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

[Guest]

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.

[RiscaGame]

Is he the fifteen you were just on about?

Can’t say I’m surprised really, that he’s off. It’ll be a hard sell to keep him at Dragons, unless chasing boxkicks is his thing?

[Stone Motif]

Is he the fifteen you were just on about?

Can’t say I’m surprised really, that he’s off. It’ll be a hard sell to keep him at Dragons, unless chasing boxkicks is his thing?

We're getting Matthew Morgan aren't we

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Is he the fifteen you were just on about?

Can’t say I’m surprised really, that he’s off. It’ll be a hard sell to keep him at Dragons, unless chasing boxkicks is his thing?

We're getting Matthew Morgan aren't we

Don't make me cry in the office.

[RiscaGame]

Is he the fifteen you were just on about?

Can’t say I’m surprised really, that he’s off. It’ll be a hard sell to keep him at Dragons, unless chasing boxkicks is his thing?

We're getting Matthew Morgan aren't we

Haha. Would be a pure defence minded back three with Jordan Williams. Attack minded too, not that we will use them.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I'd like to think we won't take him even if he wants to come. Surely even Jackman isn't stupid enough to sack his defence coach only to sign a saloon door at full back.

I almost typed f*ck ball instead of full back then

[Stone Motif]

Is he the fifteen you were just on about?

Can’t say I’m surprised really, that he’s off. It’ll be a hard sell to keep him at Dragons, unless chasing boxkicks is his thing?

We're getting Matthew Morgan aren't we

Don't make me cry in the office.

I'm more worried I've just made Andy Howellais knock one out in the office over the massive amount of blistering x-factor counter attacking potential in the diminutive Williams/Morgan axis

[PhilBB]

You're assuming Morgan would play 15, not 10.......

[Stone Motif]

You're assuming Morgan would play 15, not 10.......

Great, even more likely to give 'our man' Andy a happy ending

[RiscaGame]

You're assuming Morgan would play 15, not 10.......

Oh heck. Fair point.

[PhilBB]

Sorry, all......

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Dragons: J Williams, J Rosser, T Morgan, J Sage, H Amos, J Tovey, R Williams, R Bevington, R Hibbard (captain), L Fairbrother, R Landman, L Evans, H Keddie, N Cudd, O Griffiths. Replacements: R Lawrence, A Jarvis, L Brown, B Nansen, J Benjamin, R Davies, A Robson, A Warren.

A rare sighting of the lesser spotted James Benjamin.

[munkian]

Dragons: J Williams, J Rosser, T Morgan, J Sage, H Amos, J Tovey, R Williams, R Bevington, R Hibbard (captain), L Fairbrother, R Landman, L Evans, H Keddie, N Cudd, O Griffiths. Replacements: R Lawrence, A Jarvis, L Brown, B Nansen, J Benjamin, R Davies, A Robson, A Warren.

A rare sighting of the lesser spotted James Benjamin.

And Landman

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Back in favour now, apparently!

[Guest]

Back in favour now, apparently!

Til next week.......!

[munkian]

My red hot take is that he chinned our ex defence coach.

[RiscaGame]

I would’ve had Howells (I assume he’s fit) and Rosser on the wings and Amos 15. Jordan Williams is a luxury for us. We don’t use him and he’s a big part of our defensive issues.

Good to see Landman back. It is bound to be temporary now the favourite Nansen is available and Hill to come back.

Was disappointed to read Lewis Evans’ column in the Argus this week. Feel sorry for Marnitz to be scapegoated like he has, while people like Maddocks and especially Jackman get off free.

When we look back at our games there are a few criminal moments where we just don't help each other; sometimes the system didn't help the individual.

It is shocking that if there was any problem with the system, it wasn’t fixed sooner. I also have no confidence in Jackman taking on more responsibility, albeit it might encourage him to take some blame when things go wrong.

[mikey_dragon]

I see BJ is banned for saying something that was probably true, it still won’t look good when it comes to his review though.

[mikey_dragon]

Blues want to hold talks with Adams as well as Amos I see. If Jackman is staying then Amos should leave, although I don't envision a Mulvihill-caoched team being much of a step up.

[PhilBB]

Blues want to hold talks with Adams as well as Amos I see. If Jackman is staying then Amos should leave, although I don't envision a Mulvihill-caoched team being much of a step up.

Nice to see you've made a decision on JM after just a few months in charge.

Hallam disagrees with your decision, by the way.

[Guest]

Judgment day to rotate 'home' fixtures from next season. So we get to play Scarlets at RP every other season instead of never. RiscaGame should be over the moon! Or was it Munkian?! I too am pleased by this. It does mean we lose out on some funding (probably). 80% of the PS revenues shared. But worth it for the home advantage?

https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/17257835.dragons-to-keep-rodney-parade-fixture-under-new-judgement-day-deal/

[munkian]

Judgment day to rotate 'home' fixtures from next season.  So we get to play Scarlets at RP every other season instead of never.  RiscaGame should be over the moon!  Or was it Munkian?!  I too am pleased by this.  It does mean we lose out on some funding (probably).  80% of the PS revenues shared.  But worth it for the home advantage?

https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/17257835.dragons-to-keep-rodney-parade-fixture-under-new-judgement-day-deal/

Was probably both of us. Always relish a chance to beat the Turks at the Dave, they don't like it up em.

[LordDowlais]

Does this now mean that Judgment day is cool again ?

Or do you all still hate it ?

[RiscaGame]

I didn’t necessarily want us to have it as an away game, but playing Scarlets the past few times is a joke really. We beat them last time we played them in a league game at Dave. That’s how long ago it was. Uncle Lyn had just taken over and I actually thought he might do ok for us. That’s how long ago it was

[mikey_dragon]

Blues want to hold talks with Adams as well as Amos I see. If Jackman is staying then Amos should leave, although I don't envision a Mulvihill-caoched team being much of a step up.

Nice to see you've made a decision on JM after just a few months in charge.

Hallam disagrees with your decision, by the way.

Didn’t you make a decision on BJ in a shorter space of time though?

Having seen Wilson coach junior players I can confirm he is much better at bringing them through into the professional circuit. Really, he’s just a superior coach to JM. JM has a much better squad to work with but I don’t see him being much better than BJ.

[mikey_dragon]

Where do Wainright and Moriarty fit in? Whilst I think Griffiths is good enough to be in the Wales squad, Moriarty usually looks pretty ordinary for us - on the other hand Keddie always plays well. Nansen can play 6 and I think Hill could too. Teams are benefiting from either two 7s in the back row, or an extra lock at blindside.

[RiscaGame]

Good acid test to see where we are tomorrow. That Leinster team would probably have had enough before. Now (if we have progressed), we should really be looking to win this.

Dragons: J Williams, J Rosser, T Morgan, J Sage, H Amos, J Tovey, R Williams, R Bevington, R Hibbard (captain), L Fairbrother, R Landman, L Evans, H Keddie, A Wainwright, O Griffiths. Replacements: E Dee, A Jarvis, L Brown, C Hill, R Moriarty, T Knoyle, A Robson, A Warren.

Leinster: H Keenan, A Byrne, J O’Brien, C O’Brien, D Kearney, R Byrne, J Gibson-Park, E Byrne, J Tracy, M Bent, R Molony, S Fardy (captain), J Murphy, S Penny, C Doris. Replacements: B Byrne, P Dooley, A Porter, M Kearney, P Patterson, C Frawley, T Daley.​

[Guest]

Back to back wins would really be something, wouldn’t it? Still think we’ll struggle though. Years and years of abject misery at the hands of the Dragons has made me a helluva pessimist!

[RiscaGame]

Can’t say I’m confident, though really we should win on paper. I don’t really have faith that our issues have gone away, but I have seen us at 4/1 to win, so will have to cover that bet probably

[Pot Hale]

That has to be one of the most callow sides that Cullen has ever fielded, despite having a lot more experienced players available to him.

His selection is quite deliberate and daring. After the pasting the young kids delivered last week, Cullen and Lancaster are daring them to do it again - with possibly even less of a backing of a core of senior players.

15 Hugo Keenan - 22 year old Ireland's Sevens player and in third year of academy as a wing. Got his starting senior cap last week
14 Adam Byrne - a more regular Leinster player but at 24 has been second string for the last 12 months or more.
13 Jimmy O'Brien - the 21 year old is another sevens player in his third year at academy. First senior start.
12 Conor O'Brien - the fourth or possibly fifth O'Brien who may appear in Leinster colours in the same game sometime in the future - 3 senior appearances whilst still in Year 3 of the Academy, at 22 he could be something special.
11. Dave Kearney - an old hand, 126 apps, brother of Rob, etc. etc. Hasn't had much recent game time though.
10. Ross Byrne - a solid senior presence for the backline - and should run the cutter well.
9. Gibson-Park - no introduction necessary. The number 2 scrummie will be a handful.
8, Caelan Doris - last years U20s captain who at 20 got a senior contract this season after promotion from the academy.
7. Scott Penny - he's only 19 and a first year academy player. He played last week like he'd been around for a few years. The back row production line keeps on giving.
6. J Murphy - no, not the Barcelona-born guy, Josh Murphy, at 23 and 11 senior caps, he's almost a veteran in this side.
5. Scott Fardy - at last, someone with experience, nous and complete authority. The 33 year old Wallaby is loving it as a mentor and oul' fella in leading the kids around the park - just look at his interview last week to see what a kick he's getting with his second lease of life. A thorough rugby man.
4. Ross Molony - he's only 24, but has 70 appearances, and yet people still say Ross who?. In his fifth year with the club, he'll put his hart into the game, even if no one remembers his name afterwards.
3. Michael Bent - the infamous Kiwi with the Irish granny who was handed an Ireland shirt before he could put on his provincial one. He managed 4 caps before being moved on. He's been through the wars, and at 32 is now nearer retirement than starting, but he won't let the side down after 111 Leinster caps.
2. James Tracy - the nearly but not quite made it as a test player. Schmidt gave him 6 opportunities but failed to break though. Stalwart club player though with 76 appearances.
1. Ed Byrne - the commentator will enjoy himself tomorrow as 25 year old Ed, joins Brian his brother on the pitch, as well as namesakes Adam, and Ross in forging the Byrne dynasty to rival the O'Brien clan at the province.

On the bench, Dooley, Porter, and Mick Kearney are more familiar squad names along with 2 half-back newbies
Out half, Ciaran Frawley - a second year academy player, and at 20 years of age, could have people saying 'Joey who' by the end of next season. 5 senior appearances so far.
Scrum-half, Patrick Patterson - Not sure if the first year academy recruit has started shaving yet, but if Stuart thinks he's good to go.....
Utility, Tom Daly, another sevens player has 11 appearances to his name, but is lively.

If Leinster pull this off, then Lancaster and Cullen deserve an Oscar.

[RiscaGame]

If Leinster pull this off, I don’t know how even Uncle Bernard’s biggest supporter can justify what he’s done for Dragons. He is like Mrs May and Brexit. So much chat and false promises, but can’t deliver what their vision was.

[Guest]

It’s been torrential rain over night in Newport. Kept me awake! On the old pitch it probably would have been the game called off. New one should be better but it’s gonna be wet and slippery out there. Which team will that favour today?

[RiscaGame]

Should’ve kept the odds to myself, as they’ve shortened on a home win now

I’ve heard about this rain. Didn’t think it was that bad, as it wasn’t bad in Oxfordshire. Madness.

[Guest]

Sun’s starting to poke through now. Might dry up a bit by 5.

[RiscaGame]

Fingers crossed.

Good results for our Premiership clubs today, especially the Port. Seems like Botica kicked well for Keys too.

[RiscaGame]

Oh heck.

Easiest £10 Betfair have ever made

[RiscaGame]

Keddie shouldn’t have had white line fever there.

[RiscaGame]

Compounds his error then.

[RiscaGame]

In the grand scheme of things, it’s a magnificent achievement that we held on until after halftime to concede a BP try.

[mikey_dragon]

Whilst I half expected us to lose, as it’s Leinster (even their 2nds are good), it wasn’t in the manner in which we have done. It was three tries to one when I last checked so they must have gone on a mad blitz. What I’m getting at is... can Jackman be sacked now? Surely they don’t see one more win than last year as an improvement.

[Pot Hale]

Whilst I half expected us to lose, as it’s Leinster (even their 2nds are good), it wasn’t in the manner in which we have done. It was three tries to one when I last checked so they must have gone on a mad blitz. What I’m getting at is... can Jackman be sacked now? Surely they don’t see one more win than last year as an improvement.

Not sure you could describe them as seconds.

Edited.

[the-goon]

You're rubbing it in now Pot...

[Pot Hale]

You're rubbing it in now Pot...

Fair call, Goon. Apologies to Dragons fans.

[Guest]

No Pot, our apologies to Leinster and to the league. Abso-f**king-lutely shocking. So embarrassing. Where from here? Would the kit man do any worse than Jackman? He’s simply not getting better performances out of an improved squad. Of course Leinster are good, but getting hammered by 2nds/3rds at home is beyond a joke. Is there any point in this sh*t anymore?

[RiscaGame]

The supporters Q and A with Buttress was definitely the wrong week. Very fortuitous.

[mikey_dragon]

Whilst I half expected us to lose, as it’s Leinster (even their 2nds are good), it wasn’t in the manner in which we have done. It was three tries to one when I last checked so they must have gone on a mad blitz. What I’m getting at is... can Jackman be sacked now? Surely they don’t see one more win than last year as an improvement.

Not sure you could describe them as seconds.  

Edited.

Not sure what then but I do recognize a few names. Some would make the first team 23, while the rest are second and third choice. It’s a pretty good squad on the whole.

[Guest]

You're rubbing it in now Pot...

Ooh, what did he say first before editing?!

[Stone Motif]

https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/17270184.the-talking-points-from-dragons-10-leinster-59/

Thought Kirwan would have been harsher than that

[The Great Aukster]

https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/17270184.the-talking-points-from-dragons-10-leinster-59/

Thought Kirwan would have been harsher than that

Complete and utter humiliation.

Seems pretty harsh to me!

[Pot Hale]

Whilst I half expected us to lose, as it’s Leinster (even their 2nds are good), it wasn’t in the manner in which we have done. It was three tries to one when I last checked so they must have gone on a mad blitz. What I’m getting at is... can Jackman be sacked now? Surely they don’t see one more win than last year as an improvement.

Not sure you could describe them as seconds.  

Edited.

Not sure what then but I do recognize a few names. Some would make the first team 23, while the rest are second and third choice. It’s a pretty good squad on the whole.

It is a pretty good squad. I was more commenting on the amount of Academy players starting in the squad. Here’s the normal line-ups

First team 23
Kearney, Lowe, Ringrose, Henshaw, Tomane, Sexton, McGrath, Conan, Ruddock, SOB, Ryan, Toner, Furlong, Cronin, Healy. Reps: Tracy, McGrath, Porter, Fardy, vdF, McCarthy, R Byrne, Larmour

Second Team
Larmour, B Daly, O’Loughlin, T Daly, McFadden, Reid, Gibson Park, Deegan, Leavy, J Murphy, Molony, M Kearney, Bent, Tracy, Dooley. Reps: B Byrne, E Byrne, Abdaladze, Toner, Connors, R Byrne, McCarthy, D Kearney

Squad v Dragons
H Keenan (Year 3 A), A Byrne (3rd-Senior), J O’Brien (Year 3 A), C O’Brien (Year 3 A), D Kearney (2nd-Senior), R Byrne (1st bench), Gibson-Park (1st bench), Doris, (3rd Senior)) Murphy, (3rd Senior), Penny (Year 1 A), Fardy (1st bench), Molony, (2nd Senior), Bent (2nd Senior), Tracy (1st bench), E Byrne (2nd Senior)
Reps: B Byrne (2nd Senior), Dooley (2nd Senior), Porter (1st bench), M Kearney (2nd Senior), Deegan (2nd Senior, Patterson (Year 1 A), Frawley (Year 2 A), T Daly (3rd Senior)

5 1st team/bench
8 2nd Senior
4 3rd Senior
3 3rd year Academy
1 2nd Year Academy
2 1st Year Academy

[Stone Motif]

https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/17270184.the-talking-points-from-dragons-10-leinster-59/

Thought Kirwan would have been harsher than that

Complete and utter humiliation.

Seems pretty harsh to me!

It's not nearly harsh enough. I can't see one mention of a hope that Leinster take a certain large vat of sh1t flavoured lard, apparently originating in Ireland but found dumped on the banks of the Usk, home on the team bus

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