Dragons beaten and battered by classy Toulouse

Toulouse marched further ahead in Pool 5 with a bonus-point win against the spirited Dragons. The 26-7 victory was convincing, but the game was marred by a worrying neck injury to Gwent centre Marc Stcherbina.

French international Frederic Michalak wasn’t in great touch with the boot, but his direction and control of the match was faultless. The outside-half set up Yannick Jauzion for the opening try and converted for the only points in the first half.

Stcherbina’s injury rocked the Dragons concentration and disrupted their tight organisation. Toulouse struck immediately through Clement Poitrenaud, Maxime Medard and Florian Fritz all running in tries to deflate Dragons hopes.

Steve Jones stole a late consolation try, but the three times European Champions Toulose proved their class in the Stade Ernest Wallon and established their ambitions for this year’s Heineken Cup.

Toulouse, having won their last ten games, picked up where they left off against Bayonne by camping in the opponents half with Michalak orchestrating play and testing the Dragons disciplined defence. His genius was proven with a delicate chip over the Dragons defence off a scrum 10 metres from the try line.

Jauzion read the kick perfectly to pounce on the bobbling ball to open the score and claim the first try. The conversion was successful, but three poorly missed penalties from Michalak to James Arlidge one, kept the match at stalemate.

The most controversial incident came just short of the interval as Richard Fussell was yellow carded for a high tackle on Medard. The mazy running winger recovered to dodge the defence and produce a try-scoring opportunity, only for Gareth Wyatt to beat the attackers to the ball and save the Dragons. The scored remained 7-0 at half-time.

The second half opened in the same manner as the first, with Michalak slotting another penalty wide. The turning point arrived on the hour mark as the figurative Marc Stcherbina landed awkwardly from a tackle. A suspected broken neck caused a long delay and worry throughout the camp. The influential centre was stretchered off after a long injury delay, and all thoughts are with him at this present time.

However, the players still had a game to focus on, but Toulouse didn’t hold mercy as they enforced their dominance. A Michalak grubber was again the Welsh side's undoing, Poitrenaud this time, securing the ball under his clutches for the second try.

Poitrenaud played a large role in the third try as his quick hands allowed Medard sneak in the corner. The bonus-point score soon followed as the relentless Toulouse onslaught continued, Michalak found Fritz on a switch to cross underneath the posts.

The Dragons battled to the end and were rewarded in the final move of the match. Rhodri Gomer-Davies paved his way through the defence with a powerful run, Jones supported for the try that was converted by Shaun Connor.

Toulouse: C Poitrenaud, Medard, Kunavore, Jauzion, Heymans, Michalak, Kelleher, Human, Servat, Perugini, Pelous, Millo-Chulski, Bouihlou, Dusatoir, Lamboley.Replacements: Fritz for Kunavore (41), Du Toit for Kelleher (69), Poux for Human (50), Vernet Basualdo for Servat (66), Lecouls for Perugini (50), Nyanga for Bouihlou (62), Sowerby for Lamboley (50).

Dragons: Dolman, Wyatt, Davies, Stcherbina,Fussell, Arlidge, W. Evans, Black, Willis, R. Thomas,MacDonald, Charteris, Bearman, Charvis, L. Evans.Replacements: Smith for Stcherbina (50), Connor for Arlidge (56), R. Lewis for W. Evans (71), Robinson for Black (73), S. Jones for Willis (71), Lydiatt for Charvis (71), Ringer for L. Evans (52).

Sin Bin: Fussell (40).

Att: 18,695

Referee: Dave Pearson (England).

Thomas and Charteris add to needed strength and depth

Rhys Thomas and Luke Charteris arrive back to the Newport Gwent Dragons camp after the Autumn Internationals. Both Welsh squad members will strengthen the Men of Gwent when they prepare to face three times European champions Toulouse this Saturday, kick-off 2:35.

Dragons lock, Charteris returns fresh from victory over the Wallabies and enters the game against the group five leaders in positive mood:

“While away with the Wales squad I learnt a lot from the environment and am looking forward to bringing that type of intensity to the Dragons for this weekend’s Heineken Cup game against a quality side,” said Luke.

He added: “I’ve got a little bit of homework to do this week, reacquainting myself with all the calls and systems, but it’s great to be back with the boys and it’s good to see that they are all feeling confident ahead of this weekend.”

Dragons prop Rhys Thomas is recalled to the team to boost the front-row problem, as Jamie Corsi continues his recovery period. The tight-head commented:

“It was a great experience to be involved in the Wales squad and I’m also pleased to return for the opportunity to play one of the best teams in Europe. On a personal level I’m looking to get in some game time and also to help to team back to winning ways.”

Toulouse will be without influential half-back Jean-Baptiste Ellisalde who sustained a broken finger in last week’s victory over Bayonne. The 31-year-old French international is the only colossal name they will miss as Toulouse attempt to enforce their European dominance.

A decision on the fitness of player/coach Colin Charvis is expected tomorrow. The defence coach and veteran flanker is recovering from a knee injury, but his experience may prove vital in France.

Paul Turner is hoping to challenge Toulouse, but realises they will be massive underdogs. He commented:

"Yet again we are faced with a tough challenge away from home and against one of the best squads in Europe.

"Their Top 14 form has been good of late and we will have to be at our best defensively and offensively to get the desired result.

"You've got to lay down your mark, you've got to gain their respect early.
"It's a big test and one we feel we're capable of meeting. It's about going into the cauldron and performing."

He continued: "You've got to be bold and technically good defensively. We've prepared well, it's a big challenge.

"We're excited about it. It's what playing in this competition is all about.

The squad to face Toulouse is as follows:

Backs: Phillip Dollman, Marc Stcherbina, Ashley Smith, Rory Sidey, Richard Fussell, Gareth Wyatt, Rhodri Gomer Davies, James Arlidge, Shaun Connor, Wayne Evans, Robert Lewis

Forwards: Adam Black, Rhys Thomas, Gethin Robinson, Danny Lydiate, Tom Willis, Steve Jones, Jamie Ringer, Colin Charvis, Joe Bearman, Hoani MacDonald, Luke Charteris, Andrew Hall, Lewis Evans

Dragons unfortunate to leave with nothing

Newport Gwent Dragons let a 10 point lead slip away from their grasp at the RDS. Leinster comfortably finished 29-13 winners, but it was far from convincing as the Welsh region worried the Irishmen with some fine counter attacking.

Hoani Macdonald opened his try scoring account for the Dragons with an early interception try against Magners League holders Leinster. James Arlidge took his kicks well, but a quick reply through a Sean O’Brien try saw the Dubliner’s go into the break trailing by 13 points to 10.

Jonathon Sexton added a penalty after the interval to tie the scores, but the Men of Gwent couldn’t hold out as Bernard Jackman grabbed a try to give the Irish province the lead. Australian Rocky Elsom sealed the win with an injury time try as Newport attempted to run the ball from their own posts.

Dragons were disappointed to have walked away from Dublin with nothing to show after their early efforts, but the last visit to RDS saw the Black and Ambers clamber away 41-8 losers, which handed Leinster the league title. Once again Gwent were strong in defence and worried the Irish with initial pressure and promise.

In the blustery conditions James Arlidge steadied himself to slot over two early penalties opening a deserved 6-0 lead as the Dragons set the pace. With Sexton receiving attention, Fergus McFadden reduced the deficit to three with a penalty. But an intercept try from the New Zealander, Macdonald extended a 10 point advantage.

The response was immediate from Leinster, shortly after Dragons conversion, O’Brien cut a great angle inside the Newport 22 to score from close range. Sexton gratefully added two points before Macdonald was lost to the sin-bin for an illegal hauling down of Devin Toner in a lineout. Dragons went into half-time leading 13-10.

The lead was wiped out straight after the break as Sexton levelled with a well-struck penalty. Leinster started to enforce themselves on the game from there on, with Bernard Jackman stealing over from 8 yards following sustained forward pressure.

Arlidge missed out on the chance of cutting the Irish advantage, but replacement David Howell and McFadden were successful with their attempts - increasing the home lead. Dragons remained ambitious and were still in the game, but ambition turned to disaster as they lost the ball on their 22. Girvan Dempsey opened the pitch up with some free running and allowed Elsom to score in the corner with seconds left on the watch.

Dragons were unfortunate to not leave with a bonus point as they competed with the Champions, but ill-discipline and organisation haunted them as it finished 29-13.

Leinster: G Dempsey, S Horgan, B O'Driscoll, F McFadden, S Keogh, J Sexton, C Whitaker (cpt); C Healy, B Jackman, S Wright, D Toner, M O'Kelly, R Elsom, S O'Brien, S Keogh.Replacements: Replacements: C Jowitt for S. Keogh (62), D Holwell for Sexton (65), C Keane for Whitaker (65), Hogan for Toner (67).Not Used: B Blaney, CJ van der Linde, G Brown.

Dragons: P Dollman; G Wyatt, R Sidey, M Stcherbina, R Fussell; J Arlidge, W Evans; A Black, T Willis (capt), G Robinson, H Macdonald, A Hall, J Bearman, L Evans, G Webb.Replacements: S Connor for Arlidge (61), S Jones for Willis (75), J Corsi for Robinson (75), D Lydiate for Hall (27), J Ringer for Webb (47).Not Used: A Smith, R Lewis.

Referee: A MacPherson (SRFU).

Gone, but not forgotten

Many talented rugby union players past and present have escaped our historic coastal region, none as recognisable as the current Welsh captain, Ryan Jones. How have we managed to squander such illustrious performers from a club lacking in funds, surely uncovered potential should be nursed within a water-tight structure.

The current crop of players under the watchful eye of coach, Paul Turner seem to be bonding as a unit and appear to be a well drilled team. But should we need to bolster the team with three New Zealanders when there were great players’ on our doorstep. Don’t get me wrong, I think Turner spent wisely and each of our foreign imports has impressed with their never say die attitude and increased fitness levels. However, players by the name of Ryan Jones, Alix Popham and Andy Powell have walked away from Rodney Parade. And although I hate to say it, they made the right decision – look at them now, all three are Welsh internationals and worst of all they represent the other three regions.

Powell, born in Brecon has immense capability as a ball carrying back row specialist, but during the step to regional rugby he was surprisingly left stranded with an excuse of a contract, therefore for he moved on. Last Saturday he made an impressive debut for the national side, bringing the total of caps shared between the three, to fifty-five.

Don’t think the list stops there. Two prop forwards, Iestyn Thomas and Ceri Jones managed to be pushed aside forcing them to find new clubs. Iestyn Thomas, born in Pontypool, started his career at his hometown before moving to Eugene Park under Mike Ruddock. After captaining Ebbw Vale he switched to west Wales to represent Llanelli.

Ceri Jones was once the cornerstone, alongside Rod Snow, of a dependable and bulky Newport pack. The 31-year-old from Usk has gone on to pastures new with Harlequins, after cementing his place he became a fan favourite playing alongside Jason Leonard for a short spell.

Another useful player we managed to let go off is Jason Strange. Hailing from Tredegar, Strange came to prominence at Ebbw Vale before moving to Newport. He failed to make a real mark at Rodney Parade, but was this down to ability, opportunity or training? I would have to say one of the latter two, as after leaving for a one-year spell with Rotherham, he transferred to Bristol Rugby Club and in the 2005/06 season he finished as top points scorer in the Guinness Premiership with 244.

Those are just six of a longer list of rugby talent hailing from our doorstep to have moved away from Gwent and progressed to higher levels. There is a definite need for a firm structure and improvement in facilities to keep quality within the region, but below the gloom I believe is a new horizon. The next generation is coming into full bloom under the careful eye of coach, Paul Turner. The Black and Ambers may seem to be in full rotation mode this season with a policy more likened to Rafa Benitez, than the midas touch of Turner. There is an encouraging amount of young talent in the region providing the Newbridge man with a new breed of exciting rugby to nurture.
Onwards and Upwards!

Gatland names Thomas and Charteris

Newport Gwent Dragons prop Rhys Thomas and lock Luke Charteris are in Warren Gatland’s starting fifteen for tonight’s clash with Canada at the Millennium Stadium.

The second Invesco Perpetual Series match brings a different challenge, with only three players remaining in the side from Saturday’s 20-15 defeat to world champions, South Africa. Gatland has handed opportunities to many players to make a name for themselves in the red of Wales, expecting the intensity levels to be at full tilt.

It’s all change in the pack with a complete revamp, except for captain, Ryan Jones who switches to his favoured number eight shirt. The front three may lack in experience, but not power as John Yapp is called up to win his ninth cap after suffering a two-year absence through injury problems. Hooker Richard Hibbard and tight-head Rhys Thomas join Yapp to bring the total of caps won to seventeen in the front row.

The second row is filled by familiar faces at Rodney Parade, Ian Gough and Luke Charteris step into the breach to force their presence upon the game. Gough, now with the Ospreys, has shadowed Alyn-Wyn Jones and Ian Evans for club and country and will aim to regain the starting shirt. Charteris provides a different option with his considerable height in the lineout and improving defensive capabilities.

Two in-from flankers have been brought into the team in an effort to establish their position alongside captain, Ryan Jones at eight. The unfortunate Dafydd Jones arrives at blindside after spending lengthy amounts of time out of the game through injury and suspensions. At open-side Robin Sowden-Taylor switches with his Cardiff Blues team-mate and predecessor Martyn Williams.

Gatland has made five changes in the backs, with Scarlets scrum-half Martin Roberts making his international debut in place of Dwayne Peel. He will be joined at half-back by the criticised James Hook, but for me the 23-year-old from Port Talbot possesses a huge amount of talent and has a long future in the historic number 10 jersey of Wales.

Another 23-year-old Osprey in Andrew Bishop returns at inside-centre to capture only his second cap. His partner, Tom Shanklin, remains in the team to offer vital experience and will be hoping to add to his tally of eighteen tries. Mark Jones has recovered from an injury to play on the wing, with young Leigh Halfpenny on the other wing to earn his second cap and vital game time. Llanelli Scarlets full-back Morgan Stoddart completes the back three and will give the Canucks certain defensive problems with his running play.

The bench consists of two debutants, Ospreys outside-half Dan Biggar and Sale Sharks prop Eifion Roberts, with five players who impressed last Saturday; Matthew Rees, Alun-Wyn Jones, Andy Powell, Dwayne Peel and Jamie Roberts.

Gatland is pleased with his selection, "There are many of changes from last week but we have maintained consistency by keeping Ryan in there as captain and we have some experience and impact players too on the bench."

Gavin Henson is still sidelined with an Achilles injury which ruled him out last Saturday, however he has been training lightly and expects to challenge for his place soon. Don’t expect Canada to lie down, but this is a Welsh team with a huge attacking threat.

Wales: Morgan Stoddart (Scarlets); Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues), Tom Shanklin (Cardiff Blues), Andrew Bishop (Ospreys), Mark Jones (Scarlets); James Hook (Ospreys), Martin Roberts (Scarlets); John Yapp (Cardiff Blues), Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Rhys Thomas (Newport Gwent Dragons), Ian Gough (Ospreys) , Luke Charteris (Newport Gwent Dragons), Dafydd Jones (Scarlets), Robin Sowden-Taylor (Cardiff Blues), Ryan Jones (Ospreys, capt).

Replacements: Matthew Rees (Scarlets), Eifion Lewis Roberts (Sale), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Andy Powell (Cardiff Blues), Dwayne Peel (Sale), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues).

Experience key at half-back

There has been a lot of debate around the half-back paring best suited to ameliorate a progressing Dragons team. Paul Turner has chopped and changed in his attempt to find the control needed to lead the black and ambers forward.

Turner, himself a successful outside-half, has already recruited many players in these positions in his short tenure so far at the club. A player who never escaped the pressure spot last season was Ceri Sweeney resulting in a move to arch rivals Cardiff Blues – but was he even a ten. I believe he dominated as an inside centre, far superior to his skills as a fly-half and I’m glad Ashley Smith wasn’t pushed off the scene to accommodate the 28-year-old Sweeney.

However, the key to success as an outside-half is consistency. Enter Shaun Connor, he is an experienced player who arrived from the Ospreys in the summer. I believe Connor provides the most control of our options and is a tactically astute player, whilst not being afraid to dabble in contact. However the 32-year-old, born in Panteg, is not a long term solution to the ongoing problem.

Does that mean we will be shopping to two years time? Not necessarily, Turner recognizes the importance of progression and this comes in the form of James Arlidge. The 29-year-old also rich in experience brings a different outlook on the game from across the globe. The New Zealand born, Japanese international has been educated through the Auckland system. The Auckland University student is quick, reactive and strong with a solid kicking game. Don’t be surprised if he changes a game in an instant.

Turner has placed one eye on a future plan. Jason Tovey at 19 has made the switch from full-back at Newport rfc to outside-half for the Dragons. Schooled at Cwmcarn Comprehensive and now representing Wales U20’s, he has always been aware of his own ability – having played against him, you should never underestimate him. He could remain silent for 70 minutes, but when that ball finds him, the defence are in trouble - all depends which Jason Tovey turns up.

Jason Tovey playing against the Ospreys.

The number nine shirt is certainly there for taking, with my personal selection Andy Williams being out injured with a back problem. The 27-year-old who transferred from Bath last season hasn’t shown his capabilities yet due to a series of injuries, but the talkative scrum-half offers good service and direction for the forwards, if he manages to get back to his best he is a definite contender for Warren Gatland’s squad.

There are a few very adequate replacements in Wayne Evans, Rob Lewis and Tom Isaacs. The first has improved immensely in the last year, only 24 Wayne arrived from the Blues in 2007 and took a while to settle but there is vast potential waiting to deliver. Lewis and Isaacs, only 20 and 21 respectively, are future starlets of the region and with Turner blooding them early he hopes both will reap the benefits. Their scurrying and running play is impeccable; expect them to light up games.

Although, I do believe our region is missing one of its young scrum-halves. Last season Alex Walker stepped into a pair of sizeable shoes, that of Gareth Cooper and injured Andy Williams and for me did not disappoint, in fact he was one of the most consistent half-backs in Wales. Now twenty-two Walker is plying his trade in English National One alongside Aled Thomas with London Welsh. Is that two more great players escaped under our nose?

Are Wales breathing without Dragon Fire

Warren Gatland has named his 22-man squad to face world champions, South Africa in the Prince William Cup clash on Saturday. Gatland has handed debuts to Cardiff Blues duo Leigh Halfpenny and Andy Powell, but no Dragons players have reached the final team.


Wales Team to face South Africa is, as follows:

15. Lee Byrne
14. Leigh Halfpenny
13. Jamie Roberts
12. Gavin Henson
11. Shane Williams
10. Stephen Jones
9. Gareth Cooper
1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Matthew Rees
3. Adam Jones
4. Alun-Wyn Jones
5. Ian Evans
6. Ryan Jones (capt)
7. Martyn Williams
8. Andy Powell



Replacements: Richard Hibbard, Duncan Jones, Ian Gough, Dafydd Jones, Dwayne Peel, James Hook, Tom Shanklin.

Three former ‘Men of Gwent’ have been selected; Ian Gough, Andy Powell and Gareth Cooper. But there is no place for any current players from the Dragons, which for me is quite a surprise as over the last few games there has been an immense improvement. Luke Chateris is now a well-rounded player with his tight defence and height in the line-out, he is sure to be called up for one of the Invesco Perpetual Series matches. Prop Rhys Thomas brings a different dimension to the front-row, maybe not quite as consistent, but he carries a threat with the ball and will be certainly fired up when his chance arrives.

As for the Welsh team, I believe we have a strong team out and have every chance of competing with the Springboks. If the pack produce good ball that we can spread wide, Habana will be no match for our dancing wingers, and expect young Jamie Roberts to break a few tackles. This is an exciting Welsh team, but can they perform against the best in the world?

Welcome to the Dragon Smoke Blog!

Hello and welcome to Dragon Smoke, the only Newport Gwent Dragons Blog!

It’s the perfect time to start a blog on this region, as the Black and Ambers start a new chapter in their history. With stadium plans gathering pace and our youthful team progressing in quality, not to mention a couple of wise, old heads it’s an exciting time for everyone connected with the club. Welsh rugby is on a high, and I need all rugby union fans to get involved!

I’ll be keeping the blog updated on a regular basis with news and views from on and off the field, but your opinion will be valued on all things Dragons. I aim to entertain and inform, whilst bringing you a lot of original material from my own sources – but crucially I endeavour to find the fans, in an attempt to increase awareness and support of our region.

Come on the Port, sorry or Dragons for the naturalist!