Dragons Season Thread 2017/18 - New Beginnings

by munkian Thu 30 Nov 2017, 1:58 pm

First topic message reminder :

RiscaGame wrote:Their backs. Wow.

Jackman really can't settle on a hooker mind.

Just saw Simon Thomas tweet Leon Brown has suffered a second concussion. If that's so, I wonder if that means the first wasn't really dealt with properly?

Are you sure ? I've read it that he suffered a concussion so he hasn't been picked INCASE he suffers another.

by Cardiff Dave Mon 30 Apr 2018, 8:24 am

The Oracle wrote:I missed the half time interviews, SS. What did Dee say???

"You can stuff that microphone up your ar$e for nothing and feck off while you're doing it"?

by ScarletSpiderman Mon 30 Apr 2018, 9:21 am

Heat of the moment, proud to be within 4pts at half time etc, so far more understandable/excusable

by **RiscaGame** Mon 30 Apr 2018, 10:26 am

Yeah I didn't hear Dee do that. Poor form too.

by Luckless Pedestrian Mon 30 Apr 2018, 11:32 am

Cardiff Dave wrote:Reckon the Drags need scrum and lineout practice.

Or alternatively there's a huge drop in quality from our first-choice props to the rest.

by ScarletSpiderman Mon 30 Apr 2018, 11:41 am

It’s a strength in depth issue. Hopefully, recruitment, and experience (physically/mentally maturing) will help developing that depth.

by Luckless Pedestrian Mon 30 Apr 2018, 11:57 am

At one point in the season we'd won more scrum penalties and scored more tries from driving lineouts than anyone else in the league. So it's definitely not a coaching issue. Ceri Jones has done really well with our pack, but you can't make a silk purse out of Dan Suter and Thomas Davies.

by Guest Mon 30 Apr 2018, 12:30 pm

Anyone fancy having a stab at the best team we could put out next season, as it stands in terms of signings? I agree that the depth is/has been the issue. Forget what the exact figure is but modern pro rugby sides have something like 25-30% of their squad unavailable to injury, etc. throughout the season. So we need decent bench options too, obviously. But ignoring that for a moment what's the best we could put out next season on paper?

by **RiscaGame** Mon 30 Apr 2018, 2:08 pm

Harris, Dee, Brown, Nansen, Hill, Keddie (???), Griffiths, Moriarty, Williams, Lewis, Williams, Dixon, Morgan, Hewitt, Amos.

Bevington, Hibbard, Fairbrother, Landman (???), Benjamin, Other Rhodri, Robson, Henson.

That's just assuming Jackman won't have Henson first choice. Think I've missed a few maybe?

by **RiscaGame** Mon 30 Apr 2018, 2:14 pm

I personally would keep that front row as is too. Maybe Jackman might have Jarvis over Barrel?

by Guest Mon 30 Apr 2018, 3:50 pm

Cheers Risca, i think that’s looking a bit stronger than we’ve got and we have some impact on the bench (some!).

I think the back line needs some more cutting edge in the centres. Just not sure Dixon and Morgan are up to it. I always feel very underwhelmed by their performances. We need a more elusive inside centre than one in the Dixon mould, I feel. Maybe Henson then, if he’s saying he wasn’t a to play 12? But he’s starting to look a little old as tired now! But a ball playing IC might help bring Morgan into the game a bit more.

by mikey_dragon Tue 01 May 2018, 3:56 am

It's looking a little better for sure, still not keen on Nansen at the moment though.

by munkian Tue 01 May 2018, 11:09 am

Dafydd Howells signs for us.

by **RiscaGame** Tue 01 May 2018, 12:15 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:It's looking a little better for sure, still not keen on Nansen at the moment though.

But even what has been seen on a youtube clip seems more positive than how Landman is now and Joe Davies. Not sure what’s happening with Screech.

Happy with Howells, if we have him fit.

by munkian Wed 02 May 2018, 8:08 am

Dragons leavers

Phil Price – loosehead

Sam Hobbs – loosehead

Thomas Davies – loosehead

Luke Garrett – loosehead

Keagan Bale – loosehead

Liam Belcher – hooker

Rhys Buckley – hooker

Scott Andrews – lock

Ashley Sweet – lock

Robson Blake – back row

Sarel Pretorius – scrum-half

Charlie Davies – scrum-half

Angus O'Brien – fly-half

Adam Hughes – centre/wing

Pat Howard – centre/wing

Carl Meyer – full-back/fly-half

Barney Nightingale – centre

Sam Beard – centre

Lloyd Lewis – wing

Coach Shaun Connor is also leaving - pity our defence coach isn't....

by Luckless Pedestrian Wed 02 May 2018, 10:15 am

I don't think we've treated O'Brien well at all, and it wouldn't surprise me if we pay for it when he plays for the Scarlets against us next season (you just know Pivac will play him in that game). How must he have felt seeing Kirchner selected at ten ahead of him?

by Guest Wed 02 May 2018, 10:21 am

I'm not overly surprised by those names to be honest. They don't jump out and scream 'awesome player, why are we letting him go'. But that's a lot of players to replace. Going to be an interesting few months.

Sarel Pretorius is probably the only one I'd keep if pushed, and even then he'd declined in his time with us (probably due to game plan/coaching). Maybe AOB too. I actually quite liked Liam Belcher, mainly as he seemed to score a few tries from rolling mauls! But perhaps a bit small for this level?

by munkian Wed 02 May 2018, 10:24 am

Its a worrying amount of looseheads going Shocked

by Guest Wed 02 May 2018, 10:30 am

Jackman's going to have a serious amount of egg on his face if we don't improve a bit and at least become more competitive next season. 2 wins this year is beyond shocking. Even last year which was another poor season we had quite a few more losing bonus points, if memory serves. I looked it up for this year and we only have a few LBPs, meaning generally we've been soundly beaten. Next season we've got to be targeting winning half our games, surely?

by munkian Wed 02 May 2018, 10:33 am

I want to know who our replacement backs coach will be and how the hell is our defence coach still got a job.

by PhilBB Wed 02 May 2018, 10:40 am

Surely Jackman is applying for the Connacht job? Right?

by munkian Wed 02 May 2018, 10:46 am

PhilBB wrote:Surely Jackman is applying for the Connacht job? Right?

He'd have a bigger budget.

by PhilBB Wed 02 May 2018, 10:52 am

munkian wrote:
PhilBB wrote:Surely Jackman is applying for the Connacht job? Right?

He'd have a bigger budget.

He'd be back at home, too, so his travel time for all the Irish media appearances he does will be significantly less.

by Guest Wed 02 May 2018, 11:01 am

PhilBB wrote:Surely Jackman is applying for the Connacht job? Right?

He can apply, as can I! But why would they give a job to someone who has had such a poor season at the Dragons? They've sacked the current coach due to the poor season they've had. They'll be going for someone with a bit more success under their belt.

by PhilBB Wed 02 May 2018, 11:04 am

The Oracle wrote:
PhilBB wrote:Surely Jackman is applying for the Connacht job? Right?

He can apply, as can I! But why would they give a job to someone who has had such a poor season at the Dragons? They've sacked the current coach due to the poor season they've had. They'll be going for someone with a bit more success under their belt.

So you're saying the hopes and dreams of a new system of rugby in Gwent are pinned on a bloke who isn't good enough to coach Connacht, the worst and most poorly funded team in Ireland.

Hmmm.

by Guest Wed 02 May 2018, 11:35 am

PhilBB wrote:
The Oracle wrote:
PhilBB wrote:Surely Jackman is applying for the Connacht job? Right?

He can apply, as can I! But why would they give a job to someone who has had such a poor season at the Dragons? They've sacked the current coach due to the poor season they've had. They'll be going for someone with a bit more success under their belt.

So you're saying the hopes and dreams of a new system of rugby in Gwent are pinned on a bloke who isn't good enough to coach Connacht, the worst and most poorly funded team in Ireland.

Hmmm.

Just stating the obvious - they're going to go for someone who has a winning pedigree currently.

by PhilBB Wed 02 May 2018, 11:37 am

The Oracle wrote:
Just stating the obvious - they're going to go for someone who has a winning pedigree currently.

So that raises the question: shouldn't the WRU do the same?

by munkian Wed 02 May 2018, 11:39 am

Like they have with Cardiff and Ospreys ?

Complete lack of ambition in Welsh rugby 'shocker'

by Guest Wed 02 May 2018, 11:46 am

PhilBB wrote:
The Oracle wrote:
Just stating the obvious - they're going to go for someone who has a winning pedigree currently.

So that raises the question: shouldn't the WRU do the same?

Sure. But then the other regions probably wouldn't allow it Sad

by PhilBB Wed 02 May 2018, 11:46 am

munkian wrote:Like they have with Cardiff and Ospreys ?

Complete lack of ambition in Welsh rugby 'shocker'

The WRU don't control Cardiff or Ospreys, so what does your question mean?

by PhilBB Wed 02 May 2018, 11:47 am

The Oracle wrote:
PhilBB wrote:
The Oracle wrote:
Just stating the obvious - they're going to go for someone who has a winning pedigree currently.

So that raises the question: shouldn't the WRU do the same?

Sure. But then the other regions probably wouldn't allow it

Why wouldn't they?

by Guest Wed 02 May 2018, 12:40 pm

*More signings*

We’ve just announced the signings of Jacob Botica and Tiaan Loots from RGC. Christ, that’ll get the other regions frothing at the mouth again.

by **RiscaGame** Wed 02 May 2018, 12:47 pm

Not heard of that Loots. I'll have a read.

Wonder if either of them will be available to a Prem team within our region?

by Luckless Pedestrian Wed 02 May 2018, 12:59 pm

The Oracle wrote:*More signings*

We’ve just announced the signings of Jacob Botica and Tiaan Loots from RGC. Christ, that’ll get the other regions frothing at the mouth again.

Laughing at the mouth, more like.

by Guest Wed 02 May 2018, 1:02 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:
The Oracle wrote:*More signings*

We’ve just announced the signings of Jacob Botica and Tiaan Loots from RGC. Christ, that’ll get the other regions frothing at the mouth again.

Laughing at the mouth, more like.

I was being sarcastic to be honest. They just seem like direct replacements for squad fillers that have left, so net budget difference (for these two) will probably be zero.

by Luckless Pedestrian Wed 02 May 2018, 1:07 pm

I just think it's embarrassing frankly that signing Premiership players is the height of our ambition.

by munkian Wed 02 May 2018, 1:23 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:I just think it's embarrassing frankly that signing Premiership players is the height of our ambition.

Its not the height though is it ? Its the start.

We don't have money so we need to start winning to attract bigger players.

by LordDowlais Wed 02 May 2018, 2:08 pm

The Oracle wrote:*More signings*

We’ve just announced the signings of Jacob Botica and Tiaan Loots from RGC. Christ, that’ll get the other regions frothing at the mouth again.

Well, well.

And I am always being told that the Welsh Premiership is not good enough to get players for regional rugby. Very Happy

by Guest Wed 02 May 2018, 2:25 pm

LordDowlais wrote:
The Oracle wrote:*More signings*

We’ve just announced the signings of Jacob Botica and Tiaan Loots from RGC. Christ, that’ll get the other regions frothing at the mouth again.

Well, well.

And I am always being told that the Welsh Premiership is not good enough to get players for regional rugby.

Here he is, right on cue, the scourge of Welsh rugby. Welcome back. You've been sorely missed. Hug

by **RiscaGame** Wed 02 May 2018, 6:22 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:I just think it's embarrassing frankly that signing Premiership players is the height of our ambition.

Especially when uncle Bernard said our signings would be ready to go.

There we are though. I’m sure he knows best. I’m not sure either Dorian or Angus would be worse than Botica and Beard and Meyer worse than Loots.

by Guest Wed 02 May 2018, 10:40 pm

Jackson and Olding anyone?!

by mikey_dragon Thu 03 May 2018, 3:55 am

RiscaGame wrote:
mikey_dragon wrote:It's looking a little better for sure, still not keen on Nansen at the moment though.

But even what has been seen on a youtube clip seems more positive than how Landman is now and Joe Davies. Not sure what’s happening with Screech.

Happy with Howells, if we have him fit.

I'll have to look at the 3 minute clip... Yeah Landman has steadily declined with us which is a pity. He was a superb player and leader in his first two seasons. I guess it's that demoralizing playing for Dragons, can't say I blame him.

Howells is a good player and can cover the back 3. I hope he's less injury prone nowadays.

by mikey_dragon Thu 03 May 2018, 4:02 am

That's quite a few LHs we've let go, I guess Bevington is in the hot seat Rolling Eyes

- unless BJ sees Harris and Jarvis as a LH and they'd do a better job than Bevington. No surprises on the list really, except for Buckley and Beard - two squad players that I rate. I guess I rate Pretorious too. I don't rate AOB and am not really concerned about his feelings either, good riddance. Kirchner should be the incumbent full-back though, I've heard he isn't a 10.

by mikey_dragon Thu 03 May 2018, 4:04 am

The Oracle wrote:
Luckless Pedestrian wrote:
The Oracle wrote:*More signings*

We’ve just announced the signings of Jacob Botica and Tiaan Loots from RGC. Christ, that’ll get the other regions frothing at the mouth again.

Laughing at the mouth, more like.

I was being sarcastic to be honest. They just seem like direct replacements for squad fillers that have left, so net budget difference (for these two) will probably be zero.

Yeah pretty underwhelming, again. I thought maybe LV cup players at first, then I remembered that's not around next season.

by mikey_dragon Thu 03 May 2018, 4:05 am

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:I just think it's embarrassing frankly that signing Premiership players is the height of our ambition.

I thought it was Greene King IPA Championship players...

by PhilBB Thu 03 May 2018, 8:48 am

LordDowlais wrote:
The Oracle wrote:*More signings*

We’ve just announced the signings of Jacob Botica and Tiaan Loots from RGC. Christ, that’ll get the other regions frothing at the mouth again.

Well, well.

And I am always being told that the Welsh Premiership is not good enough to get players for regional rugby.

And, as I told you before, those pair are pro rugby players and were pro at RGC.

by PhilBB Thu 03 May 2018, 8:48 am

Did they call the End of Season "Awards Night" because no food was put on?

by munkian Thu 03 May 2018, 8:54 am

PhilBB wrote:Did they call the End of Season "Awards Night" because no food was put on?

You'd obviously find that more harrowing than most big man

by PhilBB Thu 03 May 2018, 9:03 am

munkian wrote:
PhilBB wrote:Did they call the End of Season "Awards Night" because no food was put on?

You'd obviously find that more harrowing than most big man

Yes, Dave, I would. But as harrowing as a man who banned puddings?

by munkian Thu 03 May 2018, 9:06 am

PhilBB wrote:
munkian wrote:
PhilBB wrote:Did they call the End of Season "Awards Night" because no food was put on?

You'd obviously find that more harrowing than most big man

Yes, Dave, I would. But as harrowing as a man who banned puddings?

Its the ban on daaark fruits that lost our dressing room.

by mikey_dragon Fri 04 May 2018, 1:41 am

Another hot signing mind, well done BJ. Meanwhile some Irish are screaming at Munster for letting Grobler go, I guess I was right about him after all.

Nansen did look impressive in that clip but I think it was two years ago now. Hopefully he can still play at that intensity and rub off on some people. I think we lack carriers. Two that I can think of are Dee, Brown. Possibly Dixon. Is Griffiths considered a carrier?

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