Woeful Dragons suffer record defeat - match report (From Free Press Series)
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Woeful Dragons suffer record defeat - match report
9:10pm Friday 15th February 2013 in Sport
By Chris Kirwan
Woeful Dragons suffer record defeat - match report
Dragons 3 Glasgow 60
WHEN Newport Gwent Dragons were given a good old Scottish gubbing in Glasgow in November they were lucky that the television cameras weren’t there to broadcast the humiliation.
Last night they weren’t so fortunate.
The second-placed Warr-iors smashed the Dragons 60-3 at Rodney Parade, a RaboDirect Pro12 defeat even more embarrassing than the 37-6 loss in Scotland.
The scale of their humiliation is told by the aggregate scoreline of 97-9 with the Dragons line crossed 13 times and the Warriors’ none.
Last night they conceded 50 points for the first time at Rodney Parade and suffered the heaviest defeat in their history.
The region headed into the game on the back of three wins but it’s a case of one step forward, 97 back and it must leave plenty – both players and coaches – fearing for their futures.
The victories against the Ospreys, London Welsh and Treviso were far from perfect performances but the Dragons got the job done.
But last night they made far, far too many errors against a quality Glasgow side that were never likely to be as charitable as that trio.
The first half possession was split 50/50 yet the scoreboard read 27-3 to the visitors as the Dragons trudged under it towards their changing room.
It didn’t get any better after the break, Glasgow crossing for five tries in a shambolic final quarter with the hosts’ defence as soft as the Parade turf.
It was as lopsided a game as you could see and the region needs to improve tenfold if they are to avoid being Zebre’s first scalp of the season next Sunday.
The winless Italians have long had a ring around that fixture on their calendar and will fly into their visitors in Parma. If the Dragons’ basics fail them again then the season won’t just die a slow death – Zebre will be chasing them down.
Glasgow are a well-drilled and confident side, capable of mixing it up front and threatening out wide.
Make no mistake about it, the Warriors are the real deal and will fancy their chances of not only making the playoffs but earning a Scotstoun Stadium semi-final. That’s a trip not many would fancy.
They fancied their chances even without the likes of Scotland’s Stuart Hogg, Sean Maitland, Sean Lamont, Ruaridh Jackson and Roddy Grant and with South African powerhouse number eight Josh Strauss on their bench.
That confidence was proved to be well-founded as they bossed the game almost from start to finish.
Tom Prydie, the Pro12’s leading point scorer, and Duncan Weir traded penalties in the first three minutes but then the visitors moved into a lead that they never looked like losing.
First a sustained attack on the Dragons’ line ended with centre Mark Bennett going under the sticks and then a cruel bounce from a Henry Pyrgos chip allowed mercurial Fijiian Niko Matawalu to go over.
Weir’s two conversions gave the Warriors a 17-3 lead after just 20 minutes and when he extended that lead with another penalty they were already getting towards a position where they could concentrate on the bonus point. And it was all too easy to get try number three on the stroke of half-time, the Warriors embarrassingly exposing fragile defence with a simple move.
Inside centre Alex Dunbar just ran down Steffan Jones’ channel from a scrum 10 metres out. That’s it.
He went over under the posts with Weir’s conversion making it 27-3 as the teams headed to the changing rooms.
Just like at Scotstoun in November when it was 20-6 at the break, all the Dragons had left to play for was pride.
They did well enough for 20 minutes without ever really threatening the Glasgow line but then returned to their bad habits on the hour to gift the Warriors their bonus point, replacement wing Taylor Paris going over untouched thanks to some appalling defence.
That triggered a rout with lock Tim Swinson going over either side of a Josh Strauss score, leaving most supporters to head for the exit and the rest only stayed to vent their frustration at the final whistle.
By then they had seen another score with Fraser Thomson making the humiliation complete.
In a season of plenty of embarrassing defeats, this was a new – and unacceptable - low.
Dragons: D Evans, W Harries, P Leach (A Hughes 66), J Dixon, T Prydie, S Jones (H Amos 55), J Evans (W Evans 60), O Evans (A Coundley 69) , H Gustafson (S Parry 60), N Buck (N Williams 69), I Nimmo (J Tyler 71), A Jones, L Evans (captain), N Cudd (J Groves 69), I Jones.
Scorers: penalty – T Prydie Glasgow: P Murchie, N Matawalu, M Bennett, A Dunbar, DTH van der Merwe, D Weir (S Wight 66), H Pyrgos (T Paris 60), G Reid (O Fainga’anuka 58), P MacArthur (G Price 64), J Welsh (E Kalman 64), T Swinson (J Gray 25-38), T Ryder, J Eddie (J Strauss 51), J Barclay, R Wilson (capt, J Gray 60).
Scorers: tries – M Bennett, N Matawalu, A Dunbar, T Paris, T Swinson (2), J Strauss, F Thomson; con’sions – D Weir (5), S Wight (2); penalties – D Weir (2) Referee: Claudio Blessano (Italy) Attendance: 4311 Argus star man: N/A
Comments(61)
CaptainB
says...
9:19pm Fri 15 Feb 13
I bet Gerwen Price was proud to play for the Warriors.
I'm just glad I left the money for my season ticket in the bank.
I have reached the lowest point I can remember of supporting the Rodney Parade setup, both the Dragons and Newport.
R.I.P
CaptainB
says...
9:24pm Fri 15 Feb 13
The wife just suggested I have an early night, as tomorrow is a new day.
I'm not sure I want to wake up and see that what I though was something from a nightmare was actually............
....
THE TRUTH!!!!!
Cardiff Mission
says...
9:33pm Fri 15 Feb 13
No longer will our season tickets help pay the wages of players farmed out to Bedwas and Cross Keys by Beale.
Sit down for the Men of Gwent - what a joke they are.
Monster Munch McCoy
says...
9:56pm Fri 15 Feb 13
Left with 10 mins to go and that was at least 20 mins too long.
Heads must roll now and changes made. People will no longer pay to watch this unprofessional aimless effortless rubbish.
Euwan Usami
says...
10:01pm Fri 15 Feb 13
Cardiff Mission wrote:I heard a few around us saying they will only be buying Newport Season tickets next season. I had already considered the same to be honest. At least you can watch all games home and away and see a team competing at that's leagues level. There is often more running rugby in those games too. I can't give the game up as a supporter and I really don't expect the recruitment effort to come to much for the Dragons so its defo the way to go. Love to see Robert put a positive spin on tonight's game. Doubt the ref had much to do with Glasgow 8 tries. Lol
Thank you Dragons, you've helped to reaffirm our decision to only buy 4 Newport RFC season tickets next year and to give up on this Gwent farce after 10 years of wasted season tickets.
No longer will our season tickets help pay the wages of players farmed out to Bedwas and Cross Keys by Beale.
Sit down for the Men of Gwent - what a joke they are.
wilkolima
says...
10:02pm Fri 15 Feb 13
Much of it goes down to basics, basics, basics: wild passes above head height, inability to catch the ball around shin level, ridiculous re-starts that belted the ball downfield with nobody chasing or which handed possession with a big red bow to the Glasgow forwards, half backs with more off days than lucky days who seem more interested in playing to the TV cameras than for their team...Has anybody heard of tactical kicking - i.e. with a purpose, with a point, with an objective? Then there are forwards with height and weight who slop about with no gutso or b#lls at all.
I don't know..before we know it there will be cries for Turnip to return. Can it get any worse?
CaptainB
says...
10:03pm Fri 15 Feb 13
A performance So So POOR,
DE, I bet that 'Imac' of yours is on melt down, you might even have to come out of that seat of yours at the back of the stand!!!
What does it take to show you and Beale that you aren't in the right league, and that the sooner you both Sod Off, the BETTER.
PortORico
says...
10:16pm Fri 15 Feb 13
wilkolima wrote:Fair play that about sums it up. Too many plodders with little spark, go forward & aggression, simply seem to be there to make up the numbers. Totally unprofessional attitudes. Taxi for Beale and Edwards!
Disgraceful, humiliating, embarrassing... it's all been said already. If Edwards and co missed the signs, maybe they should have looked up with twenty minutes to go to witness even the faithful of the Hazell Stand leaving the sinking ship in droves.
Much of it goes down to basics, basics, basics: wild passes above head height, inability to catch the ball around shin level, ridiculous re-starts that belted the ball downfield with nobody chasing or which handed possession with a big red bow to the Glasgow forwards, half backs with more off days than lucky days who seem more interested in playing to the TV cameras than for their team...Has anybody heard of tactical kicking - i.e. with a purpose, with a point, with an objective? Then there are forwards with height and weight who slop about with no gutso or b#lls at all.
I don't know..before we know it there will be cries for Turnip to return. Can it get any worse?
dalesman1666
says...
10:37pm Fri 15 Feb 13
ncfcr
says...
10:43pm Fri 15 Feb 13
Drag_Fan
says...
10:58pm Fri 15 Feb 13
cjwales1
says...
11:01pm Fri 15 Feb 13
As much as I hate saying it this Club doesnt even deserve development status.Management, players, sponsors ( who will be very few) all need to hang their heads in shame !!!
RIP
Meldrew@NewportMon
says...
11:18pm Fri 15 Feb 13
No more discussions. Heads must roll.
Then:-
Scrap the NG Dragons. Make Newport RFC professional and join he English pyramid.!!!
Two teams playing at RP. Newport RFU in the English pyramid and Newport County.
D Taylor
says...
12:17am Sat 16 Feb 13
Meldrew@NewportMon wrote:I'm a football fan not a rugby fan so perhaps I shouldn't comment but for the life of me I've never understood why Newport RFC, being a long term member of the RFU, didn't join the Englidh system.
The final straw!!!!!!!!
No more discussions. Heads must roll.
Then:-
Scrap the NG Dragons. Make Newport RFC professional and join he English pyramid.!!!
Two teams playing at RP. Newport RFU in the English pyramid and Newport County.
D Taylor
says...
12:18am Sat 16 Feb 13
tap
says...
12:25am Sat 16 Feb 13
Robert Shillabeer
says...
12:57am Sat 16 Feb 13
I have given quite some support to the head coach over the last year or so, but enough is enough, time to consider resigning Darren, or else the sack looms very close after that show, can't even term it as a performance I'm afraid.
Risca1
says...
1:28am Sat 16 Feb 13
Adrian Williams
says...
7:15am Sat 16 Feb 13
dragons#1
says...
7:34am Sat 16 Feb 13
CaptainB
says...
8:05am Sat 16 Feb 13
No shape in attack and nothing in defence, from the start they had overlaps, gaps, missed tackles and dropped balls, our backs couldn't knock a hole in a rice pudding.
Darren Edwards you have got to go, and take Beale with you, Crap from start to finish!!!!
rightsideup
says...
8:12am Sat 16 Feb 13
CaptainB wrote:'A real drubbing',what do you think this was then?.
Thankfully we were at home or this could have been a real drubbing!!!
No shape in attack and nothing in defence, from the start they had overlaps, gaps, missed tackles and dropped balls, our backs couldn't knock a hole in a rice pudding.
Darren Edwards you have got to go, and take Beale with you, Crap from start to finish!!!!
Sadly I was there to witness it!.
East Newport Dave
says...
8:14am Sat 16 Feb 13
The Zebre match could be acutely embarrassing and I predict 70-80 points being shipped against some of the bigger teams as the season reaches the business end.
I happen to think there are some good young players at the Dragons but having a good coach to mould them as a team is crucial. The current lot should be dismissed because it is clear that they have no shame and are just determined to keep drawing a salary. If an employee turns out repeatedly incompetent work he/she is served a written warning, then another, before dismissal. They should already have gone down that road.
Doberman1
says...
8:29am Sat 16 Feb 13
What those in authority should be really concerned about was the ground emptying from 60 mins onwards - a lot of fans last night will see that shambolic display as the last straw and will be very reluctant indeed to spend any more of their hard earned either this season, or more importantly next. The whole future of this region is hanging by a thread - very difficult to operate successfully in pro sport with no supporters.
Meaningful change required right now, it might be 18months too late but give the disgruntled supporters something to offer us hope.
Lastpost
says...
8:42am Sat 16 Feb 13
The Dragons performance last night was a Issue for Trading Standards. I paid to watch two teams play a game of rugby but only one team bothered to turn up.
My thanks to the little ball boy on the Hazell stand side who was the only pair of home boots on the pitch who could catch and pass the ball.
cdfdragon
says...
9:17am Sat 16 Feb 13
They treat the supporters so poorly I just can't bear to go anymore.
I'm sure they'll be in the paper this week talking about how they will right the wrongs next weekend. All before going to Italy for what will be an even more humiliating defeat than last night!
schlep
says...
9:41am Sat 16 Feb 13
Dragons if they want to survive need to bring in new coaching staff. I'd prefer now to watch Newport rfc but here again they are taking second fiddle to the football, Sunday afternoon rugby, no thanks have my family round for lunch which is far more entertaining.
schlep
says...
9:42am Sat 16 Feb 13
cjwales1
says...
9:52am Sat 16 Feb 13
.
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..
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.
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..
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.
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Not Holding my breath, they are getting paid no matter what performances the team put in.
Meldrew@NewportMon
says...
10:11am Sat 16 Feb 13
rlockett
says...
10:15am Sat 16 Feb 13
rlockett
says...
10:20am Sat 16 Feb 13
WARMACHINE
says...
10:36am Sat 16 Feb 13
WARMACHINE
says...
10:36am Sat 16 Feb 13
Doberman1
says...
11:00am Sat 16 Feb 13
MacBook management has run out of batteries, time for change.
WelshRugbyFan
says...
11:55am Sat 16 Feb 13
http://www.bbc.co.uk
/sport/0/rugby-union
/21481865
It left Edwards visibly upset and with a message to the Rodney Parade faithful: "It's a huge apology, it's an embarrassment. Nobody wants to be associated with that.
"I think it's important we're looking at the whole organisation and trying to put things in place.
"We'll take a harsh look at everything. We want to be successful and we'll do everything we can to do that.
"I've come from a professional playing background and I've just got to fight. All I'm thinking about is fighting to put that right now."
WelshRugbyFan
says...
11:57am Sat 16 Feb 13
WelshRugbyFan wrote:"We're embarrassed, you can't hide away from the facts of that... I'm embarrassed because that was my team out there," said Edwards.
and here's DE's response ....
http://www.bbc.co.uk
/sport/0/rugby-union
/21481865
It left Edwards visibly upset and with a message to the Rodney Parade faithful: "It's a huge apology, it's an embarrassment. Nobody wants to be associated with that.
"I think it's important we're looking at the whole organisation and trying to put things in place.
"We'll take a harsh look at everything. We want to be successful and we'll do everything we can to do that.
"I've come from a professional playing background and I've just got to fight. All I'm thinking about is fighting to put that right now."
"There's got to be a response from what happened here tonight and I'll be expecting that next week.
Play media
Dragons assistant coach Rob Appleyard reacts emotionally to his team's record 60-3 defeat at home to Glasgow Warriors
"Every game's going to be important that we can actually prove to ourselves and to our fans now what we're actually trying and striving hard to achieve.
"We've just need to keep working hard. Glasgow gave us a lesson in why they're top of the league and we've just got to keep trying to get to these standards."
the dork
says...
12:01pm Sat 16 Feb 13
(ps whats a scottish gubbing?)
Doberman1
says...
12:15pm Sat 16 Feb 13
WelshRugbyFan wrote:If he was apologising for a one off performance maybe it would be accepted, sadly we have been utter dross for the majority of his time at the helm.
and here's DE's response ....
http://www.bbc.co.uk
/sport/0/rugby-union
/21481865
It left Edwards visibly upset and with a message to the Rodney Parade faithful: "It's a huge apology, it's an embarrassment. Nobody wants to be associated with that.
"I think it's important we're looking at the whole organisation and trying to put things in place.
"We'll take a harsh look at everything. We want to be successful and we'll do everything we can to do that.
"I've come from a professional playing background and I've just got to fight. All I'm thinking about is fighting to put that right now."
Actions not words are needed now, resign and resume a supporting coaching role somewhere, he can recover and so can The Dragons.....before its too late.
PortORico
says...
12:18pm Sat 16 Feb 13
People are walking away, if things don't change, they will not return.
Robert Shillabeer
says...
12:33pm Sat 16 Feb 13
speakoutnow
says...
1:13pm Sat 16 Feb 13
At least the players have shown some pride in their performances during the season...but not last night.
I seriously think that they have no faith in the coaching/selection/g
ame plan(if there is one) they are experiencing.
First of all recruitment/selectio
n.... compare the recruits Glasgow could field, experienced powerful players who made a real impact.
By contrast we have for instance O Evans,Nimmo and Tuilagi (yes I know he wasn't playing) what do they offer?
Selection, we are throwing young inexperienced BOYS into the fray.
They may have promise ( which may soon be knocked out of them) but they continue to make basic errors game after game.
Surely experienced players like Wayne Evans should be used more.
Coaching/game plan....I really can't see that the team shows any sign of improvement over the last seasons.
They continue to make basic errors and have no apparent game plan.
They need to spend less time in the gym and more on skills/team work then we might see less bish bash bosh and more of the off loading skills that Glasgow showed last night.
I also think that having a referee going over the laws might help eradicate the stupid penalties we concede match after match.
Unfortunately I think that it is all too late for the current inept coaching set up we have had for far too long.
Despite what D E and his cronies say I think they have not only lost the supporters but the players too.
emlynkide
says...
1:18pm Sat 16 Feb 13
portforever
says...
2:00pm Sat 16 Feb 13
spaniard
says...
3:50pm Sat 16 Feb 13
The People's Republic of Newp
says...
4:25pm Sat 16 Feb 13
County
says...
5:10pm Sat 16 Feb 13
Robert Shillabeer
says...
5:31pm Sat 16 Feb 13
County wrote:Newport and Ebbw Vale formed the Dragons but greed of the Ebbw Vale contingent resulted in a major row and Ebbw Vale left the WRU to pick up the vacant half. This left Newport to struggle on and finance the whole thing with the WRU only putting in the minimum but having the lions share of the shout. Roll on next season.
I'm no fan of regional rugby but the Dragons haven't helped themselves. The Ospreys knew Swansea alone wasn't big enough to support a region so they used the name of the two major clubs and even play the occasional game in Bridgend, why couldn't the Dragons do something similar? A tiny red stripe on the shirt is not going to make valley rugby fans think the team represents them.
Keith Barnett
says...
6:40pm Sat 16 Feb 13
Dai the Milk
says...
7:43pm Sat 16 Feb 13
The People's Republic of Newp
says...
8:45pm Sat 16 Feb 13
Dai the Milk wrote:Preposterous man, preposterous argument.
All predicted by me since day one. Selfishness always ends in tears. Good job it was only Glasgow Seconds.
How is it 'selfish' to pursue that afforded to your peers? You can't lay moral judgements on the perceived conduct of NRFC without considering the wider context. It's the WRU and the architects of 'regional rugby' that are to blame not those that work within the conditions set out for them.
Desmond Tutu
says...
9:31pm Sat 16 Feb 13
Dragon_in_Gwent
says...
3:08pm Sun 17 Feb 13
Need some experience to come into the coaching team and stick with the good kids like Dixon and j evans.
ebbwman1
says...
4:34pm Sun 17 Feb 13
The People's Republic of Newp
says...
5:40pm Sun 17 Feb 13
ebbwman1 wrote:Yes, that's right... the 'real' Gwent sides. Shame they have nothing to contribute - and have demonstrated a marked reluctance to contribute - anything in real terms, that is logistically, commercially and monetarily.
On a positive real gwent note, ebbw. vale beat cardiff 16 - 11 in swalec cup yesterday. The dragons should go and look at the real gwent sides.... ebbw, pooler, cross keys etc to see how its done.
Euwan Usami
says...
5:46pm Sun 17 Feb 13
ebbwman1 wrote:All 3 Gwent premiership sides (Including Cross Keys) were knocked out this weekend. 3 Gwent Championship sides went through though. Ebbw Vale, Blackwood and Bargoed. Pooler are second from bottom of the championship struggling to adapt to last seasons enforced relegation. All of these clubs are semi professionals supported entirely by the WRU and come under the region that is represented by the Dragons. If by "See how it's done" you mean use semi-professional players in the regional players in the regional side, they already do that. You saw the result of doing too much of that against Glasgow.
On a positive real gwent note, ebbw. vale beat cardiff 16 - 11 in swalec cup yesterday. The dragons should go and look at the real gwent sides.... ebbw, pooler, cross keys etc to see how its done.
kalwales@hotmail.com
says...
8:24pm Sun 17 Feb 13
JTFish
says...
3:20pm Mon 18 Feb 13
We are stuck with them just like we are stuck with the WRU!
It wouldnt suprise me if they have already approached CRFC to get ready to take over the contracts of our best players(if we have any?)!
Id like to show the door to DE and his muppets,The WRU and some of the other staff! They dont have any sort of interest in the company they work for! They are more interested in getting thier bums out of there ASAP after a match or guzzling up the free beer and food up the Bisley suite whilst the plebs who care more about this club have to put up with crap expensive beer served up most of the time from cans and charged through the nose! Let the wallow in the psoh suite and give themselves a good slap on the back for all they are doing for our rugby! I cant say gwent(is it really), I cant say Newport because they are seperate(or not)? Sums it all up really! Who do I support? Who should I support? I will follow my heart and support the Dragons(until they die, which wont be long) & Newport RFC! I feel so let down by all at Rodney Parade! You dont have the best interest of the club in you minds! you just blame, blame, blame! Its not our fault, its them!
Robert Shillabeer
says...
6:17pm Mon 18 Feb 13
JTFish wrote:Your a bit off with that rant. They have repaired the finances and owe nothing to The tax man or county council, the new stand is on a long term repayment basis and have agreed to up the playing budget next season by about £300,000 with another £200,000 leeway should it become necessary without breaking the self imposed limit applicable in Wales. The Dragons are the best placed region in financial terms, new players next season to replace those who leave at the end of the season plus a new front row which has been badly needed for two years now, it's up to the board to give us all something to look forward to the rest will look after itself with players leaving or dropping out of the professional game.
No one at the Dragons is going to upset the WRU(50% stake-holders) by sacking DE and his muppets!
We are stuck with them just like we are stuck with the WRU!
It wouldnt suprise me if they have already approached CRFC to get ready to take over the contracts of our best players(if we have any?)!
Id like to show the door to DE and his muppets,The WRU and some of the other staff! They dont have any sort of interest in the company they work for! They are more interested in getting thier bums out of there ASAP after a match or guzzling up the free beer and food up the Bisley suite whilst the plebs who care more about this club have to put up with crap expensive beer served up most of the time from cans and charged through the nose! Let the wallow in the psoh suite and give themselves a good slap on the back for all they are doing for our rugby! I cant say gwent(is it really), I cant say Newport because they are seperate(or not)? Sums it all up really! Who do I support? Who should I support? I will follow my heart and support the Dragons(until they die, which wont be long) & Newport RFC! I feel so let down by all at Rodney Parade! You dont have the best interest of the club in you minds! you just blame, blame, blame! Its not our fault, its them!
blackandamber
says...
8:02pm Tue 19 Feb 13
Dragon_in_Gwent wrote:Were not filling RP because very few people north of Rogerstone or Malpas will support the Dragons. I don't blame them one bit they want to see their own clubs play as I do in Newport. You mention the Ospreys, as both of the clubs which formed the only "true region", were bankrupt they had very little choice in the matter. As for playing away from RP where would you suggest, remembering that away supporters might want to see the match as well.
Drop Newport from the name, build some bridges in the valleys, and play a couple of games away from Rodney parade, please no-one say it can't be done, the osprays have shown it can and it's not like were filling rp. This would go some way to getting some goodwill from the wider region. We really have to improve our support base by doing this.
Need some experience to come into the coaching team and stick with the good kids like Dixon and j evans.
Jonny beechwood says...
9:18pm Fri 15 Feb 13