Newport Gwent Dragons 2016/17 thread

[Luckless Pedestrian]

First topic message reminder :

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

[Guest]

We got f*cking smoked.

[Stone Motif]

We got f*cking smoked.

Argus write up correct though. The development xv is going to have to stand up to the likes of this lot at some point after p1ssing about on the Prem all season. May as well give them a run out against a live opponent instead of some tomato cans like say the Belgium national team.

[mikey_dragon]

Not really using a pre-season wisely IMO.

[Stone Motif]

Not really using a pre-season wisely IMO.

Why? The Dragons Prem XV need a pre season too. They're thrown together willy nilly as it is, as per the discussion above we have a duty of care to see if some of this lot are physically up to it at least.

[mikey_dragon]

Well that's the prem select XV then, can't you tell the difference between them and dragons?

[Stone Motif]

Well that's the prem select XV then, can't you tell the difference between them and dragons?

What does that mean? Clearly this was a Dragons Development fixture just as the RGC one.

[mikey_dragon]

Stone, you're an idiot.

[Stone Motif]

Stone, you're an idiot.

Says you big man, the Dowellais of Newport

[mikey_dragon]

Got a nice bite there didn't I . Go away and learn the difference between Dragons and the PSXV, av a word yeah.

[munkian]

It was a development side against an actual team (albeit one in the lower leagues).

Really not too much to read in this even if we won.

Pre season games mean very little.

[Stone Motif]

Got a nice bite there didn't I . Go away and learn the difference between Dragons and the PSXV, av a word yeah.

Not really Mikey, just your view on this is as mystifying as any of the other tripe you write on this here board.

Go away any learn some English.

[Stone Motif]

It was a development side against an actual team (albeit one in the lower leagues).

Really not too much to read in this even if we won.

Pre season games mean very little.

This. See Mikey, it's so easy to see the difference if you try.

[mikey_dragon]

It was a development side against an actual team (albeit one in the lower leagues).

Really not too much to read in this even if we won.

Pre season games mean very little.

Yeah, but if you see what I'm getting at if you can see past a certain someone dry-humping you, we aren't the PSXV, we're the drags. We should have given this game to our first team rather than mostly players that won't be playing for the dragons this season. IMO we should have used the game more wisely.

[mikey_dragon]

Got a nice bite there didn't I . Go away and learn the difference between Dragons and the PSXV, av a word yeah.

Not really Mikey, just your view on this is as mystifying as any of the other tripe you write on this here board.

Go away any learn some English.

See above.

And evidently, you really struggle with comprehension and problem-solving if that is what you have surmised. I've no time for stupid people sorry #notsorry.

[Stone Motif]

Got a nice bite there didn't I . Go away and learn the difference between Dragons and the PSXV, av a word yeah.

Not really Mikey, just your view on this is as mystifying as any of the other tripe you write on this here board.

Go away any learn some English.

See above.

And evidently, you really struggle with comprehension and problem-solving if that is what you have surmised.  I've no time for stupid people sorry #notsorry.

Stephen Hawkin would struggle with the illegible horsesh4t you serve up on a daily basis Mikey. #Go feck yourself.

[GavinDragon]

Moving on......

Good to see the woe 12 is finally committing to neutral referees.

Also good to see the majority of our fixtures are on Fridays or Saturdays this year. Which day is people#s favourites?

Also also, anyone thinking of going to away games this year. Definitely up for Leicester and Worcester me.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

It's like Hashtag City in here!

[mikey_dragon]

Moving on......

Good to see the woe 12 is finally committing to neutral referees.

Also good to see the majority of our fixtures are on Fridays or Saturdays this year. Which day is people#s favourites?

Also also, anyone thinking of going to away games this year. Definitely up for Leicester and Worcester me.

Not sure but it's likely I'll be watching Cardiff away in bath and Bristol. Oops....

[RiscaGame]

Always fancied Worcester. I've done Leicester seven years ago, when we played in the Anglo
Welsh. Found it a bit annoying to be honest and maybe not a trip I would repeat.

[mikey_dragon]

Always fancied Worcester. I've done Leicester seven years ago, when we played in the Anglo
Welsh. Found it a bit annoying to be honest and maybe not a trip I would repeat.

That was probably due to the company.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Why, did you go as well?

[RiscaGame]

From what I saw of Worcester as I passed through to the races, it seems a nice town to go socialising in too.

[RiscaGame]

Why, did you go as well?

This did make me chuckle.

[mikey_dragon]

Why, did you go as well?

Nah I think my invite got lost in the post .

[Breadvan]

like say the Belgium national team.

Bit harsh..

[GavinDragon]

I am keen on Worcester & Leicester as I havent been.

Probably do Scarlets and Ospeys too.

[munkian]

Might go see Cardiff play Bristol, its literally down the road from me.

Not hugely optimistic about playing Exeter on Friday

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I imagine they'll be putting out as strong a side as possible, seeing as they play Wasps in a week's time. Unless they think they can beat us with a second-string side...

[GavinDragon]

Will be two fully loaded sides and it will be interesting to see how we live with the intensity.

Raffle prize is a playing shirt signed by the whole squad for anyone in attendance. £1 a strip to enter

Can also get your face painted if you like!

[munkian]

Will be two fully loaded sides and it will be interesting to see how we live with the intensity.

Raffle prize is a playing shirt signed by the whole squad for anyone in attendance. £1 a strip to enter

Can also get your face painted if you like!

Only if its waterproof make up to hide the tears

[GavinDragon]

The first question we asked when buying the paint!

[munkian]

The first question we asked when buying the paint!

Dragons in knowing their arses from their elbows shocker !

On a similar note, I had a flyer through the doot from Bristol RFC last night of their season timetable - I think the Dragons really need to be doing things like this - even if 1 in 3 get put on someone's fridge it will mean a few more bums on seats.

[mikey_dragon]

What time is KO against Exeter?

[munkian]

What time is KO against Exeter?

1930

[Luckless Pedestrian]

The Men of Gwent take on hard hitting English Premiership side Exeter Chiefs at Rodney Parade, Friday 26th August, KO 19:30.

Fullback Carl Meyer gets the nod at fullback alongside wingers Adam Hughes and Pat Howard.  A new look centre partnership is named, as Sam Beard gets his first run out in Dragons colours alongside Adam Warren. Fly-half Nick Macleod is joined in the half backs alongside scrum-half Sarel Pretorius.

The front row sees new props Sam Hobbs and Craig Mitchell get the nod alongside experienced hooker Thomas Rhys Thomas. The second row sees Matthew Screech and Cory Hill join forces, whilst the back row consists of flankers Ollie Griffiths, Nic Cudd and number 8 Ed Jackson.

The replacements bench once again sees a mixture of youth and experience including Rhys Buckley, Thomas Davies, Lloyd Fairbrother, Nick Crosswell, Harri Keddie, Luc Jones, Angus O’Brien, Jack Dixon, Darran Harris, George Gasson, Charlie Davies, Geraint Rhys Jones and Ashley Sweet.

Newport Gwent Dragons team to face Exeter Chiefs

15 Carl Meyer, 14 Adam Hughes, 13 Adam Warren, 12 Sam Beard, 11 Pat Howard, 10 Nick Macleod, 9 Sarel Pretorius; 1 Sam Hobbs, 2 Thomas Rhys Thomas, 3 Craig Mitchell, 4 Matthew Screech, 5 Cory Hill, 6 Ollie Griffiths, 7 Nic Cudd, 8 Ed Jackson.

Replacements: Rhys Buckley, Thomas Davies, Lloyd Fairbrother, Nick Crosswell, Harri Keddie, Luc Jones, Angus O’Brien, Jack Dixon, Darran Harris, George Gasson, Charlie Davies, Geraint Rhys Jones, Ashley Sweet.

Katie 'alongside' Vizard strikes again... plus the bench doesn't 'include' those players, that is the whole bench.

Speaking of the bench, I'm not sure why Luc Jones and Charlie Davies are both on there - unless they're expecting Luc to be so bad he'll need replacing himself.

[RiscaGame]

That must be it LP.

Interesting to see our backrow start like that. Obviously trying to play quickly, but it appears very lightweight.

[munkian]

Exeter scrum will muller us anyway. Least this gives us an excuse

[Cardiff Dave]

We got f*cking smoked.

Like water off a duck's back to a Drags fan down the shallow end, shewerly? How is the shallow end btw?

[GavinDragon]

Have your say on Judgement Day Ticket allocations....

http://www.dragonssupportersclub.com/news/2016/8/25/judgement-day-ticket-allocation-have-your-say

[GavinDragon]

Exeter scrum will muller us anyway. Least this gives us an excuse

Interested to see how Hobbs and Mitchell go. Think the former could be an astute signing.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Exeter: P Dollman, O Woodburn, O Devoto, S Hill, I Whitten, H Slade, W Chudley, B Moon, L Cowan-Dickie, H Williams, M Lees, D Welch, D Armand (captain), J Salvi, T Waldrom. Replacements: J Yeandle, A Hepburn, G Holmes, G Parling, D Dennis, D Lewis, G Steenson, J Short, E Taione, M Low, T Francis, J Hill, K Horstmann, H Thomas, W Hooley, L Turner, M Bodilly.

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/14707327.Dollman_relishing_return_to_Rodney_Parade_as_Exeter_name_strong_team_for_Dragons_clash/

[GavinDragon]

Strong side. It will be a good test for us.

[Stone Motif]

Exeter: P Dollman, O Woodburn, O Devoto, S Hill, I Whitten, H Slade, W Chudley, B Moon, L Cowan-Dickie, H Williams, M Lees, D Welch, D Armand (captain), J Salvi, T Waldrom. Replacements: J Yeandle, A Hepburn, G Holmes, G Parling, D Dennis, D Lewis, G Steenson, J Short, E Taione, M Low, T Francis, J Hill, K Horstmann, H Thomas, W Hooley, L Turner, M Bodilly.

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/14707327.Dollman_relishing_return_to_Rodney_Parade_as_Exeter_name_strong_team_for_Dragons_clash/

Fatty Francis on the bench I see. Watch your eyeballs fellas.

[RiscaGame]

Very worried by that Exeter team. Hope we give a good account of ourselves.

[Stone Motif]

What's this I see in the pre-match comments from our esteemed new forwards coach?

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/14706881.Powerful_Chiefs_the_perfect_prep_for_Pro12___Dragons_coach_Ceri_Jones/

It was very much a development team last week

He must be an idiot too...

[mikey_dragon]

Stone I see you're still struggling with comprehension - my point remains, it wasn't using a pre-season wisely. Tonight's game and the one against Cardiff was however. I hope you can understand now and can be (if capable) less of an idiot in the future, and on top of that stop obsessing over me. It's very flattering...but no, sorry .

[Stone Motif]

Stone I see you're still struggling with comprehension - my point remains, it wasn't using a pre-season wisely. Tonight's game and the one against Cardiff was however. I hope you can understand now and can be (if capable) less of an idiot in the future, and on top of that stop obsessing over me. It's very flattering...but no, sorry .

I'm not struggling with anything, as the coach has just clearly said it was a development game thus proving me right and you a bit of a bell end. Again.

[mikey_dragon]

Clearly you are and not for the first time either. You weren't proven right, you said it was a game for the PSXV - I said it was the DRAGONS (note the difference between the two, which evidently you still can't do) not using a pre-season wisely. Everything that needs to be said about it has already been written in here so go back and read it. Wise up little man, you're the most pathetic poster on here.

[mikey_dragon]

I'm not struggling with anything, as the coach has just clearly said it was a development game thus proving me right and you a bit of a bell end. Again.

I'll help you again. Here is what the coach said:

"“It was very much a development side last week and this is very much closer to where we want to be (for Ulster)."

So not a development game, but the team was. It wasn't using a game wisely like I said. If your beloved PSXV want a pre-season then it shouldn't be at the dragons expense. Like I also said a lot of those players probably won't be running out of for us this season. What the coach is saying here also proves my point about tonight's game (like Cardiff) being better prep, thus using a pre-season wisely, and your favourite game not using a dragons pre-season wisely. I'm sure you'll get there in the end and then you can stop being so angry over your misunderstanding .

[GavinDragon]

Some positives tonight despite the result. Exeter were fully loaded and just too clinical/powerful at times which gave them gainline and space. However, for the the positives:

- We looked to play a quick tempo game and to offload where possible. It was far more enjoyable to watch than last season.
- Ollie Griffiths and Jack Dixon were impressive and will be like two new signings this year.
- Nick Macleod was good along with Howard and Beard. All solid signings for the Pro 12.

Our scrum struggled which was to be expected against a strong pack but it is pleasing to see we are going to try to play to our strengths wherever possible. We also have 4 starters to come back into the side which means that, if we can keep injury free, we will have some sort of depth this season.

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