Connacht v Biarritz, Sportsground, Friday 7th December 8pm, SS2 Red Button

freyners

VS

Teams Line out as follows
Connacht: 15. Robbie Henshaw 14.Tiernan O’Halloran 13. Danie Poolman 12. Dave McSharry 11. Fetu’u Vainikolo 10. Dan Parks (captain) 9. Kieran Marmion
1. Brett Wilkinson 2. Jason Harris-Wright 3. Ronan Loughney 4. Mick Kearney 5. Mike McCarthy 6. Andrew Browne 7. Willie Faloon 8. Eoin McKeon

Replacements (from): 16. Ethienne Reynecke 17. Denis Buckley 18. JP Cooney 19. Danny Qualter 20. Johnny O’Connor 21. Paul O’Donohoe 22. Miah Nikora 23. Matthew Jarvis

Biarritz
1 - Barcella 2 - August 3 - Gomez Kodela 4 - Lund E. 5 - Dubarry 6 - Lauret 7 - Guyot 8 - Lakafia 9 - Yachvili (c.) 10 - Berquist 11 - Brew 12 - Bosch 13 - Gimenez 14 - Ngwenya 15 - Balshaw
Replacements 16 - Geneva 17 - Synaeghel 18 - Blaauw 19 - Taele 20 - Harinordoquy 21 - Lesgourgues 22 - Barn 23 - Burotu

Well its was never going to be easy..

Background

Currently Amlin Cup holders Biarritz travel to the Sportsground tomorrow for Round 3 of the Heineken Cup in what looks like a lopsided contest. Connacht have currently 14 squad members injured at the moment and are absent of key personal such as Eoin Griffin, Nathan White, Michael Swift and Gavin Duffy. Other bad news is the current run of form in team are in, their last two matchs have resulted in losses in what were must win games for Connacht if they wish to progress this season. Biarritz, by contrast, have won their last two games in the Top 14.

However there is hope in the form of the travelling curse that most french teams seem to suffer form, and Biarritz last year were the poster boys for this. Last season away from home, they lost to Treviso 30-26 in a game they were shorn of their talismanic duo of Yachvilli (who is also captain tomorrow) and Harinordoquy ( who starts from the bench having just returned from injury last week). Connacht must find a way to nullify Yachvillis influence and Harinordoquys inevitable impact form the bench if they hope to make this game a contest and should they manage, they could find themselves in with a chance of an upset.

This game is must win for both sides, having a loss each, whoever comes out on the wrong side of a result here will be out of the running for qualification for the knock out stages of the competition, along with dashing any hopes either team might have of making it into the Amlin knockout rounds also.

Key Match ups:

Vainikolo v Ngwenya

Vainikolo impressed for Tonga in the AIs and has been effective when given a hint of space all season. Suspect in defence (especially under a high ball) but if connacht get a counter attacking opportunity, look for this man to be involved. Ngwenyas attributes are familiar to anyone with a fair knowledge of rugby and he has put international class wingers like Bryan Habana in their place more than once. This battle of the speedsters will be influential in deciding who goes home with the "w"

Second Row

Mike McCarthy makes a welcome return a 2nd row already shorn of its talisman and most capped player in Michael Swift. He impressed in the AIs and has shown many people that playing for connacht is not the handicap many thought it to be. Mick Kearney is one of the most promising players for the future and was one of the few players to impress in the Edinburgh game with his ball carrying and workrate in defence.

For Biarritz, Lund is very experienced campaigner while Dubarry is a recent acquisition from Brive. Along with August at hooker they will form a very useful Biarritz lineout and it will be up to Mike and Mick to disrupt

The Front Row

As recently as last year, Brett Wilkinson was tipped to be the next Irish LH to be capped. However the emergence of Denis Buckley along with a regression in form has no longer seen him occupy the starting number 1 berth as much as he would like. JHW is still adjusting to life in Connacht while Ronan Loughney has lost his starting TH berth since the acquisition of Nathan White. However injuries to Flavin and White along with Elwoods decisions to leave Buckley on the bench presents an opportunity to each player to grasp hold of their jerseys for themselves

The Biarritz front row has a mean edge to it. Barcella and Gomez-Kodella have represent their country many times, and although he only has a solitary cap to his name, Benoit August is no less a player either. Biarritz will look to establish dominance in the scrum early and use that dominance to set the tone for the game.

The Game Itself

This is a game that will be won up front, the Connacht pack will have to raise their game to the intensity of Quins last year or even beyond if they wish to win this. Subs like Buckley, JOC and Reynecke are going to have to have no time to adjust to off the bench if the game is tight while subs Danny Qualter and JP Cooney, will make their HC debuts in a baptism of fire. Connacht out wide have a young but lethal backline when give good ball to work with and will be ably marshalled by Dan Parks. The likes of McSharry, Vainikolo and Henshaw thrive on good ball and can score tries if given the opportunity while Dan parks will punish any trangressions with his fantastic boot.
Biarritz have a strong pack travelling who we look to suffocate Conancht out of this game and also have a dangerous backline with the likes of Ngwenya and Balshaw more than capable of exploiting any gaps in the Connacht defence. Former Leinster player Matt Berquist also lines up for the Basques and cannot be allowed time on the ball.

Where can I watch it?

For anyone hoping to tune in to the game it is on Sky Sports 2 via the red button. Anyone looking for score updates can go to either the ERC website or the Connacht FB or twitter pages.

Verdict

The heart screams Connacht and I'm an optimistic sort so I cant rule out an upset like Treviso did a year ago. We always seem to raise our game for HC matches also and our season has been one of playing our best against the bigger teams (Quins/Leinster). However the head is calling this totally different and I fear it may be right. The bookies have no such qualms about this and have installed Biarritz as massive favourites with odds as short as 1-3. When it comes to predicting a result, I know who I'd trust.

blackhound

Was really impressed with Kearney last weekend so hopefully he can continue that form tomorrow night. Plus Buckley was everywhere when he came off the bench so I think he should be quickly able to adapt to the game.

its_phil

Great piece freyners.

Only criticisim in a fantastic article is just the spelling of Vainikolo.

freyners

its_phil wrote: »

Great piece wrapthead.

Only criticisim in a fantastic article is just the spelling of Vainikolo.

Damnit, always get it wrong, changed to the correct spelling (i hope)

wp_rathead

its_phil wrote: »

Great piece wrapthead.

Only criticisim in a fantastic article is just the spelling of Vainikolo.

erm, thanks :pac:

really good write up Freyners

We are missing 23kg of power there from our starting pack, so gonna have try move ball wide when possible

Loughney 115kg - White 118kg (-3kg)
Kearney 109kg- Swift 120kg (-11kg)
Browne 109kg- Muldoon 109kg (0kg)
McKeon 103kg- Naoupu 112kg (-9kg)

Obvo size isn't everything but we know how this Biarritz team likes to play tight and physical
If game turns into an arm wrestling match I fear there only 1 winner
fingers crossed we pull it off and perhaps a chance of making it into the Amlin

its_phil

wprathead wrote: »

erm, thanks :pac:

*facepalm*

freyners

wprathead wrote: »

erm, thanks :pac:

really good write up Freyners

We are missing 23kg of power there from our starting pack, so gonna have try move ball wide when possible

Loughney 115kg - White 118kg (-3kg)
Kearney 109kg- Swift 120kg (-11kg)
Browne 109kg- Muldoon 109kg (0kg)
McKeon 103kg- Naoupu 112kg (-9kg)

Obvo size isn't everything but we know how this Biarritz team likes to play tight and physical
If game turns into an arm wrestling match I fear there only 1 winner
fingers crossed we pull it off and perhaps a chance of making it into the Amlin

while i get what your saying about size it isnt the be all or end all, even up front. Buckley is 3kg* lighter and by far the better scrummager this season.

Saying that, giving up the guts of 4 stone is never good

* according to website buckley is 113kg and Wilkinson 116kg, I have a feeling these are over and under represented respectively

Gargled

The game is on the Sky Sports 2 red button (Northampton v Ulster is the main game)

freyners

Gargled wrote: »

The game is on the Sky Sports 2 red button (Northampton v Ulster is the main game)

I'll edit the op accordingly

totallegend

Gargled wrote: »

The game is on the Sky Sports 2 red button (Northampton v Ulster is the main game)

I don't think it is, certainly the Sky website says not.

Tox56

totallegend wrote: »

I don't think it is, certainly the Sky website says not.

Was watching the Amlin game on Sky this evening and they said the Connacht game will be on the red button

seanin4711

If we can keep them quiet for the first 20 then we have a chance.

the 22 is down to the bones at this stage!
If ever there was going to be a game in the sportsground I think This is the one!
I really hope that the lads dont give biarritz too much respect a la Toulouse last season(rabbit in the headlights for the first 20)
harris wright would want to get his darts straight,basically our set piece has to be rock solid to have a sniff in this one and vanikolo better have his twinkle toes in motion.

WHO IS THE REF???

Greg Garner,did we have him in HEC games already?
any idea how he refs it?

Gwan Connacht.

thomond2006

Biarritz will play poorly as they usually do away from home but will do enough to win IMO. Connacht have too many injuries at the moment...

I'm disappointed to see Buckley dropped, he's been a revelation this season. Has his form dropped lately, Connacht haven't been televised for a while so I haven't seen the games.

seanin4711

thomond2006 wrote: »

Biarritz will play poorly as they usually do away from home but will do enough to win IMO. Connacht have too many injuries at the moment...

I'm disappointed to see Buckley dropped, he's been a revelation this season. Has his form dropped lately, Connacht haven't been televised for a while so I haven't seen the games.

Buckley should deffo be starting!
maybe its a thing where he plans to change them second half.
Please Eric have a plan!
NO FECKIN BOX KICKS PLZ!!!
Pin biarritz back at every opportunity!

thomond2006

By the way Berquist has been deemed a flop signing in France...

GerM

thomond2006 wrote: »

By the way Berquist has been deemed a flop signing in France...

A tad harsh given he has barely played for them all season.

Zzippy

thomond2006 wrote: »

Biarritz will play poorly as they usually do away from home but will do enough to win IMO. Connacht have too many injuries at the moment...

I'm disappointed to see Buckley dropped, he's been a revelation this season. Has his form dropped lately, Connacht haven't been televised for a while so I haven't seen the games.

I get the feeling Eric doesn't trust a front row with 3 younger/less experienced players, when a couple of the more experienced FR players are missing he tends to bring in Wilko or White from the start, and leave Buckley or Locks on the bench. He may have a point, a FR of Buckley, JHW and Loughney is fairly callow in terms of big match experience, not to mention size.
Buckley is trying to bulk up at the moment, he's definitely been told to put on weight, and with Swifty's bulk missing in the second row that could be a liability against Biarritz. I think they will target our scrum tomorrow, just hope we can gain parity there.

dastardly00

Just to let people know that the Student's Union in NUI Galway still have some heavily discounted tickets for tonight's match available.
The tickets are €15 for the Main Stand (but you are meant to be a student :P). Student tickets on Ticketmaster.ie are €20.

Robbo

dastardly00 wrote: »

Just to let people know that the Student's Union in NUI Galway still have some heavily discounted tickets for tonight's match available.
The tickets are €15 for the Main Stand (but you are meant to be a student :P). Student tickets on Ticketmaster.ie are €20.

They also have discounted tickets in for the Main Stand for the next two other games.

I don't suppose there's anyone heading to the match with a spare helicopter in the Dublin area willing to give me a lift?

eyeball kid

Great write up Freyners.

Really hoping Biarritz play like they did against Treviso last year. I think its the only way we're going to win this evening especially with all the injuries we've had. It will be interesting to see how the young lads get on this evening.

Anyone what the weather is to be like in Galway this evening?

Getting excited about this one now. Come on Connacht!

freyners

eyeball kid wrote: »

Great write up Freyners.

Really hoping Biarritz play like they did against Treviso last year. I think its the only way we're going to win this evening especially with all the injuries we've had. It will be interesting to see how the young lads get on this evening.

Anyone what the weather is to be like in Galway this evening?

Getting excited about this one now. Come on Connacht!

Connacht tweeted earlier it was supposed to be dry

Robbo

Forecast is dry with a light breeze.

Rickwellwood

If we can stop Biarritz backrow, starve Yachvilli and Berquist of clean possession and don't give away silly pens, then we're in with a chance of a win.

Am I asking too much?

Hopefully not and our lads will want to give it a right rattle especially after the disappointment of last week vs Embra.

Last time I saw Biarritz play was "loive" in the Amlin Final last May and they just battered Toulon up front, Toulon gave away lots of pens and Biarritz kicked them all and didnt miss any. God awful game to watch it was tho'.

C'mon Connacht

its_phil

If we can keep up with their scrum, we are in with a very good shout. But we have to keep knock ons and forward passes to the bare minimum.

It's very important we don't get sucked into a war of attrition like Quins did to us in the 2nd half or we'll struggle. But if we can dictate the tempo of the game with quick ruck ball, we can cause a lot of problems out wide like we did to Quins and Leinster.

If Henshaw performs tonight, he'll be the #2 FB and #1 on form in the country for me.

Very hyped for this, don't think it'll be a sell out but if the clan and main stand are full that atmosphere is as good and intimidating as anywhere!

Zzippy

Dear Santa

I've been a very good boy this year. All I want for Christmas is a win over Biarritz. That would make me very happy.

Thanks

Zzippy

ssaye

Zzippy wrote: »

Dear Santa

I've been a very good boy this year. All I want for Christmas is a win over Biarritz. That would make me very happy.

Thanks

Zzippy

4 provinces win would be epic, honestly would be delighted.

Accumulator on PP is 34/1

Robbo

Any Clansmen stranded in Dublin watching this?

I'm probably going to hit up the Woolshed more for the fact that they have eleventy different screens than for quality of pub. They were able to sort out the Quins game before.

connemara man

I think/hope if we play with the big game intensity and dont show them too much respect we should be able to stand up to them. My heart is screaming Connacht but my head is questioning my heart Shut up head!!!

also I just got asked to source a main stand ticket if anyone knows of someone who cant go may I purchase? sorry mods if i cant do this

gally74

Henshaw 8/1 for the first conn try, worth a bet

connemara man

Ok alk Connacht fans we need a big roar tonight just sumone into the Biarritz band/supporters in O Connells an they are up for this

ongarite

Try Connacht.

DDC1990

Try Vainikolo Breakaway after a dropped pass by Biarritz around midfield.

7-3

DDC1990

Yachvilli Pen short.

Parks Pen wide.

7-3 still.

eyeball kid

How are Connacht playing?

DDC1990

Yachvilli hooks a kickable penalty well wide.

Still 7-3

15mins gone.

DDC1990

Biarritz fairly on top at the moment.

Connachts try came off a Biarritz mistake.

No possession, and making silly mistakes the little times they have it.

5 penalties already given away, but Yachvilli has missed 2, one hard one easy.

Another chance here from a penalty on the 10m line.

Over- 7-6

Connacht nearing a yellow card now.

DDC1990

Great attack off an inventive lineout for Connacht.

Kicked through and only Nguenya's speed saved Biarritz, as he got back to kick it out.

5m Linout to Connacht.

DDC1990

A few drives for Connact off the LO, but going nowhere.

Parks takes control and kicks a DG.

10-6

DDC1990

Connacht defending well.

Forcing Biarritz backward in tackles, and forcing Yachvilli to try to kick through.

macslash

Some take by Robbie there..unreal!

eyeball kid

Thanks for the updates DDC1990. Any of the streams I got don't work for me for some reason. And Galway Bay don't seem to be covering it so you're my only source of info!

Whos playing well at the moment for Connacht?

DDC1990

Great series of play from Connacht, but a knock on, just outside the 22.

Marmion is seriously good. So quick and really crisp passing.

Backs from both sides look dangerous, while the forwards bash away at each other.

Quite evenly matched here.

Connacht turning the screw though. forcing turnovers in the tackles.

DDC1990

eyeball kid wrote: »

Thanks for the updates DDC1990. Any of the streams I got don't work for me for some reason. And Galway Bay don't seem to be covering it so you're my only source of info!

Whos playing well at the moment for Connacht?

Forwards as a whole are playing well.

Henshaw made a class catch in the air.

Marmion and Parks are telepathic today. On the Stringer and O'Gara stage. :P

Connacht rob a lineout inside the 22!

DDC1990

DDC1990 wrote: »

Forwards as a whole are playing well.

Henshaw made a class catch in the air.

Marmion and Parks are telepathic today. On the Stringer and O'Gara stage. :P

Connacht rob a lineout inside the 22!

Heart in mouth!

Nguenya gets a ball in space from a knockon... runs at Connacht, and boots the ball directly into touch :P

tiger_cub

TOH playing a blinder,he must be reading this thread for motivation ;-)

macslash

Stupid by McKeon..10 mins in the bin..took man out without ball

DDC1990

DDC1990 wrote: »

Heart in mouth!

Nguenya gets a ball in space from a knockon... runs at Connacht, and boots the ball directly into touch :P

McKeon takes Yachvilli out in the air under a garryown.

Didn't look awful, but Biarritz players took potshots at him after the penalty was given and he ends up getting a yellow.

After seeing the replay it deserved it really.

Was stupid.

Penalty Yachvilli, 10-9

macslash

10 - 9 now..1 minute left before half time

cgpg5

Yachvili really is a class above everyone else. serious club player

Reckon we'll be seeing Imanol at h/t or shortly after

What the hell was McKeon at?

macslash

concrete on!

macslash

cgpg5 wrote: »

Yachvili really is a class above everyone else. serious club player

Reckon we'll be seeing Imanol at h/t or shortly after

What the hell was McKeon at?

Pointless..it was like our 10th phase of play..

Biarritz nearly coughed up another try right on death of half..loose pass and ball went into touch just on 40 mins..
10 - 9 ht