Newport Gwent Dragons v Glasgow Warriors, 23 February

Newport Gwent Dragons v Glasgow Warriors

23 February 2014
The Parade of the Dave
KO: 2.30pm.

Not on bloody telly

Referee: Matteo Liperini (FIR, 6th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Rhys Thomas, Martyn Lewis (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: Russell Howell (WRU)

A. Previous Meetings

22/11/13 - Glasgow Warriors 8 - 23 Newport Gwent Dragons

15/2/13 - Newport Gwent Dragons 3 - 60 Glasgow Warriors

2/11/12 - Glasgow Warriors 37 - 6 Newport Gwent Dragons

B. Form:

1	Munster	14	12	0	2	359	209	5	53
2	Leinster	14	10	1	3	325	222	8	50
3	Ospreys	14	9	1	4	375	233	7	45
4	Glasgow	12	10	0	2	204	168	1	41
5	Ulster	13	9	0	4	254	177	5	41
6	Scarlets	13	5	1	7	240	259	6	28
7	NG Dragons	13	5	0	8	228	241	4	24
8	Edinburgh	12	5	0	7	209	266	3	23
9	Cardiff Blues	14	4	1	9	273	355	5	23
10	Treviso	13	3	1	9	238	333	5	19
11	Connacht	14	3	0	11	182	287	5	17
12	Zebre	14	2	1	11	212	349	4	14

C. Teams:

1. Dragons

15 Rhys Jones
14 Matthew Pewtner
13 Pat Leach
12 Ashley Smith
11 Will Harries
10 Jason Tovey
9 Richie Rees

8 Lewis Evans
7 Nic Cudd
6 Jevon Groves
5 Cory Hill
4 Andrew Coombs (c)
3 Duncan Bell
2 T. Rhys Thomas
1 Owen Evans

Replacements: 
16 Hugh Gustafson
17 Phil Price
18 Bruce Douglas
19 Matthew Screech
20 Ieuan Jones
21 Wayne Evans
22 Dorian Jones
23 Ross Wardle

2. Warriors

15. Ruaridh Jackson
14. Lee Jones
13. Richie Vernon
12. Mark Bennett
11. Byron McGuigan
10. Finn Russell
9. Niko Matawalu

1. Jerry Yanuyanutawa
2. Dougie Hall
3. Mike Cusack
4. Leone Nakarawa
5. Jonny Gray
6. Rob Harley
7. Tyrone Holmes
8. Josh Strauss (Captain)

Substitutes

16. Fraser Brown
17. Gordon Reid
18. Jon Welsh
19. Tom Ryder
20. James Eddie
21. Henry Pyrgos
22. Folau Niua
23. Rory Hughes

Match Preview:

Newport Gwent Dragons only victory in their last five RaboDirect PRO12 matches came at home to Cardiff Blues on Boxing Day.

The Dragons have lost only twice at Rodney Parade in the PRO12 since last March, both against Irish Provinces - Leinster and Munster.
Glasgow Warriors' 27-20 victory at Cardiff on Saturday set a new record for successive away victories in the tournament - seven.

The Warriors have lost only one of their last eight visits to Wales in the PRO12: 6-29 at the Scarlets in April 2013.

Dragons were victorious 23-8 when they visited Scotstoun in round 8 but have not achieved a season's double over the Scotsmen since season 2006/07.

The Warriors are unbeaten in their last three visits to Rodney Parade in all tournaments.

If Finn Russell starts at 10, and Bennett starts at 13, then Glasgow will win comfortably.

funnyExiledScot wrote:If Finn Russell starts at 10, and Bennett starts at 13, then Glasgow will win comfortably.

If Finn Russell starts at 1 and Bennett starts at 3,then Glasgow will win comfortably  

Taffineastbourne wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:If Finn Russell starts at 10, and Bennett starts at 13, then Glasgow will win comfortably.

If Finn Russell starts at 1 and Bennett starts at 3,then Glasgow will win comfortably  

 

Dragons have a bit of a shortage in certain positions, apparently with Taz and Dan Evs being banned both fullback and tighthead are looking a bit bare

Will Andrew Coombs be released for this game?

Doubt it international.

An Italian ref again? Flip me.

I think Kingsley's boy will cover 15 (Rhys) and apparently he looked ok in the lv. I suspect Buck and Dan Way will cover tight head. One thing is for sure, I would not move Tovey back from ten as was mooted by the Argus.

Wouldn't make too many changes (bar the enforced ones on Amos, Chaparro and Talei) after a reasonable effort v Leinstuuuuuur. Think we will struggle here, especially after bloodying their noses somewhat at Scotstoun.

funnyExiledScot wrote:If Finn Russell starts at 10, and Bennett starts at 13, then Glasgow will win comfortably.

You mock, young scallywag, but yet again I will point out to you that the flyhalf that Russell kept out of the U20s last season will be facing Scotland in Rome - and neither is the player that Bennett is

I'd expect Reid, Hall, Welsh/Kalman, J Gray, Nakawara, Eddie, Harley, Strauss, Prygos, Russell, Hughes, Bennett, Vernon, Jones, Matawalu which is a good side.

If you haven't seen it already: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVmlrOaXtGU

Richie Vernon is looking (quite early stages) quite a good prospect.

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:If Finn Russell starts at 10, and Bennett starts at 13, then Glasgow will win comfortably.

You mock, young scallywag, but yet again I will point out to you that the flyhalf that Russell kept out of the U20s last season will be facing Scotland in Rome - and neither is the player that Bennett is was

I've fixed it for you. Surely Bennett is now over the hill?

What's the point you're making about Tommy Allan? That Italy have an even more dire selection of fly halves to choose from than we do?

What chance Cusack getting some game time after so long out?

Mike Cusack was supposed to turn out for The Hawks last week but the game was cancelled for weather reasons. Needs played back to fitness - I know he usually only lasts for 50 mins -ish but he destroys many a scrum in that time as you probably already know.

Coombs said hes hoping to play

21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:Mike Cusack was supposed to turn out for The Hawks last week but the game was cancelled for weather reasons.   Needs played back to fitness - I know he usually only lasts for 50 mins -ish but he destroys many a scrum in that time as you probably already know.

Wonder whether he is hawks bound again then or does Townsend gi've him a half. Given he's not match fit might not do that much around the pitch, but if he picks up where he left off in the scrum, who cares.

As someone(Schiz?) said if the Mighty Coo, he can't run the length of his jersey but my can he push. So match fitness isn't an issue in the same way it has been for Matt Scott in the last two Scotland games.

Cusack should be used as an impact sub in the first couple of games. Maybe give him 10 minutes to start with and work from here. He could make a real mess of a tiring opposition loosehead from the 65-70 minute period.

If Glasgow can get a dominant scrum going, then Matawalu should move back to 9. With front foot ball he is top class.

Be afraid, you Weegie Warriors

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/rugby/dragons/11025363.Dragons_set_to_be_boosted_by_Coombs_and_propping_pair_against_Glasgow/?ref=twt&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Why has Coombs been dropped from the Welsh squad altogether, Rev? He was one of the better performers in Dublin, I thought?

Cos Cement Head is a moron As I had heard he was one of the few who at least looked bothered.

Suits me just fine. I'd rather Coombs was with us than playing for that pile of guff, at the mo.

Risca Rev wrote:Be afraid, you Weegie Warriors

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/rugby/dragons/11025363.Dragons_set_to_be_boosted_by_Coombs_and_propping_pair_against_Glasgow/?ref=twt&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Bruce Douglas! God bless his aging socks.   

How long are they on loan for? And is Doughlas out of contract is he worth getting

Have seen Lewis Thiede playing for Scottish and he's not too bad for an inexperienced (relative) youngster

Can't be as bad as what we have already.

I wouldn't be surprised if these moves turned permanent.

My first thought as well, can't be as bad as the gash you have. The difference could be like night and day.

Worrying that Bruce Douglas only appeared 5 times for Bristol though but Lewis Thiede is from Doncaster as is Mike Cusack which can only be a good sign  

I'm going for Dragons by 8. We've got a couple of injuries, but have only 'lost' one to international call up (as long as Coombes isn't recalled). We beat Glasgow away (and we never win away) at a similar time of international conflict in the autumn, so at home and with Glasgow missing a fair few to Scotland I'm mildly confident. Plus, we've got a decent home record. Plus, we're much better this season under Lyn and Kingsley. The 50 point rout will not be repeated. No way!

Can Douglas and Thiede scrummage? The london scottish scrum has been going well this year from what ive seen and so has Bristol's so they cam't be that bad

Glasgow's away record is something else though. I expect them to win, but hopefully not that comfortably.

The thing to bear in mind is that Cusitter is in Italy with Rab C's merry band so when Pyrgos gets tired MadMacMatawalu will go to 9. He will either single- handedly destroy you or hand you the game on a plate. The thing is there's no knowing which until the teams are safely up the tunnel.

I think Dragons by 10 we have injuries and 1 international out (unless coombs is used) but we have a near full team whereas Glasgow don't. Saying thay all our fullbacks are out and tightheads and some key backrows.

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Why has Coombs been dropped from the Welsh squad altogether, Rev?  He was one of the better performers in Dublin, I thought?

I thought it was harsh to have been dropped altogether and think a bench spot with him covering 2nd row and blindside would have been a fair shout.

Am guessing that their line of thinking is Ball can cover 2nd row with Tipuric covering 7 and move Sam to 6 again.

Coombs isn't in the list of players that were officially released back to their Regions but maybe he will be released after the game on Friday, not ideal preperation for the Dragons though.

Dragons by 8 I reckon and hope.

If Ruairdh    Jackson starts, then I think it'll be a close game that could go either way. He would probably miss even if the goal posts covered the width of the pitch.

But if we go with Finn Russell > Jackson, James Eddie > Harley, J Gray > Ryder, then I think Glasgow can win this. But by under 10 points.

I think the pitch could have a big bearing. Newport County football who ground share with us had 5 games in a row cancelled; Drags v Edinburgh was cancelled last week; but County played on it the other night so it is playable. I reckon it could be pretty heavy which will affect running rugby (which Glasgow love). May play into our hands a bit, but not sure by how much.

I think the Glasgow pack should be able to handle a heavy pitch, they've had to adapt to that this season. The Glasgow pack is fairly strong, and they have Vernon out in the back who has only recently converted from the back row. Handy to have if the game is going to be attritional.

One solution to the issue of Jackson vs Russell could be to try Jackson at 15. Gives a handy kicking option from the back, plus it's hardly less risky than having Matawalu as the last line of defence.

I personally think Matawalu should stick to playing 9, and be used as an impact sub until the pitches and the weather improve.

I think Glasgow will win this, but I don't expect 5 points, and the Dragons could well pick up a LBP here.

Agree with most of what you say, FES. If it's a heavy pitch then keep the loose cannon on the bench. Our pack were massive in Caahdiff and should be pretty much unchanged for this week. Bennet- Vernon is looking pretty good and Jones might surprise a few people in the next couple of weeks.
A Warriors win.

Wow Cusack straight back at 3   

Dragons better watch out...

funnyExiledScot wrote:I think the Glasgow pack should be able to handle a heavy pitch, they've had to adapt to that this season. The Glasgow pack is fairly strong, and they have Vernon out in the back who has only recently converted from the back row. Handy to have if the game is going to be attritional.

One solution to the issue of Jackson vs Russell could be to try Jackson at 15. Gives a handy kicking option from the back, plus it's hardly less risky than having Matawalu as the last line of defence.

I personally think Matawalu should stick to playing 9, and be used as an impact sub until the pitches and the weather improve.

I think Glasgow will win this, but I don't expect 5 points, and the Dragons could well pick up a LBP here.

You feicin mind-reader! Or are you Toonie in disguise, fES?

Warriors: Jackson, Mcuigan, Vernon, Bennett, Jones, Russell, Matawalu, Strauss, Holmes, Harley, J Gray, Nakawara, Cusack, Hall, Yanuyanutawa

Rep Brown, Reid, Welsh, Ryder, Eddie, Prygos, Niua, Hughes

G    T could have played Mcuigan at FB and Hughes on the wing to avoid Jackson which I'd have gone for.

Great news that Russell is starting and showing young players can get some gametime. I take it he'll be kicking?

Pretty good Glasgow team that. There was no way that Russell couldn't start this weekend having completely outplayed Jackson in the last game.

I'm actually quite emotional about that selection as I genuinely thought I would never see Big Mike on a pitch ever again. You can only expect so much from someone who has been out for 14 months, but if he's even at 75% of what he was, expect the Dragons front row to feel like they're stuck in a vice.

Duncan Bell theformer england prop has signed for us for the rest of the season and wil start on Sunday

http://www.gloucestercitizen.co.uk/Duncan-Bell-signs-Newport-Gwent-Dragons/story-20676400-detail/story.html

Blimey, that is a really strong Glasgow team considering how many we have got away playing for Scotland. We can change the whole front row in the second half and it is hardly going to weaken us at all.

This is a game that is going to be won up front, the pitch down there cannot be in any kind of shape. That is one big bruising pack though, with plenty more to come off the bench. If the ball does come out though, there are plenty of line breakers out there as well.

I like what I am seeing!

dragon4life wrote:Duncan Bell theformer england prop has signed for us for the rest of the season and wil start on Sunday

They are going to need him!

Our scrum has been awful for years and years. More than awful. So Glasgow domination in this area will not be a surprise; it will be the expectation (from fans at least). But we still manage to win more than we lose at home despite this, so I don't think it will be the main factor on Sunday, although it's never great when you haven't got a platform and give away penalties and tries just due to a poor scrum.

Like GC I was surprised by the emotional response to seeing Mike Cusack in the starting line-up. Good on you, Coo-man.
Rolling Stones fans will notice we now have a front row of; Jerry,Hall, The Coo.  
It's a really strong front five and the bench looks tasty to say the least.
If we have to shuffle the backs around we could have problems, Jackson to 12 or Russell to 12? Can Fat Tony play 13?
Still we should mash them up front and there are linebreaks aplenty in that set of backs. Playing outside MadMata will be a test of young Russell's nerve.
Warriors to win, but can we get a TBP?

Jim, I think Fat Tony can play 12, 13 or 15, but I'd have to check.

Does he have any 15s experience for a club or is it just for the Eagles?

15 Rhys Jones, 14 Matthew Pewtner, 13 Pat Leach, 12 Ashley Smith, 11 Will Harries, 10 Jason Tovey, 9 Richie Rees, 8 Lewis Evans, 7 Nic Cudd, 6 Jevon Groves, 5 Cory Hill, 4 Andrew Coombs (c), 3 Duncan Bell, 2 T. Rhys Thomas, 1 Owen EvansReplacements: 16 Hugh Gustafson, 17 Phil Price, 18 Bruce Douglas, 19 Matthew Screech, 20 Ieuan Jones, 21 Wayne Evans, 22 Dorian Jones, 23 Ross Wardle.

Really happy to see Coo back in the mix. If he hasn't lost his mojo then I'll be looking forward to every knock on and forward pass, just for the ensuing scrum   

It will also be good to see both Russell and Niua showing what they can do.

Here's a thought; I count only 4 players in the 23 who are not Scottish or SQ( or well on the way to being). Considering it's an international weekend this bodes well for the future.