What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

Any thoughts?

Admin of theArmsPark.co.uk,
Make Noise and You Will Be Heard!

Bigger loss for Wales than Cardiff. Gatland doesn't have many ball carriers available to him.

For us, Paterson's arrival means we wouldn't miss him as a 6. We'd be without a proven backup at 8 though.

At his best he is really good. And I think Cardiff will miss him for that.

I would love to sit down with him and Dai in a room full of footage DVDs and show them his strengths and how he should not play/be played.

I'm convinced that his game has deteriorated since his call up to play for wales. Be it Gatlands influence or the hype going to his head or a bit of both..

I agree with cardiffsteve.

I would like to add that with all his shenanigans and want away attitude we have got to approach the season with a settled squad not attracting media attention.

I believe that we will be alright at no.8 and at blindside flanker. As our first choice players will not be called up for international duties. We have got young back up as well, so let him go!

Pretty fair coments so far.

Quote:

Huwie
At his best he is really good. And I think Cardiff will miss him for that.
I would love to sit down with him and Dai in a room full of footage DVDs and show them his strengths and how he should not play/be played.

I'm convinced that his game has deteriorated since his call up to play for wales. Be it Gatlands influence or the hype going to his head or a bit of both..

Yep, agree with that. If you think back to his first cap he put in a barnstorming MOTM perormance against the Boks; they couldn't cope with his running. That was in Nov 08; by the time of the Lions tour he wasn't quite the same player, and he's never really recaptured the aggression in his running that he had, in particular on his debut.

Quote:

dutch blue

Quote:

Huwie
At his best he is really good. And I think Cardiff will miss him for that.
I would love to sit down with him and Dai in a room full of footage DVDs and show them his strengths and how he should not play/be played.

I'm convinced that his game has deteriorated since his call up to play for wales. Be it Gatlands influence or the hype going to his head or a bit of both..

Yep, agree with that. If you think back to his first cap he put in a barnstorming MOTM perormance against the Boks; they couldn't cope with his running. That was in Nov 08; by the time of the Lions tour he wasn't quite the same player, and he's never really recaptured the aggression in his running that he had, in particular on his debut.

I agree with that.
He now runs into people and not into gaps. IMO Gatlands influence more than anything else.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:06:30:15:27:39 by Huwie.

After the early Quins HEC game at the SdR, a game that saw a flattering scoreline, the Quins players said that the Cardiff ball carriers were fairly easy to deal with as they never looked to offload or go for the gaps. They looked for contact. They went on to say that they were able to put two tacklers on the man one to take the legs and one to wrap the ball up and slow Cardiff down.

Rush, Powell and Roberts all playing head down charging rugby. Two of those "benefit" from Gatland's help.

Depends which version of Powell you are talking about as to whether we will miss him.

If it is the Powell who so impressed on his Wales debut against the Boks and that season with the Blues then yes. If it's the petulant teenager of the last few months who seems to think the world is against him - especially as the consequences of his buggy gate indiscretions could have actually been a lot worse then run and wriggle or Agen are welcome to him.

I certainly hope he gets his head back down and fights for his place - can be the best 8 in Wales if he sets his mind to it.

Cracking post!

He's a British Lion.
How can he not be a loss?
He may not have all the attributes of Xav, but he's a great asset to have on the bench with his ball carrying abilities and he's had many charging runs in the past that only Xav could equal.
Cardiff will be weaker without him.

Good article, I'm with Andrew in the first group, if only because of the lack of alternatives available. Good back-up/squad player for Blues and given the dearth of no.8/blindsides available for the national team, despite his obvious shortcomings, he gives an edge ball in hand. Ryan Jones is yesterday's man.

Dunno how the guy's mind works though, or why the buggygate saga has apparently affected his Blues career - I could understand it affecting his relationship with the Wales set-up but with the Blues..?

Oh if only Xav were Welsh, he'd be appreciated here (we're talking 80 caps not 8!) and also the best Welsh 8 since Mervyn Davies.

Quote:

Dim Cais
He's a British Lion.
How can he not be a loss?

Titteral was a Lion too. In fact many of Woodentops "Lions" were of dubious rank.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:07:01:09:14:59 by ATTR.

Quote:

GCo
Dunno how the guy's mind works though, or why the buggygate saga has apparently affected his Blues career - I could understand it affecting his relationship with the Wales set-up but with the Blues..?

Yeah, I've no idea why he's suddenly seeking a move away, for once he actually seemed settled somewhere; he was playing well, getting into Wales, Baa Baas and Lions squads, so not sure what may have prompted him to want to up sticks.

There's obviously way more to the Buggygate thing than we heard about in the papers, and perhaps he feels he took the brunt unfairly, but as you say, not sure why that would make him want to leave Cardiff.

Admin of theArmsPark.co.uk,
Make Noise and You Will Be Heard!

Maybe he feels he's living in a goldfish bowl in Wales and that in Agen, or in RL he'd get a bit more freedom? Hopefully if he moves he'll at least stay in union so as to remain in contention for the RWC.

In any case, do we actually know that he is unhappy/unsettled? Or could it just be another false rumour?

And talking of RWC 2011 my personal tip for our number 8 is Gareth Delve, after having had a season of Super 15 rugby and offering something different. But then there's the thorny issue of Ryan Jones's captaincy. I'd personally make Mike Phillips Wales captain. He's as guaranteed of his place in the XV as anyone, possibly a bit risky but for me the fact he's cantankerous and knarky is something we could do more of.

Everything has to be rumour though does it not. No one in the camp is going to go "on record" about such things are they.

Mongo's previous French spell did not go well and he was not in the "goldfish bowl" then either.

Delve does not seem to be in favour with Gatland. I doubt the move to Oz will have improved things for him. Rather I susspect the issue of Gatland was a factor in him turning his back on Wales.

He has put a few barnstorming performances but we do not need the bad behavior. rugby players should be +ve role models for kids and we have many +ve 1s but we do not need "buggygate". How do we explain the merits of that to kids-leave that sort of behaviour to soccer players, they are expected to behave like soiled brats. Powell is thick as @#$%& and I don't want that sort of behaviour. The sooner he goes, the better. +ve role models are like nugget, gethin, bradley.
In short, I shan't miss-if he goes then great-their are plenty of young players coming through the academy system, PROMOTE THEM TO THE SQUAD FOR NEXT SEASON, that is what Gatland and Dai need, good youngsters.

Quote:

Rejunal Blooos
If it's the petulant teenager of the last few months who seems to think the world is against him

I disagree that Powell is petulant, I think thats the wrong word to call him. Imature maybe, but not petulant.

Ive always held the belief that the buggygate incident should have been delt with in a better manner. If Powell was a Munster man driving a golf buggy on the N20 down to Cork, the GARDA (police) would have probably taken him home given him a slap on the wrist and a few points (or ban) and the whole thing would have been delt with internally with only rumours being discussed on forums like this.

I think it says just as much about the South Wales Police, Welsh Media and the WRU as it does about Andy Powell. I thought the Blues were the only mature party during the whole thing.

Powell needs to stay with the Blues, keep his head down, keep under the media radar, and start playing solid consistant rugby. (I know this has probably been said to him many times)

Looks like he's staying

July 1st, 2010 - Andy Powell will not be joining the Crusaders

'After much speculation regarding Andy Powell and where he will be playing next season, we wanted to clarify that Andy Powell will not be joining the Crusaders next season. Andy is a close friend of Gareth Thomas as everyone knows, and also a big fan of rugby league, however there has never been any official offer made for Andy from the Crusaders despite the rumours circulating in the media. This is not to say that one day Andy will not fulfil his ambition of playing rugby league, however Cardiff Blues are aware of the truth behind the rumours, and as things stand today Andy is a Cardiff Blues player.' - Emanuele Palladino

[url=http://www.distinctagency.com/news.asp][/url]

Quote:

Huwie

Quote:

Rejunal Blooos
If it's the petulant teenager of the last few months who seems to think the world is against him

I disagree that Powell is petulant, I think thats the wrong word to call him. Imature maybe, but not petulant.

Ive always held the belief that the buggygate incident should have been delt with in a better manner. If Powell was a Munster man driving a golf buggy on the N20 down to Cork, the GARDA (police) would have probably taken him home given him a slap on the wrist and a few points (or ban) and the whole thing would have been delt with internally with only rumours being discussed on forums like this.

I think it says just as much about the South Wales Police, Welsh Media and the WRU as it does about Andy Powell. I thought the Blues were the only mature party during the whole thing.

Powell needs to stay with the Blues, keep his head down, keep under the media radar, and start playing solid consistant rugby. (I know this has probably been said to him many times)

That is an amazing post!

Driving a golf buggy on the M4, DRUNK, at a time of day when the 48 ton trucks were speeding along after two hourse on the road from the Fishguard ferry. Yet you think a slap on the wrist and keep it all quiet was the order of the day.

Thank God he did not cause a multi vehicle pile up.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:07:01:14:37:33 by ATTR.

I agree with ATTR, Powell is a public person with associated responsibilities and it would've been impossible (not to mention wrong) to cover it up. and the WRU were dead right to suspend him.

Most of us - myself included - have had a good laugh at the incident over the last few months but what would we have said if he had caused an accident, and God forbid, any injuries/deaths?

Anyway, let's hope bloogoo's info proves correct and that he at least stays until the RWC... Then he can go off and play six wriggles and a cross-kick for a few years.

Quote:

ATTR

Quote:

Huwie

Quote:

Rejunal Blooos
If it's the petulant teenager of the last few months who seems to think the world is against him

I disagree that Powell is petulant, I think thats the wrong word to call him. Imature maybe, but not petulant.

Ive always held the belief that the buggygate incident should have been delt with in a better manner. If Powell was a Munster man driving a golf buggy on the N20 down to Cork, the GARDA (police) would have probably taken him home given him a slap on the wrist and a few points (or ban) and the whole thing would have been delt with internally with only rumours being discussed on forums like this.

I think it says just as much about the South Wales Police, Welsh Media and the WRU as it does about Andy Powell. I thought the Blues were the only mature party during the whole thing.

Powell needs to stay with the Blues, keep his head down, keep under the media radar, and start playing solid consistant rugby. (I know this has probably been said to him many times)

That is an amazing post!

Driving a golf buggy on the M4, DRUNK, at a time of day when the 48 ton trucks were speeding along after two hourse on the road from the Fishguard ferry. Yet you think a slap on the wrist and keep it all quiet was the order of the day.

Thank God he did not cause a multi vehicle pile up.

Well first of all I said that "him a slap on the wrist and a few points (or ban)" and I said that it should have been delt with internally. I'm not condoning drink driving, I'm saying that it is a matter for the law and perhaps the WRU not the media lynch mobs.

If I remember Colin Charvis was banned from driving just prior to the buggy incident, and it made the news for like 1 day. Andy Powell will always be known for the buggy incident, even though you could argue that driving a golf buggy drunk at 5mph along the hard shoulder is less dangerous than driving a car capable of at least 70mph.
The media like the corner Andy Powell has walked/been pushed into, and they are going to keep him there so they can write drivel gossy articles. In a way, Henson has has been affected in the same way.

I don't know what's so 'amazing' about backing my teams players through thick and thin.

Support people through thick and thin yes. Not back them through incidents as stupid as this was. It could have caused a major RTA closing the major South Wales road for hours.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:07:01:17:18:17 by ATTR.

Quote:

ATTR
Support people through thick and thin yes. Not back them through incidents as stupid as this was. It could have caused a major RTA closing the major South Wales road for hours.

Yes the courts delt him a ban for that. As long as he turns up on the pitch to play for club and country thats his own business. I dont want to know about it.

Powell deserved no more coverage by the media than Charvis considering that Charvis was more intoxicated, driving at a higher speed, driving a bigger car (range rover) and driving a longer distance along the same road. It was also Charvis' second drink drive offence.

Quote:

ATTR
Support people through thick and thin yes. Not back them through incidents as stupid as this was. It could have caused a major RTA closing the major South Wales road for hours.

Also I will point out that there is a difference between "backing them through incidents" and backing them after the incident like I'm doing.

I'm not sure what Charvis being prat has to do with Mongo being a prat.


clearly we will not agree.

I could answer your question but I'm happy to leave it at that.
I'm only going to start repeating myself as are you.

Liono would be a serious loss. Say Rush gets injured early doors, what do we have as an experienced back up?

No International / British Lions that I can think of.

If he gets his head back on and starts to apply himself he has proven in the past that he is a quality player. A test for the Man-Management skills of DY and his team to keep him on track and get the best out of him. If we have serious asperations of going to the later stages of the HC and Magners we cannot afford to let players of his caliber go.

The only plus side would he would free a significant chunk of salary up, but who could come in to replace him? By now most players will be tied up for next year...

Oh yeah apart from the Kiwi bloke we just signed obviously!!!!

Quote:

Chops_8
Oh yeah apart from the Kiwi bloke we just signed obviously!!!!

I assume you mean the Kiwi bloke to be Michael Paterson.
He's a lock or blindside, not a no.8.

As cover for Xav, we do have Tom Brown and Maama Molitika!

I think that the club is letting him out to dry so to speak to make savings on his salary.

As cover for Xav, we do have Tom Brown and Maama Molitika!

I think that the club is letting him out to dry so to speak to make savings on his salary.

I think we'll be fine without him.

Quote:

BlueButtyBoy
As cover for Xav, we do have Tom Brown and Maama Molitika!
I think that the club is letting him out to dry so to speak to make savings on his salary.

You're a conspiracy theorist then. I blydi knew it. Got your season ticket yet boy?

Molitika is a 6, so let's not mess him about at his ripe old age and Tom Brown is unproven, so I doubt very much he will be as good as Mongo even with his flaws.

"Liono" Not heared that one before.

The only 8 cover is the saviour from Wriggle and clap land. I can't think of a premership 8 up to the take.

Yes the new lad from All Black land is not an 8 and Moli is not a real option. So in that sense a "Head on" Mongo is important to Cardiff's prospects.

Good leading article.

Powell has shown when the X-man was injured that he could step up and take a bit of responsibility. Every player is different some need a bollocking others need an arm around the shoulder. I don't think that all the speculation around where he will be next season will help his head one bit.

He's a strong No 8 who is capable of carrying ball forward and exploding over the gainline. He has been criticised about his work in the tight but to his credit there was some visible improvement to this before he got his last set of injuries. I certainly think he would be a loss to the Blues if he went elsewhere.

Whereever he ends up playing, I'd like to see him at 8 not 6. I think he offers more in that role. I also feel that Ryan Jones is still dining out on the 2005 Lions tour rather than any form shown for a considerable time now.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2010:07:02:09:10:46 by ATTR.

Agree with ATTR, Ryan Jones has failed to live up to the hype of 2005 and now looks a shadow of that player.

BBC Think Powell Wants to Wiggle

To be honest, they seem to be twisting what his agent said. I'm fairly convinced he'll see out this season, go to the RWC and then 'go north'.

Admin of theArmsPark.co.uk,
Make Noise and You Will Be Heard!





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:07:02:09:18:58 by theArmsPark.co.uk Admin.

I don't want to drag this OT but I think that Ryan and a lot of the Ospreys forwards have suffered due to coaching they are getting down there. It has been particularly noticeable during this series against the Boks/ABs. Ryan, JT et al when carrying the ball look for the floor as they are going into contact. The boys from the Blues and Scarlets tend to try to stay on their feet longer and drive with their legs, thus getting over the gainline and giving their support time to get with them. Powell will do this and therefore provide more of a target for the rest of the back row.

Agreed. I guess the issue with Mongo is this. Has DY the patience to keep with him. If he has and he can get him back on track then Cardiff Will be well served by him staying put.
.

He'll be here for another season and have a couple of games with Wales in the Autumn & Six Nations which will lead he nicely into the World Cup.

Pre-World Cup he will sign a new contract with the Blues.

Quote:

smudgerblue
He'll be here for another season and have a couple of games with Wales in the Autumn & Six Nations which will lead he nicely into the World Cup.
Pre-World Cup he will sign a new contract with the Blues.

Good news indeed and if he can learn even just a little bit from Xav, he will/should be Wales first choice no.8.

I reckon we would miss him if he was to leave us. In the game against the dragons down there last season he seemed to be playing more to his 08/09 season style, looking to run through gaps rather than people and looked all the better for it, was a shame he left early injured. With a good break at the end of the season and a proper summer pre-season hopefully he'll be firing again next season. We need all our players fit and playing well if we're to be challenging for trophies again next season.

Welcome CBF!

YOu will find people will welcome you on here. What we have a problem with is people who are unwilling to support their opinions and wh otalk about things they know nothing about.

Your posts, to date, indicate you are not in that club.

Thanks for the welcome.

If the question were 'would gary powell be a loss' then I'd say def not ;o)

Quote:

CaerphillyBluesfan
If the question were 'would gary powell be a loss' then I'd say def not ;o)

Absolutely!

Quote:

CaerphillyBluesfan
If the question were 'would gary powell be a loss' then I'd say def not ;o)

I'd forgotten about him. He does bring a bit of humour to the party though. Not as much as Peter Rogers did mind you, in his twilight years. Can anyone remember him taking a lineout throw in many years ago or did I dream it? Now that was funny.

c'mom dim, sheeps head was class!!!!

Quote:

Dim Cais

Quote:

CaerphillyBluesfan
If the question were 'would gary powell be a loss' then I'd say def not ;o)

I'd forgotten about him. He does bring a bit of humour to the party though. Not as much as Peter Rogers did mind you, in his twilight years. Can anyone remember him taking a lineout throw in many years ago or did I dream it? Now that was funny.

We played him at hooker once or twice.

Quote:

cardiffsteve

Quote:

Dim Cais

Quote:

CaerphillyBluesfan
If the question were 'would gary powell be a loss' then I'd say def not ;o)

I'd forgotten about him. He does bring a bit of humour to the party though. Not as much as Peter Rogers did mind you, in his twilight years. Can anyone remember him taking a lineout throw in many years ago or did I dream it? Now that was funny.

We played him at hooker once or twice.

Aye, I think you're right.

I felt a bit sorry for the guy. he was a top player for a while but then seemed to get on the wrong side of the refs and got pinged to death every time he played.

Gary's strength was always his mobility never his work at scrum has never cut it there.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:07:05:07:09:39 by ATTR.

Rumours from Agen, who seemed to fancy signing Andy Powell, say he's going to Wasps. Any news of that from the Blues end ?

[www.rugbyrama.fr]

Saw that speculation on planet rugby yesterday and it was squashed by a few wasps fans on there. Reading what they were saying they're in a spot of financial bother and couldn't afford him if they wanted him anyway.

I'm not that sure. Wasps are a bit skint but they should have saved some with their departures and they havent signed a "marquee" (how I hate that word in this context!!) player, and they do need a ball carrying no8. I think if they wanted him, and he was willing to sign, they might find the money.
Still, all thats speculation at the moment

CaerphillyBluesFan, don't believe everything you read on the
Drunken Wasps site or elsewhere about Wasps finances. There are a number who refuse to believe facts, even if you write it in Braille.

Wasps financial affairs are in the shrewd hands of our owner. The issue which everyone seemed to get very excited about was the unpaid tax bill, incurred during the previous ownership. The story was over a year old when it broke in the press. It has dealt with and gives no cause for concern.

The only issue surrounding the potential arrival of Andy Powell at Wasps would be the salary cap. No announcemment has been made by Wasps about recruitment being finsihed for 10/11.

A decent back row forward has been needed by Wasps - particularly a No 8, who is physical and mobile. Xavier would have been good, after seeing what he did to us at AP in the Amlin!!!!

Given the SE link with Andy, it would not surprise me - in addition, the WiseOne may also have had a word in his shell like!!!

We have a good reputation for accumulating waifs and strays, who need 'redirection' and turning them into some pretty decent performers.

Quote:

ATTR
Gary's strength was always his mobility never his work at scrum has never cut it there.

I was talking about Peter Rogers when I was mentioned scrum time, mind.

Quote:

Spikey Mikey

Quote:

ATTR
Gary's strength was always his mobility never his work at scrum has never cut it there.

I was talking about Peter Rogers when I was mentioned scrum time, mind.

Sorry I missread your post.

Rita was a good scummager who did not change his style but he was victim of "fashion" and dictat from the Refs' leadership concerning what the IRB want from scrums. A great shame and a nice guy.

"CaerphillyBluesFan, don't believe everything you read on the
Drunken Wasps site or elsewhere about Wasps finances. There are a number who refuse to believe facts, even if you write it in Braille.

Wasps financial affairs are in the shrewd hands of our owner. The issue which everyone seemed to get very excited about was the unpaid tax bill, incurred during the previous ownership. The story was over a year old when it broke in the press. It has dealt with and gives no cause for concern".

Cheers Heathen, I didn't really expect Wasps' finances to be in that much of a knot. But I still wouldn't want to lose him to you.

Hmmm.... I dont think its as cut and dried as Heathen would like to think, but thats neither here nor there in this forum.
The gist of this thread seems to be that he'd be missed, but there a few fans who are fed up with his attitude and frustrated that he's not repeated the form he had a season or two ago.
Its a bit like the Wasps forum discussing Danny Cipriani

Looking at a few other threads on the same player it looks like thsi is not the first rumour he might be off so I'll wait and see how true it is before expecting to see him in black and gold.

cheers

Andy Powell turned up for training with the Blues this morning.

I'm sure this one will run a bit longer.

Quote:

shrekogre
Andy Powell turned up for training with the Blues this morning.

Good.
I'm still not sure about his attitude being in question. What's he done to deserve this crticism?

Quote:

Dim Cais

Quote:

shrekogre
Andy Powell turned up for training with the Blues this morning.

Good.
I'm still not sure about his attitude being in question. What's he done to deserve this crticism?

I think he takes more stick than he deserves.

There again, I wasn't impressed with the interview where he said he'd love to go and play league and will move in the next year or so.

Substitute "league" for "Leicester" or "Toulon" and you see the problem.

Quote:

cardiffsteve

I think he takes more stick than he deserves.

There again, I wasn't impressed with the interview where he said he'd love to go and play league and will move in the next year or so.

Substitute "league" for "Leicester" or "Toulon" and you see the problem.

Didn't know that. He can't be happy where he is then.

It is a bit weird really the amount of stick he does cop, some justified some not. But as cardiffsteve points out above, coming out with quotes like that he's not really giving the impression he's happy and fully committed.

The blues gave him the oppertunity to re-build his career after injury and a few different clubs, in my opinion he should knuckle down and work his socks off to repay the faith Dai Young showed him in the first place. Fight for his place in the team and put pressure on the other back rowers. It will benefit him, the blues and the national side. I doubt none of us really know what his personality is like, but appearing to be sulking around and touting himself around other clubs in the press is the wrong way to get back to his 08/09 form - prior to coming under the tutilage of the national coaches ;o)

I think his comments partly reflect that issue of him not being that bright. He needs careful management by his agent / advisors.

In all honesty ATTR, not all agents and advisors seem to help the poof ballers in their quest for notoriety. Look at Andy Cole, John Terry and previously Gasgoigne, all in freefall. I wouldn't trust them in Powell's situation.

Andy Powell has stayed with Cardiff / the Blues longer than at any other club in his career (I believe).
In my opinion he has been immense over that period. He is (and I've said this before) 100% committed to the cause and lays his body on the line. I get the impression he doesn't like losing.

The club ethic is what has sorted him out in the past. It says something that he couldn't settle anywhere else. he has found a home at Cardiff, and he would be missed. During much of last season and the season before, I got the impression as a humble spectator in the stand, that a team ethic has developed, everyone working for each other and genuinely united in a common cause. This is what keeps most on the straight and narrow. This is down to DY and other coaches. It is not something that we have always enjoyed in the past.

I won't condone AP's antics which ended in WRU sanction against him. He was down right stupid. I do believe he gets way too much stick. Not only from opposing fans, but from the media as one post has already mentioned. I seem to recall he came in for a fair bit of criticism on the Lions tour from various commentators. I don't think he was given a fair crack in South Africa.

What I do believe, is that his form for the Blues got him on that tour. He had had a superb season, along with so many others. From my point of view as a supporter, it is missing that sort of form that worries me, if he does indeed go.

He is prone to acts of great stupidity, he has taken huge criticism. All of which has, I believe, left it's mark. One thing that cannot be levelled at him in a Blues shirt however, is his determination and drive. We need players like him, players that instill a little bit of the 'unknown quantity' in the minds of the opposition. We are still the team in Wales that everyone else dislikes. For me that is something I enjoy, players like Andy Powell help to maintain that perception.

Quote:

Wellyn
We are still the team in Wales that everyone else dislikes. For me that is something I enjoy, players like Andy Powell help to maintain that perception.

Agree with Wellyn, particularly the comment above.

I agree Wellyn. that's why I said; "He needs carefulmanagement by his agent / advisors."

I was agreeing ATTR in a round about way, its just looking at the round ball game as an example, advisors / agents seem to go missing when there's trouble, only raising their heads above the parapet when there are financial negotiations to be undertaken, and they can negotiate their cut of the deal. Agents in particular, don't seem to have a very good track record from my understanding.

I also agree with one of your earlier posts, does DY still have the patience to stick with AP? Only time will tell.

Quote:

dutch blue

Quote:

Wellyn
We are still the team in Wales that everyone else dislikes. For me that is something I enjoy, players like Andy Powell help to maintain that perception.

Agree with Wellyn, particularly the comment above.

Dunno about that anymore.

Quote:

Huwie

Quote:

dutch blue

Quote:

Wellyn
We are still the team in Wales that everyone else dislikes. For me that is something I enjoy, players like Andy Powell help to maintain that perception.

Agree with Wellyn, particularly the comment above.

Dunno about that anymore.

Consider the fact that we're a team even our own supporters dislike and swear they won't buy a season ticket for.

I'd agree with that sentiment too. Even though the ospreys are now seen as the 'cheque book charlies' I don't sense the same hatred people had towards Cardiff and now the Blues. There's still alot of ill feeling/hatred/resentment/envy/jealousy call it what you will aimed at the blues for some reason. The team can use that in a positive manner though 'us against the world' type scenario. I quite like it too, got to be fair, makes our victories and success taste all the sweeter ;o)
Agree with Wellyn on most things in his post.

Quote:

cardiffsteve

Quote:

Huwie

Quote:

dutch blue

Quote:

Wellyn
We are still the team in Wales that everyone else dislikes. For me that is something I enjoy, players like Andy Powell help to maintain that perception.

Agree with Wellyn, particularly the comment above.

Dunno about that anymore.

Consider the fact that we're a team even our own supporters dislike and swear they won't buy a season ticket for.

Your wording could be a bit better there cardiffsteve, but I understand what you mean. It is a sad state of affairs though when some supporters feel that they can't follow the team to CCS.

Quote:

Dim Cais

Quote:

cardiffsteve

Quote:

Huwie

Quote:

dutch blue

Quote:

Wellyn
We are still the team in Wales that everyone else dislikes. For me that is something I enjoy, players like Andy Powell help to maintain that perception.

Agree with Wellyn, particularly the comment above.

Dunno about that anymore.

Consider the fact that we're a team even our own supporters dislike and swear they won't buy a season ticket for.

Your wording could be a bit better there cardiffsteve, but I understand what you mean. It is a sad state of affairs though when some supporters feel that they can't follow the team to CCS.

I feel that the dislike teams had for Cardiff before regionalism has slightly faded (be it a good thing is your own opinion). It is still there in some circles, mostly by Ospreys fans. Newport - Cardiff is mainly good banter and the Cardiff - Llanelli relationship is at an all time high since the Amlin.

He's staying isn't he, the deal to Agen fell through. Will be a good option off the bench or if Rush is injured.

Quote:

porterbelly
He's staying isn't he, the deal to Agen fell through. Will be a good option off the bench or if Rush is injured.

Agen fell through but now there is talk about him going to Wasps instead?

I hope he stays. At No8 he's been excellent for us even if he is prone to the odd brain fart, good to see he turned up for training.

The Rugby Paper has reports that he is now off to Wasps but that they (Wasps) don't want to pay the £50k the Blues are asking for to release him. Decision in the next 48 hours but we have been hearing that for a few weeks.

It also reports that despite reports he had turned up for pre-season training, he was actually at Wasps for negotiations. Puts a degree of doubt on the TRP report as shrek let us know last week that he was there and following on from the news that Xav was staying I have no reason to doubt Mr Ogre.

Just make a decision mate.

Cardiff RFC Ltd being "economical with the truth again". Ebven with their commercial partners.

Would you buy a used Pie off Peter Thomas?

Can't understand why he'd want to upsticks and move to Wasps, Blues are building their strongest squad since we've become 'the blues', we're winning silverwear and should realistically be pushing for more this coming season, he will get gametime, he's on a fab wage and above all it's a world cup year and he must already know that playing rugby for a team outside Wales will definately count against him. He will be Wales' no.8 at the worldcup unless Ryan Jones has a miraculous turn around in form or gets switched to no.6 (my prefered option).

Mongo will not be Wales 8 at the RWC. Gats likes Ryan J for some reason. he is unlikely to drop his captain.

The suggestion that this is the strongest squad is dubious at best.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:07:12:12:22:47 by ATTR.

[news.bbc.co.uk]

Looks like he's on his way

Someone said on here that Dai had lost paitience with Powell. Could they have been correct?

Week in week out with Shaun Edwards could make him a potent player for Wales.

I'm not 100% sure about that, he was playing fantastically well until he got himself into the national team set up - from the springbok game on his form started to drop.
If moving away can get him back to that kind of form then fair enough and happy days, we could do with someone putting pressure on ryan jones, as at the moment he is looking way past his best as a no.8.
Big loss for the blues though, we haven't got the biggest squad in the world and will need every player we do have ready to come into the team and perform. Am disappointed he's chosen to leave.

Quote:

CaerphillyBluesfan
...Big loss for the blues though, we haven't got the biggest squad in the world and will need every player we do have ready to come into the team and perform...

Quote:

CaerphillyBluesfan
Can't understand why he'd want to upsticks and move to Wasps, Blues are building their strongest squad since we've become 'the blues', we're winning silverwear and should realistically be pushing for more this coming season...

Now this is where you've lost me. Are Cardiff RFC Ltd building their strongest squad or is it not the biggest in the world?

There is a bit of a contradiction here it seems.

Quote:

CaerphillyBluesfan
I'm not 100% sure about that, he was playing fantastically well until he got himself into the national team set up - from the springbok game on his form started to drop.

I agree with you and I have said that before. But we are stuck with Gatland until the world cup, and he has a particular game he wants to play. So in that regard, having Powell play under Edwards could be beneficial for Wales.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2010:07:12:15:32:49 by Huwie.

Still tho. Leaves us short an eighthman

We've got two specialist and two cover players for eight and the specialist players will not get called up for their national squads.

Hopefully Tom Brown is good enough for the HC.

But only one who is proven (Rush)

I like the look of Paterson, even if he is more of a 6. He looks a good buy!

Quote:

ATTR

Quote:

CaerphillyBluesfan
...Big loss for the blues though, we haven't got the biggest squad in the world and will need every player we do have ready to come into the team and perform...

Quote:

CaerphillyBluesfan
Can't understand why he'd want to upsticks and move to Wasps, Blues are building their strongest squad since we've become 'the blues', we're winning silverwear and should realistically be pushing for more this coming season...

Now this is where you've lost me. Are Cardiff RFC Ltd building their strongest squad or is it not the biggest in the world?

There is a bit of a contradiction here it seems.

The blues squad for this coming season is surely the strongest we've had since we've become 'the blues'. While it's the strongest I think we've had, I have no facts and figures for this but I'd imagine it isn't as large/strong as other clubs can boast.

Quote:

bluejacker
I like the look of Paterson, even if he is more of a 6. He looks a good buy!

How much of him have you seen? I only ask because he is a Lock / flanker and not a number 8.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:07:12:19:52:58 by ATTR.

Quote:

CaerphillyBluesfan

Quote:

ATTR

Quote:

CaerphillyBluesfan
...Big loss for the blues though, we haven't got the biggest squad in the world and will need every player we do have ready to come into the team and perform...

Quote:

CaerphillyBluesfan
Can't understand why he'd want to upsticks and move to Wasps, Blues are building their strongest squad since we've become 'the blues', we're winning silverwear and should realistically be pushing for more this coming season...

Now this is where you've lost me. Are Cardiff RFC Ltd building their strongest squad or is it not the biggest in the world?

There is a bit of a contradiction here it seems.

The blues squad for this coming season is surely the strongest we've had since we've become 'the blues'. While it's the strongest I think we've had, I have no facts and figures for this but I'd imagine it isn't as large/strong as other clubs can boast.

The last part is certainly true. I'm not sure how a squad that is essentially a year onlder with lower grade (except 1 - Parks) replacements coming in can be considered stronger.

Quote:

ATTR

Quote:

CaerphillyBluesfan

Quote:

ATTR

Quote:

CaerphillyBluesfan
...Big loss for the blues though, we haven't got the biggest squad in the world and will need every player we do have ready to come into the team and perform...

Quote:

CaerphillyBluesfan
Can't understand why he'd want to upsticks and move to Wasps, Blues are building their strongest squad since we've become 'the blues', we're winning silverwear and should realistically be pushing for more this coming season...

Now this is where you've lost me. Are Cardiff RFC Ltd building their strongest squad or is it not the biggest in the world?

There is a bit of a contradiction here it seems.

The blues squad for this coming season is surely the strongest we've had since we've become 'the blues'. While it's the strongest I think we've had, I have no facts and figures for this but I'd imagine it isn't as large/strong as other clubs can boast.

The last part is certainly true. I'm not sure how a squad that is essentially a year onlder with lower grade (except 1 - Parks) replacements coming in can be considered stronger.

Yeah, I agree and understand the squad is a year older and with some of the older players that is not good but the younger members of the squad have another years experience under their belts. Which makes them a stronger proposition for next season. You can't have a team packed with older experienced players or young kids, a good mix of both is needed. I think they are starting to get the mix right. Where there are older players in some positions, there are young uns being brought in and developed/groomed for when the older players powers wane.
I wouldn't consider Brown to be a stronger better player than Powell as I've never seen him play - which is just my point about Powell being abig loss to our squad for next season.
On the other hand if his head and heart wasn't in it for the blues he may have become a nuisance around the squad, a disruptive influence they coul do with out.

Agreed it is time for Mongo to go. I just do not sure your optimism about the squad.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:07:13:09:00:03 by ATTR.

I'm not so sure if it is time for Mongo to go.

He's no Xav, but what else have we got in reserve?
If it's true that he is going to WASPs then obviously they can see his potential, and they are no mugs, so why can't we? He is a British Lion remember and probably Wales' best No.8 and ball carrier. If it's down to attitude then surely the coaching staff should have been able to deal with that. I don't get it.

Have to agree Dim, Powell offers a wealth of experience. Experience he has mostly gained playing at Cardiff. He now has a decent record and his form has steadily improved year on year.

We may yet suffer this decision to leave later on during the season. Time will tell.

Good Luck Andy. You will be sorely missed, I have no doubt in that. Hope to see you as Wales first choice No.8 for the World Cup.

He does not want to stay. So it is time for him to go.

The Coaching staff sorted his attitude and it has gone again. This happens every where he goes. so it is time for him to go.

His attitude is affecting younger players like Tom James. so it is time for him to go.

Dai Young no longer has confidence in him. so it is time for him to go.


Thanks Mongo for so great times, but time moves on. Bye!

Quote:

ATTR

Quote:

bluejacker
I like the look of Paterson, even if he is more of a 6. He looks a good buy!

How much of him have you seen? I only ask because he is a Lock / flanker and not a number 8.

Ive seen quite a bit of him playing Super 14 for both the Crusaders and Hurricanes. I didn't say he was an 8, but a 6. I just mentioned him as he would limit Powell's game time at 6 (where he would be more likely to play than 8). Thats not even mentioning the evergreen Molitika and young Pretorious. He is better utilised at 6 rather than lock due to his speed. If used at lock, he would provide more grunt than DJ or Tito. Would be interesting to see him play alongside Brad. Similar to Scott Morgan, just better IMO.

Thankyou

bluejacker

Discussing paterson in the context of Powell suggests he is an 8 as that is Powell's better position. If powell had stayed Patterson woiuld not limit his game time. Powell would be above him when avaiable (Wales squad duties etc).

Molly, will feature less and less with his age increasingly against him.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:07:13:09:12:45 by ATTR.

Quote:

ATTR
He does not want to stay. So it is time for him to go.
The Coaching staff sorted his attitude and it has gone again. This happens every where he goes. so it is time for him to go.

His attitude is affecting younger players like Tom James. so it is time for him to go.

Dai Young no longer has confidence in him. so it is time for him to go.


Thanks Mongo for so great times, but time moves on. Bye!

Fair points ATTR, I'm just sorry to see him go.

Quote:

Wellyn

Quote:

ATTR
He does not want to stay. So it is time for him to go.
The Coaching staff sorted his attitude and it has gone again. This happens every where he goes. so it is time for him to go.

His attitude is affecting younger players like Tom James. so it is time for him to go.

Dai Young no longer has confidence in him. so it is time for him to go.


Thanks Mongo for so great times, but time moves on. Bye!

Fair points ATTR, I'm just sorry to see him go.

On one leve I agree. But for the greater good. It's time.

Some people just don't seem to be able to settle to anything for long periods of time. Powell seems to be one of those. If he feels he needs to move on then there is no point holding him up.

Like him or loathe him he was a British Lion & a capped welshman. He will be a loss to the Blues Squad but I wish him well at Wasps.

I don't think Powell moving to Wasps will be a big loss.

He says the move is "purely a rugby decision". I find that hard to believe as the Blues have a much stronger squad than Wasps. He hopes to feature during the World Cup but Gatland's policy limits his chances. Having said that Shaun Edwards will be part of the coaching team at Wasps.

I wish Powell the best of luck next season and hope he finds his form. Wales need both Powell and Ryan Jones to be on the top of their game by the time of the World Cup.

As one of the above posts mentioned, hopefully Tom James can now get his head back in the game. Think at the start of the season he was unquestioned on the wing but Czekaj finished strongly with some solid performances.

Don't get me wrong, Czekaj will never set the world on fire and nowhere near the pace of James but nice to have them both competing on the opposite wing to shove.

Best of luck to Powell - don't think the way the media speculation and innuendo have done him any favours to be honest but if he doesn't want to be with us then that's his choice.

Any news on compensation from Wasps?

Quote:

Joni89
...as the Blues have a much stronger squad than Wasps. ..

Are you serious? "Much stronger"?????

I'd imagine it was a financial decision on the part of the Blues, even if they're not saying this. I certainly felt this when they were very keen to release him, because he certainly offers something for Cardiff. With Rush resigned, Roberts and Jenkins on improved deals, marquee signings Paterson and Parks, and the only real high profile departure being SNK (with Sowden-Taylor and Gareth Thomas probably not on big money), the books have to be balanced somewhere. Pity he's gone though, and it begs the quesion, what happens when Rush gets injured? Powell's loss might not be felt for the first couple of months of the season, but when the big European games against Castres and Northampton come along, and Rush is injured, the decision to let him go may be regretted.

But we have been told by Spikey and a couple of others how much stronger our squad is!

ATTR "Are you serious? "Much stronger"?????"

All you have to do is look at the amount of International players in the Wasps squad compared with the Blues

Oh dear! How simplistic.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:07:14:19:11:37 by Huwie.

Sorry by that basic Cardiff are stronger than several Super 15 sides. Total nonsense! There is no doubt that the Cardiff first 15 is a strong as most. The problem lies with the squad in general. Also and "inrernational" can be Current Like Melon or former like Molitika. As side with a number of "former" internationals may not be as strong as as side with none. A little thought could have established that.

Also as as Cardiff just beat Wasps in the Amlin, taking a frightful battering in the scrum, The side is clearly not massively stronger than theirs.

Just some evidence based thinking.

Just to be facetious, which is not like me at all, I would like to point out that the England squad in the recent football World Cup had 23 internationals in their um, 23 man squad and they were really cr@p.

They were not that good!

Quote:

ATTR
They were not that good!

To be honest, I found that watching England to be particularly entertaining.
One of the highlights for me was Heskey's step over or trip over routine followed by him hoofing the ball into row Z.
Pure comedy. Does it get any better than that?
Yes it does.
The funniest part is that they have a manager who can't communicate with his overhyped players and who is paid £6m a year.

I liked the story abot the 'keeper Green. After the USA game he was given extra training. He faced 1000 shot and not one goal was scored! Cappello decided that Green and Heskey could train with the rest of the squad in the afternoon!

ATTR I respect your opinion. However, I really do believe that the Blues have a much stronger squad than Wasps. If you think Wasps are stronger then fair enough.

How do you support that argument?

An 18-15 win with the pack getting stuffed does not suggest you are correct.

Better? Possibly.

Much stronger? I can see the justification for that view.