Connacht Team Talk Thread V - The Friend Zone

Burkie1203 · 04-03-2020 10:43pm

Mul, it's over

connachta wrote: »

Yeah basically what I expected. I've talked about closed doors too.
And of course Italian Gov won't tell about "neutral venue" by itself. But it's a 1st step, if, as you said, there's risk about travelling. they renounce about home advantage de facto.

Italian football matches don't involve international travel

Pro14 games do. There is a huge issue in itself as we have seen from the cases here all involved Travel to Northern Italy. I suspect the Pro14 will likely postpone several more games and they may never get played. And if that happens that's 100% correct given the number of deaths already in Italy.

There is a 6n meeting tomorrow to determine if Italy v England goes ahead. But that game is in Rome.

Edit
Italian Cup semi-finals were postponed instead of played behind closed doors so none of this is straight forward

connachta · 04-03-2020 11:04pm

+ 17 days to go. If (sadly) Coronavirus is more equaly spread across Europe, no more reason to make differences between countries. Let's wait and see, we agree about this

Burkie1203 · 04-03-2020 11:16pm

Mul, it's over

connachta wrote: »

+ 17 days to go. If (sadly) Coronavirus is more equaly spread across Europe, no more reason to make differences between countries. Let's wait and see, we agree about this

Are you for real? Utter stupidity

The Italian Govt measures are in place until next month. Games will get postponed, it's inevitable and for good reason.

connachta · 04-03-2020 11:37pm

Burkie1203 wrote: »

Are you for real? Utter stupidity

The Italian Govt measures are in place until next month. Games will get postponed, it's inevitable and for good reason.

You're kidding there right? Games can take place under closed door. And some will. The virus won't stop in Italy and France. No more red zone needed, there will be other ways to control the propagation

Burkie1203 · 04-03-2020 11:48pm

Mul, it's over

connachta wrote: »

You're kidding there right? Games can take place under closed door. And some will. The virus won't stop in Italy and France. No more red zone needed, there will be other ways to control the propagation

Games "can" take place behind closed doors but its not certain they will take place. Italy v England in Rome and all indications are It will be postponed.

Pro14 will be very reluctant to sent teams to northern italy in the next few months giving this virus is killing people. Some things are far more important

MarinersBlues · 05-03-2020 11:54am

Mul, it's over

If all games after this week involving Italian teams are called 0-0 draws (all else being equal).

For most of the conference it would have minimal effect.
Connacht are probably the big losers vs Scarlets who have a dream run in (I thought they would lose in Treviso)
If Cardiff's game against Zebre goes ahead and everything else called off then we will have been rightly screwed

Pos Team Current R13 R14 R15 R16 R17 R18 R19 R20 R21 R11 Total
Cardiff (h) Kings (a) Cheetahs (a) Treviso (h) Ulster (a) Ospreys (h) Munster (h) Connacht (a) Glasgow (h)
1 Edinburgh 47 (4) 5 1 4 0 5 1 1 1 65
Scarlets(h) Treviso (a) Treviso (h) Cardiff (h) Leinster (a) Glasgow (h) Edin (a) Scarlets (a) Connacht (h)
2 Munster 45 (5) 5 5 4 0 4 4 5 4 76
Munster(a) Connacht (a) Dragons (h) Kings (a) Cardiff (h) Treviso (a) Leinster (a) Munster (h) Ospreys (a)
3 Scarlets 37 (0) 1 5 5 4 1 0 0 4 57
Kings(a) Scarlets (h) Zebre (a) Glasgow(h) Treviso (a) Ulster (h) Cardiff (a) Edin (h) Munster (a)
4 Connacht 35 (5) 4 5 1 1 4 1 4 1 56
Edinburgh(a) Zebre (h) Ospreys (h) Munster(a) Scarlets (a) Kings (h) Connacht (h) Leinster (a) Dragons (a)
5 Cardiff 29 (0) 5 5 0 1 5 4 0 4 53
Ulster(h) Munster (h) Munster (a) Edin (a) Connacht (h) Scarlets (h) Kings (a) Cheetahs (a) Zebre (h) Dragons (a)
6 Treviso 24 0 0 1 0 1 4 4 4 1 4 43

Pos Team Current R13 R14 R15 R16 R17 R18 R19 R20 R21 R11 Total
Cardiff (h) Kings (a) Cheetahs (a) Treviso (h) Ulster (a) Ospreys (h) Munster (h) Connacht (a) Glasgow (h)
1 Edinburgh 47 (4) 5 1 2 0 5 1 1 1 63
Scarlets(h) Treviso (a) Treviso (h) Cardiff (h) Leinster (a) Glasgow (h) Edin (a) Scarlets (a) Connacht (h)
2 Munster 45 (5) 5 2 4 0 4 4 5 4 73
Munster(a) Connacht (a) Dragons (h) Kings (a) Cardiff (h) Treviso (a) Leinster (a) Munster (h) Ospreys (a)
3 Scarlets 37 (0) 1 5 5 4 2 0 0 4 58
Kings(a) Scarlets (h) Zebre (a) Glasgow(h) Treviso (a) Ulster (h) Cardiff (a) Edin (h) Munster (a)
4 Connacht 35 (5) 4 2 1 2 4 1 4 1 54
Edinburgh(a) Zebre (h) Ospreys (h) Munster(a) Scarlets (a) Kings (h) Connacht (h) Leinster (a) Dragons (a)
5 Cardiff 29 (0) 5 5 0 1 5 4 0 4 53
Ulster(h) Munster (h) Munster (a) Edin (a) Connacht (h) Scarlets (h) Kings (a) Cheetahs (a) Zebre (h) Dragons (a)
6 Treviso 24 2 0 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 42

This does not take into account the potential benfits of having a called off game.
e.g for us we would have an extra rest week before Glagow the crucial set of final four games. Given how attritional the season has been for us that could be useful.

connachta · 05-03-2020 1:03pm

MarinersBlues wrote: »

If all games after this week involving Italian teams are called 0-0 draws (all else being equal).

Thank you. Zebre game in Wales should be cancelled if ours are in Italy. Would be so unfair if not...

connemara man · 05-03-2020 1:10pm

The Friend Zone

Connacht Vs Zebre postponed, hopefully to be played in the European weekends coming up

connachta · 05-03-2020 1:13pm

| PRO14 Rugby have confirmed our upcoming game away to Zebre has been postponed due to the Coronavirus outbreak in Northern Italy.

As none of these clubs are involved in EPCR competitions, PRO14 Rugby will aim to reschedule these matches on dates during the European weekends in April and May.

Hope it will take place...

Former Former · 05-03-2020 1:16pm

You've got a Friend in me

connachta wrote: »

Thank you. Zebre game in Wales should be cancelled if ours are in Italy. Would be so unfair if not...

Why would you cancel a game in Wales?? It's not like Zebre will be bringing thousands of fans.

connachta · 05-03-2020 1:20pm

Former Former wrote: »

Why would you cancel a game in Wales?? It's not like Zebre will be bringing thousands of fans.

Few fans + the players themselves, have they been tested?

Burkie1203 · 05-03-2020 1:28pm

Mul, it's over

connachta wrote: »

Few fans + the players themselves, have they been tested?

Moving games to neutral venues is not going to happen. Pro14 have already stated as much. If no alternative DATE can be found games will be 0-0. No mention of moving games, its not on the agenda.

Munster v Benetton is off and the reverse fixture unlikely to go ahead on the original date. We are heading towards too many postponed games and not enough spare dates (euro knock out games) on the calendar especially as it's loads of games involving 2 specific clubs which are most at risk of being postponed.

Also, the "neutral venue" country may not want unnecessary visits from an entourage from a heavily impacted region for the sake of a game of rugby.

Its inevitable there will be several games marked down as 0-0 now.

https://twitter.com/TheLooseH/status/1235538565754478592?s=19

connachta · 05-03-2020 1:34pm

Burkie1203 wrote: »

Its inevitable there will be several games marked down as 0-0 now.

No. It's not what is said.
European weeks are targeted
Full blank. No need to talk again with you, you'd be just too happy Connacht are impacted by unfair situation

connachta · 05-03-2020 1:35pm

As none of these clubs are involved in EPCR competitions, PRO14 Rugby will aim to reschedule these matches on dates during the European weekends in April and May. PRO14 Rugby is currently engaged with EPCR to avoid any scheduling conflicts with European knock-out games.

Discussions are still on-going regarding the rescheduling of the postponed Round 13 fixtures – Zebre Rugby Club v Ospreys, and Benetton Rugby v Ulster Rugby.

If I read between the lines, Zebre vs Connacht has a priority on Zebre vs Ospreys on the European week reschedule?

Burkie1203 · 05-03-2020 1:44pm

Mul, it's over

connachta wrote: »

No. It's not what is said.
European week are targeted
full blank. No need to talk again with you, you'd be just too happy Connacht are impacted by unfair situation

There is realistically two european weekends given the QFs are around the same time the Italian govt directive ends as it currently stands. There is potential for further games to be postponed too. Already we have 3 games postponed. If that rises then the maths dont add up for playing every fixture as the fixtures called off inevitably involve 2 teams specifically and

Pro14 have said they will try and refix games for the European weekends. But there could be more postponements and Therefore I believe games will end up 0-0 as there could be more games to be refix compared to dates available to play them. That's not too difficult to understand?

I never mentioned Connacht BTW

connachta · 05-03-2020 2:32pm

What you clearly don't (want to) understand is it is due to intermediate state of virus propagation

1) it gets better in Italy, Connacht will play both games in April under normal circonstances

2) it gets worse, epidemy is spread accross Europe

This following recommendation has no more reason to stand

"latest travel alerts from the Irish government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advise against non-essential travel to certain regions of Italy, including Veneto and Emilia-Romagna."

Connacht plays both Italians teams under closed doors or neutral venue, as without crowd, there wouldn't be any more risk to play in empty Italian stadium than to train in the Sportsground or simply go outside. The " Virus Clusters" would no more make sens.

In both case, games will go ahead no artificial draw (except Ulster, maybe, because of CC QF).

Burkie1203 wrote: »

That's not too difficult to understand?

The only case would be a catastrophic situation when ALL sport events are cancelled. In the case impacts on Pro14 team are hard to predict

enriquepe696 · 05-03-2020 2:37pm

buen post!

Burkie1203 · 05-03-2020 3:38pm

Mul, it's over

connachta wrote: »

What you clearly don't (want to) understand is it is due to intermediate state of virus propagation

1) it gets better in Italy, Connacht will play both games in April under normal circonstances

2) it gets worse, epidemy is spread accross Europe

This following recommendation has no more reason to stand

"latest travel alerts from the Irish government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advise against non-essential travel to certain regions of Italy, including Veneto and Emilia-Romagna."

Connacht plays both Italians teams under closed doors or neutral venue, as without crowd, there wouldn't be any more risk to play in empty Italian stadium than to train in the Sportsground or simply go outside. The " Virus Clusters" would no more make sens.

In both case, games will go ahead no artificial draw (except Ulster, maybe, because of CC QF).

The only case would be a catastrophic situation when ALL sport events are cancelled. In the case impacts on Pro14 team are hard to predict

Zebre and Benetton games are the ones at risk

If the number of games involving a specific club that get PP is greater then the number of free weekends then some games will get marked down as 0-0. My guess is the first games PP will be take preference regarding refix on new dates and thereafter games will be declared 0-0. One of those games involves a European QF which adds to the problem

Nobody has made any indication regarding neutral venues apart from you. It is not going to happen.

There is a risk of travelling to northern Italy though as players will have to stay in hotel etc. A rugby match is non essential when people are dying. We simply do not know what the situation will be by April 3rd when the Current Italian Govt Stance will be reviewed.

It may have escaped your attention but all 6 cases in Ireland all involved trips to Northern Italy.

If the spread of Cov19 gets worse that doesnt mean travel is ok. Idiotic statement.

Edit
Italy v England in Rome postponed
Rome marathon on March 29th cancelled

Just to give you an indication of how serious this is. Neither event is in the immediate area that is so badly impacted.

connachta · 05-03-2020 4:35pm

Burkie1203 wrote: »

If the spread of Cov19 gets worse that doesnt mean travel is ok. Idiotic statement.

Not at all. If the situation is similar in Italy and in Ireland, it's pure logic, and authorities move from containment (no travel) to other kinds of pandemic management

Former Former · 05-03-2020 4:43pm

You've got a Friend in me

Just a suggestion but... a guaranteed four points from two away trips to Zebre and Treviso doesn't sound too harsh

freyners · 05-03-2020 5:07pm

The Friend Zone

Former Former wrote: »

Just a suggestion but... a guaranteed four points from two away trips to Zebre and Treviso doesn't sound too harsh

Not in our current points situation. They are games we need to win to have much of a shot at play offs.

Obviously the health of the players and fans takes far more precedence, but with a solely connacht point of view, we need those games played to keep our season meaningful

Squidgy Black · 05-03-2020 5:24pm

In other news....

Conor Maguire has signed a short term deal for the Dragons

https://www.dragonsrugby.wales/news/2020/march/prop-maguire-links-up-with-dragons.html

connachta · 05-03-2020 6:12pm

Squidgy Black wrote: »

In other news....

Conor Maguire has signed a short term deal for the Dragons

https://www.dragonsrugby.wales/news/2020/march/prop-maguire-links-up-with-dragons.html

Back in the Sportsground for Euro play-off!

Burkie1203 · 05-03-2020 6:38pm

Mul, it's over

connachta wrote: »

Not at all. If the situation is similar in Italy and in Ireland, it's pure logic, and authorities move from containment (no travel) to other kinds of pandemic management

DFAT will not issue a statement saying travel is fine because is a pandemic now. I know that for a fact as that's where I work

Delusional to think otherwise

connachta · 05-03-2020 6:48pm

Burkie1203 wrote: »

DFAT will not issue a statement saying travel is fine because is a pandemic now. I know that for a fact as that's where I work

Delusional to think otherwise

They won't issue that statement. The recommandation will simply be outdated.
Fans won't travel (under closed doors), but players will be allowed to if the risk becomes similar than the one in Ireland

Burkie1203 · 05-03-2020 6:51pm

Mul, it's over

connachta wrote: »

They won't issue that statement. The recommandation will simply be outdated.

No. The travel advice will remain in place to protect people until such time the situation improves.

connachta · 05-03-2020 7:24pm

Burkie1203 wrote: »

No. The travel advice will remain in place to protect people until such time the situation improves.

The situation, in this hypothesis, will be the same accross Europe.
So, now it's over, you're faking not to understand and hide behind statements. Enough for me, answer to yourself

Burkie1203 · 05-03-2020 7:56pm

Mul, it's over

connachta wrote: »

The situation, in this hypothesis, will be the same accross Europe.
So, now it's over, you're faking not to understand and hide behind statements. Enough for me, answer to yourself

Your talking about hypothetical delusional nonsense that only exists in your head and nowhere else

I'm talking about real life, where thousands of people are ill to the point that there is 100s of deaths.

The situation is critical. People are dying, first death in UK announced this evening. You are trying to trivialize that over a few games of rugby. No Way the pro14 will go against official travel advice under these circumstances.

Yesterday you posted this. Today you are saying the exact opposite.

connachta wrote: »

I'm waiting for Burkie about "my stupid idea" now. Wil probably try smth like "Pro14 will decide differently than the official Gouvernement view"

FACECUTTR · 05-03-2020 8:20pm

Pro 14 thread is elsewhere

realhorrorshow · 06-03-2020 1:23pm

So we’ve been linked in recent times with Oisin Dowling, Conor Oliver, and Sam Arnold. Thoughts?

Dowling would add much needed depth, he could probably surpass Gallagher and Mak and become 4th choice lock.

I threw Oliver out as a suggestion a few months ago and would be very happy if we signed him. Was tracking very well with Munster before injury derailed him. Still young and we’ve seen how players who have stagnated at other provinces can develop through regular gametime. Would like to see us move Butler back to 7, have Oliver as backup, and sign a big 8.

Don’t think we need Arnold really but he’s a really good player, would leave us absolutely stacked at centre. Would suggest it would be more prudent to strengthen at prop before signing a 5th centre.

Bazzo · 06-03-2020 1:29pm

Mul, it's over

realhorrorshow wrote: »

So we’ve been linked in recent times with Oisin Dowling, Conor Oliver, and Sam Arnold. Thoughts?

Dowling would either add much needed depth, he could probably surpass Gallagher and Mak and become 4th choice lock.

I threw Oliver out as a suggestion a few months ago and would be very happy if we signed him. Was tracking very well with Munster before injury derailed him. Still young and we’ve seen how players who have stagnated at other provinces can develop through regular gametime. Would like to see us move Butler back to 7, have Oliver as backup, and sign a big 8.

Don’t think we need Arnold really but he’s a really good player, would leave us absolutely stacked at centre. Would suggest it would be more prudent to strengthen at prop before signing a 5th centre.

Would be happy with all 3. Seems very unlikely Godwin will be staying at this stage when we still haven't heard anything so could probably do with another centre. Have we heard anything about Goddard since earlier in the season?

FACECUTTR · 06-03-2020 1:39pm

realhorrorshow wrote: »

So we’ve been linked in recent times with Oisin Dowling, Conor Oliver, and Sam Arnold. Thoughts?

Dowling would add much needed depth, he could probably surpass Gallagher and Mak and become 4th choice lock.

I threw Oliver out as a suggestion a few months ago and would be very happy if we signed him. Was tracking very well with Munster before injury derailed him. Still young and we’ve seen how players who have stagnated at other provinces can develop through regular gametime. Would like to see us move Butler back to 7, have Oliver as backup, and sign a big 8.

Don’t think we need Arnold really but he’s a really good player, would leave us absolutely stacked at centre. Would suggest it would be more prudent to strengthen at prop before signing a 5th centre.

I agree on Dowling and Oliver as I think they would both add alot. I'd take Arnold if the price was right. We overused Godwin this season and we would have been lost without his versatility.
We do need a TH, 8 too.

realhorrorshow · 06-03-2020 2:08pm

Bazzo wrote: »

Would be happy with all 3. Seems very unlikely Godwin will be staying at this stage when we still haven't heard anything so could probably do with another centre. Have we heard anything about Goddard since earlier in the season?

Yeah I agree, only thing is that Godwin provides a second playmaking option in midfield and also versatility, whereas Arnold is quite similar to Daly, Robb, and Bundee. Goddard hasn’t appeared for Wegians in quite a while so I would assume he has gone home, not sure though.

connachta · 06-03-2020 8:45pm

It is understood that Luke Carty, younger brother of Ireland out-half Jack, may depart as he completes his time with the Academy.

realhorrorshow · 06-03-2020 8:53pm

connachta wrote: »

It is understood that Luke Carty, younger brother of Ireland out-half Jack, may depart as he completes his time with the Academy.

Where did you see that? I’m not surprised tbh.

connachta · 06-03-2020 9:06pm

realhorrorshow wrote: »

Where did you see that? I’m not surprised tbh.

The Indo.
We need a 10/12

realhorrorshow · 06-03-2020 10:24pm

connachta wrote: »

The Indo.
We need a 10/12

Cheers. I agree but don’t think Luke Carty is the answer.

thomond2006 · 06-03-2020 10:31pm

Some Like It TOH

The Indo are linking Conor Oliver with a move to England. Sam Arnold would be a good pickup, he's got a few starts for Munster this year but will be down the pecking order next year with DDA arriving. He turns 24 next month so has still got development in him.

RobbieRuns · 07-03-2020 11:00am

Sam Arnold would be a massive signing. A fully capped, young irish centre, leaving Munster to come to Galway. Would be brilliant,

Bundle at 12 and Arnold at 13 would be a great centre paring.

connachta · 07-03-2020 11:16am

RobbieRuns wrote: »

Sam Arnold would be a massive signing. A fully capped, young irish centre, leaving Munster to come to Galway. Would be brilliant,

Bundle at 12 and Arnold at 13 would be a great centre paring.

Arnold doesn't gain meters and misses 1/3 of his tackles.
Of course he could improve, but not convinced. We should focus on Oliver not going to England. It's said we struggle to replace Fainga'a.

Maybe we should indeed move Butler to openside, nailed E.Masterson as back-up 7, and put all money on a big ball-carrying 8. McKeon would be back-up there, and blindside is ok, as, we tend to forget about him, SOB will provide cover for Boyle, if not better

Wegians89 · 07-03-2020 11:53am

The Friend Zone

I’d take all three of them tbh, shouldn’t be too expensive and would add depth. Godwin looking likely to go is disappointing as he has been excellent but Arnold wouldn’t be the worst replacement. Oliver behind butler at 7 would make sense. Add in solona and a big ball carrier of an 8 and that’s a decent summer of recruiting.

If (big if) Madigan would take a massive pay cut to come back to Ireland I’d take him too as a utility back

Wegians89 · 07-03-2020 11:57am

The Friend Zone

connachta wrote: »

Arnold doesn't gain meters and misses 1/3 of his tackles.
Of course he could improve, but not convinced. We should focus on Oliver not going to England. It's said we struggle to replace Fainga'a.

Maybe we should indeed move Butler to openside, nailed E.Masterson as back-up 7, and put all money on a big ball-carrying 8. McKeon would be back-up there, and blindside is ok, as, we tend to forget about him, SOB will provide cover for Boyle, if not better

Has masterson played much at 7? Thought he was more of an 6/8?
Doeling signing could free gallagher up to spot in at 6.

4. Thornbury Dillane dowling
5. Roux Maksymiw Murray
6. Sob masterson gallagher
7. Butler Oliver S. Masterson?
8. Niq Boyle mckeon

Obviously a lot of injuries over the course of the season, particularly to sob and gallagher, so the likes of Boyle would start a lot at 6

connachta · 07-03-2020 12:02pm

Wegians89 wrote: »

Has masterson played much at 7? Thought he was more of an 6/8?
Doeling signing could free gallagher up to spot in at 6.

4. Thornbury Dillane dowling
5. Roux Maksymiw Murray
6. Sob masterson gallagher
7. Butler Oliver S. Masterson?
8. Niq Boyle mckeon

Obviously a lot of injuries over the course of the season, particularly to sob and gallagher, so the likes of Boyle would start a lot at 6

Is Boyle really a n°8?
Not "tiny" as said before, but still more a 6...
On the opposite S.Masterson is more an 8 than a 7, clearly

Wegians89 · 07-03-2020 12:12pm

The Friend Zone

connachta wrote: »

Is Boyle really a n°8?
Not "tiny" as said before, but still more a 6...
On the opposite S.Masterson is more an 8 than a 7, clearly

Personally like Boyle at 8, and think he’s more of an 8 than E. Masterson. Always thought S. Masterson would make a good 6/8 but any time I’ve seen him play it’s been at 7. Some very promising back rows coming through at u19 level too so might not see too much investment in that area

Buer · 07-03-2020 12:15pm

If Arnold is leaving Munster, I would expect him to return to England where he could probably get more money. Test rugby isn't really on the cards for him. He's 23, a big lump and would be available throughout all test windows. He'd be a solid signing for several GP teams.

lenny4545 · 07-03-2020 12:16pm

Where is all this talk of Godwin leaving coming from? Would be another big blow to Connacht after losing fainga'a!

Wegians89 · 07-03-2020 12:19pm

The Friend Zone

lenny4545 wrote: »

Where is all this talk of Godwin leaving coming from? Would be another big blow to Connacht after losing fainga'a!

When he signed initially he had an interview in Australia saying after his two years in Europe he was hoping to go back and get into the mix for the wallabies. His two years would be up this summer and there hasn’t been a sound about him staying on

connachta · 07-03-2020 1:08pm

Arno Botha is out of contract, lots of backrows for Munster
Big ball carrying 8. If he wants to settle in Ireland, we could offer him a long-term deal

macslash · 07-03-2020 7:54pm

Mul, it's over

connachta wrote: »

Arno Botha is out of contract, lots of backrows for Munster
Big ball carrying 8. If he wants to settle in Ireland, we could offer him a long-term deal

Wouldn't have too much interest in Botha. Think we could aim a bit higher.

connachta · 07-03-2020 8:03pm

when you see how light our recruitement is bacause of the new stadium, he would be satisfying.
Need money for a prop a lock and 1/2 backs...
But n°8 is main priority

Connacht Team Talk Thread V - The Friend Zone

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