Dragons players confused...

LordDowlais wrote:

Risca Rev wrote:

doctornickolas wrote:towards an academy that that in 10 years has barely produced a player of note let alone an international. I bow to thee and they greater knowledge.

I don't get why you and other supporters of other regions use this stick to beat us with all the time. There's always been a bit of anti Dragon in Gatland's thinking. Even players like Faletau, Lydiate and Coombs were stumbled across by accident, as Lydiate and Faletau should really have been capped sooner and Coombs was a pure last resort pick. It also isn't really our fault if players choose to follow the "culture" in France after they've been capped whilst they were with us or are forced to retire early (like Burner). Care to explain how a player like Jon Evans can play well enough all season and more importantly, outplay the current incumbent of the Welsh 9 shirt at least once doesn't get a look in? How players like Turnbull and McCusker warrant constant selection over Lewis Evans? For an academy that is doing pretty gash, we seem to have a few players in the U18s and 20s squads nowadays.

I would be disappointed if Tom Brown was saying this, but you can bet your bottom dollar if he was offered a contract with us in the summer, he'd snap the Dragons hand off. That's why any sane person would dismiss it as bitter ramblings.

I did like the way that we played under Turner, but I honestly think I would credit Charvis for our dog more than Turner. Appleyard is a joke. I'd liken it to a bloke in the military who thinks he's the mutts nuts, but when they're barking at you, you either try stifling your laughter or completely switch off.

I agree I am a big fan of Lewis Evans.

Risca Rev wrote:To be fair to him, he doesn't have to scrap on the floor so much now, as Cudd is doing everything. I wouldn't be surprised if his head is a bit gone after our season and the fact he's a captain, but a quick fix for that is Coombs for captain next season and let him just play.

Stone Motif wrote:Problem with Shanks is he's never had a run in one position. I think Dan Lydiate buggering off for his slice of culture will be a good thing for him, as I see him as a six. Obviously Lydiate's defence is up there with the best in the world but I'd say Lewis's all round game is better. He's one of the long list of players whose versatility has worked against him.

I fully agree captain hasn't suited him, at all. Can't see him continuing the role, as though I rate him as a player I'm not sure he's first choice in any of the back row positions anymore on form, especially depending where Talei fits in. He needs to get his head down and make the 6 position his own. The rest will take care of itself, he's got the ability.

GavinDragon wrote:stone I think I saw you laying responsibility for the heavy losses firmly at the players feet, so am i right to assume then that you think the DE and RA are getting the best out of this group of players?

GavinDragon wrote:i meant earlier in the thread. I was just wondering whether you think DE is up to the job....

I loved the way we played rugby under him in his first few games in charge we played what was in front of us, but since then I think he and we have shrunk under the pressure and we need someone who players will respect as i dont think the players do....

GavinDragon wrote:i meant earlier in the thread. I was just wondering whether you think DE is up to the job....

I loved the way we played rugby under him in his first few games in charge we played what was in front of us, but since then I think he and we have shrunk under the pressure and we need someone who players will respect as i dont think the players do....

Stone Motif wrote:

GavinDragon wrote:i meant earlier in the thread. I was just wondering whether you think DE is up to the job....

I loved the way we played rugby under him in his first few games in charge we played what was in front of us, but since then I think he and we have shrunk under the pressure and we need someone who players will respect as i dont think the players do....

You'd have to say no, but reading between the lines I don't think he was ever more than a stop gap, and to be fair Graham Henry would have looked a pleb coaching our rabble this season. Players always have to shoulder some of the blame, after that match against Glasgow some of them should be ashamed to call themselves professionals. In all though I'm convinced the board have gambled on sacrificing the playing side for a few seasons to get their house in order and break even after reinvesting in the ground. We're now seeing a turn back towards the playing side with some better than expected signings. He's got this season to prove himself, too expensive to fire him I just hope to god there's something about him because what happens post the end of the season with the end of the PA/HEC, we really do need to finish 3rd or better Welsh region this year. Pie in the sky thinking maybe but a reliable goal kicker alone would have seen us home in a few extra games and seen us double the Blues imo, plus the other regions will be hit hard in a Lions year. Bottom line for this season is though we've managed to break even or better fielding one of the worst sides ever to play pro rugby. Looks like Bluesman's One True Business tag wasn't far off...

Stone Motif wrote:Don't agree sorry, think the only iffy signing is the argie prop. As for the Blues, anyone of quality in that team is either going to be unavailable or one step away from being unavailable, and you're left with a Cardiff side with as little depth as I can remember seeing. If Pies hasn't got Jenkins and Rees on a retirement clause he's barking.