Newport Gwent Dragons 2016/17 thread

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu 04 Aug 2016, 2:29 pm

Seeing as no one else has set one up, I thought I'd start a 2016/17 season thread for the mighty Dragons.

The Dragons website doesn't have a straightforward list of the squad members, so the best I can do is a link to the page:

http://www.newportgwentdragons.com/Teams/Squad/Dragons

Fri, 05 Aug 2016 Rygbi Gogledd Cymru 1404 Parc Erias, Colwyn Bay F
Fri, 12 Aug 2016 Cardiff Blues Rodney Parade, Newport F
Sat, 20 Aug 2016 Ealing Trailfinders CCBC Centre for Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach F
Fri, 26 Aug 2016 Exeter Chiefs Rodney Parade, Newport F

Fri, 02 Sep 2016 Ulster Kingspan Stadium, Belfast GP12 BBC N Ireland
Fri, 09 Sep 2016 Zebre Rugby Rodney Parade, Newport GP12
Sat, 17 Sep 2016 Munster Rodney Parade, Newport GP12 Sky Sports
Fri, 23 Sep 2016 Benetton Rugby Treviso Stadio Comunale di Monigo, Treviso GP12
Fri, 30 Sep 2016 Glasgow Warriors Rodney Parade, Newport GP12 BBC Two Wales

Sat, 08 Oct 2016 Scarlets Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli GP12 S4C
Sat, 29 Oct 2016 Ospreys Liberty Stadium, Swansea GP12 S4C, Sky Sports

Fri, 04 Nov 2016 Connacht Rodney Parade, Newport GP12
Sat, 12 Nov 2016 Leicester Tigers Welford Road, Leicester AWC
Fri, 18 Nov 2016 Scarlets Rodney Parade, Newport AWC
Sun, 27 Nov 2016 Edinburgh Rugby Rodney Parade, Newport GP12 S4C

Sat, 03 Dec 2016 Leinster Royal Dublin Society, Dublin GP12 S4C
Mon, 26 Dec 2016 Cardiff Blues Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff GP12 BBC Two Wales

Sun, 01 Jan 2017 Ospreys Rodney Parade, Newport GP12 BBC Two Wales
Fri, 06 Jan 2017 Benetton Rugby Treviso Rodney Parade, Newport GP12
Sun, 29 Jan 2017 Newcastle Falcons Rodney Parade, Newport AWC

Sat, 04 Feb 2017 Gloucester Rugby Kingsholm, Gloucester AWC
10/11/12 Feb 2017 Munster Thomond Park, Limerick GP12
17/18/19 Feb 2017 Connacht The Sportsground, Galway GP12
24/25/26 Feb 2017 Leinster Rodney Parade, Newport GP12

3/4/5 Mar 2017 Glasgow Warriors Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow GP12
24/25/26 Mar 2017 Ulster Rodney Parade, Newport GP12

7/8/9 Apr 2017 Zebre Rugby Stadio XXV Aprile, Parma GP12
Sat, 15 Apr 2017 Scarlets Rodney Parade, Newport GP12
28/29/30 Apr 2017 Edinburgh Rugby Murrayfield, Edinburgh GP12

Sat, 06 May 2017 Cardiff Blues Rodney Parade, Newport GP12

by **RiscaGame** Thu 04 Aug 2016, 4:15 pm

Booked a ticket for the Cardiff game in ten days or so, so that's something to look forward to. I guess with the lack of fanfare regarding the RGC game, that we really don't care about that one. Weird for me that due to a little working holiday, I am not going to make Rodney Parade until at least November then. Though given the choice of Malaysia and other Eastern countries or Real Rugby Country (Newport), I know where my preference lies.

At least after last season's league performances, the only way is up (hopefully). It surely can't get any worse? We just need a bit more luck with injuries and those we do get need to not hit us in the same position (centres last season and locks the season before).

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu 04 Aug 2016, 4:24 pm

I was looking at the fixtures, and October is quite a big month league-wise. We didn't win a single derby game last season, and our away form is awful, so we need to win one or ideally both of the games against the Scarlets and the Ospreys, or things will start to look depressingly familiar even at that early stage of the season.

I wish we didn't have this friendly against RGC. It doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things, but presumably it's quite a big game for them, and if they win, you just know people* will say they (or another Premiership side) should replace us in the league.

* Yes, I'm referring to Owen Robins. Rolling Eyes

by wayne Thu 04 Aug 2016, 6:44 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:I was looking at the fixtures, and October is quite a big month league-wise. We didn't win a single derby game last season, and our away form is awful, so we need to win one or ideally both of the games against the Scarlets and the Ospreys, or things will start to look depressingly familiar even at that early stage of the season.

I wish we didn't have this friendly against RGC. It doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things, but presumably it's quite a big game for them, and if they win, you just know people* will say they (or another Premiership side) should replace us in the league.

* Yes, I'm referring to Owen Robins.

LP, as far as your game against us (Ospreys) it comes within the 13 day period before the AI, so we should be missing a half dozen or so for that match, plus from what I understand Owen Watkin, Sam Underhill and Hanno Dirksen are all unlikely to have recovered from serious injuries by that date, if I was a betting man I wouldn't be putting any money on us for that match.

by Stone Motif Thu 04 Aug 2016, 7:15 pm

wayne wrote:
Luckless Pedestrian wrote:I was looking at the fixtures, and October is quite a big month league-wise. We didn't win a single derby game last season, and our away form is awful, so we need to win one or ideally both of the games against the Scarlets and the Ospreys, or things will start to look depressingly familiar even at that early stage of the season.

I wish we didn't have this friendly against RGC. It doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things, but presumably it's quite a big game for them, and if they win, you just know people* will say they (or another Premiership side) should replace us in the league.

* Yes, I'm referring to Owen Robins.
LP, as far as your game against us (Ospreys) it comes within the 13 day period before the AI, so we should be missing a half dozen or so for that match, plus from what I understand Owen Watkin, Sam Underhill and Hanno Dirksen are all unlikely to have recovered from serious injuries by that date, if I was a betting man I wouldn't be putting any money on us for that match.

Unless Gatland is even duller than I thought you will be keeping Baldwin and we will be losing Dee.

by munkian Fri 05 Aug 2016, 7:37 am

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Seeing as no one else has set one up, I thought I'd start a 2016/17 season thread for the mighty, mighty Dragons.

The Dragons website doesn't have a straightforward list of the squad members, so the best I can do is a link to the page:

http://www.newportgwentdragons.com/Teams/Squad/Dragons

Fri, 05 Aug 2016 Rygbi Gogledd Cymru 1404 Parc Erias, Colwyn Bay F
Fri, 12 Aug 2016 Cardiff Blues Rodney Parade, Newport F
Sat, 20 Aug 2016 Ealing Trailfinders CCBC Centre for Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach F
Fri, 26 Aug 2016 Exeter Chiefs Rodney Parade, Newport F

Fri, 02 Sep 2016 Ulster Kingspan Stadium, Belfast GP12 BBC N Ireland
Fri, 09 Sep 2016 Zebre Rugby Rodney Parade, Newport GP12
Sat, 17 Sep 2016 Munster Rodney Parade, Newport GP12 Sky Sports
Fri, 23 Sep 2016 Benetton Rugby Treviso Stadio Comunale di Monigo, Treviso GP12
Fri, 30 Sep 2016 Glasgow Warriors Rodney Parade, Newport GP12 BBC Two Wales

Sat, 08 Oct 2016 Scarlets Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli GP12 S4C
Sat, 29 Oct 2016 Ospreys Liberty Stadium, Swansea GP12 S4C, Sky Sports

Fri, 04 Nov 2016 Connacht Rodney Parade, Newport GP12
Sat, 12 Nov 2016 Leicester Tigers Welford Road, Leicester AWC
Fri, 18 Nov 2016 Scarlets Rodney Parade, Newport AWC
Sun, 27 Nov 2016 Edinburgh Rugby Rodney Parade, Newport GP12 S4C

Sat, 03 Dec 2016 Leinster Royal Dublin Society, Dublin GP12 S4C
Mon, 26 Dec 2016 Cardiff Blues Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff GP12 BBC Two Wales

Sun, 01 Jan 2017 Ospreys Rodney Parade, Newport GP12 BBC Two Wales
Fri, 06 Jan 2017 Benetton Rugby Treviso Rodney Parade, Newport GP12
Sun, 29 Jan 2017 Newcastle Falcons Rodney Parade, Newport AWC

Sat, 04 Feb 2017 Gloucester Rugby Kingsholm, Gloucester AWC
10/11/12 Feb 2017 Munster Thomond Park, Limerick GP12
17/18/19 Feb 2017 Connacht The Sportsground, Galway GP12
24/25/26 Feb 2017 Leinster Rodney Parade, Newport GP12

3/4/5 Mar 2017 Glasgow Warriors Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow GP12
24/25/26 Mar 2017 Ulster Rodney Parade, Newport GP12

7/8/9 Apr 2017 Zebre Rugby Stadio XXV Aprile, Parma GP12
Sat, 15 Apr 2017 Scarlets Rodney Parade, Newport GP12
28/29/30 Apr 2017 Edinburgh Rugby Murrayfield, Edinburgh GP12

Sat, 06 May 2017 Cardiff Blues Rodney Parade, Newport GP12

Fixed that for you Wales

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 05 Aug 2016, 9:59 am

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 05 Aug 2016, 5:54 pm

According to the Argus, it's a 'development side' that'll play RGC tonight.

by Stone Motif Fri 05 Aug 2016, 6:15 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:According to the Argus, it's a 'development side' that'll play RGC tonight.

Tomorrow's headline courtesy of Gwyn, Lord Howellais et al easy to guess

by **RiscaGame** Sat 06 Aug 2016, 10:10 am

Seems like conditioning told in the end. Was surprised to see Jack Dixon involved. I saw a pic of a lineout and spotted Luc Jones pretty early on and knew then we would struggle. Good to see two of our new signings score, I guess.

by mikey_dragon Sat 06 Aug 2016, 11:26 am

Any write-ups for that game? The dragons website hasn't updated.

by **RiscaGame** Sat 06 Aug 2016, 11:34 am

There was a bit of one on the Argus. Dragons didn't even provide any updates, so it shows how much we cared. I was getting it all off an RGC News Twitter.

by munkian Mon 08 Aug 2016, 9:13 am

RiscaGame wrote:There was a bit of one on the Argus. Dragons didn't even provide any updates, so it shows how much we cared. I was getting it all off an RGC News Twitter.

This one is a slightly more detailed

RGC 20 v Dragons 26 - match report

It was a development game, would hardly read much into it, we beat The Saints in a pre season a few years ago Whistle

by Luckless Pedestrian Mon 08 Aug 2016, 1:53 pm

Dos anyone know what our forward pack was (plus subs) for this? Only because this, from the match report, doesn't sound great:

'RGC’s scrum was looking good, and was causing the visitors some problems.'

(I know it was supposed to have been a development team, but I wouldn't mind knowing who was playing, or more importantly, who wasn't playing.)

by munkian Mon 08 Aug 2016, 2:02 pm

From Dragged Up

1. Garrett
2. Harris
3. Fairbrother
4. Davies
5. Scott Andrews
6. Sweet
7. James Benjamin (VC)
8. Josh Skinner

9. Luc Jones (sigh)
10. Arwel Robson
11. Aled Brew (!)
12. Jack Dixon (Capt)
13. Barney Nightingale
14. Lloyd Lewis
15. Rhys Jones

16. Buckley
17. Keagan Bale
18. Shaun Knight
19. Screech
20. Henn Williams
21. Ollie Griffiths
22.
23. Connor Edwards
24. Angus O'Brien
25. Thomas Davies

by Luckless Pedestrian Mon 08 Aug 2016, 2:15 pm

Thanks. Didn't someone say on the old Dragons thread the other day that Garrett and Fairbrother were our best scrummaging props? Headscratch

(I know it's not just down to the props.)

by munkian Mon 08 Aug 2016, 2:19 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Thanks. Didn't someone say on the old Dragons thread the other day that Garrett and Fairbrother were our best scrummaging props? (I know it's not just down to the props.)

Nah, would have been Stankovitch and Harris - Fairbrother was hardly ever first choice.

by Luckless Pedestrian Mon 08 Aug 2016, 2:21 pm

dragon4life wrote:What I've heard from a Dragons player himself is that as we were on the back foot for so much last season we had to play in the pack especially in the front 5 the players with the best work rates for example the player said our best scrummaging props were Garret and Fairbrother but they were not selected due to Price and Harris contributing much more in the loose making about double the tackles and carries. I would like to see Garret play more as he looks a strong scrummager and I think we need to get a good set piece in order to let loose our back line and move up the table

I knew I'd read it somewhere.

Maybe that Gog reporter is making things up. Smile

by munkian Mon 08 Aug 2016, 2:28 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:
dragon4life wrote:What I've heard from a Dragons player himself is that as we were on the back foot for so much last season we had to play in the pack especially in the front 5 the players with the best work rates for example the player said our best scrummaging props were Garret and Fairbrother but they were not selected due to Price and Harris contributing much more in the loose making about double the tackles and carries. I would like to see Garret play more as he looks a strong scrummager and I think we need to get a good set piece in order to let loose our back line and move up the table

I knew I'd read it somewhere.

Maybe that Gog reporter is making things up.

Ah Ok - explains a bit. Brok will start next season I'm sure though.

by Luckless Pedestrian Mon 08 Aug 2016, 3:12 pm

I'd have thought so. It is a bit chicken-and-egg, though: we were on the back foot last season so we played props that were good in the loose, but if we'd picked our best scrummaging props, would we have been on the back foot in the first place?

For what it's worth, I'd always start with the best scrummaging props. If you're on the back foot at the scrum, you're always up against it, not least with the referee, who (perhaps without meaning to) is going to take a dim view of a side that's giving away scrum penalties all the time.

by munkian Mon 08 Aug 2016, 3:15 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:I'd have thought so. It is a bit chicken-and-egg, though: we were on the back foot last season so we played props that were good in the loose, but if we'd picked our best scrummaging props, would we have been on the back foot in the first place?

For what it's worth, I'd always start with the best scrummaging props. If you're on the back foot at the scrum, you're always up against it, not least with the referee, who (perhaps without meaning to) is going to take a dim view of a side that's giving away scrum penalties all the time.

I'd certainly agree with you there, can't do anything without a platform.

by GavinDragon Mon 08 Aug 2016, 4:03 pm

If anyone is interested:-

http://www.dragonssupportersclub.com/news/2016/8/6/dragons-supporters-qa-thursday-18-august-2016-6pm

Oh and one more

http://www.dragonssupportersclub.com/news/2016/8/7/wales-u18-squad-shows-strong-development-across-gwent

by munkian Mon 08 Aug 2016, 4:18 pm

GavinDragon wrote:If anyone is interested:-

http://www.dragonssupportersclub.com/news/2016/8/6/dragons-supporters-qa-thursday-18-august-2016-6pm

Oh and one more

http://www.dragonssupportersclub.com/news/2016/8/7/wales-u18-squad-shows-strong-development-across-gwent

Nice one, cheers for that.

by GavinDragon Mon 08 Aug 2016, 4:23 pm

NP will you be coming along?

by munkian Mon 08 Aug 2016, 4:24 pm

Live in Bristol so unfortunately not, will be over on Friday mind.

by GavinDragon Mon 08 Aug 2016, 4:27 pm

We will be in Rodney Hall on Friday as the marquee is in use for a hog roast for Ashley and Lewis' beneficiary. Pop over for a pint - it would be good to put a face to the handle

by munkian Mon 08 Aug 2016, 4:28 pm

GavinDragon wrote:We will be in Rodney Hall on Friday as the marquee is in use for a hog roast for Ashley and Lewis' beneficiary. Pop over for a pint - it would be good to put a face to the handle

Cool - I'll see what I can manage Wink

by Luckless Pedestrian Mon 08 Aug 2016, 5:25 pm

That DOSC website looks a hell of a lot better than the Dragons' official one!

by GavinDragon Mon 08 Aug 2016, 5:31 pm

Thanks for the feedback LP. Our chair is currently self funding that while we source sponsorship. Hoping that Urban Tap House will come on board soon. He will be pleased to see that people think it looks good.

On a related note, currently researching a "where are they now" article for the site looking at the Dragons' first ever XV. Anyone know what Chris Anthony is up to nowadays? He is the only one I am struggling to find recent information on.

by GavinDragon Mon 08 Aug 2016, 5:34 pm

Oh and a quick plug while I am at it

http://www.dragonssupportersclub.com/raisefundsforfree/

by mikey_dragon Mon 08 Aug 2016, 8:16 pm

GavinDragon wrote:We will be in Rodney Hall on Friday as the marquee is in use for a hog roast for Ashley and Lewis' beneficiary. Pop over for a pint - it would be good to put a face to the handle

I had a feeling you'd be going - didn't you play alongside them at NHSOB?

by dragon4life Tue 09 Aug 2016, 9:10 am

Lewis Evans appointed captain, imo that's an OK decision but would of preferred to see Landman as captain and I'm shocked that he's not even one of the vice captains

by dragon4life Tue 09 Aug 2016, 9:12 am

munkian wrote:
Luckless Pedestrian wrote:
dragon4life wrote:What I've heard from a Dragons player himself is that as we were on the back foot for so much last season we had to play in the pack especially in the front 5 the players with the best work rates for example the player said our best scrummaging props were Garret and Fairbrother but they were not selected due to Price and Harris contributing much more in the loose making about double the tackles and carries. I would like to see Garret play more as he looks a strong scrummager and I think we need to get a good set piece in order to let loose our back line and move up the table

I knew I'd read it somewhere.

Maybe that Gog reporter is making things up.

Ah Ok - explains a bit. Brok will start next season I'm sure though.

Not saying I agreed with what the player said but couldn't have that quote from RGC been in the second half when we had Bale (academy loose head) on the pitch who has very limited regional experience

by munkian Tue 09 Aug 2016, 9:18 am

dragon4life wrote:Lewis Evans appointed captain, imo that's an OK decision but would of preferred to see Landman as captain and I'm shocked that he's not even one of the vice captains

Hopefully Dee will get a starting place now though. Surprised Keedie hasn't been given a senior contract, especially with Toby going.

by dragon4life Tue 09 Aug 2016, 9:58 am

munkian wrote:
dragon4life wrote:Lewis Evans appointed captain, imo that's an OK decision but would of preferred to see Landman as captain and I'm shocked that he's not even one of the vice captains

Hopefully Dee will get a starting place now though. Surprised Keedie hasn't been given a senior contract, especially with Toby going.

Keddie is on a 4 year development contract and is going into the 2nd year of it, he signed with Leon Brown, Arwel Robson, Barney Nightingale so I don't think Keddie is at risk of leaving us

by munkian Tue 09 Aug 2016, 10:00 am

dragon4life wrote:
munkian wrote:
dragon4life wrote:Lewis Evans appointed captain, imo that's an OK decision but would of preferred to see Landman as captain and I'm shocked that he's not even one of the vice captains

Hopefully Dee will get a starting place now though. Surprised Keedie hasn't been given a senior contract, especially with Toby going.

Keddie is on a 4 year development contract and is going into the 2nd year of it, he signed with Leon Brown, Arwel Robson, Barney Nightingale so I don't think Keddie is at risk of leaving us

Fairy nuff then.

by GavinDragon Tue 09 Aug 2016, 10:41 am

However given the lack of 8's it is certainly something I would like to ask at the Q&A.

Also guys a survey has been created to help shape the discussion on the 18 and give us as a SC feedback for the coming season. Please feel free to complete and be as brutal as you like.....surveymonkey.co.uk/r/55MH2B6

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 09 Aug 2016, 10:42 am

dragon4life wrote:
munkian wrote:
Luckless Pedestrian wrote:
dragon4life wrote:What I've heard from a Dragons player himself is that as we were on the back foot for so much last season we had to play in the pack especially in the front 5 the players with the best work rates for example the player said our best scrummaging props were Garret and Fairbrother but they were not selected due to Price and Harris contributing much more in the loose making about double the tackles and carries. I would like to see Garret play more as he looks a strong scrummager and I think we need to get a good set piece in order to let loose our back line and move up the table

I knew I'd read it somewhere.

Maybe that Gog reporter is making things up.

Ah Ok - explains a bit. Brok will start next season I'm sure though.

Not saying I agreed with what the player said but couldn't have that quote from RGC been in the second half when we had Bale (academy loose head) on the pitch who has very limited regional experience

Quite possibly. If the Argus or even the Dragons had bothered writing a proper match report, we'd have a better idea!

by munkian Tue 09 Aug 2016, 11:15 am

Steady on now

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 09 Aug 2016, 11:19 am

It's true though. All we have to go on is one report.

by munkian Tue 09 Aug 2016, 11:20 am

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:It's true though. All we have to go on is one report.

Being sarcastic dude Wink

Anyone know if the game on Friday is a 'proper' game and not this rolling subs rubbish ?

by **RiscaGame** Tue 09 Aug 2016, 11:30 am

I'm not too enthralled by the captaincy selection. I don't think he's nailed on to start as such and (from memory) his last shot at it wasn't great either.

It also seems strange to have Crosswell as a vice captain, when he was out in the cold a lot last season, although in my mind he should be starting more games than he does for us.

by munkian Tue 09 Aug 2016, 11:33 am

Apparently players could apply to be Captain ?

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 09 Aug 2016, 11:50 am

Nothing against Lewis Evans, but if we're trying to change referees' perception of us, why are we giving the captaincy to someone who's been for so long and who's never played for anyone else?

by munkian Tue 09 Aug 2016, 11:56 am

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Nothing against Lewis Evans, but if we're trying to change referees' perception of us, why are we giving the captaincy to someone who's been for so long and who's never played for anyone else?

Because he now owns a boozer and can influence refs in other ways Ale

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 09 Aug 2016, 12:01 pm

Or it's an added distraction from the role of captain...

by munkian Tue 09 Aug 2016, 12:03 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Or it's an added distraction from the role of captain...

If my manager owned a pub I'd put a hell of a shift in...

by **RiscaGame** Tue 09 Aug 2016, 12:31 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Nothing against Lewis Evans, but if we're trying to change referees' perception of us, why are we giving the captaincy to someone who's been for so long and who's never played for anyone else?

One who doesn't mind the odd yellow himself too.

by munkian Tue 09 Aug 2016, 12:33 pm

Let's give him a chance eh ?

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 09 Aug 2016, 2:23 pm

munkian wrote:Anyone know if the game on Friday is a 'proper' game and not this rolling subs rubbish ?

There'll be more subs than usual, you'd think, but other than that, I imagine both sides will be taking it pretty seriously, not just because of the derby thing but because the start of the season isn't far off now.

by Sponsored content