2016/17 Pro12 Players to Watch

I thought that, on the eve of the Pro12 competition, it would be good to discuss which players are worth keeping an eye on this season - whether new signings, young players who perhaps haven't quite yet established themselves or even well known players who are returning from injury or a spell of bad form.

For Ulster:
Charles Piatau - I don't think there needs to be much of an explanation here. What a signing for Ulster and the Pro12.
Stuart Olding - A chance to have a healthy full season of top flight rugby would be wonderful. He is still an exceptional talent.
Kieran Treadwell - I have heard good things about this young lock and I hope he gets the chance to impress.

I would mention Marcell Coetzee but he will not be available for the first half of the season.

I'll try some Irish ones to watch.

Joe Carbery, Leinster. Leinster lose Madigan but this lad is definitely one to watch.

Cian Kelleher. Connacht. Leinster loss is Connacht gain. He has great speed and playing in Connacht back line will bring out the best in him.

Jacob Stockdale. Ulster. He was superb for the Ireland u20s and should feature for Ulster a bit this season.

Jon Madigan. Munster. Blighted by injuries in the last 2 seasons but the second row is a big athlete who can make an impact.

Rob Lyttle if he gets the game time looks like a real prospect at Ulster

Sarto at Glasgow I think will be a great signing

Whos that big Fijian winger / centre that was playing for Edinburgh when we played them on Friday...

He looked a right beast.

Ooooooh, I love these type's of discussions. From the Welsh regional side of things, players who you might want to watch this season, from my point of view would be:-

Cardiff Blues

Ellis Jenkins
Matthew Morgan
Willis Halaholo


Dragons

Harrison Keddie (I hope he is given game time with Faletua gone)
Elliot Dee
Jack Dixon (Hopefully he stays injury free)
Ashton Hewitt

Scarlets

Johnny McNicholl
Rhys Patchell
Werner Kruger (hopefully will add strength to the front row)

Ospreys

Kieran Fonotia
Sam Davies
Owen Watkin (when back from injury)
Rory Thornton
Keelan Giles (I hope he is given game time)

All the above players should not be affected by team Wales, so I would like to think they will, injury permitting, give a good account of themselves this season.

According to Dowellais it's Richard Smith at Scarlets .

The thread wrecker is here.

LordDowlais wrote:The thread wrecker is here.

Rory disagrees with you.

FYI - I think Patchell is now likely to be a certainty for the Wales squad, and Keddie might not get that much game time in the Pro12.

LordDowlais wrote:Ooooooh, I love these type's of discussions. From the Welsh regional side of things, players who you might want to watch this season, from my point of view would be:-

Cardiff Blues

Ellis Jenkins
Matthew Morgan
Willis Halaholo


Dragons

Harrison Keddie (I hope he is given game time with Faletua gone)
Elliot Dee
Jack Dixon (Hopefully he stays injury free)
Ashton Hewitt

Scarlets

Johnny McNicholl
Rhys Patchell
Werner Kruger (hopefully will add strength to the front row)

Ospreys

Kieran Fonotia
Sam Davies
Owen Watkin (when back from injury)
Rory Thornton
Keelan Giles (I hope he is given game time)

All the above players should not be affected by team Wales, so I would like to think they will, injury permitting, give a good account of themselves this season.

Good list LD - I am also keen to see how Nick Williams performs for the Cardiff Blues.

profitius wrote:I'll try some Irish ones to watch.

Joe Carbery, Leinster. Leinster lose Madigan but this lad is definitely one to watch.

Cian Kelleher. Connacht. Leinster loss is Connacht gain. He has great speed and playing in Connacht back line will bring out the best in him.

Jacob Stockdale. Ulster. He was superb for the Ireland u20s and should feature for Ulster a bit this season.

Jon Madigan. Munster. Blighted by injuries in the last 2 seasons but the second row is a big athlete who can make an impact.

All great mentions - I hope all 4 of them get good game time.

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Good list LD - I am also keen to see how Nick Williams performs for the Cardiff Blues.

Cheers Rory. We all know what Nick Williams will bring, so whilst I agree, he is one to watch, but he will not surprise anyone as we all know what he brings to the table.

LordDowlais wrote:

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Good list LD - I am also keen to see how Nick Williams performs for the Cardiff Blues.

Cheers Rory. We all know what Nick Williams will bring, so whilst I agree, he is one to watch, but he will not surprise anyone as we all know what he brings to the table.

Big Nick can be a lazy so and so but with the right coaching/motivation he'll be a wrecking ball for the Blues.

For me it's all about Charlie Piutau who should be setting the Pro12 on fire. I'll also be keeping a very close eye on the Bangor Bulldozer McCloskey.

mikey_dragon wrote:FYI - I think Patchell is now likely to be a certainty for the Wales squad

Where ? Do you think he will be in before Anscombe and Biggar ? Or at fullback ? Or just holding tackle bags ?

mikey_dragon wrote:and Keddie might not get that much game time in the Pro12.

Who do you think Dragons will use at no.8 now that Taulupe Faletau has gone ? Do Dragons have much options in that position ?

Matthew Morgan, Samson Lee, James Davies, Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams, Rhys Patchell, Gareth Davies, Aled Davies, Liam Williams, Sam Davies, Aled Thomas, Emyr Phillips, Ken Owens, Rob Evans, Rhodri Jones, Scott Baldwin, Rhodri Williams, Hallam Amos, Tyler Morgan and others.

Tyler Morgan, a 20 year old centre for Dragons, is one to watch apparently. Hopefully see him in action v Ulster on Friday.

McNicholl for Scarlets may prove an excellent signing.

Tyler Morgan started for Wales against South Africa in the quarter finals of the 2015 RWC. Big things are expected from him. He could go on the Lions tour this year.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/tyler-morgan-wins-race-wales-10264229

Ollie Griffiths is potentially a fantastic young 7 at the Dragons, former U20s player, very athletic, a good mix of Warbs and Tipuric.

international198 wrote:Tyler Morgan started for Wales against South Africa in the quarter finals of the 2015 RWC. Big things are expected from him. He could go on the Lions tour this year.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/tyler-morgan-wins-race-wales-10264229

Thanks, international.

I have read a couple of pieces on him. An exciting prospect by all accounts, which being called up to the Wales squad goes some way to confirm.

LordDowlais wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:FYI - I think Patchell is now likely to be a certainty for the Wales squad

Where ? Do you think he will be in before Anscombe and Biggar ? Or at fullback ? Or just holding tackle bags ?

mikey_dragon wrote:and Keddie might not get that much game time in the Pro12.

Who do you think Dragons will use at no.8 now that Taulupe Faletau has gone ? Do Dragons have much options in that position ?

If you look at our selections for the Blouse and Exeter games, you might get an indication who will play 8. He's also our captain too. It's Lewis Evans btw. Interestingly, Kingsley has also stated he sees Keddie long term as a six. We also have a few other options, given that backrow is a position where we are relatively well covered.

Players I am keen to see how they will perform (mostly Dragons). I'll ignore people that are pretty established from a Dragons P.O.V.

Sam Hobbs (I believe he is a shrewd signing by us).
Ollie Griffiths
Nick Macleod

Charles Piatau
Jason Tovey
Willis Halaholo (very excited by him after watching the Highlanders a lot).

Tyler Morgan is likely to be on the bench tomorrow, given he hasn't been back with the Dragons too long. He needs a good run of games without injury and ideally not be involved with Wales again before then.

Tovey out injured for a while unfortunately.

Saying that, he'll recover in time to face us and play a blinder

RiscaGame wrote:Tyler Morgan is likely to be on the bench tomorrow, given he hasn't been back with the Dragons too long. He needs a good run of games without injury and ideally not be involved with Wales again before then.

I'd be surprised if he doesnt play in the Autumn though I guess Wales have JD2 and Williams back plus Corey Allen (I think ?)

munkian wrote:Tovey out injured for a while unfortunately.

Saying that, he'll recover in time to face us and play a blinder

Yeah 8 weeks. I fear he'll lose track in the race with Weir for the ten shirt now, but hopefully he can come good when fit.

munkian wrote:

RiscaGame wrote:Tyler Morgan is likely to be on the bench tomorrow, given he hasn't been back with the Dragons too long. He needs a good run of games without injury and ideally not be involved with Wales again before then.

I'd be surprised if he doesnt play in the Autumn though I guess Wales have JD2 and Williams back plus Corey Allen (I think ?)

I do feel he will be involved. I just would rather he wasn't from our point of view.

Ioan Nicholas (centre/wing), Steff Hughes (centre), Tom Phillips (blindside) & Jack Condy (No8, blindside) are the lads to watch out for this season at the Scarlets. Nicholas and Hughes have a chance to put their hands up with there being a spare position in the backs until McNicholl arrives. Also, with Foxy and Scott on international duty, it will leave centre a fair chunk of the season too.

As for Condy and Phillips, we have been looking of physical backrower since Ben Morgan went. They will have a tough time getting past Cubby, Barclay, Shingler in the starting side, but I have a feeling that one, or both, will make an impact of the bench, and start to push for a starting shirt too.

RiscaGame wrote:If you look at our selections for the Blouse and Exeter games, you might get an indication who will play 8. He's also our captain too. It's Lewis Evans btw.

But he will not play every game, will he ?

I did not know KJ saw Keddie as a 6. That does makes sense though.

Evans will probably play most games he is available for as he's now the captain.

Patchell will probably take Priestland's place in the squad, so cover 10/15 as well as holding tackle bags. He's a good player and I think Gatland likes him, so he's a cert in that squad for me.

mikey_dragon wrote:Patchell will probably take Priestland's place in the squad, so cover 10/15 as well as holding tackle bags. He's a good player and I think Gatland likes him, so he's a cert in that squad for me.

Hhhmmmmmm.... Whilst I agree with you, Priestlands Wales days are behind him, yet Gatland has played Anscombe in the 10/15 combo as well. I just think Patchell, who moved west to stop playing fullback, will not get picked in front of the dually contracted Anscombe and Biggar. Unless Gatland takes him as a tackle bag holder.

What about Scottish players? I reckon Hamish Watson and Hoyland for Edinburgh are fairly handy

Not forgetting Hidalgo-Clyne!

Does anyone have a list of Welsh players who are currently on NDCs ?

There are a few Irish forwards I am looking forward to see as well:

Josh van der Flier - I am keen to see if he can continue his great form and become an established player for Leinster this season.

Jack O'Donoghue - A very highly thought of prospect. He has bulked up significantly for this season and I hope to see him continue to shine for Munster in his best position of Number 8.

Sean O'Brien MkII - The Connacht back row/lock looks like an excellent prospect. Hard working and like most Connacht players now he looks to be a very intelligent footballer.

munkian wrote:Does anyone have a list of Welsh players who are currently on NDCs ?

I believe it is:

Ospreys (9): Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Biggar, Dan Lydiate, Rhys Webb, Scott Baldwin, James King, Rory Thornton, Dan Baker, Bradley Davies
Scarlets (3): Jake Ball, Samson Lee, Jonathan Davies
Blues (2): Sam Warburton, Gareth Anscombe
Dragons (2): Tyler Morgan, Hallam Amos

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

munkian wrote:Does anyone have a list of Welsh players who are currently on NDCs ?

I believe it is:

Ospreys (9): Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Biggar, Dan Lydiate, Rhys Webb, Scott Baldwin, James King, Rory Thornton, Dan Baker, Bradley Davies
Scarlets (3): Jake Ball, Samson Lee, Jonathan Davies
Blues (2): Sam Warburton, Gareth Anscombe
Dragons (2): Tyler Morgan, Hallam Amos

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/full-list-welsh-rugbys-16-11352231

LordDowlais wrote:

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

munkian wrote:Does anyone have a list of Welsh players who are currently on NDCs ?

I believe it is:

Ospreys (9): Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Biggar, Dan Lydiate, Rhys Webb, Scott Baldwin, James King, Rory Thornton, Dan Baker, Bradley Davies
Scarlets (3): Jake Ball, Samson Lee, Jonathan Davies
Blues (2): Sam Warburton, Gareth Anscombe
Dragons (2): Tyler Morgan, Hallam Amos

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/full-list-welsh-rugbys-16-11352231

So in other words I got it spot on.

yep.

Just thought I would add a little bit more meat to the bone.

Ta

Has Dan Baker actually played for Wales in a meaningful match ?

3 I'm looking forward to seeing for the first time and the others to really push forward
Keiron Fonotia (when he arrives)
Sam Davies
Olly Cracknell

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

munkian wrote:Does anyone have a list of Welsh players who are currently on NDCs ?

I believe it is:

Ospreys (9): Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Biggar, Dan Lydiate, Rhys Webb, Scott Baldwin, James King, Rory Thornton, Dan Baker, Bradley Davies
Scarlets (3): Jake Ball, Samson Lee, Jonathan Davies
Blues (2): Sam Warburton, Gareth Anscombe
Dragons (2): Tyler Morgan, Hallam Amos

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/full-list-welsh-rugbys-16-11352231

So in other words I got it spot on.

Indeed.

LordDowlais wrote:yep.

Just thought I would add a little bit more meat to the bone.

Not having a go, but could you not have done that without generating clicks for the Wail?

wayne wrote:Olly Cracknell

Good shout, I forgot about him, he did really well towards the end of last season. Is he tied to Wales through the U20's ?

RiscaGame wrote:Not having a go, but could you not have done that without generating clicks for the Wail?

People do not have to go on the link. I cannot fathom why people get so uptight about certain media outlets. For me I read it, not just for Welsh rugby, but for most Welsh news, and other Welsh sports, if you can get past some of the people who write for the WOL/WM, then you can keep up with current affairs in and around your area. After all, they are the national news outlet for our country.

LordDowlais wrote:

wayne wrote:Olly Cracknell

Good shout, I forgot about him, he did really well towards the end of last season. Is he tied to Wales through the U20's ?

Lord he played for Wales U20s, not sure if he played against France ensuring he is Welsh qualified, but had an excellent run at season's end and was rightly awarded a contract extension.

wayne, I am searching the WWW, and I cannot find anything relating to his U20's history.

Have Munster lost their Kiwi centre yet, or is this his final season?

Rhys Patchell should be picked in front of Rhys Preistland for Wales because Patchell is playing in Wales.

Sam Davies looks a great prospect for the Ospreys.

LordDowlais wrote:After all, they are the national news outlet for our country.

No they're not, they just claim to be.

If Wales consisted entirely of Cardiff.

LordDowlais wrote:

RiscaGame wrote:Not having a go, but could you not have done that without generating clicks for the Wail?

People do not have to go on the link. I cannot fathom why people get so uptight about certain media outlets. For me I read it, not just for Welsh rugby, but for most Welsh news, and other Welsh sports, if you can get past some of the people who write for the WOL/WM, then you can keep up with current affairs in and around your area. After all, they are the national news outlet for our country.

People don't have to click on the link, if (as you put it) you put a bit more meat on the bone. All you did was post a link. You could have just said that SS was spot on and then posted the link if you saw fit.