Dylan Leyds

[welsh wasp]

Has his possible signing gone away?

[coddy]

Its not looking likely he'll be with us now. Where did the rumour originate from?

[Neils]

It originated from the SA press.

[RBB]

His club the Stormers finished bottom of the SA conference in Super Rugby, failing to make the play-offs, so he may be available. He was injured against the defeat to Sharks, I am not sure how serious it is but I read a report that implied he may be doubtful for the Currie Cup matches, playing for Western Province. Which may mean he isn't considered for the Springboks at the RWC and may be inclined to move. However, given Wasps have recently signed 2 x wingers then the deal may be dead. Leyds is considered a utility back so can play and does play regularly at 15, which for me is still a concern where we have Miller and Minozzi (who still isn't fit and is new to the GP), and there is nothing definite forthcoming ref: Umaga. The gaps for me are 15 and a second row, I was hoping that Leyds would fill one of those gaps but I do think it is looking increasingly unlikely due to the fact there has been absolute silence for months now.

[BG]

Gaps (2nd Row and 15) in terms of numbers of available players or what you perceive to be talent?

Off the top of my head we have 7 2nd row in the snr squad and 2 specialist 15's with 2 other players in the squad who have played there before. I'm guessng  a lot depends on the injury recovery of Minozzi (and also Searle) but with 3 months to go if things were looking doubtful I would hope Dai would have been rolling out plan B. Bear in mind the premiership starts a lot later this season which gives the long term walking wounded more recovery time.

Given Gopps age and recent injury lay-off I'd like more cover at 12 as the only other specialist 12 is Booj but as a club we do have to balance the books and keep within the Salary Cap, which given the size of the squad now, we must be close to now.

[NellyWellyWaspy]

Given Gopps age and recent injury lay-off I'd like more cover at 12 as the only other specialist 12 is Booj but as a club we do have to balance the books and keep within the Salary Cap, which given the size of the squad now, we must be close to now.

12 would be my concern also. Sopoaga is OK for kicking, Gopps is superb, and Miller was one of the best in the Prem last year, but a kicking 12 is a must, and Booj is not that.

[RBB]

Gaps (2nd Row and 15) in terms of numbers of available players or what you perceive to be talent?

Talent primarily, I do like Rob Miller but would like to see us with a 15 in the mould of WLR or KB, however, given the squad size and cap pressure then I suspect we are done spending in the back division. With regard to the second row, Launch will be with England and we could do with a player with similar guile and belief, to fill that gap when he is not available. I do think these are areas where we could strengthen but totally get that the cap restriction will inhibit our ability to get top tier talent with experience.

[Chilham]

I find it difficult to foresee another lock in our near future. Launch’ and Gaskell are our first choice. Rowlands will continue to improve, and I’m not one of those who thought he was weak last season. Cardall and TV3 are clearly projects to develop. That leaves Matthews and Garratt. Can they step-up?

Without more game time for Matthews, or an injury-free run for Garratt, it’s difficult to know.  Either way, I feel we have other priorities. 

I’m with the guys above who feel 12 is our problem. It has been since Flutey left. We were spoilt with Sonic who was an outstanding 12 IMHO. We’ve tried Leiua, Juan, Gaby and Booj over recent seasons. Gopps is the only one who has thrived.

I’d like to Neal given a chance. He’s a centre, converted to wing. Big and powerful, with decent hands, he could be a solution.  Maybe Fekitoa with de Jongh outside him, or playing left and right. Not sure what the answer is, but expecting Gopps to be fit all season at 12 isn’t it. We need another option.

[Shugs]

Fully agree with the consensus that we're possibly thin around lock, 12 and 15. Second row for me we have the numbers but not the (proven) quality whereas 12 and 15 we are ok if injuries don't bite but exposed if they do. I can't see us signing anyone else so what are the answers. I think Neal could play at either 12 or 15 and I'd like to see more of him. Fekitoa can do 12 with JdJ more than capable at 13 if he does. Second row wise we have to pin our hopes on Matthews working out and Gaskell staying fit.

[RBB]

I am not sure I have seen Neal kick from hand, so would question his ability to play 15 - happy to be corrected, he may Kurtley'esque.

Matthews for me lacked conviction in the carry from the games I watched at The Ricoh, if he can avoid going to ground so quickly then he has the size and presence to cause problems.

I do agree 12 is a concern, as we are moving 13s to cover 12.

[BG]

Of the various positions on the pitch I would count 15 as a specialist position. You can't simply learn the ability to read the game and positioning (in attack and defense) from a couple sessions on the training pitch. I'd rather Dai throw in James or Umaga (if he's with us?)

I'm one of the few that thought that Matthews did well for us in his limited game time (why was that?) so I'm hoping whatever Dai's reluctance (or trust) was to use him will change this season.

12 does seem to be the one light area in the squad. As far as I can see we only have 2 specialists, so if we're already up to the cap then Dai must be hoping that one of Neale, JdJ, Fekitoa, Spink can move into 12. I think Neale would be the best candidate.

OR... how about Smashley as a crash ball 12 (joking  )

[backdoc]

"I'm one of the few that thought that Matthews did well for us in his limited game time (why was that?) so I'm hoping whatever Dai's reluctance (or trust) was to use him will change this season."

I think Myall moving on was planned well in advance [he is doing a PhD]. Matthews was brought in to replace him, and given a season to bed in, and also to 'rest' as he has played 164 games for quins. Having a light year mid career may help him to play on into his mid-30's.
Might be rubbish, but could be very good planning.

[AKWasp]

15 I think we’re okay with Minozzi and Miller fighting to be 1st choice, James being promoted to the senior squad and people forget that Marcus Watson played a lot at 15 for Falcons, with all our new wing options, I wouldn’t be surprised if he plays more there this year.

A 12 is definitely needed, possibly this year but definitely next- as brilliant as he’s been for us, not sure if Gopps will continue once his contract runs out at the end of the season

[WallyWasp]

Was just looking this up out of curiosity and found this

https://www.supersport.com/rugby/super-rugby/news/190613_Leyds_thriving_on_do_or_die_atmosphere

"Leyds did not want to dwell on the likelihood that he will be heading off to join former Stormers teammates Nizaam Carr and Juan de Jongh at Wasps at the end of the season"

Doesn't answer any questions really but an interesting read from last week that certainly fuels the speculation he may be leaving Stormers.

[Neils]

Interesting article which kind of confirms the rumours. Do we a totally need him now? Good player with a touch of excitement about him.