Edinburgh V Dragons

by **RDW** Mon 09 Sep 2013, 9:17 pm

First topic message reminder :

Edinburgh Rugby V Newport Gwent Dragons

Friday 13th September 2013, KO 19:45
Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh

Referee: [TBC]
Assistant Referees: [TBC]
Citing Commissioner: [TBC]
TMO: [TBC]

A. Teams:

Edinburgh cuppa

15 Greig Tonks

14 Nikki Walker

13 Dougie Fife

12 Nick De Luca

11 Tim Visser

10 Harry Leonard

9 Sean Kennedy

1 Alasdair Dickinson

2 Ross Ford CAPTAIN

3 Willem Nel

4 Grant Gilchrist

5 Izak van der Westhuizen

6 Dimitri Basilaia

7 Roddy Grant

8 David Denton

Substitutes

16 Aleki Luitui

17 Wicus Blaauw

18 Geoff Cross

19 Sean Cox

20 Hamish Watson

21 Sam Hidalgo-Clyne

22 Michael Tait

23 Jack Cuthbert

Dragons Wales

Dan Evans, Matthew Pewtner, Pat Leach, Jack Dixon, Hallam Amos, Jason Tovey, Richie Rees; Owen Evans, T.Rhys Thomas (c), Dan Way, Adam Jones, Matthew Screech, Lewis Evans, Nic Cudd, Netani Talei.

B. Form - head to head:

22 Played 22
8 Wins 13
1 Draws 1
45 Tries 49
36 Conversions 30
43 Penalties 46
0 Drop Goals 3
426 Points 452
25 Avg. Age 25

C. Form - last season:

Dragons 32 - Edinburgh 12

Edinburgh 31 - Dragons 24

by Guest Thu 12 Sep 2013, 1:46 pm

I thought he was named in the extended squad that had every available player named in it.

by munkian Thu 12 Sep 2013, 1:47 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Is Adam Hughes injured? He didn't feature against Ulster either.

I'm not sure, I think he played against Baarf ?

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu 12 Sep 2013, 1:55 pm

He did, which is why I don't understand why he hasn't featured in the league yet.

by munkian Thu 12 Sep 2013, 2:02 pm

Bit odd. Want him playing centre regularly

by justified sinner Thu 12 Sep 2013, 2:15 pm

That Embra 23 seems to be missing 10 cover. What do we do if Leonard has to go off?

SHC - we seem to want to use him at 9 not 10, but think he has played there
Fife -I think he's played sometime there, but really a 13 / wing.
Tait - another centre / wing I think, but don't know much about him

Any other thoughts?

by **RDW** Thu 12 Sep 2013, 2:19 pm

It'll be Tonks as 10 cover. We don't have a Richie Vernon utility player equivalent!

by justified sinner Thu 12 Sep 2013, 2:27 pm

Sorry forgot about Tonks, silly me. Was starting to think Cuthbert and sweating over my French lunch. Maison Bleu in Victoria St, very good and great value. House red is pleasant as well.

by **RDW** Thu 12 Sep 2013, 2:30 pm

Tonks was 10 cover on a number of ocasions last season - can't remember him ever being called into action though. He's got a big boot and can tackle - will fill in nicely if required. We're kind of stuffed for goal kickers though if Leonard goes off!

by munkian Thu 12 Sep 2013, 2:33 pm

Note to Talei, target Leonard chin

by justified sinner Thu 12 Sep 2013, 2:33 pm

That'll be Tonks again then, seem to recall him taking a few long range shots last season. Or maybe Basil has another string to his bow?

by **RDW** Thu 12 Sep 2013, 2:48 pm

munkian wrote:Note to Talei, target Leonard

TO be fair, all he needs to do is run towards someone in an Edinburgh shirt and he'll do pretty well for himself.

by funnyExiledScot Thu 12 Sep 2013, 2:49 pm

I'd give the kicking duties to Nel - he can do everything else (and it would be funny...)!

It's going to be horrible watching Talei playing against us.

by munkian Thu 12 Sep 2013, 2:57 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:
munkian wrote:Note to Talei, target Leonard
TO be fair, all he needs to do is run towards someone in an Edinburgh shirt and he'll do pretty well for himself.

Stop jinxing it ! We are the underdogs mun censored

#ClashoftheShiteUns

by **RDW** Thu 12 Sep 2013, 3:00 pm

It is more based on the fact that last week Munster seemed to always get over the gainline and always had their hands free to offload – our tackling wasn’t great. Talei is one of the strongest ball carriers and off loaders in the league – if we have the same tackling performance as last week he is going to run rampant!

by **George Carlin** Thu 12 Sep 2013, 3:14 pm

munkian wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:
munkian wrote:Note to Talei, target Leonard
TO be fair, all he needs to do is run towards someone in an Edinburgh shirt and he'll do pretty well for himself.
Stop jinxing it ! We are the underdogs mun

#ClashoftheShiteUns

by munkian Thu 12 Sep 2013, 3:15 pm

In comparison, we didn't look like scoring last week but our defensive was pretty solid

by munkian Thu 12 Sep 2013, 3:16 pm

Must confess, ClashoftheShiteuns was coined by a Bath fan mate of mine when they played the Dragons Wink

by funnyExiledScot Thu 12 Sep 2013, 3:20 pm

munkian wrote:Must confess, ClashoftheShiteuns was coined by a Bath fan mate of mine when they played the Dragons

There does seem a common denominator here.....

I rarely have positive expectations as an Edinburgh fan, but I'm really pleased with that starting XV and accordingly I'm going to back us to win....

I should know better really....

by **George Carlin** Thu 12 Sep 2013, 3:21 pm

And for all the banter from the Scottish posters, we had to steal the description of Matawalu as 'the Weegie from Fiji' from a writer at the Herald. Still don't know how we didn't think of it first.

by maestegmafia Thu 12 Sep 2013, 4:02 pm

Dragons Injury Update from Head Physiotherapist, Ben Searle “Lewis Robling is progressing really well, hopefully he will be back before the end of the month this is the same with Steffan Jones, he is progressing very well and should be back in training in a few weeks. So it’s great to see they are both ahead of schedule.
“Darren Waters is still a way off but he is progressing well and Ashley Smith, Wayne Evans and Tom Prydie should all come back into training next week.”

by **RDW** Thu 12 Sep 2013, 4:08 pm

It would be good if Edinburgh gave as detailed injury updates as that - we had to wait 6 months before even hearing Ross Rennie was injured!

by munkian Thu 12 Sep 2013, 4:08 pm

Good to know Maes, good to know.

I wonder where Hughes is though

by Guest Thu 12 Sep 2013, 4:20 pm

Just not selected I think. He has been named in both extended squads to the best of my knowledge, so must be available for selection.

by Guest Thu 12 Sep 2013, 4:23 pm

He has indeed. I just find it a bit strange that Pewtner comes straight into the team. I don't particularly rate him and there are other options available. Maybe they want some gas v Visser, but I'd rather have somebody like Wardle or Hughes who are pacy enough and could also cause Visser some strife (as he ain't got a rep as a good defender, as far as I remember).

by GavinDragon Thu 12 Sep 2013, 4:53 pm

I would rather Hughes but obviously Lyn is seeing something in him not to pick him.

by the_oncoming_storm Thu 12 Sep 2013, 5:20 pm

Looking forward to this one, I've a feeling it could be a high scoring affair (at least I hope so, having just binned my trip to the Paisley Beer Festival).

The Edinburgh team looks pretty decent, although I'm not looking forward to seeing Talei in opposition colours.

Has there been any news on how long Laidlaw's expected to be out?

by **RDW** Thu 12 Sep 2013, 5:22 pm

Laidlaw was 4-6 weeks, same Matt Scott

by munkian Thu 12 Sep 2013, 7:08 pm

Adam Hughes tweeted me back, not injured, just waiting for a game, guess Lynn is just rotating the squad a bit

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu 12 Sep 2013, 8:16 pm

the_oncoming_storm wrote:Has there been any news on how long Laidlaw's expected to be out?

I didn't spot that Greig Laidlaw's out. That's quite a blow to Edinburgh, surely?

(Cue his replacement having a stormer tomorrow...!)

by Majestic83 Thu 12 Sep 2013, 9:43 pm

was speaking to my insider at Edinburgh earlier on today and apparently Edinburgh could be in a bit of an injury crisis at fly half. Gregor Hunter is out for the season, Piers Francis injury looks long term leaving just leonard to cover 10. What I was told was that Edinburgh are looking to bring in another 2 inside backs, probably a 10 and 12 but possibly 2 10s!

by **RDW** Thu 12 Sep 2013, 9:46 pm

That's worrying news. Especially if it means Laidlaw has to move to 10.

A couple of 10/12 would be good - no point getting two specialist 10s

Also - no journeymen please. That might be wishful thinking at this stage of the season though.

by maestegmafia Thu 12 Sep 2013, 11:37 pm

Which one is Pewtner...? I don't remember him

by Guest Thu 12 Sep 2013, 11:49 pm

7s player mostly.

by maestegmafia Fri 13 Sep 2013, 7:57 am

Risca Rev wrote:7s player mostly.

Cheers, I recognised the name but I dont remember seeing him play. Is he any good?

Strange to see Hughes not in for Leech... Can't think why. He is a good defender and fantastic in attack, great pace too. Rees for Evans isn't a call I would have made either.

Good to see Toby on the bench, despite his lack of fitness according to Jones

by munkian Fri 13 Sep 2013, 8:38 am

I messaged Hughes and he said he's just waiting for game time, he's not injured. Hope the Jone's aren't thinking of playing Gatland ball and consider Hughes too small

by maestegmafia Fri 13 Sep 2013, 9:10 am

munkian wrote:I messaged Hughes and he said he's just waiting for game time, he's not injured. Hope the Jone's aren't thinking of playing Gatland ball and consider Hughes too small

Hard to know with Lyn...! The Ospreys and Neath under his leadership could play an open game, but he was quite structured last few seasons at Old Deer Park...

That said Leech is hardly a monster centre and Hughes doesn't lack for anything in ability... It could just be that it is early in the season and he doesnt want to change a winning team... That Ulster win was a great start to the year...!!!

by **George Carlin** Fri 13 Sep 2013, 9:32 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:That's worrying news. Especially if it means Laidlaw has to move to 10.

A couple of 10/12 would be good - no point getting two specialist 10s

Also - no journeymen please. That might be wishful thinking at this stage of the season though.

if we really have a 10 crisis then this is a great test of how bold Solomons and the SRU is willing to be in recruitment. If they need an experienced general, then I would love to see Demetri Catrakilis dropped in there from Solomons' old team. I know he's'under contract to WP but could be bought out.

If Heathcote clearly looks set to be marginalised at Barf then offering him starts every week must look very attractive right now. Are players Heineken Cup-tied to clubs yet? That would have to be a huge bearing on whom you would choose.

Now the Super season and Rugby Championship are nearing close, how much would it cost to ge Matt Toomua over here on loan for a season?

by Guest Fri 13 Sep 2013, 10:37 am

"(Outside centre) Pat Leach is a our main leader in defence, he's a bright boy and I think he will be able to read it. If you can stop them going out wide then you are always in with a chance."

Explains more about Leach. I'm not saying I don't rate him, I just think he and Dixon are fairly similar players.

by munkian Fri 13 Sep 2013, 11:08 am

maestegmafia wrote:
munkian wrote:I messaged Hughes and he said he's just waiting for game time, he's not injured. Hope the Jone's aren't thinking of playing Gatland ball and consider Hughes too small
Hard to know with Lyn...! The Ospreys and Neath under his leadership could play an open game, but he was quite structured last few seasons at Old Deer Park...

That said Leech is hardly a monster centre and Hughes doesn't lack for anything in ability... It could just be that it is early in the season and he doesnt want to change a winning team... That Ulster win was a great start to the year...!!!

Very true. Would've been nice to have him on the bench though, much prefer him to Harris

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 13 Sep 2013, 11:16 am

Risca Rev wrote:"(Outside centre) Pat Leach is a our main leader in defence, he's a bright boy and I think he will be able to read it. If you can stop them going out wide then you are always in with a chance."

Explains more about Leach. I'm not saying I don't rate him, I just think he and Dixon are fairly similar players.

In fairness, our defence was vastly improved against Ulster. They made the odd break, but that was it.

One thing I want to see but doubt I will is us challenging on the opponent's throw, especially if they have a lineout in our 22. I can understand that they want to have everyone in position to defend against the rolling maul, but wouldn't it be an idea to disrupt their throw and possibly stop them from being able to get a maul going at all?

by munkian Fri 13 Sep 2013, 11:31 am

If Courtney Lawes is attempting to be 'intelligent' in the lineout then we should at least give it a go Wink

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 13 Sep 2013, 11:50 am

Was he sin-binned in Northampton's opening league game, or did I imagine it?

by munkian Fri 13 Sep 2013, 12:01 pm

Would not put it past him

by funnyExiledScot Fri 13 Sep 2013, 12:39 pm

George Carlin wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:That's worrying news. Especially if it means Laidlaw has to move to 10.

A couple of 10/12 would be good - no point getting two specialist 10s

Also - no journeymen please. That might be wishful thinking at this stage of the season though.
if we really have a 10 crisis then this is a great test of how bold Solomons and the SRU is willing to be in recruitment. If they need an experienced general, then I would love to see Demetri Catrakilis dropped in there from Solomons' old team. I know he's'under contract to WP but could be bought out.

If Heathcote clearly looks set to be marginalised at Barf then offering him starts every week must look very attractive right now. Are players Heineken Cup-tied to clubs yet? That would have to be a huge bearing on whom you would choose.

Now the Super season and Rugby Championship are nearing close, how much would it cost to ge Matt Toomua over here on loan for a season?

Heathcote would be an excellent recruit from a Scotland and Edinburgh perspective. I suspect Bath would want to keep him though. It's only a matter of time before Henson disgraces himself in public or opts to miss the Christmas fixtures in order to perform Panto, and George Ford can't play every game.

A loan of Finn Russell could be an option. Glasgow have Jackson, Weir and Wight in addition to Russell, whereas Edinburgh only have Leonard. Seems like a good opportunity for Russell to get some rugby. The worst outcome for me is that Laidlaw moves back to 10.

by **RDW** Fri 13 Sep 2013, 12:42 pm

The Scotsman this morning suggested Francis was out for weeks, not months.

It also said Solomons was needing to strengthen the back row, then straight away said that former Edinburgh player Talei will be lining up for the Dragons! Great joined up thinking by the SRU.

by IanBru Fri 13 Sep 2013, 12:46 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:
A loan of Finn Russell could be an option. Glasgow have Jackson, Weir and Wight in addition to Russell, whereas Edinburgh only have Leonard. Seems like a good opportunity for Russell to get some rugby. The worst outcome for me is that Laidlaw moves back to 10.

You keep yer filthy mitts off my mate's sister!!

by funnyExiledScot Fri 13 Sep 2013, 12:50 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:The Scotsman this morning suggested Francis was out for weeks, not months.

GC - time to get your hired thugs back on the case. The 500 bucks was supposed to rule him out until Christmas.....

by **RDW** Fri 13 Sep 2013, 12:50 pm

IanBru wrote:
funnyExiledScot wrote:
A loan of Finn Russell could be an option. Glasgow have Jackson, Weir and Wight in addition to Russell, whereas Edinburgh only have Leonard. Seems like a good opportunity for Russell to get some rugby. The worst outcome for me is that Laidlaw moves back to 10.
You keep yer filthy mitts off my mate's sister!!

There's going to be some really confused people who haven't seen your earlier posts...!

by funnyExiledScot Fri 13 Sep 2013, 12:51 pm

IanBru wrote:
funnyExiledScot wrote:
A loan of Finn Russell could be an option. Glasgow have Jackson, Weir and Wight in addition to Russell, whereas Edinburgh only have Leonard. Seems like a good opportunity for Russell to get some rugby. The worst outcome for me is that Laidlaw moves back to 10.
You keep yer filthy mitts off my mate's sister!!

Sorry but it's just too tempting. She has a wonderful personality.

by **RDW** Fri 13 Sep 2013, 12:58 pm

The more likely scenario is when Meatball is fit again they give us Wight. picard

by Sponsored content