8s

Bargoed, Bryncoch, Cwmgors, Dulais Valley, Morriston, Mumbles (two teams), Swansea Uplands, Taibach and Valley Ravens.

U9s

Bryncoch, Dulais Valley, Llanharan, Morriston, Mumbles, Pencoed (two teams), Porthcawl (two teams) and Taibach

U10s

Bryncoch, Cwmgors, Dulais Valley, Llanharan, Maesteg Celtic, Morriston (Two teams) Mumbles, Pencoed (Two teams), Porthcawl (Two teams), Swansea Uplands, Taibach and Valley Ravens

There was further good news today with confirmation that the 2003 Club hospitality offering has sold out for this game. However, there remains a limited number of spaces available in the President’s Lounge, offering supporters the chance to enjoy the finest hospitality at an iconic venue for just £65 +VAT per person.

http://www.ospreysrugby.com/News/Article/48739

by wayne Fri 24 Mar 2017, 11:45 am

Thanks Lord, things seem to be coming together for that day, only 7000 odd tickets sold but a decent amount are buying each day apparently, wouldn't expect much more than 10000 to be honest. The day and time don't help in any way, I think our management were hoping other fans around South Wales would take up this offer, but it appears not, up to this time.

by wayne Fri 24 Mar 2017, 12:35 pm

wayne wrote:Press Conference was held with Gruff Rees and he said AWJs scan results might be in tonight, whatever he said AWJ, Webb, Tipuric and Biggar will not be used this weekend, neither will Baldwin because of his injury on the weekend, the rest of our Wales squad would be available, so the likes of Cracknell, King and Smith will be in and also Ashley is ready to come back. BBBD should be available mid April not before, he really has been a waste of our 40% in the NDC this season, he needs to pay us back big time next season.

Hoping for something like this team for the game against Treviso on Saturday
Evans, Giles, Fonotia, Beck, Howells, Davies, Habberfield, James, Parry, Mujati, Ashley, Thornton, Cracknell, Underhill, Baker with Phillips, Smith, Jones, Ardron, King, Leonard, Price and Matavesi. Will this team be good enough? I would hope so, as I've been able to add Thornton after recovering from injury.

So selected team is not far out,
Evans, Giles, Fonotia, Matavesi, Howells, Davies, Habberfield (C), James, Parry, Mujati, Ashley, Thornton, King, Cracknell and Baker with Otten, Smith, Jones, Ardron, Underhill, Leonard, Baker and Spratt on the bench.
I thought Otten was injured but pleased he's available, would have had Underhill starting before Cracknell at 7, we must be trying to find out if Cracknell can make a 7. Beck is listed as injured, probably only a precaution for next week. Apart from that a really good squad especially with key injuries at prop and 2nd row, games are never easy out there when they have their Internationals back, but hoping for 4 points and if that pack can give us a decent amount of good ball possibly 5 points.

by maestegmafia Fri 24 Mar 2017, 2:12 pm

Glad to see we get a decent referee.

by exile jack Fri 24 Mar 2017, 4:51 pm

wayne wrote:Thanks Lord, things seem to be coming together for that day, only 7000 odd tickets sold but a decent amount are buying each day apparently, wouldn't expect much more than 10000 to be honest. The day and time don't help in any way, I think our management were hoping other fans around South Wales would take up this offer, but it appears not, up to this time.

That's a tad disappointing.Stade's average gate this season is under 10,000 so we can't expect thousands of their supporters but Cardiff a better destination than Swansea so we'll see.They've got Toulon at home this Sunday so it'll be interesting to see what XV and mentality they'll turn up with but with Slimani,Parisse,Pape,Genia et al it's a mystery how they're two places off the bottom of the Top14.

by wayne Fri 24 Mar 2017, 6:10 pm

exile jack wrote:
wayne wrote:Thanks Lord, things seem to be coming together for that day, only 7000 odd tickets sold but a decent amount are buying each day apparently, wouldn't expect much more than 10000 to be honest. The day and time don't help in any way, I think our management were hoping other fans around South Wales would take up this offer, but it appears not, up to this time.

That's a tad disappointing.Stade's average gate this season is under 10,000 so we can't expect thousands of their supporters but Cardiff a better destination than Swansea so we'll see.They've got Toulon at home this Sunday so it'll be interesting to see what XV and mentality they'll turn up with but with Slimani,Parisse,Pape,Genia et al it's a mystery how they're two places off the bottom of the Top14.

Jack today I was speaking to somebody who owns a business in the Ogmore valley, who attended our Anglo Welsh game against Bristol about 6 weeks ago, and asked him if he is going to this game (let me add I've had conversations with this bloke on a few occasions about attending the Liberty and he's forcefully declined because he reckons more games eg Treviso and Zebre should be played there) is answer was in the negative.
He is still living in the land of nearly 15 years ago, basically he is the opposite Rugby equivalent of a NIMBY, he actually lives about 2 miles from the Brewery Field, he says he was a ST holder for the Celtic Warriors, the way he said it to me I don't believe him.

Yes with some of the Team they can put out it could be very close, hopefully Toulon can do a number on them and make them concentrate on that competition.

by wayne Sat 25 Mar 2017, 9:29 pm

Well that was F.....g awful, well played Treviso we got out of that game what we deserved. ZILCH.

by exile jack Sat 25 Mar 2017, 9:49 pm

Well,that was a shocking performance against Treviso.Truly awful and beyond dire.Probably,one of the worst i've seen from the Ospreys and there have been a few.Just couldn't believe that 80 minutes.

by mikey_dragon Sun 26 Mar 2017, 9:38 am

I only caught the second half. I'm not entirely sure what happened but from what I saw Nigel seemed to be doing a lot for Treviso...

by exile jack Sun 26 Mar 2017, 9:47 am

Adam Jones once told me that professional players know when they haven't performed and it's on how they react to bad performances that which we should judge them.On that basis, next week against Stade F should see the 23 playing out of their skin.But,having read Tandy's post match comments i'm quite worried because who determined the O's kicking strategy and its abject execution last night,and why weren't the O's unable to change it when it clearly wasn't working.It would be one issue if it was poor captaincy but a more serious problem if the coaches are setting pre-determined game plans and then can't or won't change them when they are cack.I hope the O's aren't being asked to follow the Welsh game plan under Howley as some form of RRW template.

Anyway,I've got a week to reflect that i've committed hard earned cash to coming to Cardiff next week with friends who live in Paris.Plus ca bleeding change,plus ca bleeding meme chose.

by wayne Sun 26 Mar 2017, 11:24 am

exile jack wrote:Well,that was a shocking performance against Treviso.Truly awful and beyond dire.Probably,one of the worst i've seen from the Ospreys and there have been a few.Just couldn't believe that 80 minutes.

Jack I've just posted on our own Forum that we were out muscled, out manouevred (sp) and out thought, we should have lost that by a lot more, why was our best 2 lineout options taken off, when it should have been Ashley and Cracknell, let me add I'm a big believer in the 3 personnel lineout option, I said before this game, are we trying to find out if Cracknell is a 7? well patently he isn't. Why wasn't a dink from Sam Davies used, I know you don't like him but Dan Biggar uses that option to good effect EVERY game, let's hope it has the desired effect for next week.

by exile jack Sun 26 Mar 2017, 3:13 pm

wayne wrote:
exile jack wrote:Well,that was a shocking performance against Treviso.Truly awful and beyond dire.Probably,one of the worst i've seen from the Ospreys and there have been a few.Just couldn't believe that 80 minutes.

Jack I've just posted on our own Forum that we were out muscled, out manouevred (sp) and out thought, we should have lost that by a lot more, why was our best 2 lineout options taken off, when it should have been Ashley and Cracknell, let me add I'm a big believer in the 3 personnel lineout option, I said before this game, are we trying to find out if Cracknell is a 7? well patently he isn't. Why wasn't a dink from Sam Davies used, I know you don't like him but Dan Biggar uses that option to good effect EVERY game, let's hope it has the desired effect for next week.

I suppose the only way to think about that diabolical performance is to recall the Scarlets getting humped by Leinster,Leicester getting a tuning from Glasgow and Racing 92 failing to win a match in the Champions Cup.I think it was Adam Jones on Scrum V who said Wales played like a team of 8 forwards and 7 backs with no connection between them.Last night we played like a team of 15 individuals who hadn't played before with each other.

On Dan B,i'd make 2 points.The first is that when Dan B plays for the O's he's got both his centres and the forwards to run off him and vice versa which brings me to my second point.Given his style of game,it's important that the speed of service from his 9 is quick because when it's not his deeper lying position gives the opposition defence lots of time to cover running lines and forces him to kick.That's an element of his game which good coaching would improve but it's not happening at the Vale.So to be clear Dan B is a very good player(excepting the wendyball behaviour) and could be even better with focused elite coaching.

Finally,i was alarmed to read Tandy said the boys had had a good week preparing for Treviso. We've heard that many times from Howley on Wales.Not the greatest thing to say given Brendon's failure to pass and Sam D's failure to catch moments.

by wayne Sun 26 Mar 2017, 8:05 pm

exile jack wrote:
wayne wrote:
exile jack wrote:Well,that was a shocking performance against Treviso.Truly awful and beyond dire.Probably,one of the worst i've seen from the Ospreys and there have been a few.Just couldn't believe that 80 minutes.

Jack I've just posted on our own Forum that we were out muscled, out manouevred (sp) and out thought, we should have lost that by a lot more, why was our best 2 lineout options taken off, when it should have been Ashley and Cracknell, let me add I'm a big believer in the 3 personnel lineout option, I said before this game, are we trying to find out if Cracknell is a 7? well patently he isn't. Why wasn't a dink from Sam Davies used, I know you don't like him but Dan Biggar uses that option to good effect EVERY game, let's hope it has the desired effect for next week.

I suppose the only way to think about that diabolical performance is to recall the Scarlets getting humped by Leinster,Leicester getting a tuning from Glasgow and Racing 92 failing to win a match in the Champions Cup.I think it was Adam Jones on Scrum V who said Wales played like a team of 8 forwards and 7 backs with no connection between them.Last night we played like a team of 15 individuals who hadn't played before with each other.

Jack, the number of players that Tandy selects out of position, or changes during games to many is mystifying. Why make a 2 functioning lineout King and Thornton, into a single option Ardron when the lineout is not going very well, if he either changes Ardron with Cracknell or Ashley he now has a 3 functioning unit

On Dan B,i'd make 2 points.The first is that when Dan B plays for the O's he's got both his centres and the forwards to run off him and vice versa which brings me to my second point.Given his style of game,it's important that the speed of service from his 9 is quick because when it's not his deeper lying position gives the opposition defence lots of time to cover running lines and forces him to kick.That's an element of his game which good coaching would improve but it's not happening at the Vale.So to be clear Dan B is a very good player(excepting the wendyball behaviour) and could be even better with focused elite coaching.

Yes he is more confident when playing for us, but surely he has a better standard of centre when in the Welsh camp? I've said it on here (bit tongue in cheek) that there are better coached moves at the Ospreys than in TW mode. Why have Sherrat, King (both English) and Stephen Jones when the far superior coach (number of tries scored) Gruff Rees is not even approached. (Tandy was approached and refused) is he (Howley) scared that he might be overshadowed if he selects Rees for all of AI, 6N and PI tour. Look Dan is slower than Sam and needs the extra distance if the kicking option is to be taken. IMO he still takes the ball to the line fairly often, and as you say Ospreys back up lines for both our 10s is better coordinated and also don't forget he has the same 9 at both teams, so it could well be predetermined

Finally,i was alarmed to read Tandy said the boys had had a good week preparing for Treviso. We've heard that many times from Howley on Wales.Not the greatest thing to say given Brendon's failure to pass and Sam D's failure to catch moments.

Tandy has given these excuses for a fair while , the reason you haven't seen it is probably because we've had a successful season and hasn't been needed, and yes some of the ball retention and how and when to pass last night was pathetic.

by wayne Sun 26 Mar 2017, 10:05 pm

Stade Francais beat Toulon 17 - 11 tonight, could have done with Toulon winning that and making Stade concentrating on their own League.

by exile jack Sun 26 Mar 2017, 11:12 pm

wayne wrote:Stade Francais beat Toulon 17 - 11 tonight, could have done with Toulon winning that and making Stade concentrating on their own League.

Given Ford's mare of a game for Bath against Saracens today and his performance for England v Ireland recently I think Dan B now has a great chance of going to NZ with a few big games.As for TW I just think they have not only failed to develop players but have degraded their skillsets in pursuit of Warrenball and Howlerball.Any coaching team that makes Scott Williams and others look like average players should be pursuing alternative employment.

by wayne Thu 30 Mar 2017, 11:57 am

This weekend could really determine how our season pans out, defeat and with Leinster due at the Liberty next weekend it could result in us imploding in spectacular fashion. Whereas a win against a team with a spine of Internationals shows we can survive without our talisman skipper (AWJ)for a few more weeks, this is going to be anything than easy, Stade beating Toulon last weekend must have raised their spirits, but then again they have excellent home form in the T14, but abysmal away from Paris, I'm hoping it continues.

Will we revert to the formation of Sam Davies at full back and Dan Biggar at outside half we used in a few of the games earlier in the season, putting Dan Evans on the wing and dropping either Keelan Giles or Dafydd Howells, or stick to the traditional Evans at F/B Howells and Giles on the wings and Dan and Sam vying for the 10 position, I think and hope the former formation is utilised with Howells dropping out. Was Beck just a niggle last weekend to safeguard him for this match? I really hope he is available and selected. Could see Arhip running around and taking a full part in the match preview, could he make a miraculous recovery? If he did it would be a great boost for our chances a front row of James, Parry and Mujati with Smith, Baldwin and Dmitri on standby or the other way around, would give us a decent chance of holding our own.
There's not much that can be done about our boilerhouse it will be Thornton with either Ardron or Ashley, my preference would be Ardron if only for his jumping expertise, whoever is not in the 15 will be on the bench, we have an embarrassment of riches in the back row if the form of the last few months are taken into account with the likes of Cracknell, King, Underhill, Tipuric and Baker vying for 3 starting and 1 on the bench, one unlucky person not even making the bench. If Ashley is selected in the 2nd row I can see Baker missing out to allow King to be a third lineout option with Thornton and Tipuric, but if Ardron is selected, I can see King missing out, a nice dilemma for Tandy and Co to ponder.

What I would like to see is Sam Davies, Keelan Giles, Kieron Fonotia, Ashley Beck, Dan Evans, Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb, Paul James, Sam Parry, Brian Mujati, Tyler Ardron, Rory Thornton, Olly Cracknell, Justin Tipuric and Dan Baker with Nicky Smith, Scott Baldwin, Dmitri Arhip, Lloyd Ashley, Sam Underhill, Tom Habberfield, Josh Matavesi and Dafydd Howells on the bench. Probably Rhodri Jones will be on the bench as Dmitri is still injured, apart from James King and Rhodri Jones I cannot see us going outside of that 23.

by exile jack Thu 30 Mar 2017, 8:34 pm

Wayne,I see B3D was running about on the video this week,but still not ready? They've got a 910 kg pack and Alberts in the backrow so I hope we don't see King at 8 or in the second row.Both Adam Jones and Joe Marler really rate Slimani as probably the best T/H in Europe so i'm a bit concerned for Nicky Smith.I hope the O's are up for this mentally and physically because my Paris mates tell me that with the big decline in their average gate several of the SF squad are playing for their places in a reduced squad next season.I'd prefer Dan E at F/B and Dan B at 10 with Sam D on the bench.We'll need to stop them on the gainline particularly Danty and the big Fijian.

by wayne Thu 30 Mar 2017, 9:10 pm

exile jack wrote:Wayne,I see B3D was running about on the video this week,but still not ready? They've got a 910 kg pack and Alberts in the backrow so I hope we don't see King at 8 or in the second row.Both Adam Jones and Joe Marler really rate Slimani as probably the best T/H in Europe so i'm a bit concerned for Nicky Smith.I hope the O's are up for this mentally and physically because my Paris mates tell me that with the big decline in their average gate several of the SF squad are playing for their places in a reduced squad next season.I'd prefer Dan E at F/B and Dan B at 10 with Sam D on the bench.We'll need to stop them on the gainline particularly Danty and the big Fijian.

Jack just been listening to ScrumV Radio which was based on the Ospreys, Tandy, Millward, Keelan, Warren (commercial manager)and Gavin Thomas (Bridgend Athletic Coach) answering questions from Bridgend Athletics Clubhouse. Tandy said Davies, Fia and Arhip are very close to being available in the next couple of weeks, would have loved to have one of the props or a fit BBBD. He said Beck is back training so expect to see him in the 23. It is a confusing drama coming out of France, as I put in my earlier piece their away form in the T14 is pathetic, I just hope it continues.

by exile jack Fri 31 Mar 2017, 12:15 am

wayne wrote:
exile jack wrote:Wayne,I see B3D was running about on the video this week,but still not ready? They've got a 910 kg pack and Alberts in the backrow so I hope we don't see King at 8 or in the second row.Both Adam Jones and Joe Marler really rate Slimani as probably the best T/H in Europe so i'm a bit concerned for Nicky Smith.I hope the O's are up for this mentally and physically because my Paris mates tell me that with the big decline in their average gate several of the SF squad are playing for their places in a reduced squad next season.I'd prefer Dan E at F/B and Dan B at 10 with Sam D on the bench.We'll need to stop them on the gainline particularly Danty and the big Fijian.

Jack just been listening to ScrumV Radio which was based on the Ospreys, Tandy, Millward, Keelan, Warren (commercial manager)and Gavin Thomas (Bridgend Athletic Coach) answering questions from Bridgend Athletics Clubhouse. Tandy said Davies, Fia and Arhip are very close to being available in the next couple of weeks, would have loved to have one of the props or a fit BBBD. He said Beck is back training so expect to see him in the 23. It is a confusing drama coming out of France, as I put in my earlier piece their away form in the T14 is pathetic, I just hope it continues.

Wayne,any update on ticket sale numbers?

by wayne Fri 31 Mar 2017, 7:19 am

exile jack wrote:
wayne wrote:
exile jack wrote:Wayne,I see B3D was running about on the video this week,but still not ready? They've got a 910 kg pack and Alberts in the backrow so I hope we don't see King at 8 or in the second row.Both Adam Jones and Joe Marler really rate Slimani as probably the best T/H in Europe so i'm a bit concerned for Nicky Smith.I hope the O's are up for this mentally and physically because my Paris mates tell me that with the big decline in their average gate several of the SF squad are playing for their places in a reduced squad next season.I'd prefer Dan E at F/B and Dan B at 10 with Sam D on the bench.We'll need to stop them on the gainline particularly Danty and the big Fijian.

Jack just been listening to ScrumV Radio which was based on the Ospreys, Tandy, Millward, Keelan, Warren (commercial manager)and Gavin Thomas (Bridgend Athletic Coach) answering questions from Bridgend Athletics Clubhouse. Tandy said Davies, Fia and Arhip are very close to being available in the next couple of weeks, would have loved to have one of the props or a fit BBBD. He said Beck is back training so expect to see him in the 23. It is a confusing drama coming out of France, as I put in my earlier piece their away form in the T14 is pathetic, I just hope it continues.

Wayne,any update on ticket sale numbers?

Jack, I didn't know this programme was taking place, and missed the first ten minutes or so, whether it was mentioned before I stumbled on it, I don't know. The last I heard was the 7000 figure I mentioned earlier. If anything is mentioned I'll post it on here.

by mikey_dragon Fri 31 Mar 2017, 12:37 pm

Ospreys: Sam Davies; Keelan Giles, Ashley Beck, Josh Matavesi, Dan Evans; Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb; Nicky Smith, Scott Baldwin, Brian Mujati, LLoyd Ashley, Rory Thornton, Sam Underhill, Justin Tipuric, Dan Baker.

Replacements: Sam Parry, Paul James, Ma'afu Fia, Tyler Adron, James King, Olly Cracknell, Kieron Fonotia, Tom Habberfield

It's no good playing a territorial game if your locks aren't as good as the opposition. Hopefully Ospreys play to their strengths, if they do they'll do well.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/39420345

by wayne Fri 31 Mar 2017, 12:46 pm

Ospreys team announced
15 Sam Davies
14 Keelan Giles
13 Ashley Beck
12 Josh Matavesi
11 Dan Evans
10 Dan Biggar
9 Rhys Webb
1 Nicky Smith
2 Scott Baldwin
3 Brian Mujati
4 Lloyd Ashley
5 Rory Thornton
6 Sam Underhill
7 Justin Tipuric
8 Dan Baker
with Sam Parry, Paul James, Ma'afu Fia, Tyler Ardron, James King, Olly Cracknell, Kieron Fonotia and Tom Habberfield on the bench. 6/2 split on the bench, pleased Fia is back that should strengthen the squad compared to Rhodri and didn't expect Baldwin to replace Parry. Really looking forward to this roll on Sunday.

by exile jack Fri 31 Mar 2017, 3:03 pm

Wayne,no Alberts or the big Fijian Nayacalevu but a rough,tough front 5.Hope the boys are really up for this.

by wayne Fri 31 Mar 2017, 3:23 pm

exile jack wrote:Wayne,no Alberts or the big Fijian Nayacalevu but a rough,tough front 5.Hope the boys are really up for this.

Yeh but Pape replaces Alberts so that is not a drop in class, don't know the guy Raisiqe (sp) instead of the Fijian, I think the only other change in the 15 is the bloke who came on in the front row Zhvania instead of Van De Merwe who doesn't make the squad, oh Parisse replaces Lakafia that's a real drop in class isn't it Doh

This will be real hard and as long as we give a good account of ourselves I won't mind.

by exile jack Mon 03 Apr 2017, 12:00 am

It must have been an O's supporter who said it is better to travel hopefully than to arrive.We cannot expect to win big matches if we lack composure,don't play with precision and fail to execute try scoring opportunities,especially against 14 men.We also won't win when we turn down kickable penalties,miss penalty kicks and conversions,fail to find touch and lose several key lineouts.We have no chance of winning when our 15,who shouldn't be playing 15,has brainfart moments and our 9 has brainfart moments conceding brainless penalties in the opposition 22 which today 3 minutes later led to the first SF try.Finally,it must now have dawned on Tandy that Ashley cannot play in the second row because he just lacks the power necessary and this is putting the front row under wholly avoidable pressure.Also,that Sam D is a 10 and will NEVER be a 15.

That said,those of us who watch a lot of Aviva rugby know that Carley,like Mitrea,are simply not up to the task of refereeing professional rugby,as his performance today so clearly demonstrated.He was not the reason we lost but he made important contributions to it.I've been watching rugby since 1963 and that's the first time i've seen someone standing 50 metres ahead of his side's kicker be deemed onside because he'd apparently shuffled back towards his posts.Further,if you stamp on someone's head in the Aviva you are off the pitch period,but not apparently in the EPCR.

With Leinster next week our season is in danger of imploding.Hope it doesn't but not optimistic.

by Cardiff Dave Mon 03 Apr 2017, 7:25 am

Did that Frenchie get nicked for lobbing a missile into a crowd of people btw?

by Breadvan Mon 03 Apr 2017, 7:54 am

Whilst I agree the ref should've sent of the Stade 11 for his stamp on Giles, facial stud marks to boot, and the offside try was dubious at best, we lacked big game composure YET again. Absolutely criminal to lose line outs 5 metres out, miss touch with 2 mins to go and throw wild looping passes begging to be intercepted. A severe lack of big game composure again and wrong selections by Tandy. A huge 2 games coming up if we have any chance of making the play offs...

by majesticimperialman Mon 03 Apr 2017, 9:17 am

All the way through the 6ns scrum v pundits Gwyn Jones, Peter Jackson, to name just 2 of them. Was saying that Sam Davies should of been given a start.

We know what Dan Biggar can do we don't know what Sam Davies can do. ....Well if you watched the Ospreys v Stad game yesterday you would of seen what Sam Davies can do he can throw massive passes that get easily intercepted by the stad player and score an easy try. And that was against 14 men for most of the game.

I do believe though that Wales missed a golden oppertunity by not playing Kelan Giles. He had a fantastic game yesterday. pitty he was on the losing side though.

by No9 Mon 03 Apr 2017, 10:52 am

majesticimperialman wrote:All the way through the 6ns scrum v pundits Gwyn Jones, Peter Jackson, to name just 2 of them. Was saying that Sam Davies should of been given a start.

We know what Dan Biggar can do we don't know what Sam Davies can do. ....Well if you watched the Ospreys v Stad game yesterday you would of seen what Sam Davies can do he can throw massive passes that get easily intercepted by the stad player and score an easy try. And that was against 14 men for most of the game.

I do believe though that Wales missed a golden oppertunity by not playing Kelan Giles. He had a fantastic game yesterday. pitty he was on the losing side though.

Kelan Giles is not ready... He attacks well when he has the ball and has a good turn of speed. But he's found wanting in defence, as shown yesterday. Especially if up again BIG wingers.

He's just not up to international standards ye

by No9 Mon 03 Apr 2017, 10:56 am

Breadvan wrote:Whilst I agree the ref should've sent of the Stade 11 for his stamp on Giles, facial stud marks to boot, and the offside try was dubious at best, we lacked big game composure YET again. Absolutely criminal to lose line outs 5 metres out, miss touch with 2 mins to go and throw wild looping passes begging to be intercepted. A severe lack of big game composure again and wrong selections by Tandy. A huge 2 games coming up if we have any chance of making the play offs...

I agree about the stamp. The ref bottled it.

As for the offside. What offside.. Stade kicked the ball and most of the forwards where offside yes, but the Ospreys caught the ball and played it, playing all the Stade players back on side. Now unless the rules have changed, we cant argue that one, and I was amazed that the ref went to the TMO and checked it for so long before awarding the try.

We just wasn't good enough..... mind you the ref wasn't up to the standard I would expect for a European QF.

by Sponsored content