Conquerors of Europe v Gatland's heroes, Saturday 18th

[Draggs]

Cardiff Blues v Newport Gwent Dragons, Saturday 18th

Cardiff Blues v Newport Gwent Dragons
Cardiff City Stadium
18:30, local.

 

[Draggs]

Teams added.

Interesting that they are playing Will at fullback over Matt Evans (Tovey and Martyn Thomas are injured).
Haven't seen much of Pewtner yet, I'm just pleased Aled escaped a ban.

 

[Thingimubob]

Teams added.

Interesting that they are playing Will at fullback over Matt Evans (Tovey and Martyn Thomas are injured).
Haven't seen much of Pewtner yet, I'm just pleased Aled escaped a ban.

Apparently Matt Evans picked up a knock against Glasgow so they had to shift Harries to Fullback.
Gonna be an interesting match tbf, not sure who'll win really. It's a strong Blues side though, will be interesting to see how Sweeney plays now that he's got big competition from Dan Parks. Hopefully it'll bring the best out of both of them. Not sure why Dai Young has moved Czekaj though, he's had 2 cracking games at Fullback so far, and it'd be good to see him keep the 15 shirt so he can challenge for the Welsh spot with Lee Byrne.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Haven't seen much of Pewtner yet, I'm just pleased Aled escaped a ban.

I watched a clip of his tackle this morning, and with the exception of Fainga'as tackle in the trinations, it's the worst example of a spear i've seen this season/year.
VERY lucky to escape a ban

 

[cyRil]

I thought it was a cracking tackle myself. Probably because DTH van der Merwe was being a total ****** throughout the match and got exactly what he deserved.

 

[durbutter]

Whats the story with the DTH part? does it stand for somthing?

 

[TRF_Olyy]

"Daniel Tailliferrer Hauman van der Merwe" apparently,


And I agree cyRil, DTH was being a dick, citing comission must've thought so too

 

[MichaelBoard]

I'd really like the Dragons to shock everybody and win this today and really set down a statement of intent as to what we are aiming for this season but as much as I'd like this I think it is slightly unrealistic as the Blues have named more or less their strongest side available and we are plagued with injuries as usual. I won't give up hope though as you never know.

 

[Draggs]

Yeah, that Blues side is class.
I'd like a Dragons win as well, of course, but let just have a good performance.

Is Tom James injured?

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

Haven't heard anything on it. He's probably just had a paddy again, but this time has failed to become the centre of attention. Or maybe Dai Young has realised that he's isn't as good as Czeaj or Halfpenny.

 

[Draggs]

Haven't heard anything on it. He's probably just had a paddy again, but this time has failed to become the centre of attention. Or maybe Dai Young has realised that he's isn't as good as Czeaj or Halfpenny.

Tom James is a pretty good winger. Not as good as Halfpenny, but pushed Czekaj out for a while (due to his injury, albeit).
Now Czekaj has gained good form, so it will be interesting where they will play him.

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Lloyd Williams starts at 9! Richie Rees on the bench!

 

[Draggs]

Lloyd Williams starts at 9! Richie Rees on the bench!

Didn't see that coming!
Is Lloyd Williams any good? I'd rate Richie as the second 9 in Wales now- he's done well for Wales when he plays.

 

[dullonien]

Looks like Laulala will be going off early. That's a big blow to the Blues, as he's their main attacking threat.

Hope it's not too serious and he'll be back soon.

Edit: regarding Lloyd Williams, I rate him very highly. He's a traditional kind of 9, not the Phillips/Knoyle type. He needs more gametime, but I think he'll be up there with the rest of them in a while. Richie Rees is above him, but it's nice to see Dai giving Lloyd a chance.

 

[dullonien]

Gotta say, lovely try from the Blues. Sweeney runs the backline much better than Parks imo, great pass to free Shanklin. It's great to see them attacking from deep aswell.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Martyn Williams looks more like Wayne Rooney every time I see him

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Edit: regarding Lloyd Williams, I rate him very highly. He's a traditional kind of 9, not the Phillips/Knoyle type. He needs more gametime, but I think he'll be up there with the rest of them in a while. Richie Rees is above him, but it's nice to see Dai giving Lloyd a chance.

Agree with this, he is a good young old fashioned scrum half much like is old man Brynmor!

 

[TRF_Cymro]

That was a shambles of a try for Newport ... Harris foot touched the whitewash and Evans knocked the ball on!

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Blues WIN 43-21

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

Martyn Williams looks more like Wayne Rooney every time I see him

I was thinking the same of Dan Lydiate with his face swollen up and two black eyes.