Gareth Maule - Q&A

Bachusylw got the chance to ask Scarlets centre and vice-captain, Gareth Maule, a handful of questions. Here are the results:

1. How does playing for the Dragons compare in terms of support, facilities and ambitions?

The Scarlet's facilities, ambition and support are as good as anything in Europe. This was my main reason for deciding to play here.

2. Who has been your toughest opponent?

Toughest opponent would have to be Brian O'Driscoll. In his prime he was a devastating attacked and defender.

3. What do you feel is the difference between playing outside centre and inside centre and which do you prefer?

Outside centre carries a much bigger defensive responsibility, which I enjoy, so I prefer 13.

4. What is the highlight of your Scarlet career?

I cannot pick one single moment or game. I have several which stick in my mind and hope for a few more this season!

Cwestiwn ac Ateb gydag Nigel Owens - Nigel Owens Question and Answer

Mae Nigel Owens wedi tyfu i fod yn un o ffigyrau amlycaf y gem yma yng Nghymru, ar y cae yn ogystal ac oddi ar y cae. Nid yn unig y mae'n cael ei gyfrif ymysg prif ddyfarnwyr y Byd, ond mae hefyd yn wyneb cyfarwydd ar y teledu yma yng Nghymru, gan ymddangos ar raglenni poblogaidd fel 'Noson Lawen' a 'Jonathan'.

Gyda un o gyfnodau prysuraf y flwyddyn o'i flaen, gyda cystadleuaeth y Chwe Gwlad ar y gweill, fe gymrodd Nigel ychydig o'i amser rhydd i ateb ychydig o gwestiynnau gan Bachu Sylw:


1. Sut esdi ati i gychwyn dyfarnu?

Fe wnes i ddyfarnu am y tro cyntaf pan oeddwn i yn yr ysgol. Oeddwn i yn helpu mas gyda dyfarnu gemau rhwng y gwahanol lysoedd ar gyfer blwyddyn 7 i ddechrau. Ond, fe wnaeth yr ysgol rhoi poster gan Undeb Rygbi Cymru lan yn yr ysgol, oedd yn dweud fod nhw yn chwilio am fwy o ddyfarnwyr, felly wnaeth popeth gychwyn o fana.

2. Ti'n amlwg iawn am siarad Cymraeg ar y cae gyda'r chwaraewyr ti'n ddyfarnu. Wyt ti'n credu fod hi'n bwysig fod plant yn gweld eu harwyr yn cyfarthrebu yn Gymraeg ar y cae?

Ydi, dwi'n meddwl fod hi'n bwysig, ond fel rwy wedi dweud o'r blaen, dwi ddim yn siarad Cymraeg er mwyn gwneud pwynt. Dwi'n siarad Cymraeg gan ei fod o'n iaith gyntaf i mi, ac yn dod yn naturiol i mi. Dwi'n ceisio defnyddio'r iaith pob cyfle sydd yn bosib. Os oes chwaraewr sydd yn gallu siarad Cymraeg, dwi'n siarad Cymraeg 'da nhw, os ddim, fi'n siarad Saesneg.

3. Ti'n adnabyddus am wneud llawer o waith fel dyddanwr oddi ar y cae, ond ai dyfarnu ta diddanu wyt ti'n ei fwynhau fwyaf?

Dwi'n mwynhau gwneud y ddau. Mae nhw'n debyg iawn i'w gilydd i raddau. Mae bod yn ddyfarnwr yn debyg iawn i berfformio ar lwyfan. Ond eto, mae yna wahaniaeth mawr. Mae dyfarnu, erbyn hyn, yn swydd i mi, felly mae hi'n neis gwneud rhywbeth gwahanol yn fy amser rhydd. Dwi'n gweld y gwaith diddanu yn switch off o fy swydd - a roedd o'n rhywbeth oni wedi cychwyn wneud yn ifanc - rhyw 3-4 blynedd cyn i mi ddechrau dyfarnu.

4. Mae rhan o'r swydd yn golygu bod ti'n ganolbwynt i lawer o stick. Sut wyt ti'n mynd ati i ddelio yn seicalegol gyda unrhyw stick ti'n dderbyn?

Dwi'n credu fod delio gyda hyn ynddoch chi fel dyfarnwr. Rydych chi'n datblygu i ddod yn gyfarwydd gyda hyn ac yn dysgu sut i ddelio gydag o. Dyw pawb ddim yn gallu ei wneud o. Mae o'n rhan o'n personoliaeth ni. Mae o hefyd yn rhan o beth sy'n gwneud chi'n ddyfarnwr da - sef peidio gadael iddo effeithio chi.

5. Sut brofiad mae hi wedi bod i fod yn rhan o dim cyflwyno Jonathan?

Mae hi wedi bod yn gret. Mae'n gyfle, fel ddywedais gyne', i wneud rhywbeth ar wahan i ddyfarnu. Dwi'n mwynhau y gwaith. Pan i chi'n gwneud swydd ac yn canolbwyntio arno bob diwrnod, dydych chi ddim moyn meddwl amdano yn y nos, yn eich amser rhydd, felly mae hi'n neis cael hwyl wrth wneud hyn.

6.Wyt ti'n teimlo fod rygbi yn datblygu i fod yn fwy agored a derbyniol o ran ffigyrau hoyw yn y gem?

Mae hi'n anodd dweud, ond yn sicr mae'n cael ei dderbyn yn fwy nag mewn chwaraeon eraill, fel pel-droed. Does neb wedi dod allan yn gyhoeddus yn y gem yna oherwydd yr ofn, felly mae hi'n anodd dweud sut mae pobl am ddelio gyda'r peth. Mae rygbi i weld yn gymuned fwy clos ar y cyfan, lle mae'r cefnogwyr yn eistedd gyda'u gilydd, sydd yn dweud lot am gyfeillgarwch y bobl sydd yn gwylio'r gem.

7. Pa mor agos ydy dyfarnwyr fel ffrindiau oddi ar y cae?

  Ydy, fel pob awyrgylch gwaith, mae rhai sydd yn dod ymlaen efo'i gilydd, tra mae rhai eraill ddim yn gweld llygaid i lygaid, yn union fel y chwaraewyr. Ond, dwi'n gweld fod dyfarnwyr yn glos iawn oherwydd y math o swydd rydym ni'n wneud - rydych chi ar ben eich hunain ar y cae. Gan fod chi ar ben eich hunain, mae llawer o bobl, petai nhw'r chwaraewyr neu'r dorf, am anghytuno gyda'r hyn sydd 'da chi ddweud, felly rydym ni i weld yn sticio gyda'n gilydd. Fi ffodus i ddod ymlaen y dda gyda pawb, yng rhyngwladol ac yn lleol, ond mae rhai o'r lleill yn dod ymlaen yn well 'da rhai nag eraill

Diolch am y sgwrs Nigel a phob lwc ar gyfer cystadleuaeth y Chwe Gwlad

Martynn Williams Q&A - Ar ran Golwg a'r Gleision / On behalf of Golwg & Blues

Cwestiynnau Cyflym

1.       Gwrthwynebwr Anoddaf? Richie McCaw

2.       Hoff stadiwm oddi-cartref? Stade De France ym Mharis.

3.       Hoff anthem oddi-cartref? Ffrainc unwaith eto dwi’n credu.

4.       Cais fwyaf cofiadwy? Yn erbyn Ffrainc yn 2008, i gipio’r gamp lawn.

5.       Hoff berson i rannu ystafell gyda nhw? Andy Powell

6.       Cas berson i rannu ystafell gyda nhw? Gareth ‘Alfie’ Thomas – mae o’n lot rhy flêr!

7.       Gem fwyaf cofiadwy? Yn erbyn Iwerddon yn 2005 i gipio’r Gamp Lawn gyntaf.

8.       Pwy wyt ti’n rhagweld fydd chwaraewr y gystadleuaeth yn y Chwe Gwlad tymor yma? Toby Faletau

9.       Arwr rygbi yn blentyn? Michael Jones, blaeasgellwr Seland Newydd.

10.   Uchafbwynt dy Yrfa? Heb os nac oni bai, ennill y ddau Gamp Lawn yn 2005 a 2008.

11.   Beth fyddai dy yrfa di os nad yn chwarae rygbi? Cwestiwn anodd...Gweithio rhywle yn y ddinas siwr o fod.

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12.   Mae llawer o chwaraewyr ifanc ac addawol yn y garfan genedlaethol erbyn hyn, pwy wyt ti’n edrych ymlaen i’w weld yn ystod y Chwe Gwlad?

Yn amlwg dwi’n edrych ymlaen i weld y chwaraewyr wnaeth sefydlu eu hunain yng Nghwpan y Byd, chwaraewyr fel Toby Faletau a gweddill y bois. Ond bydd hi’n ddiddorol gweld pwy fydd yn cymryd drosodd ar yr asgell yn lle Shane. Gobeithio geith Alex [Cuthbert] gyfle. Ond mae hi’n wastad yn dda cael dewis mor eang o hogiau ifanc fel sydd gennym ni.

13.   Ers i ti gychwyn chwarae rygbi, mae rygbi wedi gweld lot o newidiadau ar y cae, yn ogystal ag oddi ar y cae. Un peth sydd yn amlwg yw mwy o sylw yn y wasg – ydi hyn yn beth da neu drwg i’r gem?

Mae e mond yn beth da fod rygbi yn mynd yn fwy a fwy poblogaidd pob blwyddyn. Mae lot o dimoedd da yn cystadlu nawr a mae’n beth da i’r bois. Mae lot o bethau wedi newid ers i fi gychwyn fy ngyrfa. Yn amlwg mae rygbi wastad am fod yn ail i bel-droed , ond o leiaf mae mwy o ddiddordeb yn y gem ar y cyfan.

14.   Mae gan y Gleision lawer o ddyfnder yn y garfan, ond yn amlwg gyda’r Chwe Gwlad yn dod fyny, bydd llawer o’r chwaraewyr allweddol i ffwrdd gyda’r tim cenedlaethol, wyt ti’n meddwl dylia’r Bwrdd Rygbi Rhyngwladol feddwl am newid amserlen y cystadleuthau?

Ydw, dwi’n meddwl fod ti’n gywir yn fana. Mae llawer mwy o strwythr yn Hemisffer y De, gyda cystadleuaeth y Super 15 yn cael ei ddilyn gan y Tri Gwlad a wedyn mae nhw’n dod draw ar daith i fan hyn. Ond gyda ni mae gennym ni Gwpan Heineken yn fama, Cynghrair Rabo Direct yn fan draw a’r Chwe Gwlad yn cael ei daflu mewn yn y canol. Ond yn amlwg bydd hi’n anodd newid, gan fod y Chwe Gwlad wedi sefydlu y draddodiadol i’r cyfnod yma. Ond byddai hi’n dda petai nhw yn medru newid popeth fel mae Rygbi’r Gynghrair wedi ei wneud gyda rygbi yn yr Haf – wedyn mae pawb yn chwarae eu tymhorau yr un pryd a gorffwys i bawb yr un pryd. Felly, yn sicr, dylia nhw edrych arno.

15.   A tithau ar 99 o gapiau, dwi’n cymryd dy fod ti dal ar gael ar gyfer cael dy ddewis?

Wel, ydw dwi ar gael, ond dwi’n gwybod fyddai’m yn chwarae drostyn nhw eto. Dwi wedi cael rhediad da. Mae gymaint o chwaraewyr rheng-ôl ifanc ac addawol, felly dwi’n canolbwyntio ar fwynhau fy ychydig fisoedd olaf yn y gem.

16.   Ti wedi aros gyda dy glwb lleol pan fo’n bosib, ond mae mwy a mwy o chwaraewyr ifanc Cymru yn symyd dramor i Ffrainc yn ddiweddar, be ti’n feddwl o hyn?

Mae’n yrfa byr, a mae rhai o’r ffigyrau sy’n cael eu taflu tuag at y bois yn anhygoel erbyn hyn. Fel mae hi am fod, ti wastad am golli un neu ddau o chwaraewyr, ond os ydyn ni’n llwyddo i gadw’r mwyafrif yma, dylia hi ddim fod yn broblem i ni.

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Quickfire Round

1.       Toughest Opposition? Richie McCaw

2.       Best Away Stadium? Stade De France, Paris

3.       Best Away Anthem? La Marseillaise, France

4.       Most memorable try? Against France in 2008, to win the Grand Slam

5.       Favourite international room-mate? Andy Powell

6.       Worst international room-mate? Gareth ‘Alfie’ Thomas – he’s too messy!

7.       Most memorable game? Against Ireland back in 2005, to win the first Grand Slam

8.       Who do you predict will be the Player of the Tournament in this year’s Six Nations? Toby Faletau

9.       Rugby hero as a child? Michael Jones, New Zealand flanker

10.   Highlight of your career? Without any doubt, winning both Grand Slams in 2005 and 2008

11.   What would you be doing if you weren’t playing rugby? Tough question…working in the city probably.

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12.   There are a lot of young and promising players in the national squad, who are you most looking forward to see during the Six Nations?

Obviously I look forward to see the players who established themselves in the World Cup, players such as Toby Faletau and the rest of the boys. But it will be interesting to see who will take the place of Shane on the wing. I hope Alex Cuthbert gets his chance, but it is always nice to have so much young players as we have.

13.   Since you started your career, rugby has changed a lot, with a lot more publicity from the press – is this a good thing or a bad thing?

It can only be good that rugby is developing to be more and more popular every year. There are a lot of good teams coming up and competing which is a good thing for the boys. There are a lot that have changed since I’ve started playing. Obviously rugby is always going to play second fiddle to football, but it’s good that the interest is growing.

14.   The Blues have a lot of strength in depth in their squad, but obviously with the Six Nations coming up, you will lose a lot of key players. Do you believe, maybe, it’s time for the IRB to review the international schedule?

Definitely, you’re right there. There is a better structure in the Southern Hemisphere, with the Super 15 first, then they play the Tri Nations before coming over here for a tour. But here we have the Heineken here and there, the Rabo Direct here and there and the Six Nations is chucked in between. But obviously it would be hard to change, because the Six Nations has been set at that time since the amateur days. It would be good they could change everything to be like Rugby League with their summer rugby – everyone would then play their seasons alongside each other and have a break at the same time. So, certainly they should look at it.

15.   Yourself now still on 99 caps, I assume you’re still available for selection?

Yes I am available but I know I won’t play [for Wales] again – I’ve had a good run. There are so many good young back-row players coming up as well, so I’m just enjoying my last few months.

16.   You’ve stayed loyal to your local clubs, when it’s been possible, throughout your career, but more and more of the youngsters from Wales are moving to France recently, what are your views on this?

Listen, it’s a short career and some of the figures thrown at the boys is eye-watering by now. It’s always going to be like that, that you lose one or two players, but if we manage to keep the majority in Wales, it shouldn’t be a problem.

Five: North Wallians currently at the Scarlets

When the WRU introduced the regional set-up back in 2003, as a way of strengthening the club level rugby in Wales, one of the most striking part of the structure was the fact that the Scarlets was to control, not only West Wales, but also being the representative region for the whole of North Wales. At opening stages, the Scarlets’ involvement at the North was pretty strong, as they held numerous training camps for children around the North, and occasionally played Celtic League games at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham. By now, North Wallians do not enjoy the same access to the region, and, in all honestly, it has been quite disappointing to see the Ospreys being more involved with activities in towns such as Colwyn Bay, as opposed to the official representatives.

But, despite this disappointment, the Scarlets have stuck to their policy of signing young North Wallains into their development system – a good thing for North Wales rugby, but is also a gives a big impact to the current Scarlets squad and hope for the future first team squad. This edition of “Five” introduces the finest North Wallians that are currently in the Scarlets development pyramid. Comments are all my personal opinion:

5. Andrew Fenby – Winger

 Over the past year, Andy Fenby has been very unlucky with injuries, and has missed a prolonged period of time on the pitch. This was a big disappointment to the fans, after he made a big impact on the start of the 2010/2011 season by contributing with a number of important tries in the early stages of the campaign. But Fenby, nicknamed ‘Crazy Legs’ by the supporters, is back this season, and his determined character means that he could may well be a big force for the team during the World Cup period, and will be a leader to the young players stepping up. Having already felt the thrill of try scoring again, in the 32-9 demolition of Aironi, the Llandudno RFC product maybe a very useful player to come off the bench for impact for the rest of the season, when the internationals return from New Zealand.

4. Iolo Evans – Utility Back

  Being one of only two Caernarfon RFC products plying their trade at the Welsh regional set-up, alongside Ospreys prop Cai Griffiths, Iolo Evans is currently playing for Llanelli RFC in the Principality Premiership. Having made only one appearance so far for the first team, facing international winger Aled Brew in a LV= Cup match at Rodney Parade last season, Iolo is certainly classified alongside the likes of Adam Warren, Jordan Williams and Aled Davies as youngsters who are knocking on the door of a regular first team spot within the next three years. He has impressed many with his combination of power, speed and aggression, something that has been lacking in the Scarlets’ game at times, and he will hope to repeat the form he showed last season for league champions Llanelli, which pushed him through for a place in Richard Webster’s Junior World Cup squad this summer.

3. Rhodri Jones – Prop

Another player who played in the Junior World Cup in Italy over the summer is Rhodri Jones – arguably Wales’ best player over the course of the tournament. Despite still being very young, Jones, or ‘Mammoth’ as he is nicknamed at his former club, Pwllheli, has made a number of appearances for the Scarlets since making his debut at Welford Road in the Heineken Cup last October. After first moving from the ‘Gogledd Cymru’ academy to the Newport-Gwent Dragons, he soon made the switch to join former team-mate George North at the Scarlets rank. He has since made 23 apperances for the Scarlets, and they will have high hopes for the youngster, who has shown impressive ball carrying skills and scrumming techniques in his time as an age-grade international and Scarlets player.

2. Rob McCusker – Back-Row

Despite only being 25 years old, international flanker McCusker already seems to be one of the senior figures of the squad, with an impressive 60 appearances to his name already. Rob ‘The Gog’, as he is commonly known, has earned 4 caps for the Welsh international team since his move from Mold RFC – and could be counted as very unlucky not to be on the plane to New Zealand for the World Cup. He has established himself as one of the first names on Nigel Davies’ team-sheet, and his physical presence has certainly made a big difference to the Scarlets pack. He made his debut for the senior side back in 2008/2009 against Edinburgh, and has since become a favourite with the Scarlets fans due to his commitment in games and all-round abilities around the pitch.

1. George North – Winger

It would be very easy to argue that George North is the most exciting prospect in world rugby at the moment. Having burst on to the scene, outshining England international man-mountain Lesley Vainikolo on his debut in a friendly against Gloucester at Kingsholm, and scoring an impressive brace on his Magners League debut at Treviso; he was selected for the senior international side with only 8 first team appearances under his belt. On his international debut, he again scored a brace in a narrow Welsh defeat to the Springboks, where he faced on of his childhood heroes, Bryan Habana. The 6’ 3”, 16 stone winger has since won more caps for Wales than he has for the Scarlets. By displaying a mixture of speed, strength, maturity and vision in his appearances for both club and country, he became a fan favourite for rugby supporters around the world following his mesmerizing performances at the World Cup, and became opponent’s worst nightmare at the same time. I can guarantee you one thing, George, the lad from Llangefni, has a lot more to offer to the world of rugby.

5 to watch: Scarlets

  As I watched the Scarlets’ matches over the World Cup period, it has been obvious to me that the young players that is being given opportunities on the pitch for the region in the absence of the international players is giving the Llanelli-based team plenty of reasons to be excited for the future. I have compiled a list of five players that have left their stamp on the field, and have the potential to be the next players to permanently break through the ranks of Scarlets’ world-famous academy:

 Kirby Myhill – Hooker

With Matthew Rees being a perfect role model for Myhill, the young player from Carmarthen is the latest in line of impressive hookers at the west-Wales region. Following an injury to Rees and the absence of Ken Owens, who is with Wales at the World Cup, it is the perfect time for Myhill to prove his worth to the coaches, and earn the nod for the number two jersey ahead of his main competitor, Emyr Phillips. Since recently moving from flanker to hooker, Myhill has already earned a handful of invaluable experience, including coaching from the All Black academy and representing the Wales Under 20s at the World Cup in Italy during the Summer. There are still elements from his flanker days that are obvious to his game, which adds a different dimension to the Scarlet pack. Following his uncle, Mark Perego’s footsteps into professional rugby, he has the potential to be a leading member of the Scarlets and Welsh squad over the long-term future.

4. Liam Williams- Winger

  Another player who represented Wales in Italy over the Summer, Liam, or ‘Sanjay’, has made a big impact since joining up with the main squad at the start of the season. He has seemingly cemented his place on the wing in the absence of the likes of George North and Sean Lamont, after impressive displays, despite competition from the likes of Dale Ford, Lee Williams and Lee Rees. A very good player under the high ball, his combine of speed and height makes him a very handy player, and has already shown his try scoring abilities by touching down in the LV Cup game against English giants Leicester Tigers.

3. Adam Warren – Centre

  Warren is another youngster who has already made very impressive stridesfor the main side at the start of the season, following his debut against Edinburgh, that resulted in him touching down twice. Having impressed in the Principality league for club side Llandovery, there are already strong calls being made by the Scarlets’ faithfull for him to be brought into the starting XV on a permanent basis, especially following the man-of-the-match performance in the Edinburgh game. A good line breaker and also strong in the contact area, both offensively and defensively, Adam Warren could be a competitor to the likes of Jonathan Davies and Scott Williams in a couple of season.

2. Aled Davies – Scrum-Half

  Martin Roberts, Dwayne Peel, Mike Phillips and Tavis Knoyle. These are scrum-halfs of the recent era that have been produced by the Scarlets and have represented the international side. So it would not be stupid of you to put your money down that Aled Davies, a former pupil of Bro Myrddin school, will be next in line. With a very mature head, he was part of the Under 18 side, alongside George North, that was narrowly beaten by the Cardiff Blues in the Reebok Regional final back in 2009/2010. His quality was proved as he won ‘Rugby World’s Schools Player of the Month’ – a competition that is being held throughout Britain. Having had his apperances for both club and age-grade country limited due to massive unluckiness of injury, Davies will be more determined than ever to prove his quality and fitness to fans and coaches. As well as having a strong kicking game, he is very good as analysing the situation in games, and making breaks, and could easily be compared to Dwayne Peel. If he does prove his fitness, he could overtake Gareth Davies and Rhodri Williams as the main competitor for Tavis Knoyle’s number 9 jersey.

1. Jordan Williams – Fly-Half

 There is no doubt that Jordan has been causing massive excitement throughout the region. The youngest squad member at the moment, he is excellently able to control the game and handle pressure at such a fragile age. Not only being able to rack up points from the boot, he is an all-rounder – being able to create and score tries – as demonstrated when he faced Leicester Tigers last week. He could not be an understudy to much better players in the form of Stephen Jones and Rhys Priestland, his creativity skills are obvious – and has taken over the number 10 jersey for Llanelli RFC, which has been worn by Priestland and Steve Shingler over the past 4 years. He only turned 18 during September, and has been described by fans as the player who could offer the creativity that the side is missing. His size may be his biggest weakness – although it does not seem to get any effect on his defence – but yet again, he has another three years or so to grow. Watch this space.

Adolygiad: Pesda Roc 2011

Un o fy hoff atgofion fel plentyn oedd sefyll ar gae rygbi Bethesda a cael gweld un o fy hoff fandiau yn chwarae, sef Super Furry Animals. Er nad yw’n hollol glir yn fy meddwl, dwi’n dal i gofio mod i wedi gwirioni wrth glywed Gruff Rhys yn rocio i ‘Rings around the World’ – fy hoff gan ar y pryd, diolch i Dad!

 Felly, wrth gerdded lawr llwybrau llwch maes yr Eisteddfod blwyddyn yma, a dod ar draws poster Pesda Roc, yn dangos fod rhai o enwau mwya’r SRG yn chwarae o amgylch Bethesda am 4 diwrnod, roeddwn i wrth fy modd. Be gai well na hwyl, dathlu, cofio a cherddoriaeth da? Wrth gwrs, roedd rheswm dros yr wyl yn cael ei  chynnal, sef cofio a dathlu bywyd Les Morrison, yn ddadleuol un o ffigyrau mwyaf dylanwadol y SRG!

 Felly, dyma fi’n glanio yn Neuadd Ogwen ar y nos Iau. Unwaith oni ‘rioed ‘di bod yna o blaen – a hynny i weld  darlith am Un Nos Ola’ Leuad gan J Elwyn Hughes - felly, roedd gini deimlad cry’ bysa’ y noson yma yn tipyn gwahanol! Cowbois Rhos oedd yn cychwyn y nos – perffaith! Ar y cyfnod yma roedd y dorf i gyd yn eistedd, ac heb fod yn feirniadol o gwbwl, roedd cerddoriaeth CRB yn siwtio’r awyrgylch yn wych. Roedd o’n gyfla’ i fi gael gwrando yn iawn ar yr hogia o Benllyn, oherwydd dwi wedi dod i fwynhau nhw yn fwy ac yn fwy ers i fi glywed nhw ym Maes B Bala. Dwi’n teimlo fod y s?n “mwy” ma’ nhw ‘di datblygu yn wych, gan wneud iddyn nhw swnio’n fwy aeddfed ac yn mynd i newid meddwl pobl gul oedd yn arfar meddwl fod ‘country and western’ yn shit.

Y band nesaf i ddod i’r llwyfan oedd Y Niwl, a roedd ‘na deimlad o gynwrf wrth ddisgwl am y band i ddod i’r llwyfan, yn dilyn eu llwyddiannau â Football Focus. Dwi’n ffan mawr o’r band yma, a dwi’n teimlo fod nhw’n haeddu pob llwyddiant sy’n dod iddyn nhw o hyn ymlaen. Pan wnaethan nhw ddod i’r llwyfan, wnaeth rhyw 15 o bobol ruthro i’r lle dawnsio yn syth sy’n dangos fod nhw’n fand poblogaidd. Unwaith eto, cadw’n glir o’r microphone wnaeth aelodau’r band, a dwi’n licio hynny, achos mae’n wahanol. Mae’n cwl mewn ffordd, ac er fod o’n edrych fel fod nhw’m yn mynd i roi llawar o ymdrech i fewn i’r perfformiad, dyw’r swn ddim yn adlewyrchu huna.

Gruff Rhys oedd yn hedleinio’r noson. Dyma’r foment oni wedi edrych yn ôl arno o’r blaen, ac wedi edrych ymlaen amdano tro hwn – cael gweld y seren byd-enwog ar lwyfan bach mewn pentre’ sydd chwarter awr i ffwrdd o lle dwi’n byw. Erbyn hyn, roedd y lle dawnsio yn llawn pobol oedd eisiau clywed Gruff yn agos. Cychwyn ar ben ei hun wnaeth o, gyda set acwstig. Rhwng ambell i gan, roedd o’n talu teyrnged i Les gyda stori, oedd yn gwneud hi’n awyrgylch braf ac yn brofiad arbennig i fod yn rhan ohono.

Roedd y gig es i weld ar yr ail noson wedi ei anelu yn fwy at bobl ifanc fel fi! Neshi aros yn y Llangollen am hir, sef tafarn sy’ ‘di gweld mwy o gigs yn ddiweddar wrth i Dilwyn Llwyd, trefnydd Gwyl Gardd Goll a Pesda Roc, ddechrau trefnu gigs yno. Ond methu band Dilwyn neshi – am fy mod i ‘di aros yn y pyb rhy hir – gan gyrraedd just mewn pryd i weld can cyntaf Jen Jeniro. Dros yr Ha’, roeddwn i wedi gorfod adolygu EP newydd Jen Jeniro, sef Swimming Limbs (ar gael ar iTunes), i C2, ac wedi ei fwynhau yn arw. Felly roedd hi am fod yn ddiddorol clywed y fersiwn byw. Fel arfer, roedd JJ yn gerddoriaeth poppy a jolly i’w fwynhau, a oni ‘di mwynhau nhw ar y noson yma fwy nag oni wedi eu clywed nhw o’r blaen.

Yr Ods oedd yn hedleinio yn noson y tro hwn. Nhw ‘di fy hoff fand i ar hyn o bryd, a dwi’n mwynhau eu gweld nhw’n fyw achos dwi’n cael dod yn fwy a fwy cyfarwydd â’r caneuon bydd yn dod i fyny ar yr albwm hir-ddigwyliedig. Unwaith eto, roedd y band yn chwarae yn dynn gyda’u gilydd, sydd, gyda’r caneuon eu hunain, yn eu gwneud nhw’n fand mor dda. Ar un pwynt, nath Gruff Pritch hyd yn oed ddod mewn i ganol y gynilleidfa i chwarae. Ond prif siom y noson oedd fod y tefnwyr wedi cyfyngu yr amser oedda nhw’n cael chwarae i rhyw hanner awr, felly oedd ‘na ambell i hit ddim ‘di cael ei chwarae. Piti fod hynny ‘di rhoi ‘chydig o ddampnar ar lwmp o noson dda. Aros ym Methesda wnaethon ni y noson honno, ac y bore drannoeth, wrth gyrraedd adra wedi noson hwyr / bore cynnar, fy ngeiria ola’ cyn mynd i’ng ngwely oedd “No wê dwi’n mynd i Pesda heno.”

 Rhyw 7 awr yn ddiweddarach, roedd fy nghalon i’n gwibio o gynwrf wrth i mi sefyll, unwaith eto, tu allan i Neuadd Ogwen, yn barod am uwchafbwynt yr wsos. Yn anffodus roedd Geraint Jarman wedi tynnu allan – rhwyun oni ar biga’ drain i’w weld er mwyn cael dweud mod i wedi ei weld o – oherwydd rhesymau oedd tu allan i ddwylo pawb! Ond, doedd popeth ddim yn ddrwg. Roedd gini dal y cyfle i weld dau fand lleol yn ffurf Celt a Maffia Mr Huws. Dwi’n ffan mawr o albym @Com gan Celt, efo caneuon fel Bethlem a’r Groes, Un Wennol a Streets of Bethesda yn uwchafbwyntiau yr albwm yna. Oni ‘di gweld Celt yn chwarae yn Clwb Rygbi Caernarfon ychydig fisoedd yn ôl, ac er fod na’m lot yna, roedda nhw’n dal i chwarae fel bod nhw’n rili mwynhau. Ond tro ‘ma roedda’n nhw’n chwarae i gynilleidfa oedd wedi gwerthu allan, a roedd y perfformiad yn dangos hynny, wrth iddyn nhw gamu fyny i gear newydd, a pob un ohona nhw’n canu ac yn chwerthin ar y llwyfa. Da oedd gweld y dorf yn canu ymlaen hefo nhw ‘fyd. Ac er mod i ‘rioed wedi ei gyfarfod, dwi’n siwr y bysai Les wedi mwynhau hefyd.

  Maffia Mr Huws oedd i gloi yr wyl i mi yn bersonol. Dwi di clwad lot o ganmoliaeth am berfformiada’ byw Maffia, ac wrth fy modd efo y gan ‘Gitâr yn y To’, felly roedd cael gweld nhw yn fyw am y tro cyntaf yn eitha’ cyffrous. Roedd y perfformiad yma’n gwneud i’r noson diemlo fel noson deyrnged go iawn! Roedd gwesteion arbennig yn dod i ymuno â’r band, caneuon ‘covers’ yn cael eu canu a straeon yn cael eu adrodd. Roedd pawb oni wedi siarad gyda nhw yn dweud gymaint oedden nhw wedi mwynhau y noson, a bod awyrgylch arbennig i’r noson, fel nad oedden nhw ‘rioed ‘di deimlo o’r blaen.

  Felly roedd y tair noson yn deyrnged berffaith i Les, ond hefyd i safon cerddoriaeth Gymraeg yr ardal. Gobeithio y byddwn yn cael gweld Pesda Roc yn dychwelyd yn flynyddol o hyn ymlaen, oherwydd, o edrych ar raddfa lwyddiant yr ?yl y flwyddyn yma, bydd hi’n datblygu i fod yn un o brif wyliau Cymraeg yr Ha’

Rugby World Cup 2011: Player Preview

Similar to its footballing equivalent, representing your country at the Rugby World Cup is a pinnacle for every professional rugby player. The World Cup, also recognized as the Webb Ellis Cup, gives the stage for players to impress on the international stage and be remembered as a part of history, as the likes of Jonah Lomu and Jonny Wilkinson did in 1995 a 2003 respectively. But who will be making an impact during this year’s tournament? Here is my prediction

1.       Soane Tonga’uiha – Tonga & Northampton Saints

The 6’3, 290lbs prop, ironically nicknamed ‘Tiny’, has had a major impact on the Aviva Premiership and Heineken Cup over the last season, as the Saints finished as runners up in Europe’s prime competition. Well known for his large size and fierce runs, he could prove a handful for opposing defences, which include France, Japan and the mighty All Blacks. Recently turned down a move to the Saracens, in order to sign a new three year deal with the Saints, he was also part of the 2007 World Cup squad which pushed eventual finalists England and South Africa to hard-fought victories during the pool stages.

2.       Marius Tincu – Romania & Perpignan

Leader of the Romanian team, who traditionally has a strong a physical pack, has also been a star for French side Perpignan over the last season. He has scored an impressive 14 tries over 36 caps, since making his debut in 2002. During the last World Cup campaign, Tincu played in all four of Romania’s pool stages games, and managed a try in the games against Italy, Portugal and the All Blacks. He will hope to inspire the Romanians to cause an upset during the pool stages, and will surely target a shock win over the Scots in their opening fixture. Romania have managed to win one game in each campaign since 1987.

3.       Ben Alexander – Australia & Brumbies

On the back of a successful Tri Nations campaign, the 26 year-old Brumbies prop will hope to maintain his excellent form in the World Cup, as the Aussies would love to snatch the Webb Ellis Trophy at their rival’s back garden. With surprising attacking attributes, as Alexander became Brumbies top try scorer during the 2010 campaign with 7 tries in 13 appearances, he could offer an extra dimension to the Wallabies’ play.

Other potential front-row stars: Wiliam Servat (France & Toulouse)

                                                           Owen Franks (New Zealand & Crusaders)

                                                           Dylan Hartley (England & Northampton Saints)

                                                           Cian Healy (Ireland & Leinster)

                                                           Martin Castrogiovanni (Italy & Leicester Tigers)

                                                           Bismarck du Plessis (South Africa & Sharks)

4.       Victor Matfield – South Africa & Blue Bulls

32 year old Matfield has been an invaluable asset to the Springboks’ game since his debut against Italy in 2001. Going into the tournament with a World Cup medal already around his neck, following the 2007 success, as well as an array of provincial success, such as 3 Super Rugby league titles, Matfield will hope to repeat the successes of his career so far by retaining the Webb Ellis Cup. He has already admitted that he is flirting with international retirement following this year’s tournament, to pursuit a career in Australia, and will look to use his famous line-out jumping, of which he is considered the best in the world at doing, to disrupt any opposition set-pieces. Wales’ selection of 6’9 lock forward Luke Charteris for the opening game is proof of Matfield’s aerial threat.

5.       Bradley Davies – Wales & Cardiff Blues

Despite being dropped to the bench ahead of the opening match against the Springboks, there is no doubt that Davies could still emerge as a star during this year’s campaign. The former Beddau youth player was the Wales U20’s captain in 2005 as the team clinched a Six Nations Grand Slam. He has already proven himself to be capable to perform under pressure, after an excellent display against France in the 2010 Six Nations campaign, which was played mere days following the death of his mother.

Other potential second row stars: James Horwill (Australia & Queensland Reds)

                                                              Richie Gray (Scotland & Glasgow Warriors)

                                                              Julien Pierre (France & Clermont Auvergne)

                                                              Ali Williams (New Zealand & Auckland Blues)

6.       Sean O’Brien – Ireland & Leinster

Having emerged as an exciting prospect, it’s no surprise that the Leinster flanker has already attracted strong interest from money-driven French sides. His attacking, defensive and rucking abilities have been highlighted. He has already received attention from the most respectable pundits in world rugby, and was even named Guinness’ Rugby Writer’s Irish Player of the Year for the season 2010-2011 and the ERC European Player of the Year.

7.       Sam Warburton – Wales & Cardiff Blues

Replacing the messiah of modern Welsh rugby, that is Martyn Williams, is no easy task, especially for a 22 year old. Warburton became the second youngest Welsh captain when he led the team, in the absence of Matthew Rees, against the Barbarians in June. Having already won 18 caps for the national side since his first appearance against the United States back in 2009, ‘Warby’ has emerged as a master of the tackle-area, and is tipped to follow All Blacks legend Richie McCaw as one of the best flankers of the modern era.

8.       Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe – Argentina & Toulon

Juan Lobbe, who will serve the Pumas as vice-captain during the World Cup, will hope to repeat the shock success of Argentina during the 2007 World Cup, of which he was an integral squad member, this time around. Having already defeated England in 2006 and 2009, of which he was the captain during the latter of the games, he will face the English again, in more important circumstances. His brother Ignacio will not be in the squad during this campaign, but there is no doubt that Juan, will be a key figure should the Argentines provide yet another World Cup shock.

Other potential back row stars: Toby Faletau – Wales & Newport-Gwent Dragons

                                                          Jerome Kaino – New Zealand & Auckland Blues

                                                          James Haskell – England & Ricoh Black Rams

                                                         David Pocock – Australia & Western Force

                                                         Sergio Parisse – Italy & Stade Francais

                                                         Richie McCaw – New Zealand & Crusaders

9.       Will Genia – Australia & Queensland Reds

Although Genia is only 23 years old, he has a very mature game for his age. The Australian Super Rugby Player of the Year, following more than impressive performances for eventual league winners Queensland Reds, has been compared to Australian hero George Gregan, and has already been trusted with the Reds’ captaincy, and Eddie Jones, Wallabies coach, believes he should take the role of national team captain as well. His 60-meter dash to score an important try during the Super Rugby final against Crusaders highlights his attacking and exciting abilities.

Other potential scrum-half stars: Morgan Parra – France & Clermont Auvergne

                                                             Ben Youngs – England & Leicester Tigers

                                                             Eoin Reddann – Ireland & Leinster

                                                             Fourie du Preez – South Africa & Suntory Sungoliath

                                                             Tavis Knoyle – Wales & Scarlets

10.   Quade Cooper – Australia & Queensland Reds

Genia’s half-back partner for club and country may be the man to challenge Dan Carter as the world’s leading outside half. New Zealand-born Cooper has made huge strides in his development over recent years. Gone are the days of Youtube compilations of Cooper howlers, as they are replaced by videos of his lightning quick footwork and silky passing, as he has advanced the Reds and the Wallabies into an exciting era of fresh talent. The Super 14 Player of the Year leaves the goal-kicking duties to winger James O’Connor, but he contributes plenty of points to the men in gold through his playmaking skills.

Other potential outside-half stars: James Hook – Wales & USA Perpignan

                                                               Rhys Priestland – Wales & Scarlets

                                                               Morne Steyn – South Africa & Blue Bulls

                                                               Dan Carter – New Zealand & Crusaders

                                                               Jonathan Sexton – Ireland & Leinster

12.   Sonny Bill Williams – New Zealand & Unattached

Facing an All Black centre and a professional boxer would be an opposition nightmare, whether it was on the rugby field or in the boxing ring. No, Sonny Bill, or SBW, is no ordinary professional rugby player. After building a reputation on the Rugby League stage, SBW decided to switch codes in order to join up with multi-bucks French side, Toulon. His most important assets are his physical strength and his extraordinary offloading abilities, which, when combined together, makes him one of the most effective playmaker on the international stage.

13.   Manu Tuilagi – England & Leicester Tigers

Manu is the latest in line of the legendary Tuilagi rugby family. Despite other family members, such as brothers Alesana and Henry, playing for the Samoan national team, Manu has decided to play for England, making him the first Samoan-born player to represent the England national side. He made a huge impact on his international debut, in a World Cup warm up game against Wales at Twickenham, by scoring an impressive try to seal a victory over their fierce rivals. The 17st centre has certainly seemed at home playing for Leicester Tigers and for England, but his main disadvantage seems to be his indiscipline, after he was banned for 5 weeks, following a punch on fellow England international Chris Ashton while on club duties.

Other potential centre stars: Ma’a Nonu – New Zealand & Ricoh Black Rams

                                                          Joe Ansboro – Scotland & London Irish

                                                 Adam Ashley-Cooper – Australia & New South Wales Waratahs

                                                          Brian O’Driscoll – Ireland & Leinster

                                                          Jamie Roberts – Wales & Cardiff Blues

                                                          Seilala Mapusua – Samoa & Kubota Spears

11.   Vereniki Goneva – Fiji & Tarbes

I know what most of you are thinking, “Who?” Yes this is what I thought when I first heard about this player. How can he be more of a threat than the likes of Hosea Gear, Tommy Bowe and Chris Ashton? Well, Goneva was controversially left out of Fiji’s 2007 World Cup squad, and is determined to prove those selectors wrong this time around. With an impressive record of 80 points in 20 appearances for the national side, including a brilliant individual try against the mighty All Blacks, he may well prove to be this World Cup’s surprise package.

14.   George North – Wales & Scarlets

Standing at 6’4 and weighing in at 17st, George North is no ordinary winger. In fact, he would look more likely to be a second row than a winger! Already being compared to rugby great, Jonah Lomu, North has seemingly emerged from zero to hero over the last year, and is proving to be one of rugby’s highly rated ‘wonder kids’. Although he was born in Kings Lynn, England, there was no doubt that he always wanted to represent the men in red, after developing his rugby career through Scarlets’ famous academy, which has also produced the likes of Jonathan Davies, Rhys Priestland, Ben Morgan and Josh Turnbull. After scoring twice on his debut against reigning world champions, South Africa, George North has continued to be on the scoring board regularly over the past year, despite injury having limited his apperances. North will be someone to look out for, especially as he offers a new dimension of play for wingers.

Other potential wing stars: Maxime Medard – France & Toulouse

                                                  Isaia Toeava – New Zealand & Auckland Blues

                                                  Chris Ashton – England & Northampton Saints

                                                  James O’Connor – Australia & Melbourne Rebels

                                                  Tommy Bowe – Ireland & Ospreys

                                                  Takudzwa Ngwenya – USA & Biarritz

15.   Kurtley Beale – Australia & Melbourne Rebels

Beale is arguably one of the most dangerous attacking threats in the world. After scoring 7 tries in 12 caps for the Wallabies during 2010, including a brace against England, his surging runs from the full-back position meant that opposing defences were shacking in their boots whenever he received the ball – and would try to avoid any of their kicks from landing in his hands. During this year’s Tri Nations, he heroically jumped to his feet after being treated for injury to complete a try saving tackle against the Springboks, proving that he has high commitment as well as natural ability.

Other potential full-back stars: Francois Steyn – South Africa & Racing Metro

                                                    Mils Muliaina – New Zealand & NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes

                                                         Ben Foden – England & Northampton Saints

                                                         Chris Paterson – Scotland & Edinburgh