Why I think Scarlets will supplant Ospreys |
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najbritcol
Veteran Joined: 04 January 2017 Location: SWANSEA Status: Offline Points: 1012 |
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Posted: 27 March 2017 at 4:54pm |
Within the next few years, I do actually predict that the Scarlets will replace the Ospreys as being the best-performing and most consistent Welsh regional team. Why?
(1) Ospreys are over-reliant on their (in many cases ageing) Wales internationals, and don't give so much game time to younger and less experienced players. In contrast, Scarlets do not seem to be so dominated by their internationals, and instead a lot more young and up-and-coming players are given game time. (2) More crucially, said youngsters have proven to be pretty good in many cases, especially among the forwards, although of course there are some blips such as the Leinster massacre the other week. (3) In recent seasons, Scarlets' results against the Irish sides have actually been better than those of the Ospreys. (4) In my experience, although Scarlets crowds are as small if not smaller than Ospreys crowds, the former seem to be more passionate and dedicated than the latter, which means their fan base is more genuine and less fairweather.
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Ffidel Bennett
Veteran Joined: 31 August 2014 Location: Caerdydd Status: Offline Points: 6306 |
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Unfortunately the Ospreys region is far more populous than ours (rugby-wise at least) and apparently stretches as far as Cowbridge. as was revealed during Sunday's U18 international with England. Cai Evans, Ieuan Evans' son has just been awarded a 4 year development contract with the Sprays. They also seem to have their claws on a lot of the developing talent, even those at school over the border.
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najbritcol
Veteran Joined: 04 January 2017 Location: SWANSEA Status: Offline Points: 1012 |
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I'd argue that the Scarlets academy is more prolific than the Ospreys one. The biggest question of all is: will the younger locks like Ashley, Thornton and Beard be good enough replacements once AWJ and Bradley Davies retire?
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Wasp
Veteran Joined: 29 April 2008 Location: Sunny Pembs Status: Offline Points: 17544 |
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The Ospreys have more money, a free stadium that actually pays them money and a big population.
Odds stacked in their favour I'd say. Although we finished above them last yr!
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We're still still here, but I wish we were in an Anglo-Welsh
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najbritcol
Veteran Joined: 04 January 2017 Location: SWANSEA Status: Offline Points: 1012 |
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And in spite of everything, could well do again this year. The Scarlets have got a relatively easy run-in from now on, whereas I strongly predict that the Ospreys will lose to Leinster and at least one of Ulster or the Scarlets. (And no, I am not just saying that because of Saturday's shock loss either). I actually predict the Pro 12 end of season will be (1) Leinster (2) Munster (3) Scarlets (4) Ospreys. Ulster will slip up against their much more successful Irish rivals and Glasgow have been hot and cold this season.
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najbritcol
Veteran Joined: 04 January 2017 Location: SWANSEA Status: Offline Points: 1012 |
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Oh, and if the Swans buy the Liberty, this'll place the Ospreys in a much more precarious position.
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John
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Keep arguing- it's good for the spirit. |
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Wasp
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The Os have their toughest block of games to come don't they? Without AWJ they are so much weaker and could conceivably not win another game this season.
However, long term they have much less debt, a bigger population to draw on and that stadium. They won't leave that contract without a substantial payout from the Swans. 7 figures at least.
Edited by Wasp - 27 March 2017 at 8:26pm |
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We're still still here, but I wish we were in an Anglo-Welsh
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najbritcol
Veteran Joined: 04 January 2017 Location: SWANSEA Status: Offline Points: 1012 |
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The population argument is a red herring ultimately. The Blues have the most populous catchment of all - the capital of Wales plus the densely populated Valleys - but have not really gone anywhere since Dai Young left. What matters at the end of the day is good management, an eye for development and a strong team ethic.
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Wil Chips
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You'd pick the O's business model every day of the week.
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najbritcol
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The main difference between the two West Wales pro teams is that the Ospreys put more emphasis on efficiency, while the Scarlets put more emphasis on style.
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Wil Chips
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Well put.
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najbritcol
Veteran Joined: 04 January 2017 Location: SWANSEA Status: Offline Points: 1012 |
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And in the meantime the East Wales pro teams aren't good at either.
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Eastern outpost
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I'd also say that if we'd qualified for a home QF, our fixture date and time could've been fixed without waiting for Wendyball to decide when the prime tenants were required in front of the cameras.
While Leinster decamp to The Aviva for a big gate, and associated receipts, to swell their coffers, the Os go to the Principality Stadium because they've been booted out of their home ground. It'll be very interesting to see how many turn up to watch. Add to that, the complications at Rodney Parade and despite many other points made, I'm glad we are where we are. |
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In a world where you can be anything – Be Kind.
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knutsfordlion
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Page the oracle
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Wil Chips
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Pointless thread?
Delicious irony. |
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