It is finally rugby time again and the Pro 14 is back with local derbies. In the first of these games the Ospreys face the NG Dragons at the Liberty Stadium.
The question is do we go full strength or mix and match? I believe that Rhys Davies is not allowed to play but that the rest of our new players should be good to go.
Personally, I would go for a mix and match team and not go full strength as we cannot afford injuries to our key players so my team selection would look like:-
N Smith, S Otten, N Thomas, W Griffiths, A Beard, D Lydiate, O Cracknell, M Morris
H Morgan, S Myler, L Morgan, T Thomas-Wheeler, O Watkin, M Protheroe, C Evans
with everyone else on the bench. Realistically we have nothing to play for so we use the two games as trial matches for the new season and a chance to run Booth's game plan and Brock James's attack.
Discuss...
I enjoyed the game for what it was but it was clear to see that we were rusty from conceding the first try, weak cover and tackling but there were times in the game that any other side would have worked out our defense but we stood up well to the Dragons who are a much improved side.
The key points for me were the missed opportunities, Rhys Webb and Dan Evans who covered the breaks and could have scored at least three tries if Kieran Williams or others that made the breaks had been more aware. Hopefully as they become more familiar with each other these moments will provide better rewards.
I didn't see the lack lustre performance shown towards the end of the Clarke era even when the sub's came on there was still a good structure if some what panic stricken, I will even forgive the daft decisions to pass the ball out of defense as a more adventurous attitude. Lets not forget there is little depending on these games and in many ways they are just friendly warm up games so the fact that the players are just working out routines and getting to know each other again bodes well for the future. I am keen to see how we play against the Blues away from home, I put our preparations well ahead of theirs at the moment they were dreadful against the Scarlets who had more luck than ability working for their win.
Early days, but we still lack a ball carrier with pace and our ability to run down time at the end needs to be questioned. We gave away a silly penalty when we were in control which eventually led to their try.
No doubt but we had them and still messed it up.
We just find ways to mess up wins. We‘ve had teams dead to rights this year and let them off the hook.
For the match report on the game please go to - https://www.ospreyssupporterstrust.co.uk/post/a-new-start-or-more-of-the-same
Please can everyone also take a few minutes to answer the questions in the Research Questionnaire thread....
We should have won that game.
Here is the Ospreys team...
Ospreys team to face Dragons Liberty Stadium. K.O 2:15pm, Sunday 23rd August.
15. Dan Evans 14. George North 13. Owen Watkin 12. Kieran Williams 11. Luke Morgan 10. Stephen Myler 9. Rhys Webb
1.Nicky Smith 2. Sam Parry 3. Tom Botha 4. Adam Beard 5. Alun Wyn Jones 6. Olly Cracknell 7. Justin Tipuric © 8. Morgan Morris
16. Dewi Lake 17.Gareth Thomas 18. Nicky Thomas 19. Bradley Davies 20. Will Griffiths 21. Reuben Morgan-Williams 22. Josh Thomas 23. Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler
No22 Josh Thomas is the young 10 I spoke about earlier but obviously he has done well enough in Training to get in this match day squad.
It's not looking good for Anscombe I am beginning to think he may never play again? https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/ospreys-issue-fresh-gareth-anscombe-18803089
Jamie Roberts has tested positive for Covid-19 which means that this game might be in jeopardy especially if he was in and around other Dragons players.
I'd to see the best of what we have to offer, they need to advise the new team, coaches and squad so that we can encourage and attract new supporters and old ones that have drifted away. We have two games to say we are back, functioning and ready to take on anyone that enters the pitch, the message should be if you think we are still a push over come and put your body where your mouth is.
Looked like Duncan was heavily involved
Who’s taking the forwards ?
I went on a Monday and Tuesday at about 10am and watched behind the fence through the Patti pavilion gates.
there appeared to be full strength squad at each session
Apart from Anscombe it will be interesting to see who is still on our injury list? Anyone know if Scott Williams is actually fit now?..............
I’ve been to St. Helens a few times in the last few weeks and I’ve not seen AWJ, Bradley Davies or Scott Williams take part in any of those sessions.
Might want to make a statement given we only have 2 matches in the next couple of months.
My view of our best 23 given the Anscombe injury
Evans Giles Watkin Williams North Myler Webb Smith Parry Botha AWJ Beard Lydiate Evans Tips Protheroe Evans Venter Jones Otten Fia BBBD King.