Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

connemara man

Hit 10,000 oostsy again so here's a New thread

Other tagline suggestions welcome

realhorrorshow

Loosehead

Denis Buckley (30) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019
Matthew Burke (23) - Signed contract in 2019
Jordan Duggan (22) - Signed contract in 2020
Paddy McAllister (31) - Signed contract in 2019

Charlie Ward (20) - Academy year 1

Tighthead

Jack Aungier (21) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Finlay Bealham (29) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019
Conor Kenny (24) - Signed 1 year contract in 2020
Dominic Robertson-McCoy (26) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020

Hooker

Shane Delahunt (26) - Signed 1 year contract in 2020
Dave Heffernan (29) - Signed contract in 2019
Jonny Murphy (28) - Signed contract in 2018

Declan Adamson (21) - Academy year 2
Eoin De Buitléar (u20) - Academy year 1
Dylan Tierney-Martin (21) - Academy year 3

Lock

Ultan Dillane (26) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019
Oisin Dowling (23) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Cillian Gallagher (23) - Signed contract in 2018
Niall Murray (20) - Signed contract in 2020
Quinn Roux (29) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019
Gavin Thornbury (26) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019

Darragh Murray (u20) - Academy year 1
Cian Prendergast (20) - Academy year 1

Back row

Paul Boyle (23) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019
Jarrad Butler (29) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Eoghan Masterson (27) - Signed 2 year contract in 2018
Sean Masterson (22) - Signed contract in 2020
Sean O'Brien (25) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Conor Oliver (24) - Signed 1 year contract in 2020
Abraham Papali’i (27) - Signed contract in 2020

Ciaran Booth (20) - Academy year 1
Donnacha Byrne (u20) - Academy year 1
Hubert Costello (u20) - Academy year 1
Joshua Dunne (20) - Academy year 3
Oisin McCormack (19) - Academy year 2

Scrumhalf

Caolin Blade (26) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Stephen Kerins (24) - Signed contract in 2019
Kieran Marmion (28) - Signed 3 year contract in 2020
Colm Reilly (21) - Signed contract in 2020

Outhalf

Jack Carty (28) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019
Conor Dean (22) - Signed contract in 2020
Conor Fitzgerald (22) - Signed contract in 2019

Cathal Forde (19) - Academy year 1

Centre

Bundee Aki (28) - Signed 3 year central contract in 2020
Sammy Arnold (24) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Tom Daly (27) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Tom Farrell (26) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Peter Robb (26) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020

Shane Jennings (19) - Academy year 2
Sean O'Brien (22) - Academy year 3

Back 3

Stephen Fitzgerald (24) - Signed contract in 2019
Matt Healy (31) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Ben O'Donnell (25) - Signed contract in 2020
Tiernan O'Halloran (29) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
John Porch (26) - Signed contract in 2019
Peter Sullivan (22) - Signed contract in 2020
Alex Wootton (26) - Signed 1 year loan contract in 2020

Colm de Buitléar (22) - Academy year 3
Diarmuid Kilgallen (20) - Academy year 1
Oran McNulty (20) - Academy year 3

*Ages as at 01/09/2020

connachta

Title proposition Connacht Team Talk Thread VI -Keep the pot Boyling

I'm quietly confident today, maybe it's the 2021 optimism, but Connacht know they need to put in a big performance and I'm hoping it clicks today. We're a match for them everywhere on the pitch bar back-row and maybe RMC in the scrum. On paper it's a closer contest that the Racing game and we know how close we came there.

FACECUTTR

New title: Hard Boyled Egg Chasers.
Would love a win today. If the attitude is correct I think we could end the RDS drought.

Bazzo

Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Heads like Boyle'd Abra-Hams ? Best I can do I'm afraid

I'll approach the RDS match with the usual bitter cynicism but I always have enough optimism in me to have my heart broken.

realhorrorshow

Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Aungier Danger.

I'm sorry.

Jump_In_Jack

Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Hungrier, Angrier, and Aungier

thomond2006

Can previously rejected thread titles be recycled?

Consistency's Aki ...

connachta

We are doing this lads...

ClanofLams

Huge performance. Forwards excellent, Blade and Carty superb, delighted it was Tom Daly who got the fourth try, he has improved a lot with first team rugby. John Porch is a seriously classy 15, for a guy from sevens he seems rock solid under high ball.


Huge five points too considering table.

MarinersBlues

D'Arcy is a pain in the hole

MayoForSam

Quinn with the F-bomb on Eir Sport, nice lip on him.

connachta

That's a ****ing perfect way to start a new 1st page/Thread

TBP in Dublin, after 19 years

What a start to 2021. Huge win for the season and for our mentality for future away trips. After the last couple of weeks I honestly had no hope for this game even with Leinster down a number of players.

There have been far too many frustrating narrow defeats over the years in the RDS. Most of the narrow defeats started with the pattern of Connacht building a lead before Leinster finished strongly. There were stages during the 2nd half where I was getting flashbacks from the 2018 defeat but to be fair to the players they regathered themselves and that win should give us a springboard to push on.

Consistency is the main thing we need now. We're not going to be perfect every week but we need to being a certain base level to each game.

Former Coach

Borders no.2 wrote: »

What a start to 2021. Huge win for the season and for our mentality for future away trips. After the last couple of weeks I honestly had no hope for this game even with Leinster down a number of players.

There have been far too many frustrating narrow defeats over the years in the RDS. Most of the narrow defeats started with the pattern of Connacht building a lead before Leinster finished strongly. There were stages during the 2nd half where I was getting flashbacks from the 2018 defeat but to be fair to the players they regathered themselves and that win should give us a springboard to push on.

Consistency is the main thing we need now. We're not going to be perfect every week but we need to being a certain base level to each game.

My sentiments entirely Borders.
That was a performance full of intensity from minute one to eighty- just what you expect to get from Leinster, particularly in the RDS. So it was hugely pleasing to see it coming from the boys in green tonight. Every player can be proud of their performance but Jack, Tom and Conor were particularly outstanding.
Take a bow lads and congrats also to the backroom team- a great night for all.
Table looking quite healthy tonight. Bring on Munster!

MarinersBlues

What way were the back three set up when O'Donnell came on?

It looked like he might have gone in at full back - I would be surprised if they plan on moving Porch from there.

Wegians89

MarinersBlues wrote: »

What way were the back three set up when O'Donnell came on?

It looked like he might have gone in at full back - I would be surprised if they plan on moving Porch from there.

Think he slotted in on the right wing for Sullivan but then moved over to the left when wootton came off

Former Coach

MarinersBlues wrote: »

What way were the back three set up when O'Donnell came on?

It looked like he might have gone in at full back - I would be surprised if they plan on moving Porch from there.

Looked like he slotted in on the right wing. Did very well too!

Bookies are open for a reason. Theres often just results that don't make sense.

Coming off last week to finally win up there is a head scratcher.

Being honest though losing Sexton was massive and they missed a simple conversion and some other kicks that might have went over had he been on.

The big turning point was the try being overturned. If they got it back to a score we were in bother, they had all the possession and territory for the 18mins of the half to that point.

ClanofLams

It will be a huge ask as Connacht probably won’t be able to make many changes against a likely very fresh Munster team but a win next week could at least make Munster sweat for top of table and final place.

Would narrow the gap to 4/5 points (depending on bonus points) with same games played and seven games left.

thomond2006

ClanofLams wrote: »

It will be a huge ask as Connacht probably won’t be able to make many changes against a likely very fresh Munster team but a win next week could at least make Munster sweat for top of table and final place.

That's the season on the line basically. If Munster open up an 11/12 point lead I think the conference is done.

ClanofLams

thomond2006 wrote: »

That's the season on the line basically. If Munster open up an 11/12 point lead I think the conference is done.

Yeah Munster win and it’s over.

Think it might be a reach unless Connacht get a few players back, lucky enough tonight really to avoid backline injuries and need to introduce Kilgallen, meant to be talented but big ask at his age to play interpros.

Has Papailli served three game ban I wonder?

Bazzo

ClanofLams wrote: »

Yeah Munster win and it’s over.

Think it might be a reach unless Connacht get a few players back, lucky enough tonight really to avoid backline injuries and need to introduce Kilgallen, meant to be talented but big ask at his age to play interpros.

Has Papailli served three game ban I wonder?

He has. Think a lot of back rows were/are unavailable as close contacts.

ClanofLams

Bazzo wrote: »

He has. Think a lot of back rows were/are unavailable as close contacts.

Oh right, that probably leaves them out for next week so even if they are negative.

SqueakyKneecap

We'll likely be without the same players next week that were missing tonight, bar maybe Marmion depending on how bad his injury was pre-match.

A full strength (and in fairness to them a reignited looking) Munster side will be a very tough ask but a night like tonight is what sport is all about: hope.

ClanofLams

SqueakyKneecap wrote: »

We'll likely be without the same players next week that were missing tonight, bar maybe Marmion depending on how bad his injury was pre-match.

A full strength (and in fairness to them a reignited looking) Munster side will be a very tough ask but a night like tonight is what sport is all about: hope.

Guess Aki might be back too, could badly do with one or two more, hopefully Papailli was in a different pod or whatever to those affected.

Paul Smeenus

Brilliant, dogged performance, Connacht folk.

So well done.

I suspect we'll get nowhere near your level of performance next week - youse played with passion and - crucially - resilience, and deserve all credit.

connachta

ClanofLams wrote: »

Oh right, that probably leaves them out for next week so even if they are negative.

Why? 7-days after being contact case then tested negative is ok, doesn't it?

gally74

ClanofLams wrote: »

Guess Aki might be back too, could badly do with one or two more, hopefully Papailli was in a different pod or whatever to those affected.

Aki would do well to mkae that mid field now!!!!!! Daly cant be dropped,

KBurke85

connachta wrote: »

Why? 7-days after being contact case then tested negative is ok, doesn't it?

14 days regardless in Ireland

connachta

KBurke85 wrote: »

14 days regardless in Ireland

For contact case, without any positive test? gosh!

connachta

Anyway if it's "back-row" mainly who are covid contacts,
We can still hope to have Papali'i, Aki, and SOB (back from suspension, forced rest, and injury) who may not be covid cases at all

+ Marmion and O'Donnell starting the game if chosen

That's enough rotation for those who played a lot : i.e E.Masterson, Oliver, Arnold (+ Wootton/Porch, Blade on the bench only if needing a rest)

I'd like to have McAllister as Buckley emptied the tank for weeks,
otherwise we have pretty fresh and fit players (Delahunt, McCoy/Bealham, Thornbury, Roux, S.Masterson, Carty -did not play in November, Daly -bench vs Ulster- BOD, Healy)

Wegians89

For next week I’d love to see a back line of:
blade Carty wootton Daly Bundee Sullivan porch
Can’t predict the pack without knowing who’s available

dregin

MarinersBlues wrote: »

D'Arcy is a pain in the hole

Perfect thread title!

At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, on their day who is better than Jack Carty ? Finn Russell is probably the only definite for me. Obviously consistency is another story but he is an absolute joy to watch when on form, his skillset is ridiculous.

https://twitter.com/Murray_Kinsella/status/1346068582988447745

Wegians89

If Tom Daly has a similarly impressive game against Munster an Irish call up can’t be far off. Been solid since signing and really starting to push on. Feel blade will take marmions place in the squad too. Delahunt would be putting pressure on heffernans spot too

RonnieL

Wegians89 wrote: »

Delahunt would be putting pressure on heffernans spot too

I've always been a big fan of Shane, but I think he has been particularly good recently, especially the last day against Leinster. He works so hard, and that is highlighted whenever he's near a loose ball because he generally works the hardest to secure it. He also brings a bit of niggle which I enjoy (except when he gets penalized for it, like against Racing!). As you said, I wouldn't be surprised to see his form rewarded by an Ireland call up.

Regarding the Munster fixture, I've got my fingers crossed for dry/calm weather. Wed/windy conditions seem to exacerbate our lineout/maul defense woes, while also impacting our ability to execute our attacking structures. I wasn't overly happy when I realised sportsground 2.0 is going to feature a synthetic surface, but now I think it can't happen soon enough.

FACECUTTR

Wegians89 wrote: »

If Tom Daly has a similarly impressive game against Munster an Irish call up can’t be far off. Been solid since signing and really starting to push on. Feel blade will take marmions place in the squad too. Delahunt would be putting pressure on heffernans spot too

Both have been super all season. Delahunt is excellent and is really pushing on.

ionadnapokot

Nice piece by MK on the Leinster game

https://www.the42.ie/analysis-connacht-leinster-5315778-Jan2021/?utm_source=shortlink

Cool map of Carty's kicks


Said it during the autumn he really should have been given game time by Ireland.
His tactical kicking would be a great option and his ability to run/pass/kick is badly needed.

Friend has shown great vision as a Head Coach. Terrible loss to Connacht & Irish rugby if the rumors of his departure prove to be true.

EachSmallChime

What are the Andy Friend departure rumours?
French or English clubs?

ionadnapokot

Sorry the rumors of Friend's departure are only what i was told here.
i'll look for the post. it's sounds a little "he told me she said he would be because..."
But we would have heard if he was staying by now.

https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=115762940&postcount=9907

EachSmallChime

Gotcha, you'd have to wonder how a full year of no in-person contact with his kids in Australia is affecting him too.

serfboard

ionadnapokot wrote: »

Nice piece by MK on the Leinster game

https://www.the42.ie/analysis-connacht-leinster-5315778-Jan2021/?utm_source=shortlink

Cool map of Carty's kicks

That's an excellent analysis there - well worth reading. Thanks for posting.

Wegians89

Doesn’t sound too promising that and of the covid cases will be back for the Munster match. Bundee also a doubt

Big fan of Carty and hope he gets a proper run out in an Ireland team not starved of confidence and belief.

Also thought Tom Daly was exceptional at the weekend and has put in some excellent performances of late. Enjoyed this commentary on where he is at the moment:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ycd4RNANcP8&ab_channel=OffTheBall

Bit of a Brad Barritt about him.

macslash

Maybe it's just me being presumptuous and hopeful but does this not look a little like Andy is looking to next season? Or is it a case of what else would he be saying.

'It’s a bit like shopping in Aldi as opposed to Brown Thomas' https://the42.ie/5316692

FACECUTTR

macslash wrote: »

Maybe it's just me being presumptuous and hopeful but does this not look a little like Andy is looking to next season? Or is it a case of what else would he be saying.

'It’s a bit like shopping in Aldi as opposed to Brown Thomas' https://the42.ie/5316692

Where did the info come from that he was leaving ? Is there an article or a piece somewhere?

Wegians89

macslash wrote: »

Maybe it's just me being presumptuous and hopeful but does this not look a little like Andy is looking to next season? Or is it a case of what else would he be saying.

'It’s a bit like shopping in Aldi as opposed to Brown Thomas' https://the42.ie/5316692

Thought so myself, but didn’t KK sign butler before friend came in?

*although that probably was under different circumstances given kk was sacked

KBurke85

FACECUTTR wrote: »

Where did the info come from that he was leaving ? Is there an article or a piece somewhere?

Someone asked the question in the old thread was there any word on his contract.

Lucas 44 replied as follows

Rumour is he’s gone. Expected to join as interim HC & attack coach for the crusaders with Robertson set to join the back room staff for the lions tour... Carolan expected to be promoted to HC with Noel McNamara coming in as attack coach from leinster. Done a great job with Irish 20s & leinster a’s... news comes from McNamara’s wife’s brother on stephens day
Lucas44 is offline