Chavhanga heads to Newport for vital game time (From South Wales Argus)
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Chavhanga heads to Newport for vital game time
7:00am Thursday 11th October 2012 in Dragons
By Chris Kirwan
Chavhanga heads to Newport for vital game time
ANOTHER South African international is poised to don the black and amber of Newport – Dragons speedster Tonderai Chavhanga.
The former Springboks speedster will feature in the Black and Ambers’ British and Irish Cup encounter against Connacht Eagles on Saturday afternoon.
Chavhanga, who won four caps, will follow in the footsteps of South Africa internationals Percy Montgomery, Gary Teichmann, Franco Smith, Robbie Kempson and Adrian Garvey.
The 28-year-old from Zimbabwe is on the comeback trail following summer knee surgery, but is not yet fit enough to play a full game.
That means that he will be plying his trade at Rodney Parade on Saturday afternoon rather than making his return against Wasps at Adams Park for the Dragons in the Amlin Challenge Cup later that evening.
“We are under medical advice for him to play 20 minutes, so felt we couldn’t take him to Wasps,” said director of rugby Robert Beale.
“It’s difficult because there is not enough room on the bench to accommodate two wingers and if you suffer an injury in the first five minutes you have a dilemma.
“He will play for Newport against Connacht in the British and Irish Cup and we are very grateful to them for allowing us to do that.
“Hopefully he will come through the 20 minutes for them and will be available for Bayonne in the Amlin Challenge Cup the following week.”
The Dragons are, however, boosted by the return from injury of lock Robert Sidoli, who has been out of action since suffering a calf injury against Biarritz in pre-season.
The 33-year-old comes into the squad in place of fellow veteran Adam Jones, who is rested after starting all six RaboDirect Pro12 games despite going under the knife in the summer following a foot problem.
The Dragons also include talented teenagers Hallam Amos and Jack Dixon, who both made their regional debuts in last year’s LV= Cup win against Wasps at Adams Park.
Experienced hooker Steve Jones misses out because of a facial injury while centres Pat Leach and Andy Tuilagi, who have been paired together in midfield in five of six games this season, are not included in the squad.
Dragons squad: D Evans, H Amos, T Prydie, W Harries, A Hughes, J Dixon, A Smith, L Robling, S Jones, J Evans, L Davies, P Price, N Williams, A Coundley, H Gustafson, S Parry, N Buck, D Way, I Nimmo, R Sidoli, L Evans, J Groves, T Faletau, T Brown, I Jones.
Comments(15)
the dork
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9:26am Thu 11 Oct 12
the dork
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9:26am Thu 11 Oct 12
Robert Shillabeer
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2:38pm Thu 11 Oct 12
WARMACHINE
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4:01pm Thu 11 Oct 12
Robert Shillabeer
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4:55pm Thu 11 Oct 12
Robert Shillabeer
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4:56pm Thu 11 Oct 12
kalwales@hotmail.com
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5:15pm Thu 11 Oct 12
Euwan Usami
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7:35pm Thu 11 Oct 12
Robert Shillabeer wrote:I am guessing you haven't followed Newport much this season Robert: Elliot Frewen is on fire for them at the moment scoring 3 tries in 10 minutes against Bridgend, a length of the field try against Cardiff and one if the best trys I have seen against the quins, literally running from his own line, stepping the covering fullback and leaving the whole side in his wake for the line. (yes I am a fan lol). I am guessing Newport are trying to bolster the side a little with Tondi. I have accused them of going through the motions in the past so it's nice to see them appear to take a game seriously.
The Newport wings have not done that well so far this season and as Todi will only play for about half the game I expect him to start and come off around half time leaving the second half for Newport's regular wings to play thier part. I say the first half simply because the Newport wing can come on and replace him rather than playing him in the second half and being stuck if he has to come off. Hopefully he will last the half and be able to get back into the swing of things very quickly.
Euwan Usami
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7:45pm Thu 11 Oct 12
kalwales@hotmail.com wrote:Thats unfair, Bedwas are riding high in the premiership thanks to Dragons players, Hugh gustafson spent most of last season at Pontypool. Jason tovey played his last game of the season for them too. Newport don't get special treatment. In fairness it would be foolish to risk an asset like Tondi in any case by playing him outside of the premiership so the regions options are limited.
why he B&I Cup?? isnt there another club in "the region" he could go play for to get game time?? then again it may be to far outside the "1 eyed cocoon" he wont learn or gain anything from the game if anything he'll step backwards !
kalwales@hotmail.com
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11:51pm Thu 11 Oct 12
Euwan Usami
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1:53pm Fri 12 Oct 12
kalwales@hotmail.com wrote:I think the idea may be to bolster the side for the connaught cup game. They did the same with cross Keys last season. You should note that he is only planning to play 20 mins btw. As for playing for other clubs in the region I thought I made my point first time around; Newport don't get preferential treatment. They lost to Bedwas at home to a Jack Dixon try. Hallam Amos is another regular there this season too. You want to ask why they are playing for Bedwas rather than Newport or why Hugh Gustafson played last season for pooler rather than Newport? Or does the argument only ever work one way?
coincidence then is it that he goes to "the club" ?? sop playing for THEM isnt a risk then?? why not allow him to Pontypool or Bedwas or Ebbw Vale or Send him to Bargoed or Newbridge or Penallta, Surely a player of "Tondi's Class" would draw inthe crowds at other clubs rather than the club the region share the ground with ?
WARMACHINE
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2:04pm Fri 12 Oct 12
Robert Shillabeer
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2:51pm Fri 12 Oct 12
Euwan Usami
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9:22pm Fri 12 Oct 12
Robert Shillabeer wrote:Bisley stand with the Mrs and my old man. Being a regular you would have seen Elliott try at the quins or the 10 minute hat trick at Bridgend I am sure yeah? So you will understand my point perfectly.
Ewan, I am a fairly long standing season ticket holder and haven't missed a Newport home game for about five years. I still say Tondi should play the first half to. Get his match fitness back up to speed then bring in Newport's regular wing to finish the job off. I'm going for a Newport win on Saturday and yes I will be there in my usual seat in the Hazell stand, will you?
the dork says...
9:26am Thu 11 Oct 12