There can be few rugby players out there who can boast 350 appearances for their club – Vernon Cooper has served the Scarlets with unquenchable passion and graft for over 16 years. Apparently Vernon didn’t want to accept a testimonial from the club and had to be persuaded! Says it all about the man – it’s hard to imagine players in the fully professional era being so loyal and having the physical and mental stamina to last as long as Vernon with the same club. No longer a feature in starting line-ups, Coops usually comes on in the latter stages – he still plays well with all the physicality and cunning as he ever had – it’s just like a lot of things with men as he gets older – he can’t quite last as long!
On to the game itself – and if rugby (like Wendy ball) is a game of two halves, last night proved the point. Scarlets won the game in by an edgy 24-20. They dominated the first half in terms of possession and territory, but is was a game full of unforced errors, loss of possession and a lack of speed of thought in attack. While Priestland, King, Ajume and Fenby all played well, the first half performance was notable for the attacking efforts of the front row – both Rhys Thomas and Iestyn Thomas scoring tries from close range. Hooker Emyr Phillips also impressed tonight – the Scarlets have a Hooker factory on the go on the moment as opposed to Max Boyce’s legendary Outside Half Factory. Tavis Knoyle was the first choice scrum half, but despite a few sharp breaks he played below his usual belligerent best. Perhaps last week’s performance by the Scarlets was critically shaped by Martin Robert’s accurate and lighting fast passing? Flanker Jonathan Edwards also made a couple of critical errors with his hands – one an almost certain try – but his positional play and defensive work were excellent as usual.
Morgan Stoddard left the field during the first half to be replaced by Dan Evans, and by half time Scarlets held a comfortable lead – all was looking positive for the second half. Once again though, Scarlets lost their way. Despite starting well with another try for replacement prop Phil John, minutes later Phil was sin-binned and Exeter Chiefs starting to gain a foothold in the game. Two converted tries by the visitors made for an uncomfortable end to the game, with replacements galore spoiling the continuity of the game with the exception of Scarlet new boy Johnny Fa'amatuainu The Samoan international showed his incredible handling skills – it was more like watching a Harlem Globetrotter than a back row rugby player, and he immediately earned the moniker of the “Regan King” of the forwards. His continuity and skill at offloading will, I believe, work wonders for a team like the Scarlets. Exeter, meanwhile, were grinding out their tries in a typically English Premiership fashion. Scarlets held on until Exeter knocked on in attack and the game was over. Worryingly, Rhys Priestland left the field with some kind of knock – hopefully he’ll be fit for next week.
Nige is still looking beautifully brown. Other news from off the field was chatting to the Exeter fans, they loved Parc-Y-Scarlets, couldn’t believe the season ticket prices here – they pay £340 for an enclosure season and £520 for a stand! Was impressed with their Indian War Chant (nothing will beat Sosban Fach we know – but at least they were trying to sing). Also last night saw the appearance of the mystery shopping trolley pitch side. Heading the completely wrong way to Tesco – someone should tell that bloke…
Saturday 28 August 2010
Saturday 21 August 2010
Mark Jones Testimonial Match - Scarlets v Worcester Warriors - Parc Y Scarlets - Sat August 21st 2010
The smell of chips, pies and beer. Insults shouted at the match officials. The unrivalled banter of the Scarlet faithfull - it can only mean one thing - a new seasons is upon us! Still no draught Felinfoel Double Dragon on show and no sign of a Wagamammas franchise opening at Parc Y Scarlets, but we one-eyed turks live in hope!
Today's first home game of the season was a testimonial match for Scarlet winger and Wales international Mark Jones. Mark epitomises all the passion, flair and commitment indicative of the great Scarlet players: he made a very gracious speech before kick-off - this indicates how good this guy's people skills are - I believe he's going to make a brilliant coach. Some fantastic testimonies in the programme from the likes of Graham Henry, Ryan Jones, Stephen Jones, Simon Easterby and Roger Lewis. Throughout today's game he was on and off the pitch like a rat up a drainpipe, constantly talking to the players (especially young winger George North). His playing experience, and his courage and determination to recover from not one but two serious injuries demonstrate his personal courage and his love of the game. What an example for any player, and in particular this young Scarlet Squad and future players in this hotbed of regional Welsh rugby.
Firstly, the new defensive approach on show today. The Scarlets played a rushing blitz defence which troubled the visitors. There was a notable increase in the physicality of the Scarlets pack, with Worcester Warriors often failing to get over the gain line. The weight of the Scarlet's tackling often resulted in the visitors (and especially Marcel Garvey) spilling the ball - good aggression and organisation was on display for most of the match by the Scarlet eight.
Secondly was the use of what is, I believe, know as "squeezeball". This is a technique that the Welsh National coaching set up is keen for all regions in Wales to employ as it speeds up ball from rucks and makes turnover ball more difficult to achieve - the Scarlet pack seemed to be using this today, more so when they were on the attack and in deeper phases of play. Interesting to see if this continues and develops, particularly as Robyn McBride is on board the Scarlet coaching staff now.
Thirdly, the Scarlets backline possessed far more creativity and incisiveness than their opponents. Regan King looks back to his best, continuing his form from the end of last season - beautiful touch and slight of hand. Great to see Morgan "the Rhino" Stoddard back - looks like he's bulked up a bit too, even though he had a relatively quiet game by his standards. George North also looks a fantastic prospect on the wing - solid, reliable and very hard to tackle. Martin Roberts had one of his better games for the Scarlets - no windmill arms (is this Switchball working as well) and he scored two good tries - one made by King's cunning offloaded pass, another sharp opportunist run in from five metres.
Fourth is the continued rise of Rhys Priestland at 10. I've always rated Priestland (unlike a lot of other Scarlet fans who are slowly beginning to change their minds). In his first season (during Stephen Jones's prolonged absence for the 2007 World Cup) he racked up a shedload of points with the boot. The next couple of seasons have seen him overcome some periods of a lack of confidence and develop into an intelligent and dynamic outside half. Last season, he put in some fantastic performances (away against Newport and Cardiff stood out for me). I think the Scarlets play a faster paced game when he's at 10 than when Stephen Jones is playing. He also makes line breaks regularly and he reads and controls the game superbly for such a young player. Today was a case in point - he kicked well out of hand, both distance wise and tactically: he missed only one conversion in the game. His work rate and defense is excellent, and his running game is the basis of a lot of the Scarlet attack: he also scores great opportunist tries - today he made and outstanding try for lock Damien Welch - a chip over the Worcester defence, a gribber kick into space, another little kick away from the defending winger, then, realising he'd be tackled just short of the line, Priestland dived forward and flipped the ball up into Welch's hands for the lock to cross the tryline. It brought the crowd to it's feet - and he'll do it again this season.
Finally, arguably the most spectacular sight of the day could be seen not on the lush turf of Parc Y Scarlets, but on the touchline. Nothing less than coach Nigel Davies's incredible tan. Nigel has either spent the summer installing a tanning bed complex at home or he's been holidaying (and sunbathing) somewhere warm and sunny (obviously not in the UK). Whilst the media have announced the fashion death of the orange spraytan celebrity recently, Nigel is seriously brown - chocolate brown. Much browner than this photo in fact. So brown you'd think he'd been photoshopped that colour brown. Nos da.
Today's first home game of the season was a testimonial match for Scarlet winger and Wales international Mark Jones. Mark epitomises all the passion, flair and commitment indicative of the great Scarlet players: he made a very gracious speech before kick-off - this indicates how good this guy's people skills are - I believe he's going to make a brilliant coach. Some fantastic testimonies in the programme from the likes of Graham Henry, Ryan Jones, Stephen Jones, Simon Easterby and Roger Lewis. Throughout today's game he was on and off the pitch like a rat up a drainpipe, constantly talking to the players (especially young winger George North). His playing experience, and his courage and determination to recover from not one but two serious injuries demonstrate his personal courage and his love of the game. What an example for any player, and in particular this young Scarlet Squad and future players in this hotbed of regional Welsh rugby.
 |
Mark Jones or "Sparky" in full flight |
As for the game itself, it turned into a rather comfortable win for the Scarlets 44-14. It's always difficult to judge these pre-season friendlies - lots of players get a run out, academy players and new signings get a look in - there's more chopping and changing than a transexual's hair salon! A few things struck me about the game today though, and I predict these will continue into the season ahead.
Firstly, the new defensive approach on show today. The Scarlets played a rushing blitz defence which troubled the visitors. There was a notable increase in the physicality of the Scarlets pack, with Worcester Warriors often failing to get over the gain line. The weight of the Scarlet's tackling often resulted in the visitors (and especially Marcel Garvey) spilling the ball - good aggression and organisation was on display for most of the match by the Scarlet eight.
Secondly was the use of what is, I believe, know as "squeezeball". This is a technique that the Welsh National coaching set up is keen for all regions in Wales to employ as it speeds up ball from rucks and makes turnover ball more difficult to achieve - the Scarlet pack seemed to be using this today, more so when they were on the attack and in deeper phases of play. Interesting to see if this continues and develops, particularly as Robyn McBride is on board the Scarlet coaching staff now.
Thirdly, the Scarlets backline possessed far more creativity and incisiveness than their opponents. Regan King looks back to his best, continuing his form from the end of last season - beautiful touch and slight of hand. Great to see Morgan "the Rhino" Stoddard back - looks like he's bulked up a bit too, even though he had a relatively quiet game by his standards. George North also looks a fantastic prospect on the wing - solid, reliable and very hard to tackle. Martin Roberts had one of his better games for the Scarlets - no windmill arms (is this Switchball working as well) and he scored two good tries - one made by King's cunning offloaded pass, another sharp opportunist run in from five metres.
Fourth is the continued rise of Rhys Priestland at 10. I've always rated Priestland (unlike a lot of other Scarlet fans who are slowly beginning to change their minds). In his first season (during Stephen Jones's prolonged absence for the 2007 World Cup) he racked up a shedload of points with the boot. The next couple of seasons have seen him overcome some periods of a lack of confidence and develop into an intelligent and dynamic outside half. Last season, he put in some fantastic performances (away against Newport and Cardiff stood out for me). I think the Scarlets play a faster paced game when he's at 10 than when Stephen Jones is playing. He also makes line breaks regularly and he reads and controls the game superbly for such a young player. Today was a case in point - he kicked well out of hand, both distance wise and tactically: he missed only one conversion in the game. His work rate and defense is excellent, and his running game is the basis of a lot of the Scarlet attack: he also scores great opportunist tries - today he made and outstanding try for lock Damien Welch - a chip over the Worcester defence, a gribber kick into space, another little kick away from the defending winger, then, realising he'd be tackled just short of the line, Priestland dived forward and flipped the ball up into Welch's hands for the lock to cross the tryline. It brought the crowd to it's feet - and he'll do it again this season.
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| Scarlettillidie's Man of the Match Rhys Priestland |
Finally, arguably the most spectacular sight of the day could be seen not on the lush turf of Parc Y Scarlets, but on the touchline. Nothing less than coach Nigel Davies's incredible tan. Nigel has either spent the summer installing a tanning bed complex at home or he's been holidaying (and sunbathing) somewhere warm and sunny (obviously not in the UK). Whilst the media have announced the fashion death of the orange spraytan celebrity recently, Nigel is seriously brown - chocolate brown. Much browner than this photo in fact. So brown you'd think he'd been photoshopped that colour brown. Nos da.
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| Nigel Davies looking pale |
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