Pro 14 2019/2020 Season

First topic message reminder :

From a Dragons fan perspective looking ahead into the new season and which sides I would like to catch early in the Pro14 due to players having gone to the World Cup.

Obviously Hill, Dee & Moriarty will be big misses for us during this period. I think we may have Wainwright available (if they end up picking Shingler to cover Lock/Blindside). Think Brown probably wont make the cut either.

So hopefully our starter lineup will look like this:
1. Bevington 2. Hibbard 3. Brown/Fairbrother 4. Nansen 5. Screech 6. Wainwright 7. Griffiths 8. Evans
9. Williams 10. Davies 11. Rosser 12. Dixon 13. Morgan 14. Howells 15. Williams

Now looking at the other sides in the competition it would be great if we could catch some of the league powerhouses early. My Breakdown of the other teams:-

1. Scarlets - Look weak in the front 3. Possibly a weakness at outside centre as well. Would imagine they will be playing Asquith at 12 during this period. McNicholl will probably be the star man on this team opening rounds.

2. Blues - On paper even without the internationals they look a seasoned well rounded team. Probably dangerous for any team in the league during the opening rounds. Halaholo is my star man pick but the entire Blues 8 are extremely experienced (although I don't rate Gill much). Also unclear if Ellis will recover from injury or if he will end up parachuted into Wales WC Squad. If not he will just add to that fairly experienced pack.

3. Ospreys - Will have a fairly competitive pack assuming Bradley doesn't make the cut for the World Cup. The real weakness for them is in the backline. At 9 currently they will be playing rookies and 13 potentially as well unless they opt to play Hook at 12 and move Allen to 13. Giles will probably end up on the wing as well and while he has potential - defensively they may struggle against experienced backlines. That said they probably have enough upfront to power over most teams in the league. Star Man will be Bradley Davies if he doesn't make the world cup.

4. Munster - Probably going to missing around 11 players on World Cup duty. To me Tighthead and at 8 they look particularly weak. To me the backline also looks a little short on quality although granted they do have some potential in the backline.Personally I would like to catch them at Rodney Parade early. I'm still not sure away would be a banker for us. Reckon their key man will be Bleyendaal in the opening part of the season for his experience.

5. Leinster - Now I don't know if they still have the rule of not being able to select 2 non irish players in their starting 15's or if they are allowed exceptions in the early part of this season. Even taking into consideration that they can start Fardy, Gibson-Park, Lowe and Tomane the real problem for them is in the pack. They look seriously underpowered and inexperienced. They probably are hoping Smidt doesn't take Ruddock to the WC. Personally getting these in R2 or R3 away would be perfect. I think we can take them early doors before the return of their internationals. Star Man: Lowe

6. Ulster - For me probably the biggest Irish threat early. Only place they might be a little short on experience will be at 5 and 14. Pack on paper looks extremely strong and along with Cardiff both these sides should be fairly confident into the early rounds. Star Man: McCloskey
Would like to avoid these early doors altogether.

7. Connacht - Not really disrupted to much for internationals like us. Good experienced team. Always going to be dangerous at home. Star Man: Roux Another side I would like to see us avoid early doors but if we have to a home draw that wouldn't be the worst fixture start for us.

8. Edinburgh - Cockerill has done a amazing job with them. Surely even he can't cover 14 players at the world cup. Still managed to assemble a big pack for this period though so it's clear they wont be beaten upfront easily. 9, 10 and 15 look like the real problem area for him. Getting them at home would suit me fine. Star Man: Socino

9. Glasgow - Probably losing at least 13 players if not more. They still have a lot of experience in that squad. On paper probably have to much for us home or away. If we have to though a home draw would be better. Star Man: Lee Jones

10. Treviso - Backline looks very experienced for the league. Upfront a different story altogether. Can see them taking a bit of a battering upfront early doors. Star Man: Ioane
Don't mind if we get them early home or away

11. Zebre - Same story with them. Losing key personnel to the WC. Upfront looks very inexperienced. Backline will also be inexperienced. Can they get Boni back in time for the start of the season. The Centre was a powerhouse before his long term injury and would also have made the Italian squad if he wasn't out of action. Star Man: Walker (reckon he's going to surprise a few in the Pro14)

12. Kings - Not going to be missing any internationals. But they still lack quality for compete at this level. No signings of note in the off season. Could be a long season for them again? Personally I expect us to beat them home and away. Would be a waste to draw them during the World Cup period. Star Man: Catrakilis

13. Cheetahs - Same story as the Kings. To many lost star after their first season in the Pro14. They do have a better record than the kings and at home they will win games. Prefer to not draw them either in the opening rounds. Star Man: Nche

How do you fancy your teams chances and what teams would you like to draw early or avoid during the World Cup?

Ypu posted the team sheets which showed they didnt play their strongest team yes.

So you accept your point on exeter and saracens teams was ok. Fair enough why comment in the first place?

No 7&1/2 wrote:Ypu posted the team sheets which showed they didnt play their strongest team yes.

So you accept your point on exeter and saracens teams was ok. Fair enough why comment in the first place?

And we've gone back to the blatant lies again.

So it's either deliberate contrariness or you lying.

Lovely.

And I see the offer of a grown up conversation wasn't of interest to you, unsurprisingly.

No lies from me.

PhilBB wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

PhilBB wrote:Hmmm, I guess he’s not a straw and the point of “players” plural remains

Both players came on after 59 mins, how were they rested? Do journalists do all the thinking for you or are you unable to form opinions yourself?

They were rested, by your own definition, for 59 minutes.

I've not put much effort into working out Leinster's best XV as I couldn't give a rat's arse about it, hence I rely on the informed opinions of others. Had I put some effort into working out Leinster's best XV, I would have relied on stats and the opinions of those better informed than me. People like Quinn and Treacy. That's how you should form opinions, isn't it? By learning from those with more knowledge than you.

If you don't form your opinions that way, you just spout incorrect nonsense.

Still, players plural rested for the final. A final in a competition one of the major shareholders cares little for. Hopefully the competition has only another year or two left.

What are you talking about? it is your definition, oh wait actually it's the nonsense whatever journalist you look at spouts. Leinsters Half backs never complete 80 mins and thats going back to the Schmidt era. There is nothing between Gibson Park and McGrath btw. Both players' form fluctuate and either player can be chosen to start depending on that and the way Cullen wants his team to play. For instance Gibson Park started against Northampton away and McGrath was choosen for the home leg in the champions cup this season.

Absoulety bizarre that bringing on a 35 year old out half after 59 mins for an Irish international some how means you are devaluing the league. Also it worked so Cullen got the selection spot on.

What PhillBB is trying to say is that it is so unfair that Leinster Don't take the league seriously.  Considering they just won their 3rd league title in a row, where undeafeated and have by far the most home grown players in their squad and possibly the most players from a single academy playing for other teams in the league.  Imagine if they actually took it serious.

Losses
19/20
Leinster 0
Edinburgh 4
18/19
Leinster 5
Munster 5
Glasgow 5
17/18
Glasgow 5
Leinster 6
16/17
Munster 3
Leinster 4

Attendance
16/17
Ulster 15.9k
Leinster 15.5k
17/18
Leinster 16.7k
Ulster 14.6k
18/19
Leinster 17.2k
Ulster 13.8k
19/20
Ulster 13.8k
Leinster 12.9k

Leinster dragging the Pro14 down with their little losses and big attendances.  Shame on them.
I am sure the other 13 teams wished they were all painted with that brush.

Talk is Leinster might play Will Conors at 7 v Sarries like they did against Munster.  His role was to chop tackle Stander and completely nullified Munster.  Talk is they may do the same against Sarries with Billy V.

Just another example of Leinster's ability to do horses for courses or as other like to say disrespect the opposition by not putting the same 15 people on the field each week.

The season is finished, Leinster are champions.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

PhilBB wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

PhilBB wrote:Hmmm, I guess he’s not a straw and the point of “players” plural remains

Both players came on after 59 mins, how were they rested? Do journalists do all the thinking for you or are you unable to form opinions yourself?

They were rested, by your own definition, for 59 minutes.

I've not put much effort into working out Leinster's best XV as I couldn't give a rat's arse about it, hence I rely on the informed opinions of others. Had I put some effort into working out Leinster's best XV, I would have relied on stats and the opinions of those better informed than me. People like Quinn and Treacy. That's how you should form opinions, isn't it? By learning from those with more knowledge than you.

If you don't form your opinions that way, you just spout incorrect nonsense.

Still, players plural rested for the final. A final in a competition one of the major shareholders cares little for. Hopefully the competition has only another year or two left.

What are you talking about? it is your definition, oh wait actually it's the nonsense whatever journalist you look at spouts. Leinsters Half backs never complete 80 mins and thats going back to the Schmidt era. There is nothing between Gibson Park and McGrath btw. Both players' form fluctuate and either player can be chosen to start depending on that and the way Cullen wants his team to play. For instance Gibson Park started against Northampton away and McGrath was choosen for the home leg in the champions cup this season.

Absoulety bizarre that bringing on a 35 year old out half after 59 mins for an Irish international some how means you are devaluing the league. Also it worked so Cullen got the selection spot on.

Phil is an aspiring writer for the Wales Online. He seeks to follow in the footsteps of greats like Andy Howell and Ben James. This might explain his strange postings, coupled with the fact that he's a faceless troll with nothing better to do.

Brendan wrote:What PhillBB is trying to say is that it is so unfair that Leinster Don't take the league seriously.

Wrong.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:
What are you talking about? it is your definition, oh wait actually it's the nonsense whatever journalist you look at spouts. Leinsters Half backs never complete 80 mins and thats going back to the Schmidt era. There is nothing between Gibson Park and McGrath btw. Both players' form fluctuate and either player can be chosen to start depending on that and the way Cullen wants his team to play. For instance Gibson Park started against Northampton away and McGrath was choosen for the home leg in the champions cup this season.

Absoulety bizarre that bringing on a 35 year old out half after 59 mins for an Irish international some how means you are devaluing the league. Also it worked so Cullen got the selection spot on.

Of course it worked. Leinster were never going to lose to opposition the IRFU ensure have a weaker squad.

It's an interesting point you made about "never complete 80 minutes" and that's very true for all teams, in most games, because benches are normally emptied. That's not quite the point being made though, was it?

mikey_dragon wrote:
Phil is an aspiring writer for the Wales Online. He seeks to follow in the footsteps of greats like Andy Howell and Ben James. This might explain his strange postings, coupled with the fact that he's a faceless troll with nothing better to do.

a) I'm not faceless, Gareth. Many within the game in Wales know me personally and I don't live in Canada.
b) I'm not a "troll". Trolls don't believe the words they are writing
c) I have no desire to work for the pittance that Wales Online pay their reporters
d) I'm not the one who can't work out that the reporters at Wales Online don't write the tweets that publicise their work. That's you, remember? Your embarrassing interaction with Thomas and James was just the icing on the cake for your cognitive reasoning.

Interesting that Byrne and Gibson-Park have been rested for this European knock out game.

PhilBB wrote:Interesting that Byrne and Gibson-Park have been rested for this European knock out game.

Really? I would have thought they would have made the match day 23...

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

PhilBB wrote:Interesting that Byrne and Gibson-Park have been rested for this European knock out game.

Really? I would have thought they would have made the match day 23...

Ah, that's right. Only 60 minutes rest, perhaps, not 80.

PhilBB wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

PhilBB wrote:Interesting that Byrne and Gibson-Park have been rested for this European knock out game.

Really? I would have thought they would have made the match day 23...

Ah, that's right. Only 60 minutes rest, perhaps, not 80.

That's it. Your journalist forgot to mention Fardy has been rested completely and Van de Flier is also being rested for 60 mins.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

PhilBB wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

PhilBB wrote:Interesting that Byrne and Gibson-Park have been rested for this European knock out game.

Really? I would have thought they would have made the match day 23...

Ah, that's right. Only 60 minutes rest, perhaps, not 80.

That's it. Your journalist forgot to mention Fardy has been rested completely and Van de Flier is also being rested for 60 mins.

Good point. Lesson learned. Don't believe anything Irish rugby journalists write.

PhilBB wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

PhilBB wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

PhilBB wrote:Interesting that Byrne and Gibson-Park have been rested for this European knock out game.

Really? I would have thought they would have made the match day 23...

Ah, that's right. Only 60 minutes rest, perhaps, not 80.

That's it. Your journalist forgot to mention Fardy has been rested completely and Van de Flier is also being rested for 60 mins.

Good point. Lesson learned. Don't believe anything Irish rugby journalists write.

At least you learned something. Now if we could just get you to see how ridiculous the Welsh ones are.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

PhilBB wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

PhilBB wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

PhilBB wrote:Interesting that Byrne and Gibson-Park have been rested for this European knock out game.

Really? I would have thought they would have made the match day 23...

Ah, that's right. Only 60 minutes rest, perhaps, not 80.

That's it. Your journalist forgot to mention Fardy has been rested completely and Van de Flier is also being rested for 60 mins.

Good point. Lesson learned. Don't believe anything Irish rugby journalists write.

At least you learned something. Now if we could just get you to see how ridiculous the Welsh ones are.

Oh that's easy. Wales has only two decent rugby journalists - Thomas and Kirwan - who work for 'papers'

mikey_dragon wrote:

RugbyFan100 wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Perhaps you'd care to come forward and chat in private?

What does this mean?

You keep approaching me as if we're acquainted - that's news to me. Seeing as you're slowly creeping into PhillBB territory, if you think you know me then come forward on whichever platform you believe you know me from? It would be nice to put a face to a name and all that. If you say no then that's fine - I mean it's happened a few times when I've approached people who sought to use personal data against me on here. It says a lot about you and them really, doesn't it?

I don't think we're acquainted.
I don't want to use your personal data.
I don't know why you would want to chat to me in private.
That is just a bit weird.
You just seem a bit weird mate.