Dragons Vs. Ulster

First topic message reminder :

Venue: Rodney Parade, Newport
Date: Sunday, 8 March
Kick-off: 17:15

Referee: Dudley Phillips (IRFU)
Assistant Referees: Ben Whitehouse, Martyn Lewis (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: Gwyn Bowden (WRU)
TMO: Derek Bevan (WRU)


Newport Gwent Dragons: Geraint Rhys Jones; Tom Prydie, Jack Dixon, Ashley Smith, Hallam Amos, Dorian Jones, Jonathan Evans; Boris Stankovich, T. Rhys Thomas (c), Brok Harris, Andrew Coombs, Cory Hill, James Thomas, James Benjamin, Nick Crosswell.
Replacements: Rhys Buckley, Phil Price, Lloyd Fairbrother, Matthew Screech, Scott Matthews, Luc Jones, Carl Meyer, Ashton Hewitt.

Ulster: L Ludik; C Gilroy, D Cave (capt), M Stanley, M Allen, I Humphreys, R Pienaar; C Black, R Herring, W Herbst, D Tuohy, F Van der Merwe, I Henderson, C Ross, N Williams.
Replacements: J Andrew, A Warwick, B Ross, L Stevenson, R Diack, P Marshall, S Arnold, R Scholes.

For a lot of teams it is actually the squad players that can make or break the season. In some ways that makes the Pro12 relatively meritocratic as the more successful the team, the more players they are likely to give up internationally and that has the effect of evening out plenty of the games.

I actually like this system as it gives young and up and coming players the chance to show what they can do and potentially make the grade. I have been very impressed with the Glasgow youngsters that faced up to Munster in the second half of that game. It may be the making of some of them.

What does everyone think of Hendersons late charge on Jones couldnt see it properly from my seat but looked a yellow at least?

dragon4life wrote:What does everyone think of Hendersons late charge on Jones couldnt see it properly from my seat but looked a yellow at least?

Yellow for me if you mean the last ruck -the ball was long gone and he just dived into the ruck

I ment when our 10 cleared it and your 6 hit him late

And ref went to tmo

BigGee wrote:For a lot of teams it is actually the squad players that can make or break the season. In some ways that makes the Pro12 relatively meritocratic as the more successful the team, the more players they are likely to give up internationally and that has the effect of evening out plenty of the games.

I actually like this system as it gives young and up and coming players the chance to show what they can do and potentially make the grade. I have been very impressed with the Glasgow youngsters that faced up to Munster in the second half of that game. It may be the making of some of them.

Wales and Ireland have been the most successful teams of the last few years in the NH. I would say the Pro 12 has played a big part in this. Look where France are with their much vaunted kicking contest top 14? Italy has gone better too with the pro 12 even if that doesn't reflect on Treviso and Zebre's results. Least said about Scotland the better!

VinceWLB wrote:That handoff from Amos

Devereux-esque.

dragon4life wrote:What does everyone think of Hendersons late charge on Jones couldnt see it properly from my seat but looked a yellow at least?

Some refs wouldn't even have given a penalty but i could understand the decision in the light of Landman's act. Henderson could definitely have slowed down but he didn't hit Jones really hard to be honest.

BigGee wrote:For a lot of teams it is actually the squad players that can make or break the season. In some ways that makes the Pro12 relatively meritocratic as the more successful the team, the more players they are likely to give up internationally and that has the effect of evening out plenty of the games.

I actually like this system as it gives young and up and coming players the chance to show what they can do and potentially make the grade. I have been very impressed with the Glasgow youngsters that faced up to Munster in the second half of that game. It may be the making of some of them.

This is a good point. Often the dragons are urged to target the international periods as we have fewer call ups to the international game. But we have fewer call ups for a reason - our players are not as good! So in reality the call ups level the playing field to a certain extent and we get more competitive fixtures between the haves and the have nots at these times.

VinceWLB wrote:

The Saint wrote:That mishap between the centre's there was an absolute howler. Has there been a late change due to injury?

For me there was a man taken out which created the gap.

Yep

glamorganalun wrote:Just shown the replay yes Smith taken out, up to the Dragons captain to ask the question.

Not up to the captain at all. A TMO can alert a ref to look at possible foul play.

glamorganalun wrote:Amos did not want to kick as he keeps being charged down

What every kick? Such garbage

JmD wrote:Anyone has time to stop if you watch it in slow enough motion. Oh well, I'm sure he will be banned for 6 months.

Was a yellow minimum. Landman rightly got hung out to dry on here, so where's the reaction for a clear shoulder to the head? I remember some people saying about the big fuss being made about concussion etc, so I hope when I read on I see some balance.

The Saint wrote:Was he allowed to even take that quick lineout?

I said at the time it looked formed.

VinceWLB wrote:

dragon4life wrote:What does everyone think of Hendersons late charge on Jones couldnt see it properly from my seat but looked a yellow at least?

Some refs wouldn't even have given a penalty but i could understand the decision in the light of Landman's act. Henderson could definitely have slowed down but he didn't hit Jones really hard to be honest.

Landman didn't hit Carty hard and it went shoulder first, then head. But he rightly got red and a long ban for intent etc. Henderson knew what he was doing and should get around a 4 week ban.

Anyway, I was reading through. Hard lines Ulster supporters. I consider quite a few of your supporters, friends and I am still shocked we won today. Really surprised, no matter how poor Ulster were.

The Henderson one were the ref went to the TMO was well handled. He could have pulled out but it was a collision of bodies at no real pace. I don't know did he fly into a ruck dangerously so can't comment on it but the late hit was well dealt with and I would be astonished if anything came of it. 

The only danger of a YC for it was as a cumulative penalty which came the next one

Risca Rev wrote:

glamorganalun wrote:Just shown the replay yes Smith taken out, up to the Dragons captain to ask the question.

Not up to the captain at all. A TMO can alert a ref to look at possible foul play.

,

Smith must have known he was blocked and held he should have complained via the his captain they had nothing to lose, it was clear on the replay but not real time. The TMO don't always see incidents just like the late tackle on Jones, the crowd via ref highlighted that one.

I thought the Dragons were very good including the defence (always better when Smith plays) and a solid set play. Amos came into his own in the second half when the kicking stopped, he and the full back linked well for a cracking try.

Risca Rev wrote:

glamorganalun wrote:Amos did not want to kick as he keeps being charged down

What every kick? Such garbage

Don't tell me your heart was not in your mouth.

Well done to the Dragons. Only one winner on that field today. Almost all Ulster's senior players including Pienaar and Cave went missing and were lucky to come away with a LBP.

Griff wrote:It was great to see Hewitt drawing the tacklers before passing. Nothing special. Pretty simple in fact. Just something that seems to elude attacking teams a lot these days. He held the drift and allowed Amos the chance to split the two defenders and create the overlap.

It should be automatic for a player, but it isn't any more. Initially I was just shouting for him not to kick it, but then as you say he drew the man. A lot of players would have thrown the pass straightaway and cancelled out the space.

glamorganalun wrote:

Risca Rev wrote:

glamorganalun wrote:Amos did not want to kick as he keeps being charged down

What every kick? Such garbage

Don't tell me your heart was not in your mouth.

No, as I don't tend to watch players expecting them to make mistakes. Anyway, does he get charged down every kick as you suggest? Four charge downs out of how many kicks? Keeps happening aye

Standulstermen wrote:The Henderson one were the ref went to the TMO was well handled. He could have pulled out but it was a collision of bodies at no real pace. I don't know did he fly into a ruck dangerously so can't comment on it but the late hit was well dealt with and I would be astonished if anything came of it. 

The only danger of a YC for it was as a cumulative penalty which came the next one

From what I saw off the big screen it looked like a shoulder to the head. Granted I had a few Guinness on board, but it isn't easy to see our big screen always and it looked pretty clear. Happy to be proven wrong though.

glamorganalun wrote:

Risca Rev wrote:

glamorganalun wrote:Just shown the replay yes Smith taken out, up to the Dragons captain to ask the question.

Not up to the captain at all. A TMO can alert a ref to look at possible foul play.

,

Smith must have known he was blocked and held he should have complained via the his captain they had nothing to lose, it was clear on the replay but not real time. The TMO don't always see incidents just like the late tackle on Jones, the crowd via ref highlighted that one.

I thought the Dragons were very good including the defence (always better when Smith plays) and a solid set play. Amos came into his own in the second half when the kicking stopped, he and the full back linked well for a cracking try.

A TMO's job is surely to watch for foul play, or what do they do unless called upon? Just sit back and enjoy the game?

Don't think so risca. Saw it a few times and the contact was primarily torso on torso. If it had been more I think Phillips would have went for the yellow immediately but it was a fairly meaningless collision (albeit a late one).

As I said, our screen isn't easy to see so I'm more than happy to be proven wrong. I'm sure Dudley was on his best behaviour after the Leinster coach's views last night haha.

Did O'Connor have a moan too? Can't wait to hear Doaks thoughts

Risca Rev wrote:

Standulstermen wrote:The Henderson one were the ref went to the TMO was well handled. He could have pulled out but it was a collision of bodies at no real pace. I don't know did he fly into a ruck dangerously so can't comment on it but the late hit was well dealt with and I would be astonished if anything came of it. 

The only danger of a YC for it was as a cumulative penalty which came the next one

From what I saw off the big screen it looked like a shoulder to the head. Granted I had a few Guinness on board, but it isn't easy to see our big screen always and it looked pretty clear. Happy to be proven wrong though.

There was no contact to the head, he bumped into him. The contact was arms to torso. Any ban would be a mockery.

Standulstermen wrote:Don't think so risca. Saw it a few times and the contact was primarily torso on torso. If it had been more I think Phillips would have went for the yellow immediately but it was a fairly meaningless collision (albeit a late one).

Much ado about nowt, I would say. No intent other than a little nudge as a reminder and let's get back to the kicking tennis.

Risca Rev wrote:As I said, our screen isn't easy to see so I'm more than happy to be proven wrong. I'm sure Dudley was on his best behaviour after the Leinster coach's views last night haha.

Get rid of the huge tv screens I say.

JmD wrote:

Risca Rev wrote:

Standulstermen wrote:The Henderson one were the ref went to the TMO was well handled. He could have pulled out but it was a collision of bodies at no real pace. I don't know did he fly into a ruck dangerously so can't comment on it but the late hit was well dealt with and I would be astonished if anything came of it. 

The only danger of a YC for it was as a cumulative penalty which came the next one

From what I saw off the big screen it looked like a shoulder to the head. Granted I had a few Guinness on board, but it isn't easy to see our big screen always and it looked pretty clear. Happy to be proven wrong though.

There was no contact to the head, he bumped into him. The contact was arms to torso. Any ban would be a mockery.

Agreed, just late made to look worse as his arms were high but minimal contact. That was a costly mistake as it lead to a yellow a few minutes later.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:I'm not optimistic ahead of this game, but if I was, it wouldn't be groundless optimism. We scored three tries against Connacht despite being down to 14 men for most of the game (yes, I know we lost); we scored three tries against Zebre and had opportunities to score a fourth (yes, I know we lost). Our pack will give anyone a game and we have dangerous players in the backs.

In conclusion: an away win.

Just remembered. Up the three tries

Who was MOTM I was watching BBC2NI to get an unbiassed (maybe not) commentry?

James Thomas, our 6

Will Humphreys be cited for not using his arms in the tackle?

(probably not as he didn't use any other part of his body in the tackle either!)

Risca Rev wrote:

VinceWLB wrote:

dragon4life wrote:What does everyone think of Hendersons late charge on Jones couldnt see it properly from my seat but looked a yellow at least?

Some refs wouldn't even have given a penalty but i could understand the decision in the light of Landman's act. Henderson could definitely have slowed down but he didn't hit Jones really hard to be honest.

Landman didn't hit Carty hard and it went shoulder first, then head. But he rightly got red and a long ban for intent etc. Henderson knew what he was doing and should get around a 4 week ban.

I was at the game yesterday Risca, and as soon as I saw it i thought it should be a red.

The Great Aukster wrote:Will Humphreys be cited for not using his arms in the tackle?

(probably not as he didn't use any other part of his body in the tackle either!)

Also Risca, I was talking to one of the locals yesterday and I was commenting on how impressed I was with Jonathan Evans, and he told me that he was off to Bath next season, what the feck is going on there, is this true ?

Another citing coming for Ulster?

15 jail terms and a bench?

Season is going downhill fast.

LordDowlais wrote:Also Risca, I was talking to one of the locals yesterday and I was commenting on how impressed I was with Jonathan Evans, and he told me that he was off to Bath next season, what the feck is going on there, is this true ?

Bath are already getting an advance on their non-capping system that's coming in in about two years time.

LordDowlais wrote:Also Risca, I was talking to one of the locals yesterday and I was commenting on how impressed I was with Jonathan Evans, and he told me that he was off to Bath next season, what the feck is going on there, is this true ?

Darren Edwards is Bath backs coach. He's 'poached' Evans from his old club.

Griff wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:Also Risca, I was talking to one of the locals yesterday and I was commenting on how impressed I was with Jonathan Evans, and he told me that he was off to Bath next season, what the feck is going on there, is this true ?

Darren Edwards is Bath backs coach. He's 'poached' Evans from his old club.

So it's true then, the guy I was talking to said Dragons could not offer him the same amount as Bath were offereing him, this is getting rediculous now, we must not let young tallent like this slip from our regions.

LordDowlais wrote:we must not let young tallent like this slip from our regions.

Careful Lord!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

Don't be letting words slip from your tongue....they can be dangerous when slipping and sliding in dark regions of the mind

LordDowlais wrote:

Griff wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:Also Risca, I was talking to one of the locals yesterday and I was commenting on how impressed I was with Jonathan Evans, and he told me that he was off to Bath next season, what the feck is going on there, is this true ?

Darren Edwards is Bath backs coach. He's 'poached' Evans from his old club.

So it's true then, the guy I was talking to said Dragons could not offer him the same amount as Bath were offereing him, this is getting rediculous now, we must not let young tallent like this slip from our regions.

But will he get game time at Bath? It's a big gamble for him. But seeing as Bath just signed Matawalu then I imgaine he won't be first choice. Looking at their squad they also have Cook and Peter Stringer on the books, although perhpas someof them are leaving?

Peter Stringer is leaving for sure.

Munster should seriously take him back. He still has a lot to give. He'd yelp and bum slap those forwards into line in the absence of Murray.

Ulster should sign him!

I think he will go to Leinster as cover during the World Cup.

I don't care where he goes then as long as it's home. He's done long enough as an exile..................

But who'll buy George his ice cream?