Tuesday 31 March 2009

Scarlets v Glasgow

At last, our welsh international return from Six Nations Duty - Stephen Jones, Mark Jones, Matthew Rees and Dafydd Jones all return bringing a much needed boost after the news that Simon Easterby will now be injured for most of the season.

Martin Roberts looks set to return after the rib injury he suffered but no news yet on Regan King yet so it looks likely that he'll sit this one out.

Hopefully we'll see Nigel Davies fielding his strongest possible side as a good performance along with a win will help boost the low morale amongst the fans.

This game gives Daniel Evans a big chance if selected at full-back. He's looked dangerous the last few weeks and with Morgan Stoddart out after his horrific injury, Evans has a chance to shine at 15. Definitely one for the future.

Get Braid, not Waugh!

The Scarlets have ruled out a move for Phil Waugh, possibly due to his alleged wage demands being too high. Waugh is still reported to be looking at a move to the Northern Hemisphere and will no doubt be an asset to whichever club he decides on moving to.

The Scarlets must now sign Daniel Braid. He's been impressive at this seasons Super 14 and looks like the type of player the Scarlet back-row have been missing, a clever openside who pops up all over the place.

Braid's stock is rising by the week, if the deal isn't done yet he too could be demanding a good chunk of the salary pot, sign him now!

Richie Pugh is a decent player, but we will not compete with the likes of Munster, Toulouse or even Cardiff Blues if we don't sign some quality.

Monday 30 March 2009

Gavin Thomas and Simon Maling released.


Looks like the 26-week clause does exist then! The Scarlets have announced the departure of Gavin Thomas and Simon Maling, both have been injured for most of the season. Link

With Gavin Evans also released you'd have to wonder how much money has been freed up to recruit new players. Rumours are gathering pace, the Parc y Scarlets Car Park is filling up and now the money should be available. I say should as you can never tell!

Gavin Thomas has been a great servant over the last few years and an underrated Regional openside. He's had some storming games for the Scarlets and has put in many seasons of consistent work playing 93 games and scoring 9 tries.

For all the promise Simon Maling showed at the beginning of the season he was hit by injury, possibly a combination of wear and tear and a lack of conditioning after his time in Japan. Maling only made 9 appearances, 1 of which was as a replacement and many others ending in injury.

We now have to make sure the money is spent wisely. Rhys Thomas and Richie Pugh are both handy signings but we need a tough second row, an openside capable of turning the game and more cover and class to operate in the backline.

Who will and who won't?

Lots of rumours seem to be gathering pace at the moment, Rhys Thomas has been confirmed and names mentioned being:

  • Daniel Braid, who's been in impressive form so far for the Queensland Reds. Seems he'd be a perfect acquisition given that we haven't really seen a 7 play in the Scarlets shirt for a while. Since Gavin Thomas' injury Easterby and Dafydd Jones have filled the 7 shirt, both of whom are more suited to Blind-side. Braid would be in a different league to Thomas.
  • In another league again is Phil Waugh. Lots of rumours flying around in the Southern Hemisphere regarding his future but it's more than likely that he'll be costing too much. No doubt he'd be a class act in the Scarlet jersey though. Keep talking to him Lyno!
  • Daniel Halangahu, a player who has come to life this season given Kurtley Beale's inconsistent form. Another 'NWQ' but his current form suggests he'd be a good signing. Also reported to have been to Y Parc to watch a game.
  • David Lemi, Bristol's dazzling wing, has also been rumoured. It could definitely spark some life into the back line which has looked laboured at times this season.

Each of these would bring much needed depth, along with the youngsters coming through such as Daniel Evans, Jon Davies, who has established himself at 12, Lou Reed, Josh Turnbull and anyone else who fancies putting their hand up for contention!