Gwent Dragons 2015/16 thread

[munkian]

Blues away Boxing Day, Gyppos at the Dave on New Years Day

[RiscaGame]

Looks like we'll be playing the Scarlets at Judgement Day. I make that the third season in a row.

Sigh

It is rather annoying.

[Stone Motif]

The compensation is inadequate in part because he enjoys greater access to players than he would in any other nation.

I've agreed nothing of the sort. Now who's conflating? Again, pick me your list of players that have genuinely improved at other pro teams and which aspects of their game in particular the better environments helped them improve, if you like.

You've seen that Noves now gets 120 days of access. That would be about the same as Gatland has enjoyed for years.

Your own words, that you wrote, showed that you agreed. There's no need for a list for the reasons I gave above.

No they don't. They show that I don't agree the difference in environment alone is enough to assume players will improve simply by moving to a Welsh alternative. You know, the exact thing proven by your list of 0 players.

[Stone Motif]

More quality? That's some vote of confidence in the talents of a bunch of kids who've barely paid any senior rugby.

You've lost me, sorry. My point is clear: don't invest in four players who will make no difference but share the same investment across eight players who will make a difference.

My point is clear: there's no guarantee those eight will make any difference at all.

[bedfordwelsh]

So far 3 Sunday fixtures confirmed and we have two of them what a feckin surpirse and as much as I do enjoy Judgement Day, our home game again.

Didn't say Stuart Davies say he would try and stop this, guess more waffle and Poopie again.

[ScarletSpiderman]

So far 3 Sunday fixtures confirmed and we have two of them what a feckin surpirse and as much as I do enjoy Judgement Day, our home game again.

Didn't say Stuart Davies say he would try and stop this, guess more waffle and Poopie again.

Chin up. One is New Year's Day, and the other is the day after Wales v SA (on Sunday so it doesn't clash with the Welsh match).

[LordDowlais]

Didn't say Stuart Davies say he would try and stop this, guess more waffle and Poopie again.

Bedford, do Dragons make more from their Judgement day fixture than they would if the game was played at RP ?

Perhaps thats the reasoning behind why SD made this call.

[munkian]

Didn't say Stuart Davies say he would try and stop this, guess more waffle and Poopie again.

Bedford, do Dragons make more from their Judgement day fixture than they would if the game was played at RP ?

Perhaps thats the reasoning behind why SD made this call.

We do but in denies us any slim chance of a win.

[RiscaGame]

At the very least we shouldn't be playing the Scarlets every year at the PS. I think we miss out more then because a lot of the birdies fans won't travel to Dave, whereas the Village team tend to bring more support (certainly more vocal ones anyway).

[ScarletSpiderman]

Risca, I thought the plans were it was meant to alternate between you having us and Losspreys every year. But I agree it is a bit of a shaft job for you boys.

[RiscaGame]

It was SS. That's why whatever the added income, I can't believe that Pinky short changes the support like that. Extra income didn't matter when we played Cardiff in the challenge cup quarters. It was all about home atmosphere then.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I miss Scarlets fans coming to Rodney Parade.

[munkian]

I miss Scarlets fans coming to Rodney Parade.

Some of them even wear shoes !

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I remember being on the Hazell terrace and hearing their singing coming over from the Argus terrace. I'm not sure they've been to Rodney Parade since the Argus terrace was demolished.

[munkian]

I remember being on the Hazell terrace and hearing their singing coming over from the Argus terrace. I'm not sure they've been to Rodney Parade since the Argus terrace was demolished.

Once or twice I think but yeah, they don't like to leave their Sister-Wives alone for too long.

[PhilBB]

No they don't.  They show that I don't agree the difference in environment alone is enough to assume players will improve simply by moving to a Welsh alternative. You know, the exact thing proven by your list of 0 players.

Hang on, what's this measure of 'environment alone' that you've added? What are you including in the 'environment'?

[PhilBB]

My point is clear: there's no guarantee those eight will make any difference at all.

Wow.

[PhilBB]

So far 3 Sunday fixtures confirmed and we have two of them what a feckin surpirse and as much as I do enjoy Judgement Day, our home game again.

Didn't say Stuart Davies say he would try and stop this, guess more waffle and Poopie again.

Erm, the NGD have signed up long term for this to be their home game.

[bedfordwelsh]

So far 3 Sunday fixtures confirmed and we have two of them what a feckin surpirse and as much as I do enjoy Judgement Day, our home game again.

Didn't say Stuart Davies say he would try and stop this, guess more waffle and Poopie again.

Erm, the NGD have signed up long term for this to be their home game.

In one of his recent press conferences am sure Davies said that wasn't the case.

[Stone Motif]

No they don't.  They show that I don't agree the difference in environment alone is enough to assume players will improve simply by moving to a Welsh alternative. You know, the exact thing proven by your list of 0 players.

Hang on, what's this measure of 'environment alone' that you've added? What are you including in the 'environment'?

You tell me coach, it's the only way players improve e after all

[Stone Motif]

My point is clear: there's no guarantee those eight will make any difference at all.

Wow.

Yeah. That's what I said after I saw the amount of points the current golden generation managed to ship against NZ under 20's. They're more than ready for front line rugby with the big boys.

[PhilBB]

You tell me coach, it's the only way players improve e after all

I can't tell you what your version of 'environment' is. Only you can do that.

[PhilBB]

Yeah. That's what I said after I saw the amount of points the current golden generation managed to ship against NZ under 20's. They're more than ready for front line rugby with the big boys.

Well, that's Jason Strange's coaching for you. How has that worked out for him? I mean, who is he coaching no.... oh.

And I take it you mean the second game rather than the first?

[PhilBB]

Yeah. That's what I said after I saw the amount of points the current golden generation managed to ship against NZ under 20's. They're more than ready for front line rugby with the big boys.

p.s. read the interview with Tomos Williams on the Cardiff Blues website to understand the exposure to the top squad.

[Stone Motif]

You tell me coach, it's the only way players improve e after all

I can't tell you what your version of 'environment' is. Only you can do that.

No, I'm more than happy with your definition above. Away you go....

[PhilBB]

No, I'm more than happy with your definition above. Away you go....

Where? As I'm really struggling to understand your opinion here.

[Stone Motif]

Yeah. That's what I said after I saw the amount of points the current golden generation managed to ship against NZ under 20's. They're more than ready for front line rugby with the big boys.

Well, that's Jason Strange's coaching for you. How has that worked out for him? I mean, who is he coaching no.... oh.

And I take it you mean the second game rather than the first?

So now coaching trumps environment? Well that makes Hallam Amos' move to the Ospreys to become a better player a bit redundant then....

[Stone Motif]

No, I'm more than happy with your definition above. Away you go....

Where? As I'm really struggling to understand your opinion here.

'Better'.

Better in my view like a poke in the eye is marginally better than a kick in the ball sack, but neither are particularly likely to improve your day a great deal.

[PhilBB]

So now coaching trumps environment? Well that makes Hallam Amos' move to the Ospreys to become a better player a bit redundant then....

Coaching is part of the environment.

Your second sentence is truly bizarre when you consider:

a) the NGD don't have a defence coach
b) Amos' skill set in defence is truly abysmal
c) Brad Davis is widely recognised as a very good defence coach.

[Seagultaf]

I miss Scarlets fans coming to Rodney Parade.

Some of them even wear shoes !

[Seagultaf]

So now coaching trumps environment? Well that makes Hallam Amos' move to the Ospreys to become a better player a bit redundant then....

Coaching is part of the environment.

Your second sentence is truly bizarre when you consider:

a) the NGD don't have a defence coach
b) Amos' skill set in defence is truly abysmal
c) Brad Davis is widely recognised as a very good defence coach.

Amos is not that bad in defence, but Tyler Morgan is appalling, particularly in that no 13 usually leads the defensive line.

Both these outstanding prospects badly need nurturing and development which they would normally get from playing with experienced top level team mates week in week out. Unfortunately the Newport business plan means that they spend significantly less than other sides on salaries, so the strength of the playing squad inevitably suffers.

[Stone Motif]

So now coaching trumps environment? Well that makes Hallam Amos' move to the Ospreys to become a better player a bit redundant then....

Coaching is part of the environment.

Your second sentence is truly bizarre when you consider:

a) the NGD don't have a defence coach
b) Amos' skill set in defence is truly abysmal
c) Brad Davis is widely recognised as a very good defence coach.

He'd still have to be selected by the joker in charge, no?

[Stone Motif]

So now coaching trumps environment? Well that makes Hallam Amos' move to the Ospreys to become a better player a bit redundant then....

Coaching is part of the environment.

Your second sentence is truly bizarre when you consider:

a) the NGD don't have a defence coach
b) Amos' skill set in defence is truly abysmal
c) Brad Davis is widely recognised as a very good defence coach.

Amos is not that bad in defence, but Tyler Morgan is appalling, particularly in that no 13 usually leads the defensive line.

Both these outstanding prospects badly need nurturing and development which they would normally get from playing with experienced top level team mates week in week out. Unfortunately the Newport business plan means that they spend significantly less than other sides on salaries, so the strength of the playing squad inevitably suffers.

You're right. Let's get them to the Ospreys quick so they can learn from Owen Watkin and Eli Walker

[munkian]

Or the Blues so Cuthbert can work on their tackling technique or James can improve their speed...

[ScarletSpiderman]

So the obvious choice is to go to the Scarlets then. Morgan could learn from a B&I Lion, and Amos could learn from the man that ran in a try in all the RWC group stages

[Coleman]

News said the Dragons had signed Tom Davies this morning. I know you've signed Mitchell and Hobbs. Have you signed Andrews as well?

[RiscaGame]

So the obvious choice is to go to the Scarlets then.  Morgan could learn from a B&I Lion, and Amos could learn from the man that ran in a try in all the RWC group stages

To be fair, Tyler could probably teach JD2 how to pass, or do something other than aimless grubbers.

I have said all along Amos should go to the Turks if anywhere though.

[munkian]

News said the Dragons had signed Tom Davies this morning. I know you've signed Mitchell and Hobbs. Have you signed Andrews as well?

I know Tom is in for injury cover for Phil Price.

Not heard about Andrews ?

[ScarletSpiderman]

So the obvious choice is to go to the Scarlets then.  Morgan could learn from a B&I Lion, and Amos could learn from the man that ran in a try in all the RWC group stages

To be fair, Tyler could probably teach JD2 how to pass, or do something other than aimless grubbers.

I have said all along Amos should go to the Turks if anywhere though.

I think if Amos did go anywhere that the Scarlets would be the sensible choice. But I really don't buy into this moving around to improve. I do honestly think the only ingredient that is missing from the Dragons is some stability. If they can hang on to the core of their squad, and their coaching team for a season or two then things will start looking pretty rosey.

[Stone Motif]

So the obvious choice is to go to the Scarlets then.  Morgan could learn from a B&I Lion, and Amos could learn from the man that ran in a try in all the RWC group stages

To be fair, Tyler could probably teach JD2 how to pass, or do something other than aimless grubbers.

I have said all along Amos should go to the Turks if anywhere though.

I think if Amos did go anywhere that the Scarlets would be the sensible choice.  But I really don't buy into this moving around to improve.  I do honestly think the only ingredient that is missing from the Dragons is some stability.  If they can hang on to the core of their squad, and their coaching team for a season or two then things will start looking pretty rosey.

I'd say it's more likely to start looking pretty Tulipey

[mikey_dragon]

So now coaching trumps environment? Well that makes Hallam Amos' move to the Ospreys to become a better player a bit redundant then....

Coaching is part of the environment.

Your second sentence is truly bizarre when you consider:

a) the NGD don't have a defence coach
b) Amos' skill set in defence is truly abysmal
c) Brad Davis is widely recognised as a very good defence coach.

Amos is not that bad in defence, but Tyler Morgan is appalling, particularly in that no 13 usually leads the defensive line.

Both these outstanding prospects badly need nurturing and development which they would normally get from playing with experienced top level team mates week in week out. Unfortunately the Newport business plan means that they spend significantly less than other sides on salaries, so the strength of the playing squad inevitably suffers.

I've noticed that Amos has struggled in defence with Wales, but it's certainly better than what Cuthbert and James offer. It will improve, successful academy products always do. Morgan isn't an appalling defender either, however he has spent most of the season injured and struggled to get back to where he was pre-injury. I think he had like 3 games before being with team Wales, and let us not forget than even in previous season he hasn't had as many top level games as some others. When he gets his equal opportunities a-la Priestland and Cuthbert, THEN you can bitch and moan about him.

Their nurturing and development is going well with us, heck it even helped Faletau become one of the best 8's in world rugby! To even allude to the fact that these players would be better nurtured somewhere further west than Newport is embarrassing on your part, especially given their recent runs in Europe against these elite teams that you speak of in the same breath as your own. Can you both act like muppets on your own team threads and let us grown ups talk about rugby here?

[munkian]

I always thought 12 was the defensive lead not 13 ? Roberts and Henson have both been defense captains for Wales at 12...

Anyway, looking forward to the 7s tonight, annoying to see we have two games on the bounce AGAIN this year though.

[mikey_dragon]

News said the Dragons had signed Tom Davies this morning. I know you've signed Mitchell and Hobbs. Have you signed Andrews as well?

I know Tom is in for injury cover for Phil Price.

Not heard about Andrews  ?

I bloody hope we haven't signed Andrews . Anyone willing to bet Davies is better than Price though? Prices gets munched in every single scrum.

Hobbs was looking very good before he announced his move to us and got dropped... Hopefully Mitchell can stay free of injury and also get back to where he was and we get some stability up front. I believe we need to see another hooker and lock signing for that but it doesn't look like that's happening.

[PhilBB]

Amos is not that bad in defence, but Tyler Morgan is appalling, particularly in that no 13 usually leads the defensive line.

Both these outstanding prospects badly need nurturing and development which they would normally get from playing with experienced top level team mates week in week out. Unfortunately the Newport business plan means that they spend significantly less than other sides on salaries, so the strength of the playing squad inevitably suffers.

Amos' defence was again shamed during the summer tour.

Your point is quite obviously correct on the NGD, however.

[PhilBB]

He'd still have to be selected by the joker in charge, no?

Nice avoidance of the point.

[PhilBB]

You're right. Let's get them to the Ospreys quick so they can learn from Owen Watkin and Eli Walker

Mate, keep up

http://www.ospreysrugby.com/News/Article/44206

[mikey_dragon]

Anyone reckon Seb Davies should come to NGD and learn from the likes of Landman?

[mikey_dragon]

Looks like the Sevens will be ours again this year.

[Stone Motif]

Amos is not that bad in defence, but Tyler Morgan is appalling, particularly in that no 13 usually leads the defensive line.

Both these outstanding prospects badly need nurturing and development which they would normally get from playing with experienced top level team mates week in week out. Unfortunately the Newport business plan means that they spend significantly less than other sides on salaries, so the strength of the playing squad inevitably suffers.

Amos' defence was again shamed during the summer tour.

Your point is quite obviously correct on the NGD, however.

None of the Team Wales wingers are good defenders. What's their excuse? They play alongside so much better players after all.

[Stone Motif]

He'd still have to be selected by the joker in charge, no?

Nice avoidance of the point.

How so? No point improving your defensive understanding if a poor selector won't give you a game.

[Sponsored content]