Yeah, he has brought in some old heads but to be honest I thought one of the things that the Dragons had a decent grasp on was bringing on the youth. With any luck we will see them in the starting line up soon.penguin wrote: ↑Thu Jul 23, 2020 2:07 pmRyan seems to trust youth a lot less in some areas - he's been reluctant to test out the likes of Reynolds and Coleman (which I think is fair, prop is a tough position early on), he flogged Screech and Joe Davies rather than try Max Williams last year, we've seen little of Babos or Robson in the halfbacks, yet in the backrow and back 3 there have been plenty of appearances for youngsters (admittedly some spectacular talents in the likes of Dyer, Basham, etc.). Quite the contrast with Jackman...bessantj wrote: ↑Thu Jul 23, 2020 1:55 pmYeah I agree, I thought we'd be seeing him as a regular these days.penguin wrote: ↑Thu Jul 23, 2020 1:26 pm
I quite liked what I saw of Buckland too for the under 20s before he decided he needed game time and buggered off. I understand Baldwin's there in a mentorship role for the academy 9s, but I hope it's not at the expense of game time for them, because Babos looked good when we were considerably worse 2 years ago, which was no mean feat. I was surprised we didn't see more of him last year.
The Official Rygbi Cymru Thread
Hopefully out of choice rather than desperation due to injury and squad weakness as was the usual way!
I don't know about you but I can't wait to see a back 3 of Hewitt/Holmes, Dyer/Rosser and Jordan Williams outside of Tompkins. So much pace, and a half chance of a platform for them.
F*cking hell I miss rugby.
Happy for the Dragons actually. Could so some damage.penguin wrote: ↑Thu Jul 23, 2020 2:59 pmHopefully out of choice rather than desperation due to injury and squad weakness as was the usual way!
I don't know about you but I can't wait to see a back 3 of Hewitt/Holmes, Dyer/Rosser and Jordan Williams outside of Tompkins. So much pace, and a half chance of a platform for them.
F*cking hell I miss rugby.
Cheers. I hope so...and hopefully this year it's not just the other welsh regions we upset.LandOTurk wrote: ↑Thu Jul 23, 2020 3:04 pmHappy for the Dragons actually. Could so some damage.penguin wrote: ↑Thu Jul 23, 2020 2:59 pmHopefully out of choice rather than desperation due to injury and squad weakness as was the usual way!
I don't know about you but I can't wait to see a back 3 of Hewitt/Holmes, Dyer/Rosser and Jordan Williams outside of Tompkins. So much pace, and a half chance of a platform for them.
F*cking hell I miss rugby.
I'd like to see what can be done with the squad they have. Would be nice to cause other teams problems.penguin wrote: ↑Thu Jul 23, 2020 2:59 pmHopefully out of choice rather than desperation due to injury and squad weakness as was the usual way!
I don't know about you but I can't wait to see a back 3 of Hewitt/Holmes, Dyer/Rosser and Jordan Williams outside of Tompkins. So much pace, and a half chance of a platform for them.
F*cking hell I miss rugby.
I think he is staying on PR, I keep meaning to go back there and see how things are. Are you still posting there? Is it still as busy as ever? The Welsh thread going well?
I am. I think the only contributor has been me the past week. It's like the Liberty - absolutely desolate. It doesn't seem to be happening too much here either. I'll keep focusing on PR and drop in here from time to time. Bit sad as most of my posts have always been in the Welsh thread (or anything having a pop at the swarm).
I had a look at the thread on 365 and that's as dead as all hell. I think this one is ticking over nicely. If we could get a few of the other posters from PR on here it would be good.
I see the Blues have switched their final home game to Dave Parade.
I see the Blues have switched their final home game to Dave Parade.
You do keep that thread going LoT, credit due thereLandOTurk wrote: ↑Fri Jul 24, 2020 11:29 amI am. I think the only contributor has been me the past week. It's like the Liberty - absolutely desolate. It doesn't seem to be happening too much here either. I'll keep focusing on PR and drop in here from time to time. Bit sad as most of my posts have always been in the Welsh thread (or anything having a pop at the swarm).
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Not Frankie
- Posts: 48
- Joined: Mon Jun 29, 2020 9:42 pm
What's happening with PR then, anyone know? Seems as busy as ever.
Was hoping to see some news on Roberts, and more importantly Will Rowlands. We really need Rowlands. Badly. Roberts would be a bonus, but poor old Screech needs some proven firepower whilst Joe Ap Maksymiw settles in.
Joe Davies and Williams are next of the rank, Davies being more seasoned than Williams the Stretch, so locks are vital to the Dragons success. It's stressing me out to be fair.
Hope they can bring in Greg Bateman an all...
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... g-18663953
These boys would make a valued contribution to the young squad that we have. So fingers crossed.
Was hoping to see some news on Roberts, and more importantly Will Rowlands. We really need Rowlands. Badly. Roberts would be a bonus, but poor old Screech needs some proven firepower whilst Joe Ap Maksymiw settles in.
Joe Davies and Williams are next of the rank, Davies being more seasoned than Williams the Stretch, so locks are vital to the Dragons success. It's stressing me out to be fair.
Hope they can bring in Greg Bateman an all...
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... g-18663953
These boys would make a valued contribution to the young squad that we have. So fingers crossed.
I thought Joe Davies was excellent at times this year. High workrate, making a nuisance of himself. Screech seemed to get more praise but Davies seemed to step up a level too.
That said Rowlands would be a step up in quality... But it's nice to think of having depth in the second row. It's been my single biggest worry about the squad.
Agree about Bateman. Wonder if we'll see bevington get a contract if Bateman comes off. At 31 bateman's a better bet you'd think.
That said Rowlands would be a step up in quality... But it's nice to think of having depth in the second row. It's been my single biggest worry about the squad.
Agree about Bateman. Wonder if we'll see bevington get a contract if Bateman comes off. At 31 bateman's a better bet you'd think.
Twat.
Halaholo to be back for the internationals, will tompkins visit be fleetng now?
If Jonathan Davies is injured that could be a starting combination. Whoever gets the spot at 12 it will be a very different threat from Hadleigh.
Correction, he is here
This can't be right, I don't see how he can qualify for Wales when his mother was adopted but his adoptee grandmother is Welsh but his mother wasn't, but some new law means he now is, shit it's confusing, Greg Bateman, should he qualify?
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... n-18675032
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... n-18675032
Well, apparently that's the rule now so an odd one, but if he helps push the Dragons on I'll take it.Turkster wrote: ↑Tue Jul 28, 2020 2:29 pm This can't be right, I don't see how he can qualify for Wales when his mother was adopted but his adoptee grandmother is Welsh but his mother wasn't, but some new law means he now is, shit it's confusing, Greg Bateman, should he qualify?
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... n-18675032
I'd say he's still some way from being in contention for Wales so perhaps not too much of an issue in reality. Wyn Jones, Rhys Carre, Rob Evans, Nicky Smith being the main four ahead of the chasers...but I guess it's not crazy to suggest that in an injury crisis he could make a squad.
The next tier of looseheads is nothing too fancy. Domachowski might be decent but not ready for a step up at this stage, Fry at the Dragons seems promising but very young, Rhodri Jones is still only 28 which is crazy as it seems like he's been around forever, Rhys Gill must be too old to be in contention now...any others? If Bateman plays well for the Dragons and the stars align for him he could pick up a few caps I guess.
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Line6 HXFX
- Posts: 1148
- Joined: Sat Jul 04, 2020 9:31 am
Yes he should, and heres why he should....deep breath, because rugby is just a business that wraps itself up in the culture and identity of a nation, and really has about as much to do with the national culture as a alien taking a shit in outer space. They would (and have) take the whole shit show off the national broadcaster and broadcast it exclusively in outer Mongolia if they thought they could make more money.. Rugby fans sing the anthems, wave the symbols of national identity but are about as loyal to Wales as Dominic Cummings, taking a shit in outer space. Nothing matters, money talks, it is just a meaningless game, played for profit, not your profit, and other countries would have him in a heart beat on even more spurious grounds.Turkster wrote: ↑Tue Jul 28, 2020 2:29 pm This can't be right, I don't see how he can qualify for Wales when his mother was adopted but his adoptee grandmother is Welsh but his mother wasn't, but some new law means he now is, shit it's confusing, Greg Bateman, should he qualify?
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... n-18675032
Eyethankew.
31 isn't too old in prop terms, so could have a few good years in him. I'll be disappointed now if the Dragons can't get him.
Apparently he can play across the front row too, including hooker supposedly...considering we also have Jarvis and Harris who play both sides, we're going to have one of the most flexible set of front rows possible.
Ok, the hating stops here, turns out Dewi Morris was actually qualified to play for England through his English mother, Wales didn't want him anyway and Dewi is his middle name as well, he should have been known as Colin, poor bugger's had 30 years of hate for no reason. (me included, funniest moment for me was Scott Quinnell teaching him how to pronounce his own (middle) name)
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... n-18694961
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... n-18694961
Turkster wrote: ↑Sun Aug 02, 2020 8:02 am Ok, the hating stops here, turns out Dewi Morris was actually qualified to play for England through his English mother, Wales didn't want him anyway and Dewi is his middle name as well, he should have been known as Colin, poor bugger's had 30 years of hate for no reason. (me included, funniest moment for me was Scott Quinnell teaching him how to pronounce his own (middle) name)
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... n-18694961
Still a shite commentator though
The Dragons are primed to announce the signings of Jamie Roberts and newly-qualified Wales prop Greg Bateman.
Not exactly new news, but seems like it's all getting closer.Rowlands, 28, doesn’t want to leave former European club champions Wasps in the lurch and has been waiting on them to sign a replacement before putting pen to paper to join Dragons director of rugby Dean Ryan’s Gwent revolution.
Andy Howell explaining why we're able to make these signings...
Happy days.They've got money cos Moriarty moved on to 80% WRU deal and Rowlands set to join him. Have off-loaded high earners in Hill and T Morgan with Tompkins wage being part financed by Saracens. Tomane wouldn't have been cheap
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Not Frankie
- Posts: 48
- Joined: Mon Jun 29, 2020 9:42 pm
Aah, The Mighty Dragons, it's all coming along rather nicely. Good to see Robert's sign on for his home town. Good boy Jaw, good boy.
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Jeff the Bear
- Posts: 59
- Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 9:53 pm
I watched him for thr Stormers quite a bit pre Covid. He's still slow, but the Stormers played tactics of using their big pack to slow teams down, so he looked half decent. I still reckon he'd get run ragged by a team that was able to maintain decent multi-phase tempo. Interestingly, the Stormers used him sparingly on the crash ball...instead they used him consistently as a decoy runner.
We all know he's slow - I don't think even the most optimistic Dragons fan thinks the issues that saw him dropped by Wales have miraculously gone away...but, he's still going to drag in defenders if used right in attack, giving others space and options, organise the defence, be a tough channel to make yards down going straight and he's going to be great for bringing through the youngsters.
Our 12 options have been quite limited and the option to play Tompkins or Owen at 12, with Warren at 13, or Roberts at 12 with Tompkins outside him gives us a choice of fast ground playmaker or wet weather boshy boshy rugby.
Our 12 options have been quite limited and the option to play Tompkins or Owen at 12, with Warren at 13, or Roberts at 12 with Tompkins outside him gives us a choice of fast ground playmaker or wet weather boshy boshy rugby.
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Not Frankie
- Posts: 48
- Joined: Mon Jun 29, 2020 9:42 pm
He might be slow, but that hasn't stopped the Blouses having a cry about it. Happy poaching Hill with backhanders mind, but how very dare they... "Even Beethoven had his critics (Andy Howell). See if you can name three of them."
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... s-18738041
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... s-18738041
Christ....this is some hat-trick from Regan Grace.
https://twitter.com/SuperLeague/status/ ... 5488189444
https://twitter.com/SuperLeague/status/ ... 5488189444
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Not Frankie
- Posts: 48
- Joined: Mon Jun 29, 2020 9:42 pm
That first try shows some serious gas, the explosive power to get him going was incredible. Left the defending players clutching at thin air. Reminds me of my younger self at a free buffet.
I think that the Dragons could do the same. I don't think anyone though the Dragons were getting the Roberts from the 2013 Lions tour. As penguin said, if he can draw in defenders and the Dragons can get the ball out to the more rapid players (and they don't knock it on.) then there is ground to be gained.Jeff the Bear wrote: ↑Tue Aug 04, 2020 10:32 am I watched him for thr Stormers quite a bit pre Covid. He's still slow, but the Stormers played tactics of using their big pack to slow teams down, so he looked half decent. I still reckon he'd get run ragged by a team that was able to maintain decent multi-phase tempo. Interestingly, the Stormers used him sparingly on the crash ball...instead they used him consistently as a decoy runner.
Mind you I'm saying this while not totally convinced the Dragons defence is up to snuff.
We've actually got a full time defence coach this season so who knows?bessantj wrote: ↑Wed Aug 12, 2020 11:04 amI think that the Dragons could do the same. I don't think anyone though the Dragons were getting the Roberts from the 2013 Lions tour. As penguin said, if he can draw in defenders and the Dragons can get the ball out to the more rapid players (and they don't knock it on.) then there is ground to be gained.Jeff the Bear wrote: ↑Tue Aug 04, 2020 10:32 am I watched him for thr Stormers quite a bit pre Covid. He's still slow, but the Stormers played tactics of using their big pack to slow teams down, so he looked half decent. I still reckon he'd get run ragged by a team that was able to maintain decent multi-phase tempo. Interestingly, the Stormers used him sparingly on the crash ball...instead they used him consistently as a decoy runner.
Mind you I'm saying this while not totally convinced the Dragons defence is up to snuff.
For all the talk of Roberts, it's Tompkins that is likely to prove the biggest point of difference in our attacking game. Roberts is the biggest name but if I was ranking the signings (done deals and rumoured) and the potential to improve us I'd go Rowlands, Tompkins, Roberts, Bateman, Holmes, Maksymiw. Holmes is a fine signing but our back 3 was looking pretty sharp, hence his being down nearer the bottom.
Roberts is still a good signing, and he's great for the feel good factor - big name, good for team culture and bringing through the youngsters, a definite draw at the gate, and he seems to have something still to prove as a player, so wind him up and let him loose.
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Jeff the Bear
- Posts: 59
- Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 9:53 pm
This got lost on t'other bored, so I thought I'd share it with the folks on here. This is from the Wail:
Welsh-qualified Joe Maksymiw, who joined from Connacht, will add depth at second row, with Matthew Screech arguably the country’s form lock at regional level before Covid-19 brought the campaign to a halt.
Fixed that for you.Jeff the Bear wrote: ↑Thu Aug 13, 2020 12:37 am This got lost on t'other bored, so I thought I'd share it with the folks on here. This is from the Wail:
Welsh-qualified Joe Maksymiw, who joined from Connacht, will add depth at second row, with Matthew Screech arguably the country’s form lock at regional level before Covid-19 brought the campaign to a halt.
