NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS
HOW WILL THEY FARE THIS SEASON?
Last season they were hopeless in the Pro12, finishing 10th in the table, and with Italian outfits Zebre and Treviso having strengthened their squads for this season, there’s a fear it could get worse for Welsh rugby’s poor relations. Even though they had another decent run in Europe’s second-tier Challenge Cup, the 201516 campaign has to go down as a major disappointment.
There will be plenty tipping the Dragons to finish as the bottom Welsh region.
WHAT SHOULD BE THEIR STRENGTH?
Young guns like Wales pair Hallam Amos and Tyler Morgan. There’s also Jack Dixon, Elliott Dee, Ollie Griffiths, Ashton Hewitt and Barney Nightingale while the enthusiam of new head honcho Kingsley Jones should provide some motivation, if not some comedy with his stand-up routines.
WHAT COULD BE THEIR WEAKNESS?
Where shall we start? Strength in depth, scrummaging, experience and belief while there’s also a lack of money available to spend with the Dragons being up for sale.
WHO COULD BE THEIR KEY PLAYER?
After surprisingingly making Jason Tovey surplus to requirements and allow Edinburgh to sign him, great onus is going to come on Lyn Jones’ son Dorian Jones, veteran signing Nick Macleod or the skilled Angus O’Brien to come through at No.10.
But the man who has a vital leadership role to perform is new captain Lewis Evans. He’s bright, a proud Gwent man and gives his all. His job will be to carry the squad with him. Their financial situation meant they headed straight to Poundland for some cheap bargains.
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH IN LEAGUE?
Their early league fixtures, Ulster aside in their opener, aren’t too bad and you have a feeling the outcome of them will determine which way they go.
However, it’s hard to imagine finishing higher than ninth in the final table.
INS AND OUTS
Players In: Sam Hobbs (Cardiff Blues), Sam Beard (Edinburgh), Nick Macleod (Sale), Craig Mitchell (Cardiff Blues), Patrick Howard (Northampton), Darran Harris (Rotherham), Tom Davies (Cardiff Blues), Ashley Sweet (Ebbw Vale). Players Out: Taulupe Faletau (Bath Rugby), Hugh Gustafson (Ospreys), Jason Tovey (Edinburgh), Andrew Coombs (retired), Matthew Pewtner (retired).