Pro 14

[Sandydragon]

So once again Welsh team demonstrate their ability to be very good then very shit in short order.

The Dragons managed a roller coaster 80 minutes where they displayed some very good play against admittedly a team that on paper is much weaker. However, they almost had the bonus point by half time and had Davies been able to kick straight, would have won by more. But at times, a lack of composure really let them down. The hiring of Jamie Roberts looks like a very astute move and he has been at the heart of all good play for the second week running. A big shout out as well for Taine Basham who was a total pain for the Italians all evening.

The Ospreys were luck not to be completely whitewashed by halftime. Ulster absolutely deserved to win and I think that even if the game were still being played, the Ospreys would not have looked like scoring a try. A very underwhelming performance and if the ref did occasionally give a few questionable calls, theres s no excuse for the unenthusiastic defence that allowed Ulster to make a lot of yards. Worryingly, the curse of last season where the Ospreys looked to be frequently confused appears to have re-emerged and its a real shame after such a convincing win last weekend.

I've only seen the highlights of the Cardiff game but after a close niggly game last weekend, they put Connaught to the sword.

Scarlets have recorded another defeat, although away to Glasgow isn't an easy fixture. Not the start to the season they would have wanted, particularly as the international sliding patio door (Surely too big to be called a window) is about to take away a lot of their key players.

[Wallpaperman]

Take 2 !

I enjoyed the Dragons game. I thought they were going to win by a large margin until the Zebre try just before half time. They ended up struggling a bit in the end, which was poor. I agree that Roberts and Basham were the standout performers, and I also really enjoyed watching Jordan Williams. The fourth try was lovely. Shanklin’s description of him as ‘mini Chabal’ was a good one, too, Screech had another good game - he always plays well but doesn’t get a lot of fanfare. Bateman is an interesting addition to the squad - he’s not quiet, is he ? He’ll be worth watching.

The Ospreys were really disappointing. Webb played really well in the conditions in Edinburgh last weekend, but pretty much everything he tried in the first half went wrong, and It looked as though heads were dropping before half time. To make things worse, AWJ was outplayed by Henderson. And Dan Evans is probably looking at a ban for recklessly slamming his face into Henderson’s shoulder.

By contrast, Cardiff played really well. They aren’t the biggest pack, but they tackled everything that moved and then got up and did it again, in contrast to the Ospreys. I thought that almost everyone had a good match, but special mention must go to Josh Adams who looks different class at the moment. I thought they were a bit lucky that Connacht scored their try, as there were a series of penalty advantages near the line and they might have gone down to 13 men if they had gone back.

I thought the Scarlets played well with 14 men, but the damage was done by then. They might even have got a result if Steff Evans had dabbed the ball down with a few minutes to go. I was impressed by Glasgow - they looked really good. Looking for a silver lining, the sending off might give the Scarlets the chance to give some game time to their promising young second rows during the international sliding patio door.

On a separate note, I haven’t seen the match but have read that Will Rowlands went well at the weekend. Let’s hope he signs for the Dragons.

[Son of Mathonwy]

Didn't see the Dragons. Nice result even if it was only Zebre (but not convinced the Ospreys could match it at the moment).

Great to see Cardiff winning convincingly against Connacht, really looked dangerous with the ball. Adams is quality. Scarlets were extremely disappointing, especially after (the good parts of) last week's performance.

Ah, the Ospreys. Agreed, they didn't get close to looking like scoring a try. But they were fairly solid and even looked like getting back into the game in a workmanlike fashion at one point (12-17). Stockdale was a nightmare for our defence.

[Sandydragon]

Didn't see the Dragons. Nice result even if it was only Zebre (but not convinced the Ospreys could match it at the moment).

Great to see Cardiff winning convincingly against Connacht, really looked dangerous with the ball. Adams is quality. Scarlets were extremely disappointing, especially after (the good parts of) last week's performance.

Ah, the Ospreys. Agreed, they didn't get close to looking like scoring a try. But they were fairly solid and even looked like getting back into the game in a workmanlike fashion at one point (12-17). Stockdale was a nightmare for our defence.

Stockdalr was on it to be fair. He would have been a handful for anyone last weekend.

[Son of Mathonwy]

The Ospreys had a great game, the forwards really got stuck into Glasgow for 80 minutes, the backs showed some lightening moves. Really impressive.

Whereas the Scarlets just about sneaked victory from an even less inspired Benetton.

[Sandydragon]

The Ospreys had a great game, the forwards really got stuck into Glasgow for 80 minutes, the backs showed some lightening moves. Really impressive.

Whereas the Scarlets just about sneaked victory from an even less inspired Benetton.

Didn’t see the Ospreys game but I understand a few of the Welsh fringe players made a big statement.

[Wallpaperman]

I thought the Ospreys were going to get hammered early on, when it was 12-3 to Glasgow, and they spent some time on the Ospreys try line. It was an excellent comeback by the Ospreys, and they deserved the win after a difficult first half hour.

Beard really came into the match, and probably deserved the motm. Lydiate and Crackenll also played well, as did Dewi Lake and Rhodri Jones. Morgan-Williams, Kieran Williams and Dan Evans had good games, too. Sad to see Scott Williams leave the field early, hope he is OK.

It was a high point in a bleak rugby weekend ! As well as the Wales match I also watched Benetton v Scarlets, one of the worst games I have seen in a while. A real kick fest. Morgan Jones looked really promising for the time he was on the field, but then he was sent off. I didn’t watch Ulster v Dragons, but was pleased to see Ollie Griffiths was back.

[Numbers]

I watched the Blues game last night, they were pretty good but ultimately let down by Jarrod Evans's kicking from hand, which is the only real weak point I see in his game, his running game was great as usual and he setup a nice try for Aled Summerhill. Halaholo was back and scored a try but also was binned for tripping a Munster player which ultimately led to a try, Jones at 9 was pretty poor, he kicked the ball into touch at least twice whilst trying to box kick, James Botham was very good, he looks like he has what it takes and is a big lad, Rory Thornton was poor.

They really missed Lloyd Williams kicking game and leadership.

[Son of Mathonwy]

I watched the Blues game last night, they were pretty good but ultimately let down by Jarrod Evans's kicking from hand, which is the only real weak point I see in his game, his running game was great as usual and he setup a nice try for Aled Summerhill. Halaholo was back and scored a try but also was binned for tripping a Munster player which ultimately led to a try, Jones at 9 was pretty poor, he kicked the ball into touch at least twice whilst trying to box kick, James Botham was very good, he looks like he has what it takes and is a big lad, Rory Thornton was poor.

They really missed Lloyd Williams kicking game and leadership.

Spectacular tries from the Blues. Sadly not enough, but entertaining.

[Son of Mathonwy]

No consolation for Wales from the Pro14 this week. Whitewashed.

Scarlets were dismal. Blues should have beaten Ulster, they made enough chances, just could not convert them into points. The Ospreys team was too inexperienced to beat Zebre at home - hope the kids learn something from it. Dragons played well but were unsurprisingly beaten by Munster, no great shame in their performance. Ollie Griffiths was excellent.

[Sandydragon]

Griffiths is class. I hope he can stay fit and challenge for a Welsh spot for the six nations.

[Wallpaperman]

The Scarlets end the run of defeats for the Welsh regions with a convincing 18-17 home victory over Zebre. Never in doubt.

[Son of Mathonwy]

The Scarlets end the run of defeats for the Welsh regions with a convincing 18-17 home victory over Zebre. Never in doubt.

That was dire. Surprised the Scarlets didn't get a yellow for all the penalties.

[Wallpaperman]

The Scarlets end the run of defeats for the Welsh regions with a convincing 18-17 home victory over Zebre. Never in doubt.

That was dire. Surprised the Scarlets didn't get a yellow for all the penalties.

Agreed. I think I heard that the Scarlets gave away 16 penalties. Was really pleased to see Rob Evans back in the team but he gave away penalties at scrum and at the breakdown.

At least it was a win - Cardiff have been nilled by Edinburgh tonight. Only caught the last few minutes so not sure if the scoreline was a fair reflection of the whole game.

[Wallpaperman]

Really looking forward to the Christmas derbies. The Scarlets are the team to beat but the Ospreys look to be on the up. I thought that Toby Booth would start to sort things out quickly, as they have a good squad and were underachieving.

You have to feel for the Dragons with the number of players that they have injured, but the flip side is that some younger players are getting exposure. I think it might be tough for them over Christmas though. Cardiff Blues are an enigma, they have a more than decent squad, but are erratic.

We were expecting to have some relatives over on Boxing Day, (brother in law, sister in law & nieces) but they are in tier 4 so are unable to visit. The lack of visitors leaves me free to watch both games on Boxing Day, though. Every cloud...

Hoping the weather allows some good rugby, although the forecast for Newport is a bit rough

[Sandydragon]

Really looking forward to the Christmas derbies. The Scarlets are the team to beat but the Ospreys look to be on the up. I thought that Toby Booth would start to sort things out quickly, as they have a good squad and were underachieving.

You have to feel for the Dragons with the number of players that they have injured, but the flip side is that some younger players are getting exposure. I think it might be tough for them over Christmas though. Cardiff Blues are an enigma, they have a more than decent squad, but are erratic.

We were expecting to have some relatives over on Boxing Day, (brother in law, sister in law & nieces) but they are in tier 4 so are unable to visit. The lack of visitors leaves me free to watch both games on Boxing Day, though. Every cloud...

Hoping the weather allows some good rugby, although the forecast for Newport is a bit rough

Covid is doing Newport no favours at the moment. I’m quite proud that we did send a team to France on the weekend despite missing so many key players. Hopefully we can see some decent rugby.

[Wallpaperman]

Really looking forward to the Christmas derbies. The Scarlets are the team to beat but the Ospreys look to be on the up. I thought that Toby Booth would start to sort things out quickly, as they have a good squad and were underachieving.

You have to feel for the Dragons with the number of players that they have injured, but the flip side is that some younger players are getting exposure. I think it might be tough for them over Christmas though. Cardiff Blues are an enigma, they have a more than decent squad, but are erratic.

We were expecting to have some relatives over on Boxing Day, (brother in law, sister in law & nieces) but they are in tier 4 so are unable to visit. The lack of visitors leaves me free to watch both games on Boxing Day, though. Every cloud...

Hoping the weather allows some good rugby, although the forecast for Newport is a bit rough

Covid is doing Newport no favours at the moment. I’m quite proud that we did send a team to France on the weekend despite missing so many key players. Hopefully we can see some decent rugby.

It was a credit to the Dragons that they fulfilled the fixture. Dean Ryan doesn’t seem the type to make excuses. The experience will be good for the young players long term

[Sandydragon]

Dear God, the Newport Cardiff game was dire. The Premier Sport foul up was an omen.

[Graigwen]

Dear God, the Newport Cardiff game was dire. The Premier Sport foul up was an omen.

Yes. But at least Dragons look a bit more like a team (OK a work in progress, a long way to go etc.)

Apart from the odd kick Tavis Knoyle had a good game (I had to write that, I might never get a chance again.)

I was surprised Cardiff did not win a lot easier.

The other game was better.

[Sandydragon]

Dear God, the Newport Cardiff game was dire. The Premier Sport foul up was an omen.

Yes. But at least Dragons look a bit more like a team (OK a work in progress, a long way to go etc.)

Apart from the odd kick Tavis Knoyle had a good game (I had to write that, I might never get a chance again.)

I was surprised Cardiff did not win a lot easier.

The other game was better.

knoyle is better and Newport are getting better. I’m not sure Basham will be an international but he is a very good open side for us.

[Graigwen]

I’m not sure Basham will be an international but he is a very good open side for us.

I would not disagree with that. He suddenly got a bit over hyped, but he is good.

Leon Brown is still improving despite his age. I rate him a better tight head than Dillon Lewis for instance.

.

[Sandydragon]

I’m not sure Basham will be an international but he is a very good open side for us.

I would not disagree with that. He suddenly got a bit over hyped, but he is good.

Leon Brown is still improving despite his age. I rate him a better tight head than Dillon Lewis for instance.

.

I would too. Lewis got taken to school on Boxing Day and whilst its all good development, I don't see Lewis as an international level prop at the moment that I'd rely on for the big games.

[Wallpaperman]

Dear God, the Newport Cardiff game was dire. The Premier Sport foul up was an omen.

I watched the game on S4C as premier sports told me that it was not available in my region. I am learning Welsh, and thought I was getting to be good, but the Welsh commentary has taught me otherwise.

I thought the Dragons would win when they went 12-3 up, given the conditions. They got themselves into trouble with some daft penalties, and the Blues deserved it in the end. Somebody on the WOL website queried Botham getting man of the match, and I agree with them. Turnbull had a good game, and he was a better bet.

Cory Hill had a weird game, he looked as though he wanted to mix it against his old team, more than playing rugby. The Blues looked better when he went off.

Was pleasantly surprised to see Tavis Knoyle have such a good game, other than the kick out on the full in the second half. The rip from Dacey to save the first half try was excellent.

I enjoyed the Osprey v Scarlets game much more, there were good performances all over the park, again given the conditions. I felt a bit sorry for the Ospreys but as with the first game the better team (and stronger bench) won. On a side note, I like Steff Evans, but I did chuckle when he was caught by Luke Morgan, who looked twice as fast as him.

[Graigwen]

On a side note, I like Steff Evans, but I did chuckle when he was caught by Luke Morgan, who looked twice as fast as him.

I agree, it was not close!! Looked like he was chasing down a prop.

[Sandydragon]

On a side note, I like Steff Evans, but I did chuckle when he was caught by Luke Morgan, who looked twice as fast as him.

I agree, it was not close!! Looked like he was chasing down a prop.

I think Stef Evans is one of those players who will do amazing things at club level but not become a good international. There was undoubtedly expectations of him emulating Shane Williams and you can see similarities, but he isn’t in the same class.