Connacht Team Talk Thread V - The Friend Zone

Zzippy · 03-03-2019 12:24pm

MarinersBlues wrote: »

Connacht 47| Ospreys 39| Cardiff 47
Treviso (H)4| Dragons (H)5|Scarlets (H)4
Zebre (A)5| Cheetahs (A)1|Munster (A)0
Cardiff (H)4| Kings (A)5|Connacht (A)1
Munster (A)0| Cardiff (A)1|Ospreys (H)4

Connacht 60
Cardiff 56
Ospreys 51

The Cardiff vs Scarlets game in the next round is a very interesting one.
Beating Treviso with our internationals back should be achievable.

Scarlets really need the points too, so will hopefully beat Cardiff. Treviso are going really well, will be a tough one but we should be winning that at home. Our game with Cardiff is the make-or-break one, that's an 8-point swing. Hopefully Munster know their fate before the last day and have nothing to play for too.

Wegians89 · 03-03-2019 1:47pm

The Friend Zone

Zzippy wrote: »

Scarlets really need the points too, so will hopefully beat Cardiff. Treviso are going really well, will be a tough one but we should be winning that at home. Our game with Cardiff is the make-or-break one, that's an 8-point swing. Hopefully Munster know their fate before the last day and have nothing to play for too.

Ideal scenario would be Connacht picking up ten points from next two games and Cardiff pick up none. That would mean any point at all at home to Cardiff would be enough.

Realistically though I could see Connacht getting 9 and Cardiff getting 5

Iompair · 03-03-2019 7:55pm

Is the game available on catch up anywhere? Can't see it on tg4, but I'm in the UK.

Cosmo Kramer · 04-03-2019 11:05am

It will be on catch up on the premier player if you're in the UK. If you don't have Premier Sports have a flick through the schedule for Freesports on your EPG, they repeat most of the Pro14 matches during the following week free to air (often in the middle of the day or during the night when there's no other sport on). At the very least you'll get the Pro 14 extended highlights show free to air.

macslash · 04-03-2019 11:34am

Mul, it's over

That's the highlights there.

evil_seed · 04-03-2019 11:59am

The Friend Zone

I said before the game that if we didn't win by at least 10 I'd be disappointed. What I was disappointed with was that Osprey's performance. They clearly didn;t give 2 ****s about it, and after the news and comments from Wales during the week I don't blame them.
We can only play what's in front of us and what we did we did well. The only thing from our performance I would question is why persist with long line outs in that wind? More game intelligence lacking. This is a phrase I've used countless times throughout the years and it's unfathomable how much silly things like this can be done.

Wegians89 · 04-03-2019 2:21pm

The Friend Zone

Seems Stephan Fitzgerald’s three month loan is up

Zzippy · 04-03-2019 3:43pm

Wegians89 wrote: »

Seems Stephan Fitzgerald’s three month loan is up

Is he gone back? Was impressed with him overall, would rather hang onto him, but if Niyi is back then maybe he wasn't going to see much gametime anyway.

Wegians89 · 04-03-2019 3:46pm

The Friend Zone

Zzippy wrote: »

Is he gone back? Was impressed with him overall, would rather hang onto him, but if Niyi is back then maybe he wasn't going to see much gametime anyway.

He put an Instagram saying he enjoyed the last few weeks out west, I checked then to see he only signed a three month loan deal on the 26th of December so by the time Connacht play next I’d say he’ll be on his way back down to muster. Unless Connacht mage to extend the loan.

Was really impressed with him myself. Think he’d still get game time in the run in for Connacht if extended

ClanofLams · 07-03-2019 9:54am

Mul, it's over

https://twitter.com/murray_kinsella/status/1103577274283188225?s=21

100% correct decision to not sign him but seeing him tear it up in Super Rugby is gonna be a bit sickening.

kingofthekong · 09-03-2019 10:39am

Sevu Reece was on absolute fire for the crusaders this morning looked unbelievable

Redo91 · 09-03-2019 12:38pm

You've got a Friend in me

ClanofLams wrote: »

https://twitter.com/murray_kinsella/status/1103577274283188225?s=21

100% correct decision to not sign him but seeing him tear it up in Super Rugby is gonna be a bit sickening.

This. We couldn’t sign him but what a sickener. Looks like he has unbelievable potential.

Richie_Rich89 · 09-03-2019 1:43pm

Mul, it's over

The Irish got played good. The New Zealanders knew they could count on their holier than thou attitude and use it to get Reece out of his contract.

Yeah_Right · 09-03-2019 5:19pm

Reece looked very good. Connect missed a trick tearing up the contract.

ClanofLams · 09-03-2019 5:28pm

Mul, it's over

Yeah_Right wrote: »

Reece looked very good. Connect missed a trick tearing up the contract.

Presume there was a fair bit of IRFU involvement in decision. Couldn’t sign him regardless, hitting a fella wouldnt have been a problem but couldn’t sign a lad hitting a woman.

Former Former · 09-03-2019 5:54pm

You've got a Friend in me

Yeah_Right wrote: »

Reece looked very good. Connect missed a trick tearing up the contract.

They didn't miss a trick. If anything, Connacht (Keane?) deserve huge credit for picking him out.

If he scores 50 tries this season it will still have been the right decision to drop him.

Diabhal Beag · 09-03-2019 6:12pm

Former Former wrote: »

They didn't miss a trick. If anything, Connacht (Keane?) deserve huge credit for picking him out.

If he scores 50 tries this season it will still have been the right decision to drop him.

Agreed. Connacht are all about promoting a family friendly experience and do great work around the province. We would've been opening ourselves up for a backlash.

Yeah_Right · 09-03-2019 7:54pm

So Connacht don't believe in giving young men second chances. If they commit a crime, they're done? I think an opportunity for redemption should always be offered after they've "done their time". Glad the Crusader gave him that opportunity.

ClanofLams · 09-03-2019 8:05pm

Mul, it's over

Yeah_Right wrote: »

So Connacht don't believe in giving young men second chances. If they commit a crime, they're done? I think an opportunity for redemption should always be offered after they've "done their time". Glad the Crusader gave him that opportunity.

Without getting into a debate on second chances, can’t sign a guy who admits domestic violence. No more than the Paddy Jackson case, it’s just not possible from a commercial perspective.

PCeeeee · 09-03-2019 8:06pm

Mul, it's over

Yeah_Right wrote: »

So Connacht don't believe in giving young men second chances. If they commit a crime, they're done? I think an opportunity for redemption should always be offered after they've "done their time". Glad the Crusader gave him that opportunity.

Connacht can employ those best suited to the values they aspire to. Every employer discriminates in the decision as to who they employ. As long as it's not contrary to the nine grounds (under Irish law) then that is their right.

As to second chances, I think it was obvious Reece would find a spot. It's not up to Conn to provide it if they felt he was unsuitable.

Former Former · 09-03-2019 8:21pm

You've got a Friend in me

IIRC Connacht were giving him a second chance. They knew about the charge when they signed him. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Edit; I am wrong, it happened after he signed

The Jackson Olding trial changed everything.

The NZRU would have done exactly the same and there's no debate about that.

(Signing Denis Coulson probably didn't help)

A year earlier, maybe even a year later, would have been grand.

ClanofLams · 09-03-2019 8:23pm

Mul, it's over

Former Former wrote: »

IIRC Connacht were giving him a second chance. They knew about the charge when they signed him. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Edit; I am wrong, it happened after he signed

The Jackson Olding trial changed everything.

The NZRU would have done exactly the same and there's no debate about that.

(Signing Denis Coulson probably didn't help)

A year earlier, maybe even a year later, would have been grand.

The incident hadn’t happened when he signed for Connacht last May, it happened in July. Edit - Only saw your edit when I responded.

its_phil · 09-03-2019 8:24pm

Mul, it's over

Yeah_Right wrote: »

So Connacht don't believe in giving young men second chances. If they commit a crime, they're done? I think an opportunity for redemption should always be offered after they've "done their time". Glad the Crusader gave him that opportunity.

No they expect people who have signed a contract with the province to not assault their other half before they show up for their first day of work.

His punishment was losing his contract. Fair play to Reece he's got his second chance, and probably seeing the right people now, after starting from square one again. But Connacht made the right call and it sets the right precedent for what Irish rugby province expects from players signed to the club since the Jackson/Olding debacle.

gally74 · 09-03-2019 8:24pm

The Friend Zone

Wegians89 wrote: »

Seems Stephan Fitzgerald’s three month loan is up

I expect him to be signed to Conn

Yeah_Right · 09-03-2019 9:30pm

Former Former wrote: »

IIRC Connacht were giving him a second chance. They knew about the charge when they signed him. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Edit; I am wrong, it happened after he signed

The Jackson Olding trial changed everything.

The NZRU would have done exactly the same and there's no debate about that.

(Signing Denis Coulson probably didn't help)

A year earlier, maybe even a year later, would have been grand.

You're probably right about about the Belfast trial having an affect on it. Unfortunately for Reece.

You're not right about the NZRU doing the same. I mean the gave him a contract. They also gave a 7s development contract to a guy who beat up 2 couples in the street a couple of years ago. They didn't tear up Julian Savea's contract.

I just the sanctimonious crap about how the club won't tolerate that sort of behaviour and values etc. It was PR. That is all. Irish clubs have had no issue signing wife beaters in the past and I am certain that Connacht have signed guys with convictions before and will do again.

Former Former · 09-03-2019 9:40pm

You've got a Friend in me

Yeah_Right wrote: »

You're probably right about about the Belfast trial having an affect on it. Unfortunately for Reece.

You're not right about the NZRU doing the same. I mean the gave him a contract. They also gave a 7s development contract to a guy who beat up 2 couples in the street a couple of years ago. They didn't tear up Julian Savea's contract.

I just the sanctimonious crap about how the club won't tolerate that sort of behaviour and values etc. It was PR. That is all. Irish clubs have had no issue signing wife beaters in the past and I am certain that Connacht have signed guys with convictions before and will do again.

The NZRU didn't have the fallout of the Jackson Olding trial. No one expected it to blow up like it did, but rightly or wrongly it sealed Reece's fate.

The NZRU are not stupid. If they were faced with the loss of sponsors and an incredible media backlash, they would do exactly the same. No question.

its_phil · 10-03-2019 12:39am

Mul, it's over

Yeah_Right wrote: »

I am certain that Connacht have signed guys with convictions before and will do again.

Great, any examples?

macslash · 10-03-2019 3:19am

Mul, it's over

Just thinking earlier on NIQ signings for next year, the whole 5+1 thing isn't really adhered to still is it? As it stands for next year we have 4 on the books, all Ozzie's. Butler, Colby F, Godwin and Horwitz. I imagine we will sign at least 2 more? One forward and one back. But could we get more? It would be great if they could rustle up an IQ southern hemisphere player too, like Robertson McCoy was.

Am I right in saying in Paddy McAlister is our only signing so far?

Jump_In_Jack · 10-03-2019 8:03am

macslash wrote: »

Just thinking earlier on NIQ signings for next year, the whole 5+1 thing isn't really adhered to still is it? As it stands for next year we have 4 on the books, all Ozzie's. Butler, Colby F, Godwin and Horwitz. I imagine we will sign at least 2 more? One forward and one back. But could we get more? It would be great if they could rustle up an IQ southern hemisphere player too, like Robertson McCoy was.

Did you mean 4 + 1?
4 Non Irish Eligible (capped)
1 Non Irish Qualified (uncapped) Usually a 3 year deal project player, such as Aki, or Butler.

The 4 + 1 allocation seems to be the intended limit but it seems that if there is a good enough case to break the rule for the greater good of a province or the national team then it is not always enforced strictly, especially for Connacht as historically wouldn’t have had sufficient numbers of talented players coming through the academy.

macslash wrote: »

Am I right in saying in Paddy McAlister is our only signing so far?

Yes.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_2019–20_Pro14_transfers

PCeeeee · 10-03-2019 10:16am

Mul, it's over

Yeah_Right wrote: »

I am certain that Connacht have signed guys with convictions before and will do again.

Why didn't they keep him so?

joseywhales · 10-03-2019 2:02pm

Ah here, if I was convicted for beating my wife, I would definitely be fired if my work got wind of it. If they legally couldn't fire me they would make my life hell until I left. This is a reality in many jobs where a certain standard of behavior is expected.

There might be leeway given for a non violent crime if the employee had shown they made steps to change

macslash · 10-03-2019 3:42pm

Mul, it's over

Jump_In_Jack wrote: »

Did you mean 4 + 1?
4 Non Irish Eligible (capped)
1 Non Irish Qualified (uncapped) Usually a 3 year deal project player, such as Aki, or Butler.[/url]

Yes, sorry I meant 4+1.

Diabhal Beag · 10-03-2019 9:57pm

Massive credit to Carty and Dillane today. Great to see them make a positive impact off the bench in probably the solitary positive point in the last 20 minutes.

Dillane is back to his best and it's a pleasure to watch. If anything I think he's defensively better than ever. Robbing that lineout was great. Hats off to him.

FACECUTTR · 10-03-2019 11:16pm

Diabhal Beag wrote: »

Massive credit to Carty and Dillane today. Great to see them make a positive impact off the bench in probably the solitary positive point in the last 20 minutes.

Dillane is back to his best and it's a pleasure to watch. If anything I think he's defensively better than ever. Robbing that lineout was great. Hats off to him.

They both looked excellent today. The lineout steal was great and those 2 kicks to touch from Carty were super. Great confidence booster for the lads.

evil_seed · 11-03-2019 11:10am

The Friend Zone

Yeah_Right wrote: »

So Connacht don't believe in giving young men second chances. If they commit a crime, they're done? I think an opportunity for redemption should always be offered after they've "done their time". Glad the Crusader gave him that opportunity.

IIRC it was the judges fault by not even punishing him for the domestic abuse. He didn't want to riun his career. Because he got off, then because of the press here and highlighting all this, Connacht were left no option but to do what they did. If the judge charged him I think he'd be on a redemption tour in Ireland now tbh

KBurke85 · 11-03-2019 5:29pm

The Friend Zone

Connacht Eagles squad for the two games in America
Forwards
Declan Adamson, Peter Claffey. James Connolly, Robin Copeland, Jordan Duggan, Cillian Gallagher, Cian Huxford, Conor Kenny, Joe Maksymiw (c), Sean Masterson, Neal Moylett, Jonny Murphy, Conán O’Donnell, Liam Winnett.

Backs
Mark Balaski, Luke Carty, Conor Dean, Colm de Buitlear, Conor Hayes, Kieran Joyce, Stephen Kerins, Huge Lane, Oran McNulty, Sean O’Brien, Corey Reidy, Colm Reilly.

gally74 · 11-03-2019 8:17pm

The Friend Zone

KBurke85 wrote: »

Connacht Eagles squad for the two games in America
Forwards
Declan Adamson, Peter Claffey. James Connolly, Robin Copeland, Jordan Duggan, Cillian Gallagher, Cian Huxford, Conor Kenny, Joe Maksymiw (c), Sean Masterson, Neal Moylett, Jonny Murphy, Conán O’Donnell, Liam Winnett.

Backs
Mark Balaski, Luke Carty, Conor Dean, Colm de Buitlear, Conor Hayes, Kieran Joyce, Stephen Kerins, Huge Lane, Oran McNulty, Sean O’Brien, Corey Reidy, Colm Reilly.

Copeland ? Hello. Well out of favour

Former Former · 11-03-2019 8:25pm

You've got a Friend in me

evil_seed wrote: »

IIRC it was the judges fault by not even punishing him for the domestic abuse. He didn't want to riun his career. Because he got off, then because of the press here and highlighting all this, Connacht were left no option but to do what they did. If the judge charged him I think he'd be on a redemption tour in Ireland now tbh

It absolutely was not the judge's fault. Connacht said they would cancel his contract if he was convicted. The judge was trying to keep his career alive.

Of course, since he admitted the offence, the net effect was the same.

The only person at fault was the guy who assaulted his girlfriend in the street.

KBurke85 · 11-03-2019 8:28pm

The Friend Zone

gally74 wrote: »

KBurke85 wrote: »

Connacht Eagles squad for the two games in America
Forwards
Declan Adamson, Peter Claffey. James Connolly, Robin Copeland, Jordan Duggan, Cillian Gallagher, Cian Huxford, Conor Kenny, Joe Maksymiw (c), Sean Masterson, Neal Moylett, Jonny Murphy, Conán O’Donnell, Liam Winnett.

Backs
Mark Balaski, Luke Carty, Conor Dean, Colm de Buitlear, Conor Hayes, Kieran Joyce, Stephen Kerins, Huge Lane, Oran McNulty, Sean O’Brien, Corey Reidy, Colm Reilly.

Copeland ? Hello. Well out of favour

To be fair he has been out injured for a few months. A few matches would be just what he needs

Bazzo · 11-03-2019 9:34pm

Mul, it's over

Maksymiw as captain is interesting

Wegians89 · 11-03-2019 9:55pm

The Friend Zone

Bazzo wrote: »

Maksymiw as captain is interesting

He must be rated pretty highly. Could be wrong but I think he’s captained the eagles already this season. He hasn’t made too much of an impact on the first team yet but he’s still pretty young for a lock.

Wegians89 · 11-03-2019 9:56pm

The Friend Zone

Anyone know much about Declan adamson ? Also nice to see the likes of masterson., reidy and balaski involved after long lay offs

The Lost Sheep · 11-03-2019 10:02pm

Wegians89 wrote: »

Anyone know much about Declan adamson ? Also nice to see the likes of masterson., reidy and balaski involved after long lay offs

youths player from tarf. Played u18 clubs, then 19s with Leinster. Been playing AIL with them as well for past season and is u20s. played schools rugby with fintans

realhorrorshow · 11-03-2019 10:49pm

KBurke85 wrote: »

Connacht Eagles squad for the two games in America
Forwards
Declan Adamson, Peter Claffey. James Connolly, Robin Copeland, Jordan Duggan, Cillian Gallagher, Cian Huxford, Conor Kenny, Joe Maksymiw (c), Sean Masterson, Neal Moylett, Jonny Murphy, Conán O’Donnell, Liam Winnett.

Backs
Mark Balaski, Luke Carty, Conor Dean, Colm de Buitlear, Conor Hayes, Kieran Joyce, Stephen Kerins, Huge Lane, Oran McNulty, Sean O’Brien, Corey Reidy, Colm Reilly.

Adamson, Huxford, Hayes, Lane, and Reilly are u20. Winnett and McNulty are u19.

Lucas44 · 12-03-2019 12:49am

Wegians89 wrote: »

Anyone know much about Declan adamson ? Also nice to see the likes of masterson., reidy and balaski involved after long lay offs

He’s in the leinster sub academy at the minute, being brought along as we don’t have another hooker available in the sub academy or academy

sydthebeat · 12-03-2019 10:30am

The Friend Zone

Andy friend on the latest rugby coaches corner podcast

MarinersBlues · 12-03-2019 6:35pm

Mul, it's over

The proposed Pro14 start date is very interesting from Connachts point of view.

If we get a couple of fixtures against big name teams during the World Cup we could be motoring by the time everyone else is getting started.

Bazzo · 12-03-2019 6:37pm

Mul, it's over

MarinersBlues wrote: »

The proposed Pro14 start date is very interesting from Connachts point of view.

If we get a couple of fixtures against big name teams during the World Cup we could be motoring by the time everyone else is getting started.

Depends who we're missing in Japan, we've seen that we can be absolutely shocking with the best players in Ireland camp too

MarinersBlues · 12-03-2019 6:46pm

Mul, it's over

Bazzo wrote: »

Depends who we're missing in Japan, we've seen that we can be absolutely shocking with the best players in Ireland camp too

Aki, Marmion, Dillane, Carty, possibly Roux, Farrell and Bealham in the later stages depending on Irelands progress and injuries.

After Godwins performance against Ospreys I think we can handle the first four missing.
If the national side have to go much deeper into our squad we could be found wanting, particularly in Bealham's case.

Leinstertomas · 12-03-2019 7:20pm

MarinersBlues wrote: »

The proposed Pro14 start date is very interesting from Connachts point of view.

If we get a couple of fixtures against big name teams during the World Cup we could be motoring by the time everyone else is getting started.

Seem to remember that happening the season you won as well

Connacht Team Talk Thread V - The Friend Zone

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