Scarlets 2016/17 Season Thread

[ScarletSpiderman]

First topic message reminder :

Scarlets pre-season friendlies 2016/17    
Sat 13th Aug 15:00 Exeter vs Scarlets Sandy Park, Exeter  
Sat 20th Aug TBC Scarlets vs Bath Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay  
     
Fixture List      
Sat 3rd Sep 15:00 Scarlets vs Munster Parc-y-Scarlets, Llanelli Sky
Fri 9th Sep 19:35 Edinburgh vs Scarlets Murrayfield, Edinburgh BBC Alba
Fri 16th Sep 19:05 Ulster vs Scarlets Kingspan Stadium, Belfast BBC2W
Sat 24th Sep 19:35 Scarlets vs ConnachtParc-y-Scarlets, Llanelli S4C
Sat 1st Oct 19:05 Treviso vs Scarlets Stadio Comunale di Monigo, Treviso  
Sat 8th Oct 19:35 Scarlets vs Dragons Parc-y-Scarlets, Llanelli S4C
Oct 14th - 16th  Europe 1    
Oct 21st - 23th  Europe 2    
Fri 28th Oct 19:35 Cardiff vs Scarlets BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff BBC2W
Sat 5th Nov 19:35 Scarlets vs Glasgow Parc-y-Scarlets, Llanelli S4C
Nov 5th  TBC Anglo-Welsh 1    
Nov 12th  Anglo-Welsh 2    
Fri 25th Nov 19:35 Scarlets vs Leinster Parc-y-Scarlets, Llanelli BBC2W
Sat 3rd Dec 14:05 Zebre vs Scarlets Stadio XXV Aprile, Parma  
Dec 9th - 11th  Europe 3    
Dec 16th - 18th  Europe 4    
Tue 27th Dec 15:00 Ospreys vs Scarlets Liberty Stadium, Swansea Sky/S4C
Sun 1st Jan 15:00 Scarlets vs Cardiff Parc-y-Scarlets, Llanelli Sky/S4C
Fri 6th Jan 19:35 Scarlets vs Ulster Parc-y-Scarlets, Llanelli BBC2W
Jan 13th - 15th  Europe 5    
Jan 20th - 22nd  Europe 6    
Jan 27th - 29th  Anglo-Welsh 3    
Feb 3rd - 5th  Anglo-Welsh 4    
Feb 10th - 11th   Glasgow vs Scarlets Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow  
Feb 17th - 18th  Scarlets vs Zebre Parc-y-Scarlets, Llanelli  
Feb 24th - 25th  Munster vs Scarlets TBC  
Mar 3rd - 4th  Leinster vs Scarlets RDS Arena, Dublin  
Mar 24th - 25th  Scarlets vs Edinburgh Parc-y-Scarlets, Llanelli  
Apr 7th - 8th  Scarlets vs Treviso Parc-y-Scarlets, Llanelli  
Sat 15th Apr 17:15 Dragons vs Scarlets Principality Stadium, Cardiff Sky/S4C
Apr 28th - 29th  Connacht vs Scarlets Sportsground, Galway  
Sat 6th May 17:15 Scarlets vs Ospreys Parc-y-Scarlets, Llanelli  


Squad

Rob Evans Prop
Werner Kruger Prop
Samson Lee Prop Dual Contract
Peter Edwards  Prop
Will Taylor Prop
Dylan Evans Prop  
Taylor Davies Prop    
Wyn Jones Prop

Ken Owens Hooker
Emyr Phillips Hooker
Ryan Elias Hooker    
Dafydd Hughes Hooker
 
Jake Ball Lock Dual Contract  
David Bulbring Lock
Rynier Bernardo Lock
Tom Price Lock
Josh Helps Lock    
Tadhg Beirne Lock/Flanker
Lewis Rawlins Lock/Flanker  
 
John Barclay Flanker
Aaron Shingler Flanker
James Davies Flanker    
Will Boyde Flanker    
Josh MacLeod Flanker    
Tom Phillips Flanker    
Shaun Evans Flanker  
Morgan Allen Number 8  
Jack Condy Number 8  

Aled Davies Scrum-half  
Gareth Davies Scrum-half
Jonathan Evans Scrum-half    

Rhys Patchell Fly-half    
Aled Thomas Fly-half
Dan Jones Fly-half    

Scott Williams Centre  
Jonathan Davies Centre Dual Contract
Hadleigh Parkes Centre
Gareth Owen Centre
Steffan Hughes Centre    
Matthew Owen Centre  
 
DTH Van Der Merwe Wing
Tom Williams Wing  
Richard Smith Wing  
Johnny McNicholl Wing/ Fullback
Steffan Evans Wing / Fullback    
Liam Williams Fullback  
       
Coaches      
Wayne Pivac Head Coach  
Stephen Jones  Attack Coach    
Byron Hayward Defence Coach    
Garan Evans Team Manager    
Ioan Cunningham Set Piece Coach

[2ndtimeround]

Probably not - bad technique too - good chance of breaking your thumb.

Ahh its just a thumb, not as if I can do much with it anyway.
Apart from say OK that is.

[Heaf]

This is the link, certainly looks like knuckle contact with a partially clenched fist.

http://www.punditarena.com/rugby/jotoole/166569/

I can see from that angle it may look more like it but there were other better angles shown by the TMO. The point I was making originally though was about the 7's reaction - the contact didn't look anything like as bad as he seemed to be trying to make it look and even included a delayed reaction falling over - it looked like he was diving IMHO and I don't like to see that.

[Heaf]

Probably not - bad technique too - good chance of breaking your thumb.

Ahh its just a thumb, not as if I can do much with it anyway.
Apart from say OK that is.

Oh don't underestimate opposable thumbs

[Seagultaf]

This is the link, certainly looks like knuckle contact with a partially clenched fist.

http://www.punditarena.com/rugby/jotoole/166569/

I can see from that angle it may look more like it but there were other better angles shown by the TMO.  The point I was making originally though was about the 7's reaction - the contact didn't look anything like as bad as he seemed to be trying to make it look and even included a delayed reaction falling over - it looked like he was diving IMHO and I don't like to see that.

This is the only angle I have seen and it looks like a pretty heafty blow to me, certainly one which would have done some damage!

[No 7&1/2]

Yeah. So your opinion on Scarlets punishment seagul?

[Heaf]

Sorry I think we'll have to agree to disagree - from all the angles I saw it didn't look like the contact was that heavy. Yellow seemed right to me, but of course it's subjective.

[Seagultaf]

Yeah. So your opinion on Scarlets punishment seagul?

What on earth are you talking about, why should the Scarlets be punished for one of their players getting punched? Unless you are saying his chin hit the other players fist!

[No 7&1/2]

You seemed to know what I was talking about when you sidestepped it first time. You said there was a significant blow to the head which may have affected him so much he missed the tackle on Farrell. No concussion protocol was followed by Scarlets so what punishment would you like to see for the club?

[Seagultaf]

You seemed to know what I was talking about when you sidestepped it first time. You said there was a significant blow to the head which may have affected him so much he missed the tackle on Farrell. No concussion protocol was followed by Scarlets so what punishment would you like to see for the club?

Sorry still lost me, I have only commented on the clip shown on this page, saying that from that clip it looked a punch from a pretty big guy, which certinly had the potential to do some damage.

I have not suggested that Cubby was concussed, there is certainly nothing in this clip to suggest this. The Scarlets have (Unlike some other clubs) appeared to have dealt with suspected concussion very well this season, so I am pretty confident that if the Scarlets medics were concerned they would have taken him off. I am also sure that if he shows any signs of being concussed that the Scarlets will follow the correct protocol.

I suspect this is a poor attempt at a WUM but if you are suggesting that every player who experiences a big collision is removed from play in case he has concussion, you are probably in a minority of one.

[No 7&1/2]

You said he took a significant blow. No check done. You're now backing away from your comment, why?

[Seagultaf]

You said he took a significant blow. No check done. You're now backing away from your comment, why?

Who says no check was done, I have only seen the clip on this page which only shows the impact of the punch. Are you suggesting he was clearly concussed and that the Scarlets ignored this?

[No 7&1/2]

You did.

[Seagultaf]

You did.

Oh no I didn't!!!!!

[No 7&1/2]

Looked like a punch to me, maybe a loosely clenched fist but still a punch. Not sure that Cubby was feigning injury either, it was an absolute haymaker from a guy who is simply a monster, even glancing contact would have been a significant blow. Maybe that explains him missing Farrell for the winning try.
Lucky to get a yellow and not a red!

So you said he took a significant blow (clearly to the head) and it possibly explains him missing the tackle. Granted you said winning try which suggests you weren't paying attention. In addition the blow was late in the game and if he was checked wouldn't have been on the field for the try.

[No 7&1/2]

So you think Scarlets should be in trouble then seagul for ignoring their players safety and not checking for concussion.

Sadly no one in Rugby Union takes head injuries seriously, this was proven once and for all when Northampton were able to send North back onto the field when he had clearly been knocked unconscious and have been let off without any punishment.

And your initial response.

[Seagultaf]

sorry, can't you find the bit where you think I said that Cubby was concussed?

[No 7&1/2]

You said that he received a significant blow to the head. That means there should have been a concussion check. Are you now saying it wasn't a significant blow? You said it possibly explains him missing Farrell for the winning (sic) try. Did you watch the match?

[Seagultaf]

I said "even glancing contact would have been a significant blow". And as I have said in my posts, my comments are based on the clip show on this page. Are you saying he was concussed, if so what do you base this view on?

[BigTrevsbigmac]

I said "even glancing contact would have been a significant blow". And as I have said in my posts, my comments are based on the clip show on this page. Are you saying he was concussed, if so what do you base this view on?

Having seen the clip do you still believe it was a "punch with a clenched fist" ?

[No 7&1/2]

I don't think he was concussed seagul. So you're now saying it wasn't even a glancing blow though.

[Seagultaf]

I said "even glancing contact would have been a significant blow". And as I have said in my posts, my comments are based on the clip show on this page. Are you saying he was concussed, if so what do you base this view on?

Having seen the clip do you still believe it was a "punch with a clenched fist" ?

Yes, although it's not possible to say whether the fist is tightly clenched but it certianly, on this clip, looks to be knuckle contact, so for me that's a punch.

[BigTrevsbigmac]

I hope and expect that he gets a ribbing from his team mates after the game & he personally regrets his reaction because it is just embarrassing.
I'm not defending Skelton who deserved a yellow for reacting to being held by the neck from behind.
A real shame because it was a good tight game played generally in the right spirit.

I was very impressed with Lozowski who showed the 'real' classy moments in the match.

[Seagultaf]

I hope and expect that he gets a ribbing from his team mates after the game & he personally regrets his reaction because it is just embarrassing.
I'm not defending Skelton who deserved a yellow for reacting to being held by the neck from behind.
A real shame because it was a good tight game played generally in the right spirit.

I was very impressed with Lozowski who showed the 'real' classy moments in the match.

Trev, I did not see the game but from the clip on this page he looked to take a punch to the face, so maybe not as much acting as some may think, and it's not macho to pretend not to be hurt. If Skelton's punch missed, then yes I agree he should really get some stick from his mates and the management at the Scarlets as it's certainly not macho to pretend to be hurt when you are not!

[Seagultaf]

I don't think  he was concussed seagul. So you're now saying it wasn't even a glancing blow though.

its a word for word quote from my previous post. So I am not saying anything different, but if you are only now reading what I have actually said, it explains this confusing thread of posts.

[No 7&1/2]

Yes you must be saying it was less than a glancing blow if you're suggesting no concussion test was needed. Fair enough.

[BigTrevsbigmac]

https://grabyo.com/g/v/HNn2BFwlgzp

Clear 'slap' shown side view

[Seagultaf]

Yes you must be saying it was less than a glancing blow if you're suggesting no concussion test was needed. Fair enough.

Sorry completely lost me again, just to make it absolutely clear, my comments are made based on the clip on this page, I have no at any time said Cubby was concussed, because there is no evidence on that clip that would lead me to that opinion.

The IRB website has a good note on what to look for in assessing concussion, it's a good read.

[No 7&1/2]

Simple question then. Was the hit a glancing blow. Less than a glancing blow. Or more? I don't understand why you're avoiding this point?

[Rugby Fan]

It was a dumb incident on both sides. Skelton for reacting with a swipe, and James Davies belatedly collapsing. I'd hate it to overshadow what was a great game.

[Seagultaf]

Simple question then. Was the hit a glancing blow. Less than a glancing blow. Or more? I don't understand why you're avoiding this point?

Sorry this is getting boring now.

[No 7&1/2]

Yup. I understand you don't want to answer.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Seagul, just say your sorry for daring to have an opinion about something, and learn your lesson to never dare post anything about the Scarlets on here for fear of trolls.

[No 7&1/2]

What is his opinion? I'm a troll for asking a follow up question to him saying there was a significant blow to the head which may have contributed to a missed tackle?

[True Raven]

I completely agree the Scarlets youngsters are ok for injury cover and the occasional game, but the likes of Walker, Howells and Prydie would get more game time at the Scarlets and a better chance of developing their potential.
Unless of course the Scarlets go out and buy in another overseas journeyman.

Walker is first choice if he is not injured (which he always tends to be) and Daf Howells has played 13 games this season scoring 7 tries so he's developing 'his potential' quite nicely considering he's only 21.  Fail to see why the Ospreys have to hand over players due to the Scarlets inability to hold onto their players

There is no suggestion that Ospreys should "hand over" anyone, it's what's best for the players and the game in Wales. I think the Welsh Regions should work together on this, so that where there is the opportunity for Players with Wales potential (such as Rhodri Jones) to get more game time, then they should work together to achieve this. I am totally against any poaching or outbidding for any Regions players by another Welsh Region, there is little enough cash in the Welsh games and the regions should work together to ensure this happens.

On another point Raven, what do you think of the latest proposals by the Regions and WRU for reorganising the professional game, it seems to me that if this happens the redistribution of players is something that will happen anyway?

I'm not in favour it Seagultaf. I take the opposite view to you and want the Ospreys to be strong to complete with Glasgow and the Irish teams and unfortunately that may mean stockpiling players. I don't want to see the Dragons stronger if it means the Ospreys becoming weaker due to intervention by the WRU.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Raven, I'm with you to be honest. All the regions have certain areas that they are better producing than others. And I don't think it is fair to force one region into developing players for another one. I am of a school of thought that if a player wants to progress their career, they will look at their options themselves. For arguement sake, if Daf Howells thinks that his career will kick on faster by moving to another region, then he should persue that. However if he thinks that he is better of learning from the likes of Hassler and Dirkson, and playing the long game then fair enough too (the same goes for the likes of Boyde and Ellias at the Scarlets).

[True Raven]

I'd personally merge the Dragons with the Blues and increase funding to the other three regions. Any young players in the Gwent area can be picked up by the Blues Acadamy.

Will not be popular with Dragons fans on here but I fail to see how they are going to grow if atm they cant even match the salary cap the other regions have.

Would prefer that than seeing homegrown players being moved elsewhere because a region is struggling

[ScarletSpiderman]

https://grabyo.com/g/v/HNn2BFwlgzp

Clear 'slap' shown side view

Just watched that video, and to be honest I think it is hard to decide if it was a slap or a punch.  It started off an open hand (11-14sec shows it clearest), and was a closed hand by the end of it.  So at the point of contact I guess it was neither a fist nor an open hand

[Guest]

https://grabyo.com/g/v/HNn2BFwlgzp

Clear 'slap' shown side view

Just watched that video, and to be honest I think it is hard to decide if it was a slap or a punch.  It started off an open hand (11-14sec shows it clearest), and was a closed hand by the end of it.  So at the point of contact I guess it was neither a fist nor an open hand

It was a second knuckle slap

[LordDowlais]

I'd personally merge the Dragons with the Blues and increase funding to the other three regions.  Any young players in the Gwent area can be picked up by the Blues Acadamy.

Will not be popular with Dragons fans on here but I fail to see how they are going to grow if atm they cant even match the salary cap the other regions have.

Would prefer that than seeing homegrown players being moved elsewhere because a region is struggling

I dare you to past that on the Dragons thread.

[True Raven]

I'd personally merge the Dragons with the Blues and increase funding to the other three regions.  Any young players in the Gwent area can be picked up by the Blues Acadamy.

Will not be popular with Dragons fans on here but I fail to see how they are going to grow if atm they cant even match the salary cap the other regions have.

Would prefer that than seeing homegrown players being moved elsewhere because a region is struggling

I dare you to past that on the Dragons thread.

No point because it would seem like I am antagonising them when I wrote that as a follow on point from a question that Seagultaf asked me

[LordDowlais]

I'd personally merge the Dragons with the Blues and increase funding to the other three regions.  Any young players in the Gwent area can be picked up by the Blues Acadamy.

Will not be popular with Dragons fans on here but I fail to see how they are going to grow if atm they cant even match the salary cap the other regions have.

Would prefer that than seeing homegrown players being moved elsewhere because a region is struggling

I dare you to past that on the Dragons thread.

No point because it would seem like I am antagonising them when I wrote that as a follow on point from a question that Seagultaf asked me

Fair enough, I was just seeing whether or not you have the minerals. Their are an awful touchy lot.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

All opinions are welcome (not yours though, Dowlais).

[LordDowlais]

All opinions are welcome (not yours though, Dowlais).

I know, you all have issues with people up here in the valleys. You think we are all backwards coming forwards.

It's OK though.

[Guest]

I'd personally merge the Dragons with the Blues and increase funding to the other three regions.  Any young players in the Gwent area can be picked up by the Blues Acadamy.

Will not be popular with Dragons fans on here but I fail to see how they are going to grow if atm they cant even match the salary cap the other regions have.

Would prefer that than seeing homegrown players being moved elsewhere because a region is struggling

I haven't got an issue with this point of view. You've not been antagonistic or unduly rude. That's the difference. Certain other posters can't make similar points in a reasonable way.

My only issue with this is that I feel 3 teams would further limit exposure and we may see even more young players either warming benches or moving to England to find first team rugby. 4 is the magic number for me. I'm just not sure which 4

[LordDowlais]

I haven't got an issue with this point of view. You've not been antagonistic or unduly rude. That's the difference. Certain other posters can't make similar points in a reasonable way.

My only issue with this is that I feel 3 teams would further limit exposure and we may see even more young players either warming benches or moving to England to find first team rugby. 4 is the magic number for me. I'm just not sure which 4 Smile

I think this idea has wheels, we can start a region elsewhere to get players more exposure.

P.S if you can direct me to any post I have put on here and been rude I will apologise. But as always, on this forum, the style is to attack the member, not the opinion.

[Steffan]

First and hopefully last time I have ever cheered Chris Ashton scoring a try

[BigTrevsbigmac]

https://grabyo.com/g/v/HNn2BFwlgzp

Clear 'slap' shown side view

Just watched that video, and to be honest I think it is hard to decide if it was a slap or a punch.  It started off an open hand (11-14sec shows it clearest), and was a closed hand by the end of it.  So at the point of contact I guess it was neither a fist nor an open hand

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I'd personally merge the Dragons with the Blues and increase funding to the other three regions.  Any young players in the Gwent area can be picked up by the Blues Acadamy.

Will not be popular with Dragons fans on here but I fail to see how they are going to grow if atm they cant even match the salary cap the other regions have.

Would prefer that than seeing homegrown players being moved elsewhere because a region is struggling

I haven't got an issue with this point of view.  You've not been antagonistic or unduly rude. That's the difference. Certain other posters can't make similar points in a reasonable way.

Exactly. There's a world of difference between this and coming on the Dragons thread, slagging them off and calling for them to be disbanded.

[LordDowlais]

Exactly. There's a world of difference between this and coming on the Dragons thread, slagging them off and calling for them to be disbanded.

I would absolutely love for you to quote me doing any of that. Go on, quote me.

I wish I had the option, of doing the red or green bar. There would be so many red bars on here.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

OK, here we go, I know I will get the usual barbs off Stone Motif, Risca, Uncle Nige/Mikey/Saint. But I am sorry, this has to be said.

We are now in a position where teams playing semi-pro rugby in the Welsh prem have better playing facilities than the supposedly professional outfit that are the Newport Gwent Dragons. The conditions that Rodney Parade were in on New Years day were unacceptable in today's professional environment.

Add to the fact that this entity is supposed to be representing pro rugby in Wales, yet continuously fail miserably, then serious questions need to be asked as to should we be putting up with another decade of failure. There is no excuse for the conditions the pitch was in. Yes I know that Newport FC play football on it as well, but Ospreys and Swansea share a pitch.

The region has failed to get suitable investment, they are predictably bottom of all teams except the Italians year on year, except that one time they finished above Cardiff Blues and celebrated that like a league win.

So, do we go another decade of embarrassment ? Do we keep letting this so called professional outfit fail year on year with no signs what so ever of improvement ? Or do we give another region a go ? Is it time now for North Wales, RGC1404, to be given a chance and Dragons get wrapped up ? Let's be honest here, any team could join the Pro 12 and be as affective as Dragons.

Right, now that I have gotten this off my chest, I will batten down the hatches, and await the usual, it's not our fault excuses and the WRU have shafted us lines.

It's a real shame, as Gwent as an area has a lot to offer Welsh rugby, but for me they have had their turn for over a decade now without reprisal, it's time to give somebody else a go.

You're welcome.

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