Always a Wasp

General Category => Wasps Rugby Discussion => Topic started by: welsh wasp on June 17, 2019, 09:21:41 PM

Title: Dylan Leyds
Post by: welsh wasp on June 17, 2019, 09:21:41 PM

Has his possible signing gone away?

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: coddy on June 17, 2019, 09:30:28 PM

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

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: Neils on June 17, 2019, 09:36:41 PM

It originated from the SA press.

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: RBB on June 18, 2019, 06:25:48 AM

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.

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: BG on June 18, 2019, 08:00:32 AM

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.

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: NellyWellyWaspy on June 18, 2019, 10:36:43 AM

Quote from: BG on June 18, 2019, 08:00:32 AM

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.

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: RBB on June 18, 2019, 10:43:27 AM

Quote from: BG on June 18, 2019, 08:00:32 AM

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.

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: Chilham on June 18, 2019, 03:39:08 PM

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.

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: Shugs on June 18, 2019, 08:42:56 PM

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.

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: RBB on June 18, 2019, 08:52:17 PM

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.

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: BG on June 19, 2019, 07:57:13 AM

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  ;D)

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: backdoc on June 19, 2019, 08:27:51 AM

"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.

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: AKWasp on June 19, 2019, 08:34:36 AM

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

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: WallyWasp on June 20, 2019, 10:30:46 AM

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.

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: Neils on June 20, 2019, 10:56:09 AM

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

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: BG on June 20, 2019, 10:59:46 AM

Well its seems certain he's leaving the Stormers (from the article), the question is if he is coming to us then why hasn't it been announced or are Saffa agents learning the tricks of the trade that we see played out in PRL player dealings?

Maybe he has to wait until after he's played his last game for them?

10 out of 10 for finding the article though

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: Neils on June 20, 2019, 11:02:55 AM

Last game last weekend. They went out. May be linked to the SA WC squad announcement.

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: NellyWellyWaspy on June 20, 2019, 02:02:06 PM

I seem to recall reading somewhere that getting the visa required to come and play here (for them and their families) has become a lot harder and takes much longer. That could be the issue.

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: Trevs Big Tackle on June 20, 2019, 02:10:36 PM

Don't South Africans count as European or am I misunderstanding Kolpak?

edit: From the Wikipedia page for Kolpak Cricketers - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Kolpak_cricketers

"However, the British Home Office stipulates that a player must have a valid work permit for four years or must have a specified number of appearances in international cricket to sign a Kolpak deal."

So he'll still need a work permit, assuming he doesn't have the caps (if the Home Office apply the same rules to rugby as cricket).

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: Rory87 on June 20, 2019, 02:15:04 PM

Would absolutely welcome him if this does get confirmed.

However, that would give us 8 back three players in the Snr Squad (not including the likes of Gopperth or others that can 'do a job at FB')

Dai certainly will be challenged with squad rotation... mind you, a much better problem to have than the injury crisis this season!

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: BG on June 20, 2019, 03:28:09 PM

Is he in contention for the SA WC squad?

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: Neils on June 20, 2019, 03:31:56 PM

Quote from: BG on June 20, 2019, 03:28:09 PM

Is he in contention for the SA WC squad?

Who knows? However he has been picked in the past and has been quite good.this season.

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: HDAWG on August 09, 2019, 05:48:30 PM

Hate to perform blind optimism, but from the original list (https://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/SuperRugby/sa-rugby-faces-mass-exodus-after-world-cup-20190318) mentioning Leyds, all those players have been confirmed except for Leyds and Jacques Vermeulen.

Just last week the same source that mentioned Leyds again (https://www.supersport.com/rugby/news/190613_Leyds_thriving_on_do_or_die_atmosphere) mentioned Jacques Vermeulen going to Exeter (https://www.supersport.com/rugby/currie-cup/news/190801_Phepsi_starts_but_Aphelele_remains_on_bench).

So is this source just saying what Sport24 already stated or does this have some weight? And because another player on the list (that has been accurate so far) is being mentioned again more recently, does that mean Leyds is still a possibility? They may join their respective teams part way through this season coming up, for example. Didn't Le Roux do that during 2016/17?

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: westwaleswasp on August 10, 2019, 01:27:36 AM

MM and RM is a pretty decent one two shout at fifteen, before we even consider others. With our unexpected bonus aqusition in the wing slot after Newcastle got relegatex I would be surprised if this signing now happened.....

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: Chilham on August 10, 2019, 04:57:30 PM

I see Minozzi played 12 for Italy today.  Anyone know how he went?

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: BG on August 10, 2019, 05:39:10 PM

I recorded it but gave up after 10 mins. I think he was a very late change to the starting 15 hence playing 12. I knew he was playing and wondered why I couldn't see him at 15 ? Now I know why.

Thought I'd try Vesps spoiler coding thingy

Auz V NZ

Spoiler

Very interesting and surprising score. I didn't watch it but just read a online report. Interestingly the frrench ref interpretated an incident probably differently to how a SH ref, leading to a player being sent off. Just in case I've done it wrong I won't put the result in

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: Chunky24 on August 10, 2019, 05:41:16 PM

Quote from: Chilham on August 10, 2019, 04:57:30 PM

I see Minozzi played 12 for Italy today.  Anyone know how he went?

Came in as last minute injury replacement, He didn't really get any attacking ball, did look sharp winning chase back for a kick over the top in defence, seemed ok when he came off around half time but had heavy strapping on leg still.

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: NellyWellyWaspy on August 10, 2019, 05:56:01 PM

He took a heavy knock to his leg maybe five minutes in. I didn't see anything attacking wise, but seemed to be solid in defence. The game was quite boring for most of the match.

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: RBB on August 11, 2019, 08:33:13 AM

I am pretty sure that I read somewhere that Leyds is staying with the Stormers, but I can't find the said article. The article alluded to the fact he wanted to remain with the franchise, as they had revised their coaching set up, and the money being offered by Wasps wasn't materially more than he would get at the Stormers.

However, I can't find the article so this comment is without provenance.

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: BG on August 11, 2019, 09:24:38 AM

I'm wondering whether the rumour was started (by himself or his agent) to improve his negotiating position with the Stormers.

Given how early the anouncement of Minozzi's move was.. and then the subsequent other wingers from Sale, Newcastle and the academy (which all takes months and months to sort out) makes me think that this signing wasn't even on Wasps radar.

I think Dai has made and announced all his signings. I think Dai and his management team have done a really good job within constraints that we're not privvy to.

We have some overseas stardust arriving, we have some up and coming young EPL talent being offered a new platform to test themselves within and some young club developed talent that will be hungry to repay the trust shown in them.

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: Jac A on August 11, 2019, 10:01:49 AM

I think there must have been some interest for it to have made the press with the other now confirmed signings. I'm not sure how planned our back 3 purchases were - Dai has said that Kibirige was pretty last minute as he had a release clause.

Totally agree that we have made all our signings now, the squad looks good and I think Dai's done a great job.

Re Minozzi, I watched the first half of the Ireland game - as Mike said it wasn't that exciting. Minozzi came in for their 12 but from what I saw he was playing at fullback most of the time. His positioning was good and he was able to clear up a few good kicks behind and his pace looked as sharp as before the injury. It is still very early days for him returning from a long time out though.

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: Chunky24 on August 28, 2019, 01:31:14 PM

Being lined up by Toulon as World Cup cover according to RIL.

Title: Re: Dylan Leyds
Post by: backdoc on August 28, 2019, 05:16:23 PM

Toulon looked very strong on saturday against Agen. They have a huge squad. It could be counterproductive bringing in extra players rather than giving the opportunity to those already signed - Bryce Heem for example.