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 Stone Motif Fri 18 Sep 2020, 10:10 pm

Big mistake was throwing in the untested midfield. You can't just throw a team out because they are 'internationals'. Team needs to work as a team first.

by mikey_dragon Fri 18 Sep 2020, 10:41 pm

Either that or it just shows Tompkins still isn’t a good defender. And to cut him some slack, he was opposite Radrada.

by Stone Motif Fri 18 Sep 2020, 10:46 pm

Yeah fair he can make a monkey out of anyone

by **RiscaGame** Sat 19 Sep 2020, 2:35 am

Stone Motif wrote:Big mistake was throwing in the untested midfield. You can't just throw a team out because they are 'internationals'. Team needs to work as a team first.

Can’t use two derbies as friendlies and then ignore our better players like Basham. Ryan messed up.

by Guest Sat 19 Sep 2020, 8:15 am

Tough result but to be expected. Could have been worse.

by Guest Sat 19 Sep 2020, 8:22 am

by mikey_dragon Sat 19 Sep 2020, 9:30 am

Pivac was there, with one eye on Sheedy I’m sure. I can’t see Sheedy declaring for Wales right now though, I think he wants to keep his options open for a little longer. Hewitt in fine form again and has to be a Wales squad selection - hopefully he doesn’t get injured this time.

by mikey_dragon Sun 20 Sep 2020, 3:58 pm

Just thought I’d warn you all lads. Don’t post any comments because “dragons bias” is back and he/she has had a few beers. Forum down the pan for a few weeks then.

by Stone Motif Sun 20 Sep 2020, 9:19 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:Just thought I’d warn you all lads. Don’t post any comments because “dragons bias” is back and he/she has had a few beers. Forum down the pan for a few weeks then.

I can feel Ollie Griffiths shrinking as I type

by PhilBB Wed 23 Sep 2020, 9:36 am

Well, that went nicely to plan.

by Stone Motif Thu 24 Sep 2020, 7:53 am

PhilBB wrote:Well, that went nicely to plan.

Yep. A fart to a sh7t fight really - a bit like that wind up attempt in some ways.

by PhilBB Thu 24 Sep 2020, 10:40 am

Stone Motif wrote:
PhilBB wrote:Well, that went nicely to plan.

Yep. A fart to a sh7t fight really - a bit like that wind up attempt in some ways.

It's not a wind up. It's my genuine opinion.

by Stone Motif Thu 24 Sep 2020, 11:07 am

PhilBB wrote:
Stone Motif wrote:
PhilBB wrote:Well, that went nicely to plan.

Yep. A fart to a sh7t fight really - a bit like that wind up attempt in some ways.

It's not a wind up. It's my genuine opinion.

Fair enough. Ryan messed up putting a 'new' side out given the likelihood of Bristol having at least one untouchable period in the match. They can have those against any team though.

by Guest Thu 24 Sep 2020, 1:07 pm

PhilBB wrote:
Stone Motif wrote:
PhilBB wrote:Well, that went nicely to plan.

Yep. A fart to a sh7t fight really - a bit like that wind up attempt in some ways.

It's not a wind up. It's my genuine opinion.

Other than hiding behind 'wElL tHaT'S mY oPiNiOn' how are you not winding up? What was the plan? How did it go nicely?

by PhilBB Thu 24 Sep 2020, 1:28 pm

rugby racing and beer wrote:
PhilBB wrote:
Stone Motif wrote:
PhilBB wrote:Well, that went nicely to plan.

Yep. A fart to a sh7t fight really - a bit like that wind up attempt in some ways.

It's not a wind up. It's my genuine opinion.

Other than hiding behind 'wElL tHaT'S mY oPiNiOn' how are you not winding up? What was the plan? How did it go nicely?

Because it was lovely to see the Dragons thumped.

If people are 'wound up' by that then they really need to re-evaluate their thought processes.

by Stone Motif Thu 24 Sep 2020, 2:59 pm

I don't think anyone bit enough to have to take such drastic steps as regards their thought processes. For me I'm just looking forward in equal measure to seeing some of the powerhouse Cardiff performances we can be sure are to come over the coming season.

by Guest Fri 25 Sep 2020, 5:57 pm

Yes it seems odd to be gloating about the Dragons considering the Blues aren't much better. The Dragons look like a proper team for the first time in a decade. The Blues have brought in a lot of big names but most of them will probably not see too much action as they'll be with Team Wales for most of the season given how many internationals we have to get through just to break even. I expect the Dragons will take a few hidings in Europe next season but it could prove invaluable in seeing some players rising to the occasion instead of treading water in defeat like they have been. Bristol are one of the strongest teams in Europe. There will be better days and easier opponents.

by PhilBB Tue 29 Sep 2020, 4:25 pm

Stone Motif wrote:I don't think anyone bit enough to have to take such drastic steps as regards their thought processes. For me I'm just looking forward in equal measure to seeing some of the powerhouse Cardiff performances we can be sure are to come over the coming season.

As I'm a grown up, I'm equally able to criticise such performances.

It's only children who think "you can't criticise my club because you support an inferior/equally garbage club", after all.

by PhilBB Tue 29 Sep 2020, 4:26 pm

rugby racing and beer wrote:Yes it seems odd to be gloating about the Dragons considering the Blues aren't much better. The Dragons look like a proper team for the first time in a decade. The Blues have brought in a lot of big names but most of them will probably not see too much action as they'll be with Team Wales for most of the season given how many internationals we have to get through just to break even. I expect the Dragons will take a few hidings in Europe next season but it could prove invaluable in seeing some players rising to the occasion instead of treading water in defeat like they have been. Bristol are one of the strongest teams in Europe. There will be better days and easier opponents.

"A lot of big names"

No, they haven't.

by Guest Tue 29 Sep 2020, 9:19 pm

PhilBB wrote:
rugby racing and beer wrote:Yes it seems odd to be gloating about the Dragons considering the Blues aren't much better. The Dragons look like a proper team for the first time in a decade. The Blues have brought in a lot of big names but most of them will probably not see too much action as they'll be with Team Wales for most of the season given how many internationals we have to get through just to break even. I expect the Dragons will take a few hidings in Europe next season but it could prove invaluable in seeing some players rising to the occasion instead of treading water in defeat like they have been. Bristol are one of the strongest teams in Europe. There will be better days and easier opponents.

"A lot of big names"

No, they haven't.

I know it's been cold but we're not quite in pantomime season.

"Oh yes they have..!"

by Stone Motif Wed 30 Sep 2020, 8:00 am

PhilBB wrote:
Stone Motif wrote:I don't think anyone bit enough to have to take such drastic steps as regards their thought processes. For me I'm just looking forward in equal measure to seeing some of the powerhouse Cardiff performances we can be sure are to come over the coming season.

As I'm a grown up, I'm equally able to criticise such performances.

It's only children who think "you can't criticise my club because you support an inferior/equally garbage club", after all.

You can do whatever you want. I'm not particularly bothered who you criticise or don't. You can look back through my last couple of posts and decide whether I'm critical of my own team.

It's only children who think "I have to win the Internet" after all.

by **RiscaGame** Thu 01 Oct 2020, 12:33 pm

Dragons (v Leinster Rugby): Will Talbot-Davies, Jonah Holmes, Nick Tompkins, Jamie Roberts, Ashton Hewitt, Sam Davies, Rhodri Williams (c); Brok Harris, Elliot Dee, Aaron Jarvis, Joe Davies, Joe Maksymiw, Aaron Wainwright, Harrison Keddie, Ross Moriarty

Replacements: Richard Hibbard, Conor Maguire, Lloyd Fairbrother, Matthew Screech, Taine Basham, Tavis Knoyle, Josh Lewis, Adam Warren

Great to see Jarvis available. Wonder why Bateman hasn’t featured yet? I was speaking to somebody the other day, who was full of praise for Keddie against Bristol, so I guess it’s no surprise he starts again.

by mikey_dragon Thu 01 Oct 2020, 12:58 pm

Looks fairly decent on paper, but can't help think that we might be still be lacking on the conditioning front. Our forwards were well off the pace against Bristol. If Bateman, Brown and Jordan Williams are fit, they start for me.

by Stone Motif Thu 01 Oct 2020, 2:08 pm

Quite like the new kit

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu 01 Oct 2020, 2:36 pm

It's not the second string we're playing either, so it's likely to be a bit of a hiding.

I really like the new home shirt, and I do like a Doom Bar, but I've never been a fan of teal.

Leinster: Hugo Keenan; Jordan Larmour, Garry Ringrose, Ciarán Frawley, James Lowe; Johnny Sexton (capt), Jamison Gibson-Park; Ed Byrne, Rónan Kelleher, Michael Bent, Scott Fardy, James Ryan, Rhys Ruddock, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan.

Replacements: Seán Cronin, Cian Healy, Andrew Porter, Ryan Baird, Max Deegan, Luke McGrath, Ross Byrne, Tommy O'Brien.

by **RiscaGame** Thu 01 Oct 2020, 2:55 pm

I was going to post the Leinster team, but it scared me too much haha.

I like both kits. Looking forward to seeing the other new kit tomorrow against Leinster. Judging by the training range matching our playing kit colours, it could well be red.

I actually really like the playing socks this season too, as they're not plain at least.

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu 01 Oct 2020, 3:02 pm

It's nice that we get the Saracens backlash game.

by **RiscaGame** Thu 01 Oct 2020, 3:31 pm

Yeah, but they get the Bristol one too, so they can look out laughing

by **RiscaGame** Thu 01 Oct 2020, 6:06 pm

Looks like I am wrong on the kit colour, judging by the teaser Dragons have just released Very Happy

by mikey_dragon Thu 01 Oct 2020, 9:02 pm

Is Hewitt starting again? Aww dear, you have to be pretty sh*t to do Piatau in a one V one...

by mikey_dragon Fri 02 Oct 2020, 9:53 pm

Hewitt is good again tonight. Also are we at the point where Basham is better than Wainwright? I think we could be.

by Stone Motif Fri 02 Oct 2020, 11:10 pm

rugby racing and beer wrote:
mikey_dragon wrote:Hewitt is good again tonight. Also are we at the point where Basham is better than Wainwright? I think we could be.

I've seen some proper twaddle in my time on here but these are proper, proper gems. Cheered me right up lol

by mikey_dragon Fri 02 Oct 2020, 11:41 pm

Are we going to have to put up with this chump all season? He’s in here sticking the boot in after every game so far. Should have taken the hint 3 accounts ago Rolling Eyes

.

by **BigGee** Sat 03 Oct 2020, 10:20 am

I have removed some posts that look purely designed to antagonise other posters. Please consider what the thread is about and respect other posters

by mikey_dragon Sat 03 Oct 2020, 12:50 pm

Stone Motif wrote:
rugby racing and beer wrote:
mikey_dragon wrote:Hewitt is good again tonight. Also are we at the point where Basham is better than Wainwright? I think we could be.

I've seen some proper twaddle in my time on here but these are proper, proper gems. Cheered me right up lol

Can I be honest... I expected Wainwright as one of our 'senior' members to step up to the challenge of Leinster, but I didn't think he was great in the first half. He did improve in the second half though. I rate Basham as our best flanker anyway. He has a good all-round game, physical and always in your face. Never takes a backwards step even against the opposition front-row players. Future captain for us for sure. I don't see what we gain by having him on the bench tbh.

Also a word on Jarvis, I half expected him to get injured. Him and Bev haven't been good signings. Any Saffa props looking for work?

by Guest Sat 03 Oct 2020, 2:03 pm

BigGee wrote:I have removed some posts that look purely designed to antagonise other posters. Please consider what the thread is about and respect other posters

Come on BigGee, you can't just go around calling people names and not have those removed as well.

It's my honest opinion that a rugby player is overrated. That's it. That's not that contentious.

by Luckless Pedestrian Mon 05 Oct 2020, 4:18 pm

If we can get back to the match, ultimately it was what you'd expect when one of the best sides in Europe plays, well, not one of the best sides in Europe. I probably would have taken 31-5 before the game, and even more so after it was 21-0.

What's promising for me is that we did make a better fist of it in the second half, and that's not to deny that Leinster knew the game was won by then. We seemed to be quicker in what we were doing (though not at Leinster's level in terms of speed of ball and options on it), and the move involving Jonah Holmes and Sam Davies deserved a try. It's also fair to say that in previous seasons, the wheels would have fallen off good and proper there, so credit where it's due.

Finally, I didn't feel as bad after this as I did after the Bristol game - although it's possible that that's largely down to when in each game the barrage of tries came.

by **RiscaGame** Mon 05 Oct 2020, 4:46 pm

We were never going to learn anything from either game. This next one is very important, especially given the corresponding fixture last season.

I expected 50 points. Weaker Leinster teams have beaten us more comfortably, but that’s not to say I consider it a plus as such that we only conceded 30 odd.

There needs to be a few changes this week. Shipp must be in the 23. Would love to see an injury update, to know what’s up with people like Bateman.

by Luckless Pedestrian Mon 05 Oct 2020, 5:02 pm

Yeah the lineouts really went to pot.

by mikey_dragon Mon 05 Oct 2020, 8:35 pm

Yeah lineout throwing was poor from Dee, he's putting his international squad place at risk. Joe Davies defended well, but is there any reason why he can't carry effectively?

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 06 Oct 2020, 11:15 am

mikey_dragon wrote:Yeah lineout throwing was poor from Dee, he's putting his international squad place at risk.

You called it.

by mikey_dragon Tue 06 Oct 2020, 12:13 pm

Prior to that game I did think he regressed a bit. Owens and Elias are good, Parry has shown good form for a while and Dewi Lake shows a lot of promise. Time for Dee to up his game. I'm also glad that we have him and Bateman during this window though, we need to target a few games here.

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu 08 Oct 2020, 12:15 pm

Dragons (v Zebre Rugby): Jordan Williams, Jonah Holmes, Nick Tompkins, Jamie Roberts, Ashton Hewitt, Sam Davies, Rhodri Williams (c); Brok Harris, Elliot Dee, Leon Brown, Joe Davies, Matthew Screech, Harrison Keddie, Taine Basham, Ross Moriarty

Replacements: Richard Hibbard, Greg Bateman, Aaron Jarvis, Joe Maksymiw, Ben Fry, Tavis Knoyle, Josh Lewis, Adam Warren

Still no Ellis Shipp. Is he injured?

by **RiscaGame** Thu 08 Oct 2020, 1:00 pm

That's about as first choice as we can offer? Bateman will be a starter soon enough, as will Wainwright normally.

Very annoying about Shipp. Dragons seem to have knocked the injury announcements on the head again.

by mikey_dragon Thu 08 Oct 2020, 1:41 pm

We're not the type of team who's able to carry a past it Hibbard. Shipp has to be starter during the international windows, hopefully they're just saving him. Wonder if Huw will come into the team at blind-side then, with Keddie at 8.

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu 08 Oct 2020, 2:33 pm

We really can't be losing games like this. There's a degree of feel-good factor around, largely because of the new signings, but the best we've managed so far is a draw against 14 men.

by **RiscaGame** Thu 08 Oct 2020, 2:40 pm

I think Fry will be next in line, tbh. I though that before he made the bench this week, as Dean spoke highly of him.

I have a feeling we will lose, although we shouldn't do. Realistically, we shouldn't lose many at home.

by PhilBB Tue 13 Oct 2020, 10:18 am

No comment on the Zebre game?

They didn't play too well overall but they did show flashes of the speed at which they want to play.

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 13 Oct 2020, 11:03 am

Ultimately, it was as good as it needed to be for a bonus-point win against the opponents in question, and no Dragons supporter is ever going to get too sniffy about a bonus-point win. But what's encouraging is that no one seems overly happy about it, fans, players and coaches alike.

Roberts is invaluable for his ability to get over the gain line, that's something we've lacked for so long.

The best sides can play at pace without rushing, and we're still in the rushing stage of our development. I'm fairly confident we'll improve on that front and that the composure will come.

During the match, I recalled the game against either Zebre or Treviso at Rodney Parade a few seasons ago, opening game of the season; we led 13 - 0 at half time, and that's how it finished. Boos rang out around the ground. It's important to remember where we were when assessing where we are. Plus we lost to Zebre at home last season. (On my birthday.)

by **RiscaGame** Tue 13 Oct 2020, 11:42 am

It was a pretty good win. To get a BP was great, for not playing well. I obviously didn't expect much the day before.

Jamie Roberts' carry for our first try was brilliant. I watched that back a few times. Hard to know what to make of it really overall. A few supporters got a bit giddy with it on FB and there was the usual block on saying everything wasn't as great as it may have appeared. I honestly thought I had discussed it on here though Laugh

That game was Zebre aye. I remember that well, as I was speaking to Tovey outside the ground about it and people weren't happy. To be fair, they were pure damage limitation that night.

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