Newport Gwent Dragons 2016/17 thread

[Luckless Pedestrian]

First topic message reminder :

Seeing as no one else has set one up, I thought I'd start a 2016/17 season thread for the mighty Dragons.

The Dragons website doesn't have a straightforward list of the squad members, so the best I can do is a link to the page:

http://www.newportgwentdragons.com/Teams/Squad/Dragons

Fri, 05 Aug 2016      Rygbi Gogledd Cymru 1404 Parc Erias, Colwyn Bay F
Fri, 12 Aug 2016        Cardiff Blues Rodney Parade, Newport F
Sat, 20 Aug 2016        Ealing Trailfinders CCBC Centre for Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach F
Fri, 26 Aug 2016        Exeter Chiefs Rodney Parade, Newport F

Fri, 02 Sep 2016        Ulster Kingspan Stadium, Belfast GP12 BBC N Ireland
Fri, 09 Sep 2016        Zebre Rugby Rodney Parade, Newport GP12
Sat, 17 Sep 2016               Munster Rodney Parade, Newport GP12 Sky Sports
Fri, 23 Sep 2016        Benetton Rugby Treviso Stadio Comunale di Monigo, Treviso GP12
Fri, 30 Sep 2016        Glasgow Warriors Rodney Parade, Newport GP12 BBC Two Wales

Sat, 08 Oct 2016        Scarlets Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli GP12 S4C
Sat, 29 Oct 2016        Ospreys Liberty Stadium, Swansea GP12 S4C, Sky Sports

Fri, 04 Nov 2016        Connacht Rodney Parade, Newport GP12
Sat, 12 Nov 2016        Leicester Tigers Welford Road, Leicester AWC
Fri, 18 Nov 2016         Scarlets Rodney Parade, Newport AWC
Sun, 27 Nov 2016        Edinburgh Rugby Rodney Parade, Newport GP12 S4C

Sat, 03 Dec 2016        Leinster Royal Dublin Society, Dublin GP12 S4C
Mon, 26 Dec 2016        Cardiff Blues Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff GP12 BBC Two Wales

Sun, 01 Jan 2017        Ospreys Rodney Parade, Newport GP12 BBC Two Wales
Fri, 06 Jan 2017      Benetton Rugby Treviso Rodney Parade, Newport GP12
Sun, 29 Jan 2017        Newcastle Falcons Rodney Parade, Newport AWC

Sat, 04 Feb 2017        Gloucester Rugby Kingsholm, Gloucester AWC
10/11/12 Feb 2017        Munster Thomond Park, Limerick GP12
17/18/19 Feb 2017        Connacht The Sportsground, Galway GP12
24/25/26 Feb 2017        Leinster Rodney Parade, Newport GP12

3/4/5 Mar 2017             Glasgow Warriors Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow GP12
24/25/26 Mar 2017        Ulster Rodney Parade, Newport GP12

7/8/9 Apr 2017      Zebre Rugby Stadio XXV Aprile, Parma GP12
Sat, 15 Apr 2017      Scarlets Rodney Parade, Newport GP12
28/29/30 Apr 2017        Edinburgh Rugby Murrayfield, Edinburgh GP12

Sat, 06 May 2017        Cardiff Blues Rodney Parade, Newport GP12

[Stone Motif]

Was the crowd as sparse as indicated or was the Bowel being a dick as usual.

[Cardiff Dave]

Wow. Been a while.

Been ill mun. Hospital and everything.
I see the new not-Newport bloo jersey has an "@" logo, but no name. Why's that?

[Cardiff Dave]

Was the crowd as sparse as indicated or was the Bowel being a dick as usual.

What did he/it say?

[Stone Motif]

Wow. Been a while.

Been ill mun. Hospital and everything.
I see the new not-Newport bloo jersey has an "@" logo, but no name. Why's that?

Been that way for a few seasons?

[Stone Motif]

Was the crowd as sparse as indicated or was the Bowel being a dick as usual.

What did he/it say?

Hope you're feeling better.

Sh1te crowd

[mikey_dragon]

How was the game for those who attended? I seen online that Blouse fans were quite confident and couldn't understand why, that isn't a good 'experienced' team they put out. Where are your TH props? Filise surely can't be expected to be back up this year...

[RiscaGame]

We played some brilliant stuff up until 31-0. Really good. Can't really read too much I guess. I wonder if the low attendance was just because it was a friendly, or people have walked away?

[mikey_dragon]

Yeah that's the impression I got - it sounds a bit like how we perform in the ECC. Gotta sort out those second halves. I'm not sure anyone has walked away, and would assume it was because it's a friendly. Do we or anyone ever get a great attendance for a friendly?

[GavinDragon]

One thing is for sure, we are looking to play a quicker game this year. Which makes sense considering we are not a beefy side and have a very quick 9

[munkian]

Crowd was sparse but then it was a pre season training match though not exactly far for Blues fans to travel either considering how confident some seemed.

Usual suspects on twitter seem to have spent all weekend poking fun at the 'Kingdom of Gwent' tag rather than discuss the game (and Cardiff being down 31-0 at one point)

[GavinDragon]

That is nothing new. There are two "straplines" and each relate to the range of kits the region produce. The "Men of Gwent" range is the black kit (it used to be on the back of the collar on those kits also - not sure if it is on this year's) and the "kingdom of gwent" is the blue.

It has been around since we have the Blue/Black kit a few year's back - nothing new.

As an aside, attended "Dragons on tour" event yesterday as part of the supporters club and the message from each club was extremely positive. Each wants us to be their region and appreciated the players being there to sign autographs etc. All arranged at relative short notice but such positivity will mean it will run again next year, be bigger and better and include more clubs. Clubs we visited this year were Caerphilly RFC, Hafodyrynys RFC, Ebbw Vale RFC and Penalta RFC. A write up of the weekend's activities will be online later.

[munkian]

That is nothing new. There are two "straplines" and each relate to the range of kits the region produce. The "Men of Gwent" range is the black kit (it used to be on the back of the collar on those kits also - not sure if it is on this year's) and the "kingdom of gwent" is the blue.

It has been around since we have the Blue/Black kit a few year's back - nothing new.

As an aside, attended "Dragons on tour" event yesterday as part of the supporters club and the message from each club was extremely positive. Each wants us to be their region and appreciated the players being there to sign autographs etc. All arranged at relative short notice but such positivity will mean it will run again next year, be bigger and better and include more clubs. Clubs we visited this year were Caerphilly RFC, Hafodyrynys RFC, Ebbw Vale RFC and Penalta RFC. A write up of the weekend's activities will be online later.

Nice one - cheers Gavin - good result this weekend too.

[GavinDragon]

Good result and it appears we are going to try and play an attractive brand. Being realistic I still think we will be 9th or 10th but I do think there will be more enjoyable rugby to watch this year.

We are also working hard on the region to improve the bar situation and hopefully we will be able to announce something at the Q&A on Thursday which could be a nice benefit to our members. Anyone here going to the Q&A?

[munkian]

Good result and it appears we are going to try and play an attractive brand. Being realistic I still think we will be 9th or 10th but I do think there will be more enjoyable rugby to watch this year.

We are also working hard on the region to improve the bar situation and hopefully we will be able to announce something at the Q&A on Thursday which could be a nice benefit to our members. Anyone here going to the Q&A?

Yeah - apart from letting them back a fair bit it was a fairly attractive rugby and thats without our 'star' backs.

Again - wont make it from Bristol but I reckon some of my mates will go.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Anyone go to the game last night? How did we play and how were the new signings?

It wasn't a popular signing, but I thought Nick Macleod was really good. Very solid - he did nothing flash, but also nothing wrong. I'd settle for that from outside half this season.

We won a couple of scrum penalties when Craig Mitchell came on, although you can't say that was down to him given the number of changes to both packs in the second half.

Apart from one pass, Adam Warren was really good again.

Ollie Griffiths won a couple of turnovers

[GavinDragon]

Dee was in a moonboot on Sunday, but walking said he should be fine but would no more today...

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Any news on Sam Hobbs's HIA?

[GavinDragon]

Haven't heard anything. Although definitely one to ask on Thursday.

[GavinDragon]

http://www.dragonssupportersclub.com/news/2016/8/14/gwent-club-events-cap-off-a-good-weekend-for-dragons-rugby

[GavinDragon]

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/14689944.Dragons_have_a_duty_to_be_entertainers_with_attacking_approach___backs_coach_Connor/

[munkian]

I don't mind winning 3-0 to be honest rather than be entertaining and plucky losers.

You need a mix of attacking play and sensible kicking surely ?

[GavinDragon]

Last year we were not entertaining and still narrow losers. I would rather win, but if it is a choice between high tempo attacking rugby and lose and a kick fest and lose I choose the former.

[GavinDragon]

I don't mind winning 3-0 to be honest rather than be entertaining and plucky losers.

You need a mix of attacking play and sensible kicking surely ?

Think Macleod should provide that for us. Chatting to someone who is friendly with Angus O'Briens dad, who asked him (Angus) why in one particular match he had kicked so much even when there were oppotunities? His response, "because I was told to kick".

Sums up the last coach.

[munkian]

Yupp, and the current WRU coaches - some free running rugby against NZ hasn't convinced me otherwise yet.

[GavinDragon]

In fairness, I thought there was far more intent from us in the first two tests in particular and scored a couple of good tries (the Alun Wyn-Jones try in particular). Have to think that was a fully loaded AB side away from home and we held our own for large periods. It was certainly an improvement in result and performance from the last time we toured there in 2010, and the performance was better, in attacking intent, than we had seen in the Autumn of 2014.

Just need the intensity of play to trickle down to regional level now, and again further to prem, to keep driving standards and narrow the gap.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

The problem with Wales in New Zealand is that, generally, we went from our usual hardly ever going wide - easy to defend - to going wide every time - also easy to defend. It might have surprised the All Blacks in the first Test, but they soon got wise to it. At times we were just shipping it on, going from one touchline to the other, and they could just drift across field every time.

Two things we don't see enough of from Wales: players coming back on the angle, whether receiving the ball or as dummy runners, and passes out of the tackle. I genuinely don't know why this is.

[GavinDragon]

The problem with Wales in New Zealand is that, generally, we went from our usual hardly ever going wide - easy to defend - to going wide every time - also easy to defend. It might have surprised the All Blacks in the first Test, but they soon got wise to it. At times we were just shipping it on, going from one touchline to the other, and they could just drift across field every time.

Two things we don't see enough of from Wales: players coming back on the angle, whether receiving the ball or as dummy runners, and passes out of the tackle. I genuinely don't know why this is.

Skill level, lack of. Difficult to do that when playing at that intensity and you are not used to it. They are more physicial and fitter and can play at a higher tempo and still execute those types of skills and make the right decision. Working off the ball (cutting in on the angle, running a support line for an offload) is a far more mentally tasking thing to do when you are blowing out of your backside.

[munkian]

I think the boys played well and applaud the new (old) style I just doubt whether we'll stick to it.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

It's about awareness, too. If the defence has fanned out, pick and drive a few times to draw them in. Don't go wide just because that's what you've been told to do. Conversely, if they've got numbers at the breakdown, picking and driving isn't going to do you much good (running onto the ball at close quarters is a different matter, but we don't do that). It's knowing what to do and when.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Anyway, enough about Wales: how do we think the other regions will do in the league this season?

[munkian]

Turks will do well, Ospreys will underperform as usual, will be a dog fight between Blues and us for bottom place.

[mikey_dragon]

I actually think Ospreys will do well this season, and the rest of us will be languishing in the bottom.

[munkian]

Based on what ?

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I don't know what to expect of the Blues. They improved quite a bit in the second half of last season, but the question is whether or not that rise will continue. You'd think they'll miss Patchell, but Steve Shingler played well when he came on last Friday.

[GavinDragon]

Think Blues will be top Welsh region and will be close to a top 4, then Scarlets, Ospreys and, unfortunately, us.

[munkian]

Think Blues will be top Welsh region and will be close to a top 4, then Scarlets, Ospreys and, unfortunately, us.

Blasphemy

Turks recruitment has been very tidy. If they get parity up front their backline could be fantastic.

[GavinDragon]

Just really rate Danny Wilson as a coach and back him, with his imports (Naholo, Nick Williams, Gill etc), to get the most out of them.

Ospreys - people have been writing them off for two seasons yet they always seem to do well.

[RiscaGame]

Scarlets
Blues/Ospreys (close)






Dragons

[Stone Motif]

Just need the intensity of play to trickle down to regional level now, and again further to prem, to keep driving standards and narrow the gap.

Never gonna happen

[Stone Motif]

The problem with Wales in New Zealand is that, generally, we went from our usual hardly ever going wide - easy to defend - to going wide every time - also easy to defend. It might have surprised the All Blacks in the first Test, but they soon got wise to it. At times we were just shipping it on, going from one touchline to the other, and they could just drift across field every time.

Two things we don't see enough of from Wales: players coming back on the angle, whether receiving the ball or as dummy runners, and passes out of the tackle. I genuinely don't know why this is.

The ability to do it is either coached out of them or secondary to that other skill priority of Gatland - the barbell bench press. You decide.

[Stone Motif]

Scarlets
Blues/Ospreys (close)

Dragons

This. If the O's get anywhere near the Turks or Cardiff they need to sack Pivac and Wilson. A total lack of anything resembling set piece or defensive competency, plus selection a joke.

[Stone Motif]

Just really rate Danny Wilson as a coach and back him, with his imports (Naholo, Nick Williams, Gill etc), to get the most out of them.

Ospreys - people have been writing them off for two seasons yet they always seem to do well.

Well, except last season obviously, where they could have quite easily finished below us had Lyn not decided scoring tries was no longer part of the game, didn't qualify for RCC1 for the first time, and were bummed good and proper in Europe.

[Guest]

Blues to do quite well this season, maybe top Welsh region. Just a gut feeling. But then I usually think Dragons will do a lot better than we end up doing so my prediction skills may not be the best

[mikey_dragon]

Based on what ?

Whatever you based your predictions on.

Surprised people really rate the hapless Scarlets, who have been just that for 6 years despite their players. The most significant change they've made IMO is getting rid of Mark Jones. Hayward and their defence coach need to go next.

[GavinDragon]

Just need the intensity of play to trickle down to regional level now, and again further to prem, to keep driving standards and narrow the gap.

Never gonna happen

Just give up and go home then shall we Stone as what's the point otherwise?

Also works from bottom up. I coach my u11s and everything we do now is emphasising skills under press. For example, we will have them playing a simple game of touch rugby, then whistle goes and they have to run to far corner of pitches and come straight back into the game where we expect same level of basic skills....and I know we are not the only side who train like that.

[GavinDragon]

As an aside, points from last night's Q&A:-

- season tickets are down but it was not unexpected given last year's results.
- we definitely are looking to play a faster game. Big emphasis on skills under fatigue and 'two second rucks' players S&C programmes have been changed accordingly. Will play with one "big" lock like landman or Joe Davies and one "lighter lock" one from Hill, Screech, Sweet and Cross well. Jay Thomas will also provide cover.
- Elliot Dee could be out for up to a month.
- Harri Keddie will see time in a Dragons shirt, but they want to drip feed him in as they realise it is a big step up from U20s - Kingsley actually made the point of saying that standing out at U20 level is massively different to senior. He also said that while he had done well at Ebbw, he hadn't 'pulled up trees'. They also see him as a 6 long term.
- Apparently we have started talking to players who are out of contract at end of season and will look to tie people up around the autumn internationals or Christmas. Think Amos and Tyler are key as well as Landman, who becomes WQ next season and is out of contract.
- Still interest from investors but going through due process at the moment. I would be surprised if we hear anything this season.
- Name was brought up by Robin Davey at the end. His opinion is that while the team should the Dragons it should definitely retain Newport in the name. Kingsley joked that it should be Davey's Dragons and also said that he couldn't really care less what we are called just wants to concentrate on the rugby. Most of the room were fairly positive about efforts to engage with clubs around region, but I must stress there was a small number of people in the room (around 30).

As I was working in Bristol, I was late getting there and also had to step out so may have missed a few bits and pieces which may be communicated later. We are working with the region to give a designated supporters club bar as well as a presence in the marquee so that we have something that caters for both sets of fans (those that go for a drink or ten those with families).

In hindsight, and despite a couple of supporters raising it as an issue, having the start at 6.30 was slightly too early. I think that it being the off season and it in effect being a repeat of the May Q&A (with little new "news") also contributed to the poor turn out. Hope to get a "meet the players/new signings" session in the diary in the coming weeks if there is an appetite.

[munkian]

Cheers for that Gavlar.

[PhilBB]

When asked how many ST had been sold, Stuart Davies claimed that he did not know.

From that, I can only draw two conclusions:

1. He doesn't know, so is there incompetent.
2. He does know, but they are so bad that he didn't want to make the number publicly known.

If point 2 is correct, I would question the value of holding a Supporters's Q&A if there is no honesty in the answers provided to difficult questions. Maybe that's why so few turned up, as they'd experienced something similar at previous events.

[Stone Motif]

Just need the intensity of play to trickle down to regional level now, and again further to prem, to keep driving standards and narrow the gap.

Never gonna happen

Just give up and go home then shall we Stone as what's the point otherwise?

Also works from bottom up. I coach my u11s and everything we do now is emphasising skills under press. For example, we will have them playing a simple game of touch rugby, then whistle goes and they have to run to far corner of pitches and come straight back into the game where we expect same level of basic skills....and I know we are not the only side who train like that.

It doesn't though. You're trying to connect things that should fundamentally be disconnected. Amateur game has no bearing on what goes on in the world of the increasingly limited pool of genetic freaks that comprise he pro rugby playing population of Wales.

On top of that then yes, if we don't tie in to a bigger league product sharpish the pro game will be moribund within a decade.

[PhilBB]

It doesn't though. You're trying to connect things that should fundamentally be disconnected. Amateur game has no bearing on what goes on in the world of the increasingly limited pool of genetic freaks that comprise he pro rugby playing population of Wales.

On top of that then yes, if we don't tie in to a bigger league product sharpish the pro game will be moribund within a decade.

Spot on.

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