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

[LordDowlais]

Was a bit gutted that I'm going to miss this match but just seen Mitrea is reffing.

I reckon Mitrea is one of the better refs in our league, but that is not saying much. The thing is with he is only 34 yrs old, or somewhere around that age, and for a ref that is quite young. Within a few years he will be a benefit to our league, unlike some of the dodgy Irish refs we have.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

There are worse referees than Mitrea.

[LordDowlais]

LP, did you do a post and then instantly delete it ?

Or am I cracking up ?

[Luckless Pedestrian]

No, you're not cracking up. Sometimes I post and then change my mind.

[LordDowlais]

Phew, I thought I was seeing things.

[GavinDragon]

http://www.dragonssupportersclub.com/news/2016/8/6/the-first-dragons-players-where-are-they-now

[wayne]

Boys, have you seen the highlights of the U16 match between one of your areas and I think the Eastern Ospreys, we won but that is not why I'm posting this, there were 2 tries for you one by the O/H and the other by the no 11, that were excellent individual efforts, if it is not on your website, it is on ours well worth a look.

[munkian]

Cool - cheers Wayne

[LordDowlais]

Anyone doing a match thread for tonight's game ?

[GavinDragon]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_w5vla5i5U

The highlights of the U16s South vs Ospreys U16 East.

Our 18s also beat Northampton Saints in Northampton two weeks ago

[wayne]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_w5vla5i5U

The highlights of the U16s South vs Ospreys U16 East.

Our 18s also beat Northampton Saints in Northampton two weeks ago

Well done Gav.

[GavinDragon]

Some good play from both sides tbf.

[RiscaGame]

Remember last season when Zebre got embarrassed in Wales, stayed in Newport all week and then we struggled to put them away. Deja vu again?

[dragon4life]

Although tonight was poor bare 20 mins I'm going to save my judgment of the team until we are 3 or 4 more games into the season, we need a BP win against Zebre although I'm sure we will get a narrow victory or even a loss

[Stone Motif]

Remember last season when Zebre got embarrassed in Wales, stayed in Newport all week and then we struggled to put them away. Deja vu again?

Yep. Saw nothing tonight which suggested we have improved from last season in any facet.

[mikey_dragon]

Watching last nights game it seems we haven't improved at all. The scrum didn't move forward once all night against Ulster's third choice props - perhaps we're lacking balance in the front 5? I certainly think that with Dee starting we'll have more possession through less lost line out ball... We looked underpowered at the maul. I think our back 5 is a bit light - I rate Hill and Screech but they look too lightweight. Last night's starting back-row was also too lightweight.

So perhaps through a couple tweaks things will be different? The backs on the whole and with more of them to return look pretty good, but that forward pack leaves a lot to be desired.

[GavinDragon]

Watching last nights game it seems we haven't improved at all. The scrum didn't move forward once all night against Ulster's third choice props - perhaps we're lacking balance in the front 5? I certainly think that with Dee starting we'll have more possession through less lost line out ball... We looked underpowered at the maul. I think our back 5 is a bit light - I rate Hill and Screech but they look too lightweight. Last night's starting back-row was also too lightweight.

So perhaps through a couple tweaks things will be different? The backs on the whole and with more of them to return look pretty good, but that forward pack leaves a lot to be desired.

"Improved at all" we have the same personnel as last season, give or take. We just played the team who many tipped to be top of the league. The first 30 minutes were good. Griffiths going off really hampered our ability to get over the gainline (think he will be a big carrier for us this season). Our scrum didn't go forward, but I wouldn't expect it to. As you say, we are lightweight, which is why we are playing a fast game.

We played a massively different game to last season. We didn't kick too much ball away and in the opening 20 got rewards with the try. The problem is that we made two errors (turnovers) which they clinically punished with two tries to take the game away from us.

Then we lost Landman and, for a time, Hill.

TRT's throwing wobbled in the last 20, I would put that down to fitness. The quicker we get Dee back the better.

I know many will think that I am a happy clapper. I am not, but I do think we need to be realistic with our expectations of a team whose budget is, probably, the lowest in any of the top leagues in Europe. Can we really expect to go away to places like Ulster, Leinster and Munster, sustain four injuries to our first team, and still win the game?

Personally, as I have said previously, I hope we endeavor with the new style of play. I think it is far more entertaining to watch and we will upset a few people, especially at home. They key is then keeping hold of the young talent coming through.

[mikey_dragon]

The score was half expected but that doesn't mean it's acceptable. What was definitely not acceptable was our skill levels dying towards the end all the turnovers we conceded. I like us playing this faster type of game but against teams like Ulster who are strong up front they can just soak it up - so I'm not sure that was the right approach to this game which was also disappointing. There are more teams like Ulster in the league so if someone like Joe Davies is any good and ready to step up then he'll have to be promoted. As I've also mentioned TRT elsewhere I should say this here, his poor throwing isn't a new thing and with throwing like that he shouldn't be playing pro rugby.

[Stone Motif]

The score was half expected but that doesn't mean it's acceptable. What was definitely not acceptable was our skill levels dying towards the end all the turnovers we conceded. I like us playing this faster type of game but against teams like Ulster who are strong up front they can just soak it up - so I'm not sure that was the right approach to this game which was also disappointing. There are more teams like Ulster in the league so if someone like Joe Davies is any good and ready to step up then he'll have to be promoted. As I've also mentioned TRT elsewhere I should say this here, his poor throwing isn't a new thing and with throwing like that he shouldn't be playing pro rugby.

The thing is, the difference in pack weights was negligible. Our players are physically weaker and less powerful pound for pound. We're not playing a fast game because we have the personal to do it, we're doing it because our coaching team are out of their depth with a poor squad to choose from, and our S&C is lacking.

A fast game needs (crucially) intelligent and quick forward ball carriers and half backs and a 12 that can threaten the line and shift the point of attack. Let's review who in our squad as a whole has those attributes and then consider the team that played Friday and their ability to implement a fast game plan...

It's a recipe for failure. We have a game plan that at best requires a handful of players to be available all season, and even then we lack pace and power in the right positions.

Of the squad I'd say only Griffiths, Jackson and maybe Cudd/Landman have the right agility intelligence and power to play a fast game. Pretorious had pace but brain flatulence. McLeod/Dixon is arguably our best midfield but completely lacking in pace. Though Dixon is an great tight carrier, our opponents just need to make sure the 13 is covered and soak the rest up. Ironically not too dissimilar to Team Wales in that we can try all we like to play playa fast game but we don't have dynamic forward carriers, we don't have pace at 10 or 12, and our only threat is is a flaky 9 and quick outside centres.

[mikey_dragon]

Our players certainly do lack a bit of intelligence. There was a stark contrast between our forwards and Ulster's. They knew exactly when to gang-tackle, exactly when to flood the breakdown with more players and when not to - that's what made their defence so hard to penetrate. I see that as more of a coaching issue than anything else, I see it across all the Welsh teams. Ospreys are the best drilled if I'm honest and have been for quite some time.

[wayne]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_w5vla5i5U

The highlights of the U16s South vs Ospreys U16 East.

Our 18s also beat Northampton Saints in Northampton two weeks ago

Well done Gav.

Gav the return of this fixture is this Wednesday at Ystrad Mynach, according to my 2 brothers in law who were at the Brewery Field there was nothing between the 2 teams, so should be worth a look if you have nothing better to do.

[GavinDragon]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_w5vla5i5U

The highlights of the U16s South vs Ospreys U16 East.

Our 18s also beat Northampton Saints in Northampton two weeks ago

Well done Gav.

Gav the return of this fixture is this Wednesday at Ystrad Mynach, according to my 2 brothers in law who were at the Brewery Field there was nothing between the 2 teams, so should be worth a look if you have nothing better to do.

Sadly, I will be at a meeting in the evening. I work in Bristol so struggle to make mid week games at YM sadly

[GavinDragon]

The score was half expected but that doesn't mean it's acceptable. What was definitely not acceptable was our skill levels dying towards the end all the turnovers we conceded. I like us playing this faster type of game but against teams like Ulster who are strong up front they can just soak it up - so I'm not sure that was the right approach to this game which was also disappointing. There are more teams like Ulster in the league so if someone like Joe Davies is any good and ready to step up then he'll have to be promoted. As I've also mentioned TRT elsewhere I should say this here, his poor throwing isn't a new thing and with throwing like that he shouldn't be playing pro rugby.

The thing is, the difference in pack weights was negligible. Our players are physically weaker and less powerful pound for pound.  We're not playing a fast game because we have the personal to do it, we're doing it because our coaching team are out of their depth with a poor squad to choose from, and our S&C is lacking.

A fast game needs (crucially) intelligent and quick forward ball carriers and half backs and a 12 that can threaten the line and shift the point of attack. Let's review who in our squad as a whole has those attributes and then consider the team that played Friday and their ability to implement a fast game plan...

It's a recipe for failure. We have a game plan that at best requires a handful of players to be available all season, and even then we lack pace and power in the right positions.

Of the squad I'd say only Griffiths, Jackson and maybe Cudd/Landman have the right agility intelligence and power to play a fast game. Pretorious had pace but brain flatulence. McLeod/Dixon is arguably our best midfield but completely lacking in pace. Though Dixon is an great tight carrier, our opponents just need to make sure the 13 is covered and soak the rest up. Ironically not too dissimilar to Team Wales in that we can try all we like to play playa fast game but we don't have dynamic forward carriers, we don't have pace at 10 or 12, and our only threat is is a flaky 9 and quick outside centres.

So we weren't up to it last year, we haven't got good enough players (which in part I agree with) and this year's coaches are out of their depth and this year's gameplan is also wrong.

Shud just pack up then shouldn't we? Is there any rugby you watch which you take enjoyment from or can offer any praise?

[Stone Motif]

The score was half expected but that doesn't mean it's acceptable. What was definitely not acceptable was our skill levels dying towards the end all the turnovers we conceded. I like us playing this faster type of game but against teams like Ulster who are strong up front they can just soak it up - so I'm not sure that was the right approach to this game which was also disappointing. There are more teams like Ulster in the league so if someone like Joe Davies is any good and ready to step up then he'll have to be promoted. As I've also mentioned TRT elsewhere I should say this here, his poor throwing isn't a new thing and with throwing like that he shouldn't be playing pro rugby.

The thing is, the difference in pack weights was negligible. Our players are physically weaker and less powerful pound for pound.  We're not playing a fast game because we have the personal to do it, we're doing it because our coaching team are out of their depth with a poor squad to choose from, and our S&C is lacking.

A fast game needs (crucially) intelligent and quick forward ball carriers and half backs and a 12 that can threaten the line and shift the point of attack. Let's review who in our squad as a whole has those attributes and then consider the team that played Friday and their ability to implement a fast game plan...

It's a recipe for failure. We have a game plan that at best requires a handful of players to be available all season, and even then we lack pace and power in the right positions.

Of the squad I'd say only Griffiths, Jackson and maybe Cudd/Landman have the right agility intelligence and power to play a fast game. Pretorious had pace but brain flatulence. McLeod/Dixon is arguably our best midfield but completely lacking in pace. Though Dixon is an great tight carrier, our opponents just need to make sure the 13 is covered and soak the rest up. Ironically not too dissimilar to Team Wales in that we can try all we like to play playa fast game but we don't have dynamic forward carriers, we don't have pace at 10 or 12, and our only threat is is a flaky 9 and quick outside centres.

So we weren't up to it last year, we haven't got good enough players (which in part I agree with) and this year's coaches are out of their depth and this year's gameplan is also wrong.

Shud just pack up then shouldn't we? Is there any rugby you watch which you take enjoyment from or can offer any praise?

Honestly, yes. We're so far off the pace it's unreal. While organisation needs slashing and burning and hopefully starting again. But you know that really. I'll humour you if you like, let's have your list of players you reckon can play a fast offloading game?

[GavinDragon]

Landman, Griffiths, Croswell, Evans, Pretorious, O'Brien, Tyler Morgan, Hallam Amos, Ashton Hewitt.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I posted this on the match thread by mistake:

The morning after the opening game of the season, and we've lost pretty heavily - 29 unanswered points isn't pretty, however you dress it up.

I assume the fixtures are drawn at random (apart from the derbies and all that), but it is a bit harsh that the three worst teams last season all started this season away from home - plus all the other regions start at home.

Sigh. It was always unlikely we'd win at Ravenhill, but to get trounced first up is just so dispiriting.

[Stone Motif]

Landman, Griffiths, Croswell, Evans, Pretorious, O'Brien, Tyler Morgan, Hallam Amos, Ashton Hewitt.

So four forwards out of the whole squad (one of whom certainly has not got the power) and mainly outside backs. This why it won't work Gav, the only way to play fast against modern defences is to put foot on gas at first phase.

Even more worryingly, I think the ten best suited to our new gameplan is actually Ap Kingsley. Makes you wonder.

[Stone Motif]

http://m.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/14724803.Dragons_hit_by_Dee_blow_with_hooker_set_for_three_month_out/

FFS - that's probably our three best forwards out with injury/niggle now after one serious game.

[LordDowlais]

Merthyr have a few decent forwards if you need a loan.

Probably better than what you have without injuries.

[RiscaGame]

Not sure if Dragons supporters are allowed to respond to you any more. Don't want you bellyaching about chips on shoulders etc again Andy.

[RiscaGame]

All the best to Aled Brew at Bath. Very surprised they've even taken him on trial, to be honest though.

[munkian]

Yeah, bit odd.

Can't believe we've loaned a prop to the Turks either.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Elliot Dee's out for at least three months. He's young, and he will play for Wales, but it's still such a shame.

[mikey_dragon]

A shame for us as TRT is frigging awful.

[Stone Motif]

Merthyr have a few decent forwards if you need a loan.

Probably better than what you have without injuries.

Yeah. Your best player is your namesake who we let go for being too sh1t even for Lyn.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Hallam Amos in at full back for Friday. Some of the injuries from last week weren't so bad:

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/14726278.Wales_wing_Amos_to_make_Dragons_return_against_Zebre___at_full_back/

[RiscaGame]

Captain Lewis Evans is set to replace him at blindside flanker with James Thomas coming onto the bench.

Meh and good news.

Lock Rynard Landman (calf), tighthead Brok Harris (shoulder) and centre Sam Beard (head) have got the green light to feature against the Italians but tighthead Craig Mitchell (dead leg) is struggling and lock Cory Hill (cut ear) and centre/wing Adam Hughes (head) are ruled out.

Brilliant, Very good and good news. I think I would personally give Barrel a start this week, as I thought he did okay when he came on though. Mitchell I am not overly concerned by, Hill I quite like so that's a bit of a shame and do like Adam Hughes too, so that's a pity too.

My team would be

Amos, Warren, Morgan, Beard, Howard, AOB, Davies, Hobbs, TRT, Fairbrother, Screech, Landman, Evans, Cudd, Jackson

Davies, Buckley, Harris, Crosswell, Thomas, Pretorious, Macleod, Dixon

I guess some might be surprised by benching Dixon, but I felt he looked quite slow for two of their tries and if we are trying to play a fast game, I feel Beard and Morgan might be a bit quicker to facilitate this. Would love to see Angus get a go and I would give Davies a start after Pretorious' poor pass played a part in the chargedown.

[Stone Motif]

Captain Lewis Evans is set to replace him at blindside flanker with James Thomas coming onto the bench.

Meh and good news.

Lock Rynard Landman (calf), tighthead Brok Harris (shoulder) and centre Sam Beard (head) have got the green light to feature against the Italians but tighthead Craig Mitchell (dead leg) is struggling and lock Cory Hill (cut ear) and centre/wing Adam Hughes (head) are ruled out.

Brilliant, Very good and good news. I think I would personally give Barrel a start this week, as I thought he did okay when he came on though. Mitchell I am not overly concerned by, Hill I quite like so that's a bit of a shame and do like Adam Hughes too, so that's a pity too.

My team would be

Amos, Warren, Morgan, Beard, Howard, AOB, Davies, Hobbs, TRT, Fairbrother, Screech, Landman, Evans, Cudd, Jackson

Davies, Buckley, Harris, Crosswell, Thomas, Pretorious, Macleod, Dixon

I guess some might be surprised by benching Dixon, but I felt he looked quite slow for two of their tries and if we are trying to play a fast game, I feel Beard and Morgan might be a bit quicker to facilitate this. Would love to see Angus get a go and I would give Davies a start after Pretorious' poor pass played a part in the chargedown.

Agree on Dixon if we are trying to chuck it round. He is that extra forward we tend to need though. If you have Beard at 12 you can probably get away with Rosie at 10.

[GavinDragon]

I have heard that Ollie is not as bad as first thought. Hopefully back by game after Zebre. Unconfirmed though

[wayne]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_w5vla5i5U

The highlights of the U16s South vs Ospreys U16 East.

Our 18s also beat Northampton Saints in Northampton two weeks ago

Well done Gav.

Gav the return of this fixture is this Wednesday at Ystrad Mynach, according to my 2 brothers in law who were at the Brewery Field there was nothing between the 2 teams, so should be worth a look if you have nothing better to do.

Sadly, I will be at a meeting in the evening. I work in Bristol so struggle to make mid week games at YM sadly

Sorry got that wrong off the website Gav, your team is playing the Ospreys West region tonight, hope it's a good game.

[mikey_dragon]

Funny I swear I was questioning Dixon (especially in defence) a year ago and now look who's stopped showing off and started to agree.. Quality player but needs to work on his defensive alignment and acceleration - losing weight would probably be a good start.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Newport Gwent Dragons team to face Zebre

15 Hallam Amos, 14 Adam Warren, 13 Tyler Morgan, 12 Sam Beard, 11 Pat Howard, 10 Nick Macleod, 9 Sarel Pretorius; 1 Thomas Davies, 2 Thomas Rhys Thomas, 3 Brok Harris, 4 Nick Crosswell, 5 Rynard Landman, 6 Lewis Evans (c), 7 Nic Cudd, 8 Ed Jackson.

Replacements: Rhys Buckley, Sam Hobbs, Lloyd Fairbrother, Matthew Screech, James Thomas, Charlie Davies, Angus O’Brien, Geraint Rhys Jones.

The front row sees Thomas Davies make his first start for the Region, alongside hooker Thomas Rhys Thomas and prop Lloyd Fairbrother. The second row sees Rynard Landman and Nick Crosswell named, whilst the back row sees Captain Lewis Evans return alongside Nic Cudd and Ed Jackson.

The replacements bench is made up of Rhys Buckley, Sam Hobbs, Lloyd Fairbrother, Matthew Screech, James Thomas, Charlie Davies, Angus O’Brien and Geraint Rhys Jones.

[munkian]

Wish we'd give Charlie Davies some starts

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I can't find anything explaining why Jack Dixon drops out of the squad altogether.

[munkian]

I can't find anything explaining why Jack Dixon drops out of the squad altogether.

Me either

[RiscaGame]

Normally you can rely on the Argus to provide an update, as we are terrible at it but no such luck there either.

[munkian]

Nope - i've asked about though

[munkian]

Some chap on FB has said he's picked up a niggle and being rested.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I hope that's what it is, not because I want him to be injured but because the alternative is that he's just been dropped, which wouldn't be great man-management!

[munkian]

Agreed.

Thinking about it, we have a big list of injured wingers

Hewitt
Prydie
Hughes
Wardle

Plus Breeeeew off to Baaaaaarf.

[Sponsored content]