Connacht Team Talk Thread V - The Friend Zone

Zzippy · 22-01-2019 10:36am

Buckley, Delahunt, Bealham
Thornbury, Cannon
McKeon, Fainga'a, Butler
Mitchell, Horwitz
Daly, Godwin
Healy, TOH, Leader

Actually that's not a bad team, concerns at halfback and second row, but the biggest concern would be all the new partnerships and how they gel defensively.

Buer · 22-01-2019 10:40am

Zzippy wrote: »

Yeah, but you have an academy with gold toilets and a conveyor belt of 100kg robots coached to within an inch of their lives to fill it. We've got a portaloo and a weights bench...

We've actually noticed that weights bench is going pretty well for you lot so we'lre going to grab it this summer.

Thanks.

Zzippy · 22-01-2019 10:43am

Buer wrote: »

We've actually noticed that weights bench is going pretty well for you lot so we'lre going to grab it this summer.

Thanks.

It's under contract until 2020. Ans I'm telling you now - that weights bench his getting plenty of gametime and doesn't need to be lifting at a higher intensity...

KBurke85 · 22-01-2019 12:01pm

The Friend Zone

Zzippy wrote: »

Buckley, Delahunt, Bealham
Thornbury, Cannon
McKeon, Fainga'a, Butler
Mitchell, Horwitz
Daly, Godwin
Healy, TOH, Leader

Actually that's not a bad team, concerns at halfback and second row, but the biggest concern would be all the new partnerships and how they gel defensively.

I'd have Boyle starting ahead of McKeon. Could also play Griffin and Godwin. They've played a few games together.
Wouldn't be too worried about the second row. Thornbury is playing very well and Cannon has never let the team down when he has played.

Robbo · 22-01-2019 12:02pm

I can't believe it's not Butler

Zzippy wrote: »

It's under contract until 2020. Ans I'm telling you now - that weights bench his getting plenty of gametime and doesn't need to be lifting at a higher intensity...

I hear that the weights bench has been seeing a squat rack from Dublin...

Wegians89 · 22-01-2019 12:33pm

The Friend Zone

Zzippy wrote: »

Buckley, Delahunt, Bealham
Thornbury, Cannon
McKeon, Fainga'a, Butler
Mitchell, Horwitz
Daly, Godwin
Healy, TOH, Leader

Actually that's not a bad team, concerns at halfback and second row, but the biggest concern would be all the new partnerships and how they gel defensively.

Not a bad team at all, a bench of heffernan, McCabe, McCoy, joe mak, Boyle, Lloyd/kerins, Fitzgerald, kelleher/ Fitzgerald wouldn’t fill me with confidence if Connacht a slightly losing going into the last 30

KBurke85 · 22-01-2019 12:41pm

The Friend Zone

Wegians89 wrote: »

Not a bad team at all, a bench of heffernan, McCabe, McCoy, joe mak, Boyle, Lloyd/kerins, Fitzgerald, kelleher/ Fitzgerald wouldn’t fill me with confidence if Connacht a slightly losing going into the last 30

Not sure if Conor Fitzgerald will be available. He was meant to be on the bench V Bordeaux but got injured in training. Carty had to cancel a weekend away to play. The lads on Craggy rugby mentioned it.

Wegians89 · 22-01-2019 12:52pm

The Friend Zone

KBurke85 wrote: »

Not sure if Conor Fitzgerald will be available. He was meant to be on the bench V Bordeaux but got injured in training. Carty had to cancel a weekend away to play. The lads on Craggy rugby mentioned it.

Heard that too but was just going with the most optimistic approach. If he’s out Horwitz will have to play 80 minutes at 10 or draft in Luke carty?

Lebute · 22-01-2019 1:00pm

Wegians89 wrote: »

Heard that too but was just going with the most optimistic approach. If he’s out Horwitz will have to play 80 minutes at 10 or draft in Luke carty?

I'd say you will see Kyle Godwin cover 10 given that Like hs had little exposure to the 1st team.

realhorrorshow · 22-01-2019 1:53pm

KBurke85 wrote: »

I'd have Boyle starting ahead of McKeon. Could also play Griffin and Godwin. They've played a few games together.
Wouldn't be too worried about the second row. Thornbury is playing very well and Cannon has never let the team down when he has played.

Centre is a toss up for me. Daly didn’t look comfortable in defence against Munster, I’d be worried about him coming up against two of the most dangerous centres in the league. On the other hand the Griffin-Godwin combo was extremely blunt in attack last time out. Daly is good with ball in hand and Godwin could make hay running lines off him.

Zzippy · 22-01-2019 1:59pm

realhorrorshow wrote: »

Centre is a toss up for me. Daly didn’t look comfortable in defence against Munster, I’d be worried about him coming up against two of the most dangerous centres in the league. On the other hand the Griffin-Godwin combo was extremely blunt in attack last time out. Daly is good with ball in hand and Godwin could make hay running lines off him.

Agree with this. I think Griffin has been a big disappointment since coming back from England and any time I've seen him play since he's done nothing to change that view.

ClanofLams · 22-01-2019 2:01pm

Mul, it's over

Would have expected some of the lads in Irish camp to be made available? Can't start them when they are not around this week I guess, but would have thought Blade and Carty could bench, one of the second rows and Farrell could all bench?

House4596 · 22-01-2019 2:02pm

Starting 15 for this weekend ?

Zzippy · 22-01-2019 2:06pm

ClanofLams wrote: »

Would have expected some of the lads in Irish camp to be made available? Can't start them when they are not around this week I guess, but would have thought Blade and Carty could bench, one of the second rows and Farrell could all bench?

I think the Irish squad only fly back from Portugal on Friday (possibly evening), which makes getting players to Cardiff difficult. They would certainly miss the captain's run there, so I doubt any will be released. Hope I'm wrong!

House4596 · 22-01-2019 2:09pm

Would love to see Masterson get a run this weekend

realhorrorshow · 22-01-2019 2:35pm

Zzippy wrote: »

Agree with this. I think Griffin has been a big disappointment since coming back from England and any time I've seen him play since he's done nothing to change that view.

Think there'll be a clear out at centre this summer, with him, Robb, and maybe Ronaldson leaving.

realhorrorshow · 22-01-2019 2:40pm

House4596 wrote: »

Would love to see Masterson get a run this weekend

It's probably between him and McKeon for the 20 jersey.

FACECUTTR · 22-01-2019 3:11pm

realhorrorshow wrote: »

Think there'll be a clear out at centre this summer, with him, Robb, and maybe Ronaldson leaving.

Don't think Ronaldson will be released but Robb is almost certain to go. Griffin seemed to be a favourite at the start of the season but really doesent offer much so he could be. Hopefully Daly will get a run of games to see where is at.

b.gud · 22-01-2019 3:15pm

Carolan, Duffy and Wilkins have all signed 2 year extensions keeping the same back room staff in place for the next 2 seasons at least

realhorrorshow · 22-01-2019 3:20pm

FACECUTTR wrote: »

Don't think Ronaldson will be released but Robb is almost certain to go. Griffin seemed to be a favourite at the start of the season but really doesent offer much so he could be. Hopefully Daly will get a run of games to see where is at.

I guess Ronaldson’s future may be determined by S & C data we are not privy to.

FACECUTTR · 22-01-2019 3:31pm

realhorrorshow wrote: »

I guess Ronaldson’s future may be determined by S & C data we are not privy to.

Was it his ACL he injured ? He's been out since the end of September so he could be back before the end of season hopefully.

KBurke85 · 22-01-2019 3:53pm

The Friend Zone

FACECUTTR wrote: »

Was it his ACL he injured ? He's been out since the end of September so he could be back before the end of season hopefully.

Doubtful. ACL is usually 6 to 9 months and its often nearer to the 9 than the 6

ClanofLams · 22-01-2019 4:08pm

Mul, it's over

Didn't realise Connacht lineout was best in Pro14 until reading this.

http://the42.ie/4452622

tobdom · 22-01-2019 4:13pm

ClanofLams wrote: »

Didn't realise Connacht lineout was best in Pro14 until reading this.

http://the42.ie/4452622

"The lineout is a superb platform for Connacht because their forward pack delivers consistent possession, with a 93% success rate on their own throw making them statistically the most reliable lineout in the Pro14"

That is actually really hard to believe based on some showings, but also good to hear!! Maybe it's only at key, nail-biting moments, that we conspire to lose our own lineouts, which makes it seem worse overall....

realhorrorshow · 22-01-2019 4:19pm

tobdom wrote: »

"The lineout is a superb platform for Connacht because their forward pack delivers consistent possession, with a 93% success rate on their own throw making them statistically the most reliable lineout in the Pro14"

That is actually really hard to believe based on some showings, but also good to hear!! Maybe it's only at key, nail-biting moments, that we conspire to lose our own lineouts, which makes it seem worse overall....

I think there’s a bit of a confirmation bias at play because we seem to misfire in the red zone at the worst times. Also that stat might not take into consideration failed mauls, sloppy presentation to the 9, etc.

realhorrorshow · 22-01-2019 4:21pm

FACECUTTR wrote: »

Was it his ACL he injured ? He's been out since the end of September so he could be back before the end of season hopefully.

I’m no expert but I assume there’s more factors to consider beyond his current recovery; potentially reduced physical capabilities, susceptibility to further injury, etc.

Zzippy · 22-01-2019 4:23pm

realhorrorshow wrote: »

I think there’s a bit of a confirmation bias at play because we seem to misfire in the red zone at the worst times. Also that stat might not take into consideration failed mauls, sloppy presentation to the 9, etc.

It could be that teams don't really compete in the lineout up the field but defend it a lot more in their own 22, but we do seem to feck up a lot of good attacking positions with lost throws lately. Off the top of my head at least 2 against Sale, and a couple against Munster too. Maybe they just stick in the memory craw more...

FACECUTTR · 22-01-2019 7:31pm

realhorrorshow wrote: »

I’m no expert but I assume there’s more factors to consider beyond his current recovery; potentially reduced physical capabilities, susceptibility to further injury, etc.

Like any serious joint injury I suppose.

typhoony · 23-01-2019 12:06am

Good to see TG4 broadcasting 3 out of the 4 provinces games this weekend, only the ulster game misses out.

typhoony · 23-01-2019 12:07am

what's the story with Sean O'Brien's injury, is he due back soon?

Digifriendly · 23-01-2019 2:21pm

typhoony wrote: »

Good to see TG4 broadcasting 3 out of the 4 provinces games this weekend, only the ulster game misses out.

Ulster game on Freesports so FTA for viewers.

Wegians89 · 23-01-2019 4:01pm

The Friend Zone

New contracts to be announced later today

Wegians89 · 23-01-2019 4:03pm

The Friend Zone

Niyi and heff signed new contracts

Zzippy · 23-01-2019 4:06pm

Buckley next please!

Diabhal Beag · 23-01-2019 4:15pm

Wasn't sure Niyi would stick around. Great business and hopefully he can do a Matt Healy and bounce back to his fantastic form a few years back.

connemara man · 23-01-2019 4:25pm

The Friend Zone

Diabhal Beag wrote: »

Wasn't sure Niyi would stick around. Great business and hopefully he can do a Matt Healy and bounce back to his fantastic form a few years back.

He seems to be dogged with niggly injuries.

But 2 great pieces of work. No contract length announced but assume 2 years??

Zzippy · 23-01-2019 4:51pm

connemara man wrote: »

He seems to be dogged with niggly injuries.

But 2 great pieces of work. No contract length announced but assume 2 years??

I'm no physiologist*, but my theory is that Niyi when he arrived was quite underdeveloped physically for a pro rugby player - he was lightning quick but pretty light. He bulked up quite rapidly, and at a later age than most of his colleagues, having missed out on the academy years. I wonder if his joints/ligaments/tendons weren't able to develop as fast as his musculature and the repeated niggly injuries are possibly down to that?

*Dr. Zzippy is available for appointments Mon-Fri between 1300-1305. Private consultations only. No guarantees are offered regarding the quality of advice. Terms and conditions apply.

KBurke85 · 23-01-2019 5:05pm

The Friend Zone

connemara man wrote: »

He seems to be dogged with niggly injuries.

But 2 great pieces of work. No contract length announced but assume 2 years??

Most renewals seem to be for two years. Generally its the lads that get renewed nearer the end of the season that just get the one year renewals

ClanofLams · 23-01-2019 10:38pm

Mul, it's over

None of Cardiffs six squad members for the 6N are being released this weekend so I guess if Connacht don't get any, can't complain too much. Although could really do with Jack Carty if Conor Fitzgerald isn't fit. Could do with them all obviously but 10 is really an issue if Fitzgerald is unavailable.

Wegians89 · 23-01-2019 10:50pm

The Friend Zone

connemara man wrote: »

He seems to be dogged with niggly injuries.

But 2 great pieces of work. No contract length announced but assume 2 years??

Think friend said 2 years in a tweet

evil_seed · 24-01-2019 9:56am

The Friend Zone

Zzippy wrote: »

I'm no physiologist*, but my theory is that Niyi when he arrived was quite underdeveloped physically for a pro rugby player - he was lightning quick but pretty light. He bulked up quite rapidly, and at a later age than most of his colleagues, having missed out on the academy years. I wonder if his joints/ligaments/tendons weren't able to develop as fast as his musculature and the repeated niggly injuries are possibly down to that?

I'm a firm believer that ligament injuries are always down to this. Seen it so many times in the NFL to change my mind.

ionadnapokot · 24-01-2019 10:04am

Zzippy wrote: »

Buckley next please!

Yeah...I wonder would many English or French clubs realise how good he is?
Hopefully not.

Wegians89 · 24-01-2019 10:16am

The Friend Zone

Marmion, robb, sob, Copeland all to come back from injures for the next block of games according to Carolan

evil_seed · 24-01-2019 10:25am

The Friend Zone

Wegians89 wrote: »

Marmion, robb, sob, Copeland all to come back from injures for the next block of games according to Carolan

And just in time too. I'd love to see Robb get a run of games, he still has the potential but might be running out of time. I'd play him over Griffin for sure. Marms will probably get 30-40 mins to see how he goes and then be dropped into the Irish squad for the 6 nations.
Copeland might be an absolute bust of a signing. He's not done anything of note IMO, but he's still got time to prove me wrong.
SOB is SOB

Zzippy · 24-01-2019 10:32am

evil_seed wrote: »

And just in time too. I'd love to see Robb get a run of games, he still has the potential but might be running out of time. I'd play him over Griffin for sure. Marms will probably get 30-40 mins to see how he goes and then be dropped into the Irish squad for the 6 nations.
Copeland might be an absolute bust of a signing. He's not done anything of note IMO, but he's still got time to prove me wrong.
SOB is SOB

I presume they meant the next block of games after the 2 week break, so doubt Marmion will play any part this weekend.

Copeland has lived down to expectations so far for me. Has a lot to do to change my mind...

ClanofLams · 24-01-2019 10:33am

Mul, it's over

Carolan also asked ‘is there any chance any of players with Irish squad will be back or are they just a write off’. He said there’s a ‘slim chance one or two might be available’. Expect that means a couple will be in 23.

FACECUTTR · 24-01-2019 11:43am

Zzippy wrote: »

I presume they meant the next block of games after the 2 week break, so doubt Marmion will play any part this weekend.

Copeland has lived down to expectations so far for me. Has a lot to do to change my mind...

He needs a run of games but can't seem to stay fit. He was putting in man of the match performances last season and he needs to get to that level again. With Masterson and McKeon back fit there's a bit of competition for the 8 Jersey.

connachta · 24-01-2019 12:06pm

ClanofLams wrote: »

Carolan also asked ‘is there any chance any of players with Irish squad will be back or are they just a write off’. He said there’s a ‘slim chance one or two might be available’. Expect that means a couple will be in 23.

Hell yeah! Blade for 21 instead of young Kerrins, Carty for 22 instead of his younger brother, and Farrell for 23 would be missive gamechangers

Doubt any of Roux/Dillane will be released, but optimistic about Maksymiew

freyners · 24-01-2019 1:23pm

The Friend Zone

FACECUTTR wrote: »

He needs a run of games but can't seem to stay fit. He was putting in man of the match performances last season and he needs to get to that level again. With Masterson and McKeon back fit there's a bit of competition for the 8 Jersey.

If he just sorted his discipline he would be in a far better spot. Even in his better games so far he has always seem to give away one silly penalty (although that might be some confirmation bias on my part).

For my money so far Butler, Boyle, Fainga'a and SOB have stood out, and Connolly has noticeably improved this year under Friend. Masterson, McKeon, Copeland and Gallagher all are excellent players when on form but through injury or otherwise just havent got the same game time

Wegians89 · 24-01-2019 2:03pm

The Friend Zone

I wouldn’t mind seeing Gallagher at 19 for tomorrow if he’s fit.

Connacht Team Talk Thread V - The Friend Zone

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