The start of the new rugby season sees predictions made, bets placed, crystal balls gazed into and stars read to see who will finish top of the League in nine months time.
Squads are analysed and last seasons results taken into account and Planet Rugby have predicted that the Newport Gwent Dragons will finish top of the League.
A brave call or a realistic one? We give a brief preview as to what has happened over the summer and whether The Dragons can really clinch the title. Last season The Dragons surprised many people. The squad were branded a bunch of rejects, written off and given no hope. However, those statements uttered by so called expert commentators, journalists and pundits merely fuelled The Dragons ambition and helped create a collective team spirit that burned throughout the whole of the 2003/04 season. Despite the loss of coach Mike Ruddock the team spirit remains. Ruddock has been replaced with Rugby League World Cup winning coach Chris Anderson who has tasted success at the highest level.
The question now remains can he transform his success in League in Union? Whilst it is a question that will take the whole season to answer he has his assistant Leigh Jones to rely on and advise him on all things Union. The Dragons have a strong pack of forwards and the additions to the squad over the summer sees a real attacking and cutting edge in the backs.
The recruitment of Gareth Cooper, Ceri Sweeney, Kevin Morgan, Gareth Wyatt, and Jon Bryant mean there is genuine competition for places. With the return of Percy Montgomery fresh from clinching the Tri Nations with South Africa, the back line contains class and flair in abundance. And that is something coach Anderson wants, he wants players to go and try things and no be afraid of trying adventurous things. Hard hitting, dynamic and strong flanker Jason Forster skippers the side and if the players follow his example on the field the side will not go too far wrong.
Last season The Dragons enjoyed a 100% home record in the Celtic League. The challenge now is to take that form onto the road. To travel to places like Munster and Ulster and return with a win. How the Dragons perform away from home will be crucial in deciding their final league position. It is easy to make predictions and place bets as to who will finish where in the league; the real proof will be when the Dragons take to the field.
