Dragons Season Thread - 2019/20 aka Year 1 of the new 5 Year Plan

by **RiscaGame** Wed 08 Jan 2020, 2:56 pm

First topic message reminder :

Because it seemingly hit his head. I understand why he did it, as they were slowing us down a fair bit and not getting penalised, but it needs to be a few more angles than the clip I have seen.

by Guest Fri 17 Jan 2020, 9:42 pm

Castre now in the lead. If it stays like that Dragons finish 2nd in the group. Not sure what that means for us.

by maestegmafia Fri 17 Jan 2020, 9:43 pm

Castres winning now

by mikey_dragon Fri 17 Jan 2020, 9:47 pm

Have to give credit to Castres winning the group whilst throwing a game.

by mikey_dragon Fri 17 Jan 2020, 9:48 pm

Some individual has popped up again, but I’m sure it’s just them that actually believes Scott williams tore us apart a couple weeks ago? Because I certainly don’t think SW did.

by maestegmafia Fri 17 Jan 2020, 9:52 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:Some individual has popped up again, but I’m sure it’s just them that actually believes Scott williams tore us apart a couple weeks ago? Because I certainly don’t think SW did.

Neither do most Ospreys fans..

by maestegmafia Fri 17 Jan 2020, 9:53 pm

Result your through

by mikey_dragon Fri 17 Jan 2020, 10:00 pm

Ah, for some reason I thought it was Castres and Wuss.

by **RiscaGame** Fri 17 Jan 2020, 10:00 pm

Actually thought that was a very professional job by us. We deserved to win the group really, as even without the dodgy red, I think we should’ve won that Worcester away game. Anyway, Enisei-STM have ran all the teams close for long periods in most if not all games, so what we’ve done is brilliant. Joy Neville gave us nothing too, especially set piece (until the end).

by mikey_dragon Fri 17 Jan 2020, 10:04 pm

Dregs definitely grinded it but it seemed like there was less urgency and effort compared to previous rounds. I fell asleep briefly in the first half which is also telling...

by **RiscaGame** Fri 17 Jan 2020, 10:33 pm

First half wasn’t great, but then it was always going to be a grind. They were allowed to live offside etc and be negative, so as a result were difficult to break down. Neville was very fussy in the first half over certain things, which disrupted the game. When she wised up to them, it’s no coincidence that we stopped conceding penalties and they started conceding more. Personally I thought she was poor tonight. There was a clear Cory Hill jackal that somehow they got a penalty from, after he had been clamped on for a good few seconds. We were on top of the scrums and got nothing. They only came to try and cling on and spoil everything.

by Guest Fri 17 Jan 2020, 10:36 pm

Pulled away in the 2nd half. I think Wuss did similar last week. Worrying to see the scrum going backwards a few times. Especially after raving about Brown's improvement!

Thought Warren had another good game. I think overall we were trying to force it a bit. Had the feel of a typical game where a team is expected to win and get the 4 tries. Easier said than done.

Great to see Keddie have a MOTM performance and a nice try. Him and Angus O'Brien have come onboard the coaching team down at my local club (their old club) and seem like good guys. He adds another back row headache for Ryan. Great position to be in.

I think we finish 2nd in the pool now. Not sure what that means. Even first was going to be an away quarter final so 2nd means we'll have to play probably the best finisher away, so a tough task. But great to be in a quarter and worst case we lose and can then concentrate on the league. Decent first season for Ryan probably guaranteed now, although he was starting from a pretty low base!

by **RiscaGame** Fri 17 Jan 2020, 10:45 pm

Probably Toulon. Otherwise Bristol. Nothing to lose there. Nothing to lose whoever we get, as the budget difference is huge. I just hope we go out there and have a crack and whoever we play will benefit us, with our young team playing against some real big name players.

by mikey_dragon Sat 18 Jan 2020, 12:01 am

I think it could be Bristol who are top, they seem to have the most points?

I've been thinking about our centres a lot lately. From what I've seen and given their injury records I think we need to recruit there. It just adds to the woes of where we need to recruit. We're also having a torrid time with backs getting injured.

by Guest Sat 18 Jan 2020, 7:19 am

Nick Tompkins would be a good shout by all accounts!

by **RiscaGame** Sat 18 Jan 2020, 7:40 am

It seems to be that we will finish 7th in that rankings thing and Toulon are likely to finish second. No point getting carried away, until after the weekend though. Would be nice for Scarlets or Blues to make it too. Whilst being the sole representative in Europe wouldn’t be too bad, I think it would silence the naysayers a little the more pro teams we have through.

by maestegmafia Sat 18 Jan 2020, 8:53 am

The Oracle wrote:Nick Tompkins would be a good shout by all accounts!

Be a great asset and would work well with the other centres, might improve a few prospects too. Always hope Dixon would be a bit more like Tompkins but it hasn’t really materialised. Warren is a very good centre you need to hold on to him.

by maestegmafia Sat 18 Jan 2020, 8:55 am

Also who is a Carwyn Penny? Name sounds familiar? Is he any good?

by Guest Sat 18 Jan 2020, 10:15 am

He was at Gloucester but now with the Dragons. Young player. I think he's been playing in the Welsh premiership too when not getting game time at the Dragons. Not sure how long he's been with us though. Recently I think.

by Blueschief Sat 18 Jan 2020, 10:42 am

Well done Dragons on reaching the quarters. Proper chuffed for you boys. Have my doubts that Cardiff will make it, so it looks like I’ll be shouting for the Dragons in the Challenge cup. Come on boys!

by mikey_dragon Sat 18 Jan 2020, 11:03 am

I think Blues are the front-runners for Tompkins even though they don't really need a centre. That would be a good coup if we did though, along with Rowlands, John, etc. Smile

by **RiscaGame** Sat 18 Jan 2020, 11:43 am

Blueschief wrote:Well done Dragons on reaching the quarters. Proper chuffed for you boys. Have my doubts that Cardiff will make it, so it looks like I’ll be shouting for the Dragons in the Challenge cup. Come on boys!

Nice one. Fingers crossed for you. Isn’t it really between you and Scarlets, if other results come through anyway?

by Stone Motif Sat 18 Jan 2020, 12:42 pm

maestegmafia wrote:
The Oracle wrote:Nick Tompkins would be a good shout by all accounts!

Be a great asset and would work well with the other centres, might improve a few prospects too. Always hope Dixon would be a bit more like Tompkins but it hasn’t really materialised. Warren is a very good centre you need to hold on to him.

Dixon's 'problem' is he is our best tight five forward in attack. Not sure an out of position Nick Tompkins asked to play that role would really materialise either.

by mikey_dragon Sat 18 Jan 2020, 1:46 pm

Stone Motif wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
The Oracle wrote:Nick Tompkins would be a good shout by all accounts!

Be a great asset and would work well with the other centres, might improve a few prospects too. Always hope Dixon would be a bit more like Tompkins but it hasn’t really materialised. Warren is a very good centre you need to hold on to him.

Dixon's 'problem' is he is our best tight five forward in attack. Not sure an out of position Nick Tompkins asked to play that role would really materialise either.

Dixon is definitely a flanker. As I alluded to, it might be time to move on from Dixon and Morgan by looking for pastures new. I'm not sure Griffiths is the answer either but maybe it's just me.

Tompkins and Warren would be a good partnership, they would be good at creating tries for themselves and others. For that to work it would require more firepower up front, obviously.

by Stone Motif Sat 18 Jan 2020, 2:27 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:
Stone Motif wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
The Oracle wrote:Nick Tompkins would be a good shout by all accounts!

Be a great asset and would work well with the other centres, might improve a few prospects too. Always hope Dixon would be a bit more like Tompkins but it hasn’t really materialised. Warren is a very good centre you need to hold on to him.

Dixon's 'problem' is he is our best tight five forward in attack. Not sure an out of position Nick Tompkins asked to play that role would really materialise either.

Dixon is definitely a flanker. As I alluded to, it might be time to move on from Dixon and Morgan by looking for pastures new. I'm not sure Griffiths is the answer either but maybe it's just me.

Tompkins and Warren would be a good partnership, they would be good at creating tries for themselves and others. For that to work it would require more firepower up front, obviously.

Dixon Morgan Warren and Griffiths would be a perfectly decent crop if we had a front five forward or two who could make a yard in heavy traffic.

by **RiscaGame** Sat 18 Jan 2020, 4:32 pm

Bristol drew in Zebre, so it seems like it’s likely we have them.

by mikey_dragon Sat 18 Jan 2020, 5:21 pm

I’ll see if I can make that one. I work in Bristol Mon-Fri. Ashton Gate is a bit of a b*atch to get to and the weekend congestion will make it worse.

by **RiscaGame** Sat 18 Jan 2020, 6:56 pm

Ashton Gate is a good setup though. I went for Bristol A v UK Armed Forces in Nov 18. Wasn’t great to park around though. Hopefully it’ll be a Friday night and I’ll catch a train from Gloucester (where I’m hopefully staying) down.

by LeinsterFan4life Sat 18 Jan 2020, 7:19 pm

Congrats to all Dragons fans on here for making it to the QFs. Well deserved

by mikey_dragon Sat 18 Jan 2020, 7:24 pm

RiscaGame wrote:Ashton Gate is a good setup though. I went for Bristol A v UK Armed Forces in Nov 18. Wasn’t great to park around though. Hopefully it’ll be a Friday night and I’ll catch a train from Gloucester (where I’m hopefully staying) down.

I haven't actually been in there yet and for that reason I'd love to go. I just knew it would be a nightmare for parking, plus I knew about the location and congestion. Do you know the potential dates of the QF's?

by mikey_dragon Sat 18 Jan 2020, 7:24 pm

LeinsterFan4life wrote:Congrats to all Dragons fans on here for making it to the QFs. Well deserved

Ta mate. Leinster could probably win this comp with their 2nd team Shocked

by LeinsterFan4life Sat 18 Jan 2020, 7:27 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:
LeinsterFan4life wrote:Congrats to all Dragons fans on here for making it to the QFs. Well deserved

Ta mate. Leinster could probably win this comp with their 2nd team

Yeah our squad depth is mind boggling at the minute but it looks like we could face Saracens in the QFs, which could see us leaving the competition early funny enough.

Seriously delighted for your lot though, it must have been tough to stick with the team after the performances they were churning out the last few years.

by mikey_dragon Sat 18 Jan 2020, 7:40 pm

Dean Ryan has made a difference, as has Azam when he's been around (I hope we get him full time). We might be getting a budget increase next season which will come just in time really, now that we're on the up (slightly).

by LeinsterFan4life Sat 18 Jan 2020, 8:05 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:Dean Ryan has made a difference, as has Azam when he's been around (I hope we get him full time). We might be getting a budget increase next season which will come just in time really, now that we're on the up (slightly).

Just in time, there could be some sarries players looking for a job Very Happy

by Guest Sat 18 Jan 2020, 9:24 pm

LeinsterFan4life wrote:Congrats to all Dragons fans on here for making it to the QFs. Well deserved

Cheers!

Just hoping we can push on and keep improving and not regress. We’ve had so many false dawns!

by **RiscaGame** Sat 18 Jan 2020, 10:53 pm

LeinsterFan4life wrote:Congrats to all Dragons fans on here for making it to the QFs. Well deserved

Nice one. Cheers.

by **RiscaGame** Sat 18 Jan 2020, 10:54 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:
RiscaGame wrote:Ashton Gate is a good setup though. I went for Bristol A v UK Armed Forces in Nov 18. Wasn’t great to park around though. Hopefully it’ll be a Friday night and I’ll catch a train from Gloucester (where I’m hopefully staying) down.

I haven't actually been in there yet and for that reason I'd love to go. I just knew it would be a nightmare for parking, plus I knew about the location and congestion. Do you know the potential dates of the QF's?

3-5 April by the looks.

by maestegmafia Sun 19 Jan 2020, 12:25 am

The Oracle wrote:
LeinsterFan4life wrote:Congrats to all Dragons fans on here for making it to the QFs. Well deserved

Cheers! Just hoping we can push on and keep improving and not regress. We’ve had so many false dawns!

Things seem to be going right at the moment. Long May the improvements continue

by Stone Motif Sun 19 Jan 2020, 5:56 pm

Rhodri Jones out of contract this season

by mikey_dragon Sun 19 Jan 2020, 7:42 pm

Stone Motif wrote:Rhodri Jones out of contract this season

Too injured for me.

by **RiscaGame** Wed 22 Jan 2020, 8:13 am

Great to see our back three crisis lessening, during this three week break. Daf Howells seemingly fit for our next game, with Owen Jenkins not far off that either. Could probably do with a 15 still, but it's nice to have options on the wing.

by mikey_dragon Wed 22 Jan 2020, 12:12 pm

Howells played some rugby at 15, not sure if he's played there for us but we should try it out. Hopefully he doesn't get injured again.

by mikey_dragon Mon 27 Jan 2020, 9:38 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:
Stone Motif wrote:Rhodri Jones out of contract this season

Too injured for me.

And he re-signs with Ospreys.

Moore has signed for Cardiff from Sale. I hear Carre will return there too. I imagine they are also targeting Tompkins and Rowlands, and maybe Owen Williams but I think they're too well stocked for any more backs so I'm not sure. That doesn't really leave many for us so I hope we're getting busy on the recruitment like the other 3 have been.

by **RiscaGame** Mon 27 Jan 2020, 10:02 pm

We do seem a little behind the curve. Carre and Rowlands would be great signings for us.

By the way, it’s great that young talent is coming back to Wales. Just hope we manage to get some.

by mikey_dragon Mon 27 Jan 2020, 10:09 pm

Owen Williams would be good for us, and it would be a good fit for him - compared to the others who have more than 1 good option at fly-half (Costelow is going to Scarlets); and he can slot inside Sam and play 12 as well which I think could the best midfield option for us. I'd love us to get Carre and Rowlands but I reckon both will be at Cardiff. In which case I hope we're looking overseas (to South Africa) because there isn't any more Welsh talent coming out of contract as far as I know.

*Tompkins is surely going to leave Sarries too, either Cardiff or Scarlets for him I reckon. There are certain guys at other Regions that I would take, Fonotia for example, but I'm not sure where he is in his current contract.

by **RiscaGame** Tue 28 Jan 2020, 12:28 am

Owen Williams would be good yeah.

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 28 Jan 2020, 10:25 am

mikey_dragon wrote:Owen Williams would be good for us, and it would be a good fit for him - compared to the others who have more than 1 good option at fly-half (Costelow is going to Scarlets); and he can slot inside Sam and play 12 as well which I think could the best midfield option for us. I'd love us to get Carre and Rowlands but I reckon both will be at Cardiff. In which case I hope we're looking overseas (to South Africa) because there isn't any more Welsh talent coming out of contract as far as I know.

*Tompkins is surely going to leave Sarries too, either Cardiff or Scarlets for him I reckon. There are certain guys at other Regions that I would take, Fonotia for example, but I'm not sure where he is in his current contract.

Unless Tom Griffiths can put in a good word. You never know!

by mikey_dragon Tue 28 Jan 2020, 11:47 am

Yeah hopefully. I think Owen Williams would be more important to us at this stage though. The likelihood is we're waiting to see how he performs in the 6N before the WRU says get to a region.

I wonder what the story is with Moriarty now?

by Stone Motif Tue 28 Jan 2020, 1:05 pm

RiscaGame wrote:Owen Williams would be good yeah.

If he's on the 38 list then yeah I'd agree. I'd have him primarily as a ten though. Don't think that whole second five eighth thing will work for us.

by **RiscaGame** Tue 28 Jan 2020, 1:28 pm

That's fair enough. I am not totally impressed by Sam Davies, for all his plaudits. He still does things like misses a few goal kicks, plus he misses touch from penalties a fair bit too (which would certainly be highlighted by others more if it was Tovey Laugh

)

by Stone Motif Tue 28 Jan 2020, 2:10 pm

RiscaGame wrote:That's fair enough. I am not totally impressed by Sam Davies, for all his plaudits. He still does things like misses a few goal kicks, plus he misses touch from penalties a fair bit too (which would certainly be highlighted by others more if it was Tovey )

I'm quite happy with him to be fair. Is he a massive improvement on what we had? Maybe nothing to get into Western Fail levels of hyperbole over but been steady and available. Played a lot of minutes too. Chris K summed it up recently I think by saying the Dean Ryan resurgence is one injury to Sam Davies away from disaster.

And at the risk of sounding like a stuck record with our pack's carrying stats it's not like he has options to manipulate a defence and let the backs go.

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