Dragons Season Thread - 2018/19 - aka Year 2 of the 3 Year Plan

by Guest Fri 06 Jul 2018, 12:06 pm

First topic message reminder :

So we made it to the end of the 2017/18 season. We've seen/endured the first year of Bernard Jackman's plan. I think most of us have been through a rollercoaster of emotions, similar to previous seasons but perhaps even more so this season given the new injection of life and investment into the Dragons. First there was the hope - the new coaches, some new players, the new pitch, new chairman, new cash injection. Then we started to stumble - it's all down to the new coach and getting used to the new systems, we said. Then came the face plant and the realisation that this trend was going to carry on for the whole season - a couple of wins in the league, a few in Europe, a lot of spankings, not many losing bonus points. Very poor return. The hope turned to despair and BJ's methods were being questioned. Then the hope comes again with the announcement of new signings ('stellar' signings, compared to previous years!) and the assurance that the 1st year of the plan was always going to be difficult and that year 2 would be the one to judge BJ on.....

So.......on to year 2 (2018/19). Where are we? What are our expectations (realistically)? What's the best team we can put out on paper and how competitive will it be? For a number of years we've been stuffed in the league so seem to try to get some solace from a decent showing in the Euro 2nd tier comp. However, should we forget about Europe and try to put all of our focus on the league? I think so.

Transfers - we've lost more than we've gained, although the quality of the transfers in could/should be better than those leaving. But I'm worried we'll be thin on the ground when the inevitable injuries hit.

Players In: = 14
Jordan Williams from England Bristol Bears
Rhodri Williams from England Bristol Bears
Ross Moriarty from England Gloucester
Rhodri Davies from England Rotherham Titans
Richard Hibbard from England Gloucester
Huw Taylor from England Worcester Warriors
Josh Lewis from England Bath
Ryan Bevington from England Bristol Bears
Aaron Jarvis from France Clermont
Dafydd Howells from Wales Ospreys
Tiaan Loots from Wales RGC 1404
Jacob Botica from Wales RGC 1404
Rhys Lawrence from England Ealing Trailfinders
Brandon Nansen from France

Players Out: - =21
Sarel Pretorius to South Africa Southern Kings
Phil Price to Wales Scarlets
Scott Andrews to Wales Neath
Luke Garrett to Wales Neath
Adam Hughes retired
Pat Howard to England Ealing Trailfinders
Rhys Buckley to Wales Bargoed
Barney Nightingale to Wales Bargoed
Keagan Bale to Wales Bargoed
Angus O'Brien to Wales Scarlets
Nicky Thomas to Wales Scarlets (return from short-term loan)
Dorian Jones to France Angoulême
Charlie Davies to England Northampton Saints
Lloyd Lewis to Wales Pontypool
Sam Beard to New Zealand Canterbury
Sam Hobbs released
Thomas Davies released
Liam Belcher released
Ashley Sweet released
Robson Blake released
Carl Meyer released

I'll try to update the Ins and Outs as we go.

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu 23 Aug 2018, 10:31 am

PhilBB wrote:Gloucester will be a serious test of the defensive platform at least. They are able to go around the defence through Morgan's channel and they have two carriers in the back row if they wish to attack the fringes a little more often.

It should be a real test for Wainwright as his two colleagues in the back row are plodders.

When did you see Huw Taylor play?

by munkian Thu 23 Aug 2018, 1:06 pm

https://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/2018/08/23/gloucester-rugby-to-stream-dragons-friendly-live-on-youtube-this-evening/

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu 23 Aug 2018, 2:50 pm

I saw that. Fair play to them!

by PhilBB Thu 23 Aug 2018, 3:59 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:
PhilBB wrote:Gloucester will be a serious test of the defensive platform at least. They are able to go around the defence through Morgan's channel and they have two carriers in the back row if they wish to attack the fringes a little more often.

It should be a real test for Wainwright as his two colleagues in the back row are plodders.

When did you see Huw Taylor play?

I haven't. But a chap who covers second row in Worcester's A team isn't going to be blessed with blistering speed. That's my assumption. Hopefully I'll catch some of the game this evening to see if I'm right or not.

What's your view on him?

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu 23 Aug 2018, 5:02 pm

I haven't seen him play yet - I'll wait until I have to pass judgement.

Gloucester will have us in the back row though, I'm fairly confident of that.

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu 23 Aug 2018, 5:06 pm

It'll hardly be a hammer blow if we lose the match - it's the most likely outcome, and expectations for the season won't change on the back of it. But it would be nice if we weren't out-and-out schooled.

by Stone Motif Thu 23 Aug 2018, 5:20 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:I haven't seen him play yet - I'll wait until I have to pass judgement.

Gloucester will have us in the back row though, I'm fairly confident of that.

Arguably our best back row is injured or banned

by Guest Thu 23 Aug 2018, 9:36 pm

40-31 final score. Turned it on with 5 minutes left! Forgot it was on (YouTube). We scored a try in injury time from a lineout maul leading to Rhodri Williams wrestling his way over. Henson missing the extras.

So that was the last 5 mins. What happened in the rest of the game?!

by **RiscaGame** Thu 23 Aug 2018, 11:21 pm

Good to hear Rhodri scored again. Seems like Super Gav did well too. Uncle Bernard has some big decisions to make. I am not sure what he has gained from starting Sage in the absence of Dixon tonight.

Seems like Knoyle got injured again. Hope it's nothing serious.

by PhilBB Fri 24 Aug 2018, 9:17 am

The Oracle wrote:40-31 final score. Turned it on with 5 minutes left! Forgot it was on (YouTube). We scored a try in injury time from a lineout maul leading to Rhodri Williams wrestling his way over. Henson missing the extras.

So that was the last 5 mins. What happened in the rest of the game?!

Make of this what you will:

First 55 Gloucester 40-12 Dragons

Last 25 Gloucester 0-19 Drags

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 24 Aug 2018, 10:40 am

Gloucester found it far too easy to create an overlap. Their driving lineout tries were far too soft as well. It doesn't bode well.

If we have to work harder for our tries than the opposition do for theirs, we'll lose more games than we win, again. Even if we're playing well, we'll never pull clear of sides if they find it easy to score. Any wins will be narrow wins.

I'll take a narrow win over a defeat any day, of course. But we're going to be making hard work of it every time we play.

by PhilBB Fri 24 Aug 2018, 11:05 am

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Gloucester found it far too easy to create an overlap. Their driving lineout tries were far too soft as well. It doesn't bode well.

If we have to work harder for our tries than the opposition do for theirs, we'll lose more games than we win, again. Even if we're playing well, we'll never pull clear of sides if they find it easy to score. Any wins will be narrow wins.

I'll take a narrow win over a defeat any day, of course. But we're going to be making hard work of it every time we play.

Did you read Jackman's excuse about PrO'14 teams not attacking as Gloucester do?

I read that and thought "well, Bernard, they've all just seen how Gloucester did so guess what they are going to do....".

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 24 Aug 2018, 11:16 am

We had a late change at inside centre which won't have helped, but the problem seemed to be either Tyler Morgan or the winger, or both, being drawn in. I didn't think Gloucester were doing anything particularly intricate either.

by LordDowlais Fri 24 Aug 2018, 11:34 am

Serious question, do you all think Bernard Jackman will last the season ?

He has been backed by the WRU with some pretty decent players, I would like to see Dragons making a decent fist of it this time around.

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 24 Aug 2018, 11:41 am

It depends how the season goes, which is fairly obvious I suppose. The fixtures have given us a chance - a chance - to start well and get a few wins on the board, and the confidence that that would bring could be just what we need. But if we lose these three winnable home games against Benetton, Zebre and the Southern Kings, then people will be justified in asking what he's actually bringing to the job.

by LordDowlais Fri 24 Aug 2018, 11:47 am

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:It depends how the season goes, which is fairly obvious I suppose. The fixtures have given us a chance - a chance - to start well and get a few wins on the board, and the confidence that that would bring could be just what we need. But if we lose these three winnable home games against Benetton, Zebre and the Southern Kings, then people will be justified in asking what he's actually bringing to the job.

Wow. Thank God for those first three fixtures, I suppose it about time you lot had some luck mind. Very Happy

I only ask, because he has had a questionable 1st season and his time at Grenoble was not without controversy, he has some decent players to work with this season, and he has some good players with a lot of experience, for my liking, you lot (Dragons supporters) should be expecting at least a playoff spot and qualification for the top tier of Europe this time around.

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 24 Aug 2018, 12:17 pm

I think that's a bit too optimistic, Dowlais. You don't go from two league wins all season to the playoffs just like that. Edinburgh had a very good season last season and got to the playoffs, but they have a better coach and they weren't as bad as we are / were to begin with.

by PhilBB Fri 24 Aug 2018, 1:40 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:We had a late change at inside centre which won't have helped, but the problem seemed to be either Tyler Morgan or the winger, or both, being drawn in. I didn't think Gloucester were doing anything particularly intricate either.

In fairness, it was a bit predictable. Even I wrote:

"They are able to go around the defence through Morgan's channel and they have two carriers in the back row if they wish to attack the fringes a little more often"

Jackman is claiming that the new defensive rush system was at fault.

by PhilBB Fri 24 Aug 2018, 1:42 pm

LordDowlais wrote:

Wow. Thank God for those first three fixtures, I suppose it about time you lot had some luck mind.

I only ask, because he has had a questionable 1st season and his time at Grenoble was not without controversy, he has some decent players to work with this season, and he has some good players with a lot of experience, for my liking, you lot (Dragons supporters) should be expecting at least a playoff spot and qualification for the top tier of Europe this time around.

"expecting at least a play off spot and qualification for the top tier of Europe".

So that means you think the Dragons will be better than two of Ulster, Scarlets, Leinster and Edinburgh.

Am I reading that wrongly, or is that what you're claiming?

by **RiscaGame** Fri 24 Aug 2018, 1:59 pm

PhilBB wrote:

Jackman is claiming that the new defensive rush system was at fault.

I suppose Jackman does have a scapegoat for a while, until Hendre goes.

Apparently Dragons attacked pretty well, but I guess that people are judging that on when Gloucester stopped playing/made lots of changes.

by PhilBB Fri 24 Aug 2018, 2:09 pm

RiscaGame wrote:
PhilBB wrote:

Jackman is claiming that the new defensive rush system was at fault.

I suppose Jackman does have a scapegoat for a while, until Hendre goes.

Apparently Dragons attacked pretty well, but I guess that people are judging that on when Gloucester stopped playing/made lots of changes.

Dragons had some nice patterns of play in the first half, in all fairness.

I don't see how Jackman has a scapegoat. He started off in Grenoble as a Defence Consultant, he then appointed his mate from South Africa and the players revolted against his style within a month.

I wouldn't be too upset if I were a Dragons fan after watching last night. I think LP is right - sure up the defence and things will be fine.

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 24 Aug 2018, 3:21 pm

I don't remember saying that! Laugh

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 24 Aug 2018, 3:24 pm

RiscaGame wrote:
PhilBB wrote:

Jackman is claiming that the new defensive rush system was at fault.

I suppose Jackman does have a scapegoat for a while, until Hendre goes.

Apparently Dragons attacked pretty well, but I guess that people are judging that on when Gloucester stopped playing/made lots of changes.

There was quite a bit of shipping on of bad ball, mainly in the 20 minutes after half time when the damage was done, but there were also times when we worked space quite nicely. And if we're playing a back three of Amos, Hewitt and Jordan Williams then that's three players who can beat the first tackler fairly regularly.

by Stone Motif Fri 24 Aug 2018, 8:38 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Gloucester found it far too easy to create an overlap. Their driving lineout tries were far too soft as well. It doesn't bode well.

If we have to work harder for our tries than the opposition do for theirs, we'll lose more games than we win, again. Even if we're playing well, we'll never pull clear of sides if they find it easy to score. Any wins will be narrow wins.

I'll take a narrow win over a defeat any day, of course. But we're going to be making hard work of it every time we play.

Actually think it's easier for us to win high scoring games narrowly than to control a game well and put the oppo to bed.

by munkian Sat 25 Aug 2018, 10:47 am

Bath v Turks and Saracens v Spreys results put things into perspective a little....

by Stone Motif Sat 25 Aug 2018, 11:27 am

munkian wrote:Bath v Turks and Saracens v Spreys results put things into perspective a little....

And the Cardiff result last week. English clubs still have far better depth so can afford to go full bore pre season.

by Brendan Sat 25 Aug 2018, 6:35 pm

I think the Pro14 teams have started the warm up to the world cup taking it easy. We will see how those results look when the games are for something that matters. Think the English are trying harder after all the abuse they got in the media last season.

Think Dragons are showing some good things but we will have a better idea at the end of September

by maestegmafia Mon 27 Aug 2018, 1:04 pm

munkian wrote:https://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/2018/08/23/gloucester-rugby-to-stream-dragons-friendly-live-on-youtube-this-evening/

Cheers mate, I’ll have a watch now

by mikey_dragon Wed 29 Aug 2018, 3:13 am

I’ve watched the first half so far. Quite often we struggled at the scrum (Bevington), struggled to get over the gain line and generate quick ball. Glaws didn’t and actually looked like they were using their pre-season match wisely by running through training moves quite often, etc. What a difference a good coach can make eh.

Occasional brilliance from Jordan Williams but he also made a few errors, not sure he should be first choice 15, possibly a winger when Hewitt isn’t available. Same can be said for Josh Lewis so I hope Gav is ‘back.’ Rhodri Williams clearly our best signing and a breath of fresh air when you consider the dross we’ve had at 9. Huw Taylor looked useless. I would prefer to see Wainright, Griffiths and Moriarty in the back-row, leaving Dee, Brown, Nansen and Hill as the main carriers. Loots actually looked pretty good.

by **RiscaGame** Wed 29 Aug 2018, 5:43 am

Griffiths is fit for this weekend. I hope we aren't rushing him back. It seems like we are playing him 8 to cover the week without Moriarty (judging by the Argus article). They also seem to think it will be Williams 15 and Amos 11, which isn't the way to go in my opinion.

I also noted that Jack Dixon is going to be used as the battering ram again, so I guess we won't be seeing too many softer touches from him.

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/16603487.griffiths-back-to-boost-dragons-for-pro14-opener/

by **RiscaGame** Wed 29 Aug 2018, 5:47 am

mikey_dragon wrote:Huw Taylor looked useless. I would prefer to see Wainright, Griffiths and Moriarty in the back-row, leaving Dee, Brown, Nansen and Hill as the main carriers. Loots actually looked pretty good.

I am not overly sure Wainwright will start, as I think Bernard might go Griffiths, Cudd and Moriarty more often than not.

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/16601120.jackal-kings-cudd-and-griffiths-can-give-dragons-defensive-hunger-boss-jackman/

by Stone Motif Wed 29 Aug 2018, 11:53 am

RiscaGame wrote:
mikey_dragon wrote:Huw Taylor looked useless. I would prefer to see Wainright, Griffiths and Moriarty in the back-row, leaving Dee, Brown, Nansen and Hill as the main carriers. Loots actually looked pretty good.

I am not overly sure Wainwright will start, as I think Bernard might go Griffiths, Cudd and Moriarty more often than not.

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/16601120.jackal-kings-cudd-and-griffiths-can-give-dragons-defensive-hunger-boss-jackman/

Of those available I'd go Wainwright 6, Benjamin 7 and Griffiths 8 and run it at them like f&ck from the off

by **RiscaGame** Wed 29 Aug 2018, 12:17 pm

I personally wouldn't start Cudd, but if he is talking about jackalling etc, then I think Jackman will.

by Stone Motif Wed 29 Aug 2018, 3:59 pm

RiscaGame wrote:I personally wouldn't start Cudd, but if he is talking about jackalling etc, then I think Jackman will.

Things like that just make me distrust him. Last season it was all run it from everywhere, play rugby people wanna come and watch....season from hell etc...now we're a hard nosed defensive team who kick a lot. A coach needs a plan he can fit players to I guess rather than the other way round, just seems like he's recruited backs to chuck it round with gay abandon and forwards to play a defensive game.

by Luckless Pedestrian Wed 29 Aug 2018, 4:08 pm

One thing to remember is that we haven't seen Cudd play under Jackman yet (unless he played in the friendlies - I don't remember seeing him against Gloucester). James Benjamin was transformed last season once he'd been given licence to play football. I know Cudd's not a sevens-type player like Benjamin, but it's possible that he's decent in the loose and we just haven't seen it from him in Dragons colours yet. What I'm saying is that selecting Cudd isn't necessarily a negative move, even though his defence is what he's known for.

by PhilBB Wed 29 Aug 2018, 4:26 pm

RiscaGame wrote:I personally wouldn't start Cudd, but if he is talking about jackalling etc, then I think Jackman will.

Why wouldn't you start your best chance at slowing opposition ball when your team is operating a new rush defensive pattern?

by munkian Wed 29 Aug 2018, 5:46 pm

Head Coach Bernard Jackman has today (Wednesday) named an extended 27-man squad that features summer signings Richard Hibbard, Ryan Bevington, Rhys Lawrence, Brandon Nansen, Rhodri Williams, Josh Lewis, Dafydd Howells, Jordan Williams and Rhodri Davies. Henson, Knoyle and Rhodri Davies will all be monitored before the team is finalised later this week.

Aaron Jarvis, Harrison Keddie, Ashton Hewitt and Jared Rosser all miss the opening league game of the season through injury.

Dragons Squad: Brok Harris, Ryan Bevington, Elliot Dee, Rhys Lawrence, Richard Hibbard, Leon Brown, Lloyd Fairbrother, Matthew Screech, Joe Davies, Cory Hill, Brandon Nansen, Ollie Griffiths, Lewis Evans, Aaron Wainwright, Rhodri Davies, Rhodri Williams, Tavis Knoyle, Josh Lewis, Gavin Henson, Dafydd Howells, Adam Warren, Jordan Williams, Jack Dixon, Tyler Morgan, Hallam Amos, Zane Kirchner, Huw Taylor

by **RiscaGame** Wed 29 Aug 2018, 7:02 pm

PhilBB wrote:
RiscaGame wrote:I personally wouldn't start Cudd, but if he is talking about jackalling etc, then I think Jackman will.

Why wouldn't you start your best chance at slowing opposition ball when your team is operating a new rush defensive pattern?

Because I would rather play Wainwright who I feel offers more in general, whilst I would be happy enough with the amount of turnovers etc that Griffiths could go for.

I know what Cudd will bring and I know why Jackman is likely to play him when fit, I just would rather play Wainwright, Griffiths and Moriarty.

by **RiscaGame** Wed 29 Aug 2018, 7:04 pm

munkian wrote:Head Coach Bernard Jackman has today (Wednesday) named an extended 27-man squad that features summer signings Richard Hibbard, Ryan Bevington, Rhys Lawrence, Brandon Nansen, Rhodri Williams, Josh Lewis, Dafydd Howells, Jordan Williams and Rhodri Davies. Henson, Knoyle and Rhodri Davies will all be monitored before the team is finalised later this week.

Aaron Jarvis, Harrison Keddie, Ashton Hewitt and Jared Rosser all miss the opening league game of the season through injury.

Dragons Squad: Brok Harris, Ryan Bevington, Elliot Dee, Rhys Lawrence, Richard Hibbard, Leon Brown, Lloyd Fairbrother, Matthew Screech, Joe Davies, Cory Hill, Brandon Nansen, Ollie Griffiths, Lewis Evans, Aaron Wainwright, Rhodri Davies, Rhodri Williams, Tavis Knoyle, Josh Lewis, Gavin Henson, Dafydd Howells, Adam Warren, Jordan Williams, Jack Dixon, Tyler Morgan, Hallam Amos, Zane Kirchner, Huw Taylor

So no Cudd and no Loots (which surprises me a little).

Landman is going to be quite the fixture for Newport or the U23s/A side.

by Guest Wed 29 Aug 2018, 7:16 pm

RiscaGame wrote:
PhilBB wrote:
RiscaGame wrote:I personally wouldn't start Cudd, but if he is talking about jackalling etc, then I think Jackman will.

Why wouldn't you start your best chance at slowing opposition ball when your team is operating a new rush defensive pattern?

Because I would rather play Wainwright who I feel offers more in general, whilst I would be happy enough with the amount of turnovers etc that Griffiths could go for.

I know what Cudd will bring and I know why Jackman is likely to play him when fit, I just would rather play Wainwright, Griffiths and Moriarty.

Griffiths is no slouch in the jackaling/turnover/slow down department, is he? Seem to remember this being a feature of his game during his break through season. Remember him causing havoc at the breakdown in one game against Edinburgh. Sure he’ll do just as well as Cudd in that department.

by Stone Motif Wed 29 Aug 2018, 9:34 pm

The Oracle wrote:
RiscaGame wrote:
PhilBB wrote:
RiscaGame wrote:I personally wouldn't start Cudd, but if he is talking about jackalling etc, then I think Jackman will.

Why wouldn't you start your best chance at slowing opposition ball when your team is operating a new rush defensive pattern?

Because I would rather play Wainwright who I feel offers more in general, whilst I would be happy enough with the amount of turnovers etc that Griffiths could go for.

I know what Cudd will bring and I know why Jackman is likely to play him when fit, I just would rather play Wainwright, Griffiths and Moriarty.

Griffiths is no slouch in the jackaling/turnover/slow down department, is he? Seem to remember this being a feature of his game during his break through season. Remember him causing havoc at the breakdown in one game against Edinburgh. Sure he’ll do just as well as Cudd in that department.

Dixon and Benjamin both show up well at the breakdown too

by mikey_dragon Thu 30 Aug 2018, 1:51 am

RiscaGame wrote:
PhilBB wrote:
RiscaGame wrote:I personally wouldn't start Cudd, but if he is talking about jackalling etc, then I think Jackman will.

Why wouldn't you start your best chance at slowing opposition ball when your team is operating a new rush defensive pattern?

Because I would rather play Wainwright who I feel offers more in general, whilst I would be happy enough with the amount of turnovers etc that Griffiths could go for.

I know what Cudd will bring and I know why Jackman is likely to play him when fit, I just would rather play Wainwright, Griffiths and Moriarty.

Yeah agree Risca, seems like Phil hasn’t seen much of Griffiths. I’m concerned Cudd is on the wane but happy to be proved wrong. Always rated him better than Cubby for sure.

Not sure if Dixon as the crash ball is the right way to go, unless he can give us what he did in the early days and the same goes for Tyler Morgan. Given how Lewis went against Glaws I wonder if he and Gav should start at 10/12, or what that be too much of a defensive misdemeanour?

by mikey_dragon Thu 30 Aug 2018, 1:55 am

Stone Motif wrote:
The Oracle wrote:
RiscaGame wrote:
PhilBB wrote:
RiscaGame wrote:I personally wouldn't start Cudd, but if he is talking about jackalling etc, then I think Jackman will.

Why wouldn't you start your best chance at slowing opposition ball when your team is operating a new rush defensive pattern?

Because I would rather play Wainwright who I feel offers more in general, whilst I would be happy enough with the amount of turnovers etc that Griffiths could go for.

I know what Cudd will bring and I know why Jackman is likely to play him when fit, I just would rather play Wainwright, Griffiths and Moriarty.

Griffiths is no slouch in the jackaling/turnover/slow down department, is he? Seem to remember this being a feature of his game during his break through season. Remember him causing havoc at the breakdown in one game against Edinburgh. Sure he’ll do just as well as Cudd in that department.
Dixon and Benjamin both show up well at the breakdown too

Not only was Griffiths good at that he was also exremerly physical when carrying and tackling. If he doesn’t have any major injuries and continues to develop he’ll become the best open-side in Wales.

Cudd, Loots and Landman in the A/u23 side? Pretty good.

by mikey_dragon Thu 30 Aug 2018, 1:59 am

Every age grade player in the Dragons region to get a free season ticket this year.

by mikey_dragon Thu 30 Aug 2018, 3:49 am

Knoyle is meant to be a scrum-half but his passing is absolutely garbage. He’s also ponderous and spends time walking around the ruck with the ball in his hand? I’m going to go as far as saying he’s worse than Aled Davies! Rhodri Williams is a great contrast and could well be one of our best players. We’re in trouble if he’s injured long-term. Expect him to be third 9 in the Wales squad now that he’s back.

There was a lock or flanker putting himself about in the second half and he looked good. His jersey didn’t have a number, going to assume it was Screech.

by **RiscaGame** Thu 30 Aug 2018, 5:18 am

I saw some supporters saying Knoyle sped the game up in comparison to Williams.

That is good for the age grade players. I was impressed by that.

by **RiscaGame** Thu 30 Aug 2018, 5:20 am

Stone Motif wrote:
The Oracle wrote:
RiscaGame wrote:
PhilBB wrote:
RiscaGame wrote:I personally wouldn't start Cudd, but if he is talking about jackalling etc, then I think Jackman will.

Why wouldn't you start your best chance at slowing opposition ball when your team is operating a new rush defensive pattern?

Because I would rather play Wainwright who I feel offers more in general, whilst I would be happy enough with the amount of turnovers etc that Griffiths could go for.

I know what Cudd will bring and I know why Jackman is likely to play him when fit, I just would rather play Wainwright, Griffiths and Moriarty.

Griffiths is no slouch in the jackaling/turnover/slow down department, is he? Seem to remember this being a feature of his game during his break through season. Remember him causing havoc at the breakdown in one game against Edinburgh. Sure he’ll do just as well as Cudd in that department.
Dixon and Benjamin both show up well at the breakdown too

I was going to mention Dixon, but deleted it as I thought mentioning Griffiths was sufficient. But yes he is also good. I am unsure what will happen with Benjamin, when all are fit (as much as I like him).

by Stone Motif Thu 30 Aug 2018, 6:38 am

RiscaGame wrote:
Stone Motif wrote:
The Oracle wrote:
RiscaGame wrote:
PhilBB wrote:
RiscaGame wrote:I personally wouldn't start Cudd, but if he is talking about jackalling etc, then I think Jackman will.

Why wouldn't you start your best chance at slowing opposition ball when your team is operating a new rush defensive pattern?

Because I would rather play Wainwright who I feel offers more in general, whilst I would be happy enough with the amount of turnovers etc that Griffiths could go for.

I know what Cudd will bring and I know why Jackman is likely to play him when fit, I just would rather play Wainwright, Griffiths and Moriarty.

Griffiths is no slouch in the jackaling/turnover/slow down department, is he? Seem to remember this being a feature of his game during his break through season. Remember him causing havoc at the breakdown in one game against Edinburgh. Sure he’ll do just as well as Cudd in that department.
Dixon and Benjamin both show up well at the breakdown too

I was going to mention Dixon, but deleted it as I thought mentioning Griffiths was sufficient. But yes he is also good. I am unsure what will happen with Benjamin, when all are fit (as much as I like him).

As much as Nic Cudd offers defensively, I'd say he was the one who will struggle to make the side if Griffiths, and Benjamin are fit. But then with old Bernie seeming fixated on doing his best Shaun Edwards impression this season who knows? Wouldn't surprise me if he went out and bought Lydiate back.

by **RiscaGame** Thu 30 Aug 2018, 7:44 am

Oh heck.

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu 30 Aug 2018, 10:25 am

All this talk of Cudd and he's not even in the wider match-day squad!

They'll be announcing the actual match-day squad today, won't they?

I'm in two minds about Ollie Griffiths. On the one hand, he's such an asset for us that I hate the thought of us rushing him back only to lose him for months again; on the other hand, no games are easy games when you're as starved of wins as we are, and we just have to start this season well.

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