Dragons Season Thread - 2018/19 - aka Year 2 of the 3 Year Plan

by Guest Fri Jul 06, 2018 12:06 pm

So we made it to the end of the 2017/18 season. We've seen/endured the first year of Bernard Jackman's plan. I think most of us have been through a rollercoaster of emotions, similar to previous seasons but perhaps even more so this season given the new injection of life and investment into the Dragons. First there was the hope - the new coaches, some new players, the new pitch, new chairman, new cash injection. Then we started to stumble - it's all down to the new coach and getting used to the new systems, we said. Then came the face plant and the realisation that this trend was going to carry on for the whole season - a couple of wins in the league, a few in Europe, a lot of spankings, not many losing bonus points. Very poor return. The hope turned to despair and BJ's methods were being questioned. Then the hope comes again with the announcement of new signings ('stellar' signings, compared to previous years!) and the assurance that the 1st year of the plan was always going to be difficult and that year 2 would be the one to judge BJ on.....

So.......on to year 2 (2018/19). Where are we? What are our expectations (realistically)? What's the best team we can put out on paper and how competitive will it be? For a number of years we've been stuffed in the league so seem to try to get some solace from a decent showing in the Euro 2nd tier comp. However, should we forget about Europe and try to put all of our focus on the league? I think so.

Transfers - we've lost more than we've gained, although the quality of the transfers in could/should be better than those leaving. But I'm worried we'll be thin on the ground when the inevitable injuries hit.

Players In: = 14
Jordan Williams from England Bristol Bears
Rhodri Williams from England Bristol Bears
Ross Moriarty from England Gloucester
Rhodri Davies from England Rotherham Titans
Richard Hibbard from England Gloucester
Huw Taylor from England Worcester Warriors
Josh Lewis from England Bath
Ryan Bevington from England Bristol Bears
Aaron Jarvis from France Clermont
Dafydd Howells from Wales Ospreys
Tiaan Loots from Wales RGC 1404
Jacob Botica from Wales RGC 1404
Rhys Lawrence from England Ealing Trailfinders
Brandon Nansen from France

Players Out: - =21
Sarel Pretorius to South Africa Southern Kings
Phil Price to Wales Scarlets
Scott Andrews to Wales Neath
Luke Garrett to Wales Neath
Adam Hughes retired
Pat Howard to England Ealing Trailfinders
Rhys Buckley to Wales Bargoed
Barney Nightingale to Wales Bargoed
Keagan Bale to Wales Bargoed
Angus O'Brien to Wales Scarlets
Nicky Thomas to Wales Scarlets (return from short-term loan)
Dorian Jones to France Angoulême
Charlie Davies to England Northampton Saints
Lloyd Lewis to Wales Pontypool
Sam Beard to New Zealand Canterbury
Sam Hobbs released
Thomas Davies released
Liam Belcher released
Ashley Sweet released
Robson Blake released
Carl Meyer released

I'll try to update the Ins and Outs as we go.

by munkian Fri Jul 06, 2018 12:26 pm

In regards to being thing on the ground, hopefully the new u23 games will bring some younger players up to speed.

by PhilBB Fri Jul 06, 2018 12:30 pm

So, Dragons fans. What's the hope for this season? How many games won in which competitions?

by munkian Fri Jul 06, 2018 12:34 pm

PhilBB wrote:So, Dragons fans. What's the hope for this season? How many games won in which competitions?

Is there an answer that isn't going to get a smug or patronising response ?

by **RiscaGame** Fri Jul 06, 2018 1:28 pm

Win more home games than we lose. Win at least one derby and win a few games away. I think that’s pretty realistic. I think we get ten home league games this season, so six games minimum for me. Guess it depends when certain fixtures land for some games, such as targeting certain away games during the windows etc.

Trouble is with the bar set so low after last season, I’m sure some Dragons supporters on FB would take 4 wins in the league, as that’s double last season.

Can’t say I’m concerned about Europe. Assuming Saints and Clermont don’t take it all that seriously, then it would be four wins. If they do, then maybe three.

by PhilBB Fri Jul 06, 2018 1:30 pm

munkian wrote:
PhilBB wrote:So, Dragons fans. What's the hope for this season? How many games won in which competitions?

Is there an answer that isn't going to get a smug or patronising response ?

Shall I post a picture of an irony meter or shall I let that one pass, allowing a fair answer to the fair question above?

by PhilBB Fri Jul 06, 2018 1:34 pm

RiscaGame wrote:Win more home games than we lose

That's a big target.

Who are the home games - Leinster, Scarlets, Edinburgh, Ulster, Benneton, Kings, Cardiff, Ospreys, Munster, Zebre

Is that right?

Which are the 6 to target?

by **RiscaGame** Fri Jul 06, 2018 2:01 pm

That’s it yeah.

I think we could beat Ulster (drew at home last season), Edinburgh, Benetton, Kings, Zebre and then we’ve only got to win one of two derbies. Depends on how the fixtures lie, as I’ve said but I don’t think six is too bad a target.

by PhilBB Fri Jul 06, 2018 2:03 pm

RiscaGame wrote:That’s it yeah.

I think we could beat Ulster (drew at home last season), Edinburgh, Benetton, Kings, Zebre and then we’ve only got to win one of two derbies. Depends on how the fixtures lie, as I’ve said but I don’t think six is too bad a target.

Yeah, that makes sense.

by Guest Fri Jul 06, 2018 3:20 pm

I agree with Risca, around 6 wins at home would show signs of improvement (obviously!) and pick up a win or two away from home. And then a couple of wins in Europe home and away. As I said in the OP I’d prefer we put all our eggs in the league basket if possible. Europe is a nice distraction but I don’t want it to be used to cover up league woes.

It would be nice to be in with a mathematical shout of the league playoffs after Christmas, even if we end up fading away as the inevitable injuries mount up. Maybe getting ahead of myself a bit!

Bottom line: more home wins to get some enthusiasm back into the crowd. Winning our first home game would start us off nicely.

by Stone Motif Fri Jul 06, 2018 7:52 pm

PhilBB wrote:So, Dragons fans. What's the hope for this season? How many games won in which competitions?

Play off spot in the league
Challenge Cup Champions
Under 23 champions
Bumming of at least one Welsh region and Irish Province home and away
Cory Hill/Ross Moriarty to cement places in the Welsh side for the world cup ahead of the importers AWJ and Warburton
Call ups for Jordan Williams, Aaron Jarvis and Tiann Loots to their respective national teams
Bernard Jackman to reject Welsh job in order to sign a long term contract
Ritual evisceration of Andy Powell to mark the redevelopment of the cabbage patch commencing

by Guest Wed Jul 11, 2018 2:41 pm

Ta da!

by Luckless Pedestrian Wed Jul 11, 2018 5:16 pm

I posted this on the old thread:

Am I right in thinking that we still haven't announced who's succeeding Shaun Connor? Aren't we cutting it a bit fine?

by **RiscaGame** Wed Jul 11, 2018 7:40 pm

Don’t we have somebody who is doing skills or something when Ian Evans and that came in? I guess if I’m right, that’ll pretty much cover it.

by **RiscaGame** Wed Jul 11, 2018 7:52 pm

Dragons wrote:
Norris has been appointed as the Dragons head of performance analysis and joins from Aviva Premiership finalists Exeter Chiefs where he has worked since 2011.

A WRU Level 3 coach, he gained an MSc Performance Analysis Masters Degree from Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2009 and brings extensive experience not just from his time in the Aviva Premiership, but also from working with WRU Age Grade teams and the Scarlets and Cardiff Blues academies as well as at both BBC and S4C.

"I love the journey that Simon has been on with the Exeter Chiefs going from the Championship to Premiership Champions. He will be a key addition in helping us build and refine the Game Plan that we feel is best suited to this group of players."

That’s what I was thinking of sorry. It does say there are to be more appointments, but I’m not sure we will have a dedicated attack coach now, or we will be going through similar to what we did with hendre at the start of last season.

by mikey_dragon Thu Jul 12, 2018 2:31 am

Looks like Cardiff beat us to the signing of Samu Manoa then. LD called it last year...

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu Jul 12, 2018 10:20 am

RiscaGame wrote:
Dragons wrote:
Norris has been appointed as the Dragons head of performance analysis and joins from Aviva Premiership finalists Exeter Chiefs where he has worked since 2011.

A WRU Level 3 coach, he gained an MSc Performance Analysis Masters Degree from Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2009 and brings extensive experience not just from his time in the Aviva Premiership, but also from working with WRU Age Grade teams and the Scarlets and Cardiff Blues academies as well as at both BBC and S4C.

"I love the journey that Simon has been on with the Exeter Chiefs going from the Championship to Premiership Champions. He will be a key addition in helping us build and refine the Game Plan that we feel is best suited to this group of players."

That’s what I was thinking of sorry. It does say there are to be more appointments, but I’m not sure we will have a dedicated attack coach now, or we will be going through similar to what we did with hendre at the start of last season.

Thanks, I missed that appointment. I'm sure they know what they're doing!

by Brendan Thu Jul 12, 2018 5:41 pm

I think for the coming Season Dragons should be looking for the following

An away win against anyone in the league
10pts from the Welsh derbies (hopefully 2 wins and 2LBP)
Get 2TBP against non Kings teams
35pts overall and get points from 12 games

Rest of the teams have improved so we will have to see but being competitive in most games will be worth it.

by **RiscaGame** Fri Jul 13, 2018 5:14 pm

SWA wrote:DRAGONS have promoted Barry Maddocks to backs and attack coach with Irishman Alan Kingsley joining to fill his old role.

Maddocks arrived from Bath last season as skills coach but has been given more responsibility for the coming campaign by boss Bernard Jackman.

by **RiscaGame** Fri Jul 13, 2018 5:14 pm

Funnily enough LP. They must’ve read your post.

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri Jul 13, 2018 5:34 pm

Ha ha, yeah I saw that!

by Guest Fri Jul 13, 2018 5:44 pm

Beat me to it! Was just going to post about that.

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/16353671.maddocks-promoted-as-dragons-add-new-irish-skills-coach/

by Stone Motif Tue Jul 17, 2018 7:14 pm

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/16359584.new-coach-kingsley-helping-dragons-get-their-kicks/

Unfortunate choice of headline, fnar fnar, SWA

by **RiscaGame** Tue Jul 17, 2018 8:39 pm

Talking about kicking a lot. Great haha.

by Luckless Pedestrian Wed Jul 18, 2018 3:07 pm

Well kicking is a skill!

by **RiscaGame** Wed Jul 18, 2018 7:48 pm

Yes it is. I just don’t think we have the players that can be coached it really. It would take one heck of an improvement.

by Stone Motif Fri Jul 20, 2018 9:25 am

Ouch.

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/16367068.big-hitting-samoan-nansen-ready-to-make-his-mark-with-dragons/

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri Jul 20, 2018 10:27 am

I had my doubts when they announced his signing - the usual thought, 'if he's any good, why is he coming to the Dragons?' - and a lot will hinge on him staying fit, which is true of any player (Moriarty springs to mind); but ultimately, we're bringing in a Test player, and it's not often that we've done that over the last few years. Samoa wouldn't be selecting him if he was sh!t.

by **RiscaGame** Fri Jul 20, 2018 12:45 pm

It says a lot that Bernard sees him as first choice straight away. Seemingly he won’t even be available for a Premiership side.

by Stone Motif Fri Jul 20, 2018 3:54 pm

RiscaGame wrote:It says a lot that Bernard sees him as first choice straight away. Seemingly he won’t even be available for a Premiership side.

Which is weird given he's another big six, you wouldn't play him and Cory Hill together for example.

by **RiscaGame** Fri Jul 20, 2018 9:17 pm

Does seem to be the preferred pairing. Hope it does provide enough ooooomph.

by **RiscaGame** Fri Jul 20, 2018 9:19 pm

I hear there are whispers that Cross Keys are struggling to pay their players.

by Stone Motif Fri Jul 20, 2018 11:45 pm

RiscaGame wrote:Does seem to be the preferred pairing. Hope it does provide enough ooooomph.

Feckin stupid if it is, plus both will miss chunks on intl duty when we should be going balls out to mug a few points

by munkian Tue Jul 24, 2018 2:22 pm

Dragons fixtures

http://rugbysites.srcdn.co.uk/Uploads/Dragons/2018.19%20Season/Dragons%20Fixtures%20201819_A4.pdf

by **RiscaGame** Tue Jul 24, 2018 2:33 pm

We have a huge opportunity for three wins in Sept. Scary ha.

by munkian Tue Jul 24, 2018 3:40 pm

by Guest Tue Jul 24, 2018 4:23 pm

Seen a few articles now bigging up Huw Taylor for us in the back row. Anyone got any intel on him? Seems a big lump. Another back rower who can fill in at lock while not being an out and out lock (we seem to always have a lot of them!). Won stuff with England U20. Made a decent amount of pro appearances too by the sounds of it (Worcester).

It’s very competitive in our back row though at the moment though so some good players are going to miss out.

by PhilBB Tue Jul 24, 2018 4:46 pm

The Oracle wrote:Seen a few articles now bigging up Huw Taylor for us in the back row. Anyone got any intel on him? Seems a big lump. Another back rower who can fill in at lock while not being an out and out lock (we seem to always have a lot of them!). Won stuff with England U20. Made a decent amount of pro appearances too by the sounds of it (Worcester).

It’s very competitive in our back row though at the moment though so some good players are going to miss out.

Taylor only played one AP game in his Worcester career.

https://warriors.co.uk/teams/huw-taylor/

by Guest Tue Jul 24, 2018 6:06 pm

PhilBB wrote:
The Oracle wrote:Seen a few articles now bigging up Huw Taylor for us in the back row. Anyone got any intel on him? Seems a big lump. Another back rower who can fill in at lock while not being an out and out lock (we seem to always have a lot of them!). Won stuff with England U20. Made a decent amount of pro appearances too by the sounds of it (Worcester).

It’s very competitive in our back row though at the moment though so some good players are going to miss out.

Taylor only played one AP game in his Worcester career.

https://warriors.co.uk/teams/huw-taylor/

Hmmm. 27 appearances according to the Argus Laugh

Edit: 27 appearances across all comps, many of which were Anglo-Welsh and Europe. So not a great deal of top level experience.

by Guest Wed Jul 25, 2018 5:48 pm

Dragons deciding not to ‘go regional’ this coming season, preferring to play all games at RP. Sounds like only 9 home league games (and 1 at the PS) was a factor in the decision:

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/16375848.dragons-shelve-plans-for-a-pro14-game-on-the-road/

by **RiscaGame** Wed Jul 25, 2018 5:54 pm

Fair enough really. It will be interesting to see the attendance of the Edinburgh game this season, but I suppose you can’t really read too much into it.

I didn’t mind last season up there and the trip to Caerphilly really, but I do prefer the atmosphere at Rodney.

by ScarletSpiderman Wed Jul 25, 2018 10:15 pm

The Oracle wrote:Dragons deciding not to ‘go regional’ this coming season, preferring to play all games at RP. Sounds like only 9 home league games (and 1 at the PS) was a factor in the decision:

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/16375848.dragons-shelve-plans-for-a-pro14-game-on-the-road/

Is judgement day on this season? On the <supposed news outlets> fixture release, they had Cardiff v Ospreys and Dragons v Scarlets in the same day, and venues as Cardiff Arms Park and TBA. Granted that’s not the most reputable source of rugby news, but it had me hoping it meant the Dragons would play the Scarlets at Dave Parade.

by mikey_dragon Thu Jul 26, 2018 2:10 am

PhilBB wrote:
The Oracle wrote:Seen a few articles now bigging up Huw Taylor for us in the back row. Anyone got any intel on him? Seems a big lump. Another back rower who can fill in at lock while not being an out and out lock (we seem to always have a lot of them!). Won stuff with England U20. Made a decent amount of pro appearances too by the sounds of it (Worcester).

It’s very competitive in our back row though at the moment though so some good players are going to miss out.

Taylor only played one AP game in his Worcester career.

https://warriors.co.uk/teams/huw-taylor/

Not sure why they’re bigging him up. I would have preferred if we just re-signed Nick Crosswell. Loyal and abrasive player for us.

I was thinking that our team looks decent on paper and I’m pleased with the guys who have progressed from the academy, although I know we won’t be getting silverware any time soon.

by **RiscaGame** Thu Jul 26, 2018 8:06 am

ScarletSpiderman wrote:
The Oracle wrote:Dragons deciding not to ‘go regional’ this coming season, preferring to play all games at RP. Sounds like only 9 home league games (and 1 at the PS) was a factor in the decision:

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/16375848.dragons-shelve-plans-for-a-pro14-game-on-the-road/

Is judgement day on this season? On the <supposed news outlets> fixture release, they had Cardiff v Ospreys and Dragons v Scarlets in the same day, and venues as Cardiff Arms Park and TBA. Granted that’s not the most reputable source of rugby news, but it had me hoping it meant the Dragons would play the Scarlets at Dave Parade.

I am pretty sure it is and we have highlighted the fact on ST sales and with the Argus report about Dragons not taking another league game on the road.

by PhilBB Thu Jul 26, 2018 8:35 am

There is one more year to go on the Judgement Day contract. As for taking the game on the road, read this:

https://twitter.com/davidjusteat/status/1022029757775601667

The question is whether that will be a PrO'14 game or not

by Guest Thu Jul 26, 2018 8:54 am

Sounds like either the Argus misquoting or Dragons backtracking???

by Guest Thu Jul 26, 2018 8:59 am

Actually, reading the article again it says that at the end of last season the Dragons said they would play another one away from RP this coming season, yet towards the end of the article it just says ‘However, the Argus understands that PRO14 games will be in Newport’ with no quotes of sources for this news. The Argus guessing again perhaps.

Wonder what they’ll take on the road?

by PhilBB Thu Jul 26, 2018 9:05 am

The Oracle wrote:Actually, reading the article again it says that at the end of last season the Dragons said they would play another one away from RP this coming season, yet towards the end of the article it just says ‘However, the Argus understands that PRO14 games will be in Newport’ with no quotes of sources for this news. The Argus guessing again perhaps.

Wonder what they’ll take on the road?

Chris Kirwan seems sure it won't be a PrO'14 game on the road, so likely to be u23 games and potentially the Challenge Cup game versus the Romanians.

by carpet baboon Thu Jul 26, 2018 9:07 am

The Oracle wrote:Actually, reading the article again it says that at the end of last season the Dragons said they would play another one away from RP this coming season, yet towards the end of the article it just says ‘However, the Argus understands that PRO14 games will be in Newport’ with no quotes of sources for this news. The Argus guessing again perhaps.

Wonder what they’ll take on the road?

Quick question, where would the likely on the road venue/s be?

by Guest Thu Jul 26, 2018 9:40 am

carpet baboon wrote:
The Oracle wrote:Actually, reading the article again it says that at the end of last season the Dragons said they would play another one away from RP this coming season, yet towards the end of the article it just says ‘However, the Argus understands that PRO14 games will be in Newport’ with no quotes of sources for this news. The Argus guessing again perhaps.

Wonder what they’ll take on the road?

Quick question, where would the likely on the road venue/s be?

Ebbw Vale RFC I expect. Eugene Cross Park. But before you do a google map and find out it’s only 23 miles from Newport, please note it’s not as easy as it sounds! Driving is ok but not a direct road there. Can easily take an hour at busy times. Trains - no direct route. You have to go to Cardiff first to get on a train to Ebbw Vale. 1.5 - 2 hour journey, depending on which line you choose. Can’t imagine how long a bus would take and how many changes.

I appreciate to some these distances and times may not seem much to fans in Ireland or Scotland but, whether cultural or historical, it just seems something that South Walians are not prepared to do. At least, not often.

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