Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

ElisaAtWar · 12-01-2021 7:43pm

Am I correct in saying that Buckley and Bealham were the only two players who started last weekend that also started in the 2016 Pro12 win.

I appreciate that all the other provinces have also rotated players, but I believe the difference between Connacht and the other provinces is when the game is a big game the big guns are rolled out.

In Connacht the team selections seem to be more performance based. And I believe that is a good thing. It makes Connacht more attractive to players who feel they are overlooked when the big games come along.

Hopefully Connacht will retain their Heineken cup place for next year. And as such they have an interesting profile for players who feel maybe they are not getting their opportunities.

I think if you look at Wooten, he is a perfect example of what is possible when moving to Connacht. He was invisible at Munster. He is very visible now

freyners · 12-01-2021 8:06pm

ElisaAtWar wrote: »

Am I correct in saying that Buckley and Bealham were the only two players who started last weekend that also started in the 2016 Pro12 win.

I appreciate that all the other provinces have also rotated players, but I believe the difference between Connacht and the other provinces is when the game is a big game the big guns are rolled out.

In Connacht the team selections seem to be more performance based. And I believe that is a good thing. It makes Connacht more attractive to players who feel they are overlooked when the big games come along.

Hopefully Connacht will retain their Heineken cup place for next year. And as such they have an interesting profile for players who feel maybe they are not getting their opportunities.

I think if you look at Wooten, he is a perfect example of what is possible when moving to Connacht. He was invisible at Munster. He is very visible now

Buckley didn't start. Injured. Loughney did

Dillane marmion also are in that xv. Sob and heff came off the bench

KBurke85 · 13-01-2021 9:33pm

Connacht had a fan webinar with the 1885 club members this evening.
Nigel Carolan was on. He said there’s a chance either the ospreys or Dragons games could be moved to next weekend

FACECUTTR · 14-01-2021 8:34pm

https://www.the42.ie/andy-friend-connacht-exit-5324417-Jan2021/

E mac · 14-01-2021 9:00pm

Anyone know why it's only a year extension? He seems to be doing a good job. He'd surely want better job security than that...

Former Former Former · 14-01-2021 9:23pm

E mac wrote: »

Anyone know why it's only a year extension? He seems to be doing a good job. He'd surely want better job security than that...

It doesn't say it's a 1 year extension?

E mac · 14-01-2021 9:31pm

Its a weirdly worded article though. "Extend his contract into next season" usually you'd read something like "hoping to tie down X with a 2-3 year contract"

ionadnapokot · 15-01-2021 10:00am

It's a carefully worded piece.
Attempting to read between the lines - it sounds like Australia want to get him involved but IRFU/Connacht are looking to postpone the inevitable move home.
e.g. Maybe they get to "keep him in the country beyond June". Carolan might take over at the end of next season

I hope we see Friend back again. Ideal person to be the next Irish head coach. Or Lancaster.

siltirocker · 15-01-2021 4:02pm

When's Dan's contract up in Ulster? Surely we would look towards him?

(Obviously he may have no notion of leaving Ulster but still).

This could be well off the mark, but you hear occasionally that Carolan is happy in his role in the long long term, and not interested in jeopardising that. i.e. prefer to be involved in a role like his own for 15-20 years, than a head coach role for 3-6 year period.

Former Coach · 15-01-2021 4:05pm

siltirocker wrote: »

When's Dan's contract up in Ulster? Surely we would look towards him?

(Obviously he may have no notion of leaving Ulster but still).

This could be well off the mark, but you hear occasionally that Carolan is happy in his role in the long long term, and not interested in jeopardising that. i.e. prefer to be involved in a role like his own for 15-20 years, than a head coach role for 3-6 year period.

Dan’s just signed a two-year extension,unfortunately!

KBurke85 · 15-01-2021 4:10pm

Pro 14 have just confirmed our game with Ospreys will be Sunday 24th at 3pm.

Also in our pool scarlets are playing the blues next weekend too

https://twitter.com/PRO14Official/status/1350096935609397252

Wegians89 · 15-01-2021 9:06pm

Big weekend again next week. The right Results could put pressure right back on Munster

ElisaAtWar · 16-01-2021 8:47pm

Been to many pro12/14 games. So I could take issue with the referee (don't mention my favorite referee). I think what upsets me the most is the lack of involvement by the linesman/ lines woman. There you standing in the Clan, and your in direct line with the lines person, and the infringement is so obvious. And it's not about one team or another. It's about fairness. How can a rugby game be fair if the right calls are not called. It's a huge frustration with the competence of how pro 14 games are run. As an example Ben Whitehouse is a joke at this stage. We need better referees and more importantly better assistants.

Lost Ormond · 16-01-2021 9:22pm

ElisaAtWar wrote: »

Been to many pro12/14 games. So I could take issue with the referee (don't mention my favorite referee). I think what upsets me the most is the lack of involvement by the linesman/ lines woman. There you standing in the Clan, and your in direct line with the lines person, and the infringement is so obvious. And it's not about one team or another. It's about fairness. How can a rugby game be fair if the right calls are not called. It's a huge frustration with the competence of how pro 14 games are run. As an example Ben Whitehouse is a joke at this stage. We need better referees and more importantly better assistants.

How do you know theyre not getting involved. You could theoretically see an infringement every tackle/ruck but most dont need to be penalised.

How would you get better refs and assistants?

aloooof · 16-01-2021 9:43pm

ElisaAtWar wrote: »

I think if you look at Wooten, he is a perfect example of what is possible when moving to Connacht. He was invisible at Munster. He is very visible now

I don’t think this is entirely accurate tbh. Wootton started a European semi-final ahead of Zebo, for example.

Since then, JVG came in and Conway’s form has been largely excellent. It’s pretty hard to argue Wootton should have been ahead of him or Earls since then.

ShineyShiney · 16-01-2021 10:20pm

aloooof wrote: »

I don’t think this is entirely accurate tbh. Wootton started a European semi-final ahead of Zebo, for example.

Since then, JVG came in and Conway’s form has been largely excellent. It’s pretty hard to argue Wootton should have been ahead of him or Earls since then.

But then you have Sweetman ?

aloooof · 17-01-2021 12:10am

ShineyShiney wrote: »

But then you have Sweetman ?

Who is now behind Shane Daly and struggles to get into the 23. My only point is I don't see how a player who started a European Semi-Final can be considered invisible.

thomond2006 · 17-01-2021 1:49am

He spent most of his final season at Munster injured and was firmly bypassed by the time he came back. Munster got a surplus player off the books, Connacht got a starter and Wootton has played regularly. A win-win-win.

Wegians89 · 19-01-2021 12:26pm

I’d say we’re due a big injury update this week. Covid cases should have cleared up, hopefully no new cases.

RonnieL · 19-01-2021 12:39pm

Just saw some tweets about Sammy Arnold being out til April after having surgery on a chest muscle injury. Bundee unlikely to be available for the Ospreys. With Tom already out, options in the centre are starting to look a bit thin.

In other news, I was listening to the latest craggy podcast last night and the mentioned the possibility of us ending up in a challenge cup quarter final? I hadn't heard about that previously. Knock out european rugby would be nice, and you'd fancy our chances if we have a healthy squad. All covid permitting obviously.

KBurke85 · 19-01-2021 12:43pm

https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/rugby-union/blow-connacht-sammy-arnold-surgery-23344823

Bit more info here no Bundee this weekend either

freyners · 19-01-2021 12:43pm

RonnieL wrote: »

Just saw some tweets about Sammy Arnold being out til April after having surgery on a chest muscle injury. Bundee unlikely to be available for the Ospreys. With Tom already out, options in the centre are starting to look a bit thin.

In other news, I was listening to the latest craggy podcast last night and the mentioned the possibility of us ending up in a challenge cup quarter final? I hadn't heard about that previously. Knock out european rugby would be nice, and you'd fancy our chances if we have a healthy squad. All covid permitting obviously.

I think it would be a last 16 round rather than a QF as there is 8 teams set to qualify out of the challenge cup already if it was to go ahead. Either the 42 or the IT had the notional draw based on ranking, etc and under it we would have Treviso away

connachta · 19-01-2021 12:54pm

Daly's is out? I guess (and hope) you talk about TOM Farrell...

Robb out too...

Daly/SOB 2.0 would be ok, but if Daly's out, who will be 12...

connachta · 19-01-2021 1:14pm

buck /duggan
heff /delahunt
beal /aungier (if back, if not mccoy)
dill /roux
thornbury
masterson /SOB (if passing HIA, if not s.masterson)
butler
boyle
blade /marms
carty
daly
sob 2.0
sullivan /o'donnell (if back, if not healy)
wootton
porch

KBurke85 · 19-01-2021 2:26pm

https://www.the42.ie/andy-friend-connacht-contract-bundee-aki-injury-5329077-Jan2021/

sounds positive that Friend will be staying

connachta · 19-01-2021 2:34pm

KBurke85 wrote: »

https://www.the42.ie/andy-friend-connacht-contract-bundee-aki-injury-5329077-Jan2021/

sounds positive that Friend will be staying

Well either Robb or Aki and we've got a highly competitive team on Sunday.

Purist98 · 19-01-2021 2:35pm

Would Shane Jennings be considered?

RonnieL · 19-01-2021 2:41pm

connachta wrote: »

Daly's is out? I guess (and hope) you talk about TOM Farrell...

Robb out too...

Daly/SOB 2.0 would be ok, but if Daly's out, who will be 12...

Sorry, yes I meant Tom Farrell

RonnieL · 19-01-2021 2:51pm

freyners wrote: »

I think it would be a last 16 round rather than a QF as there is 8 teams set to qualify out of the challenge cup already if it was to go ahead. Either the 42 or the IT had the notional draw based on ranking, etc and under it we would have Treviso away

Ah that makes more sense, and you'd take that draw, with a good chance of a favorable conditions to implement our preferred game plan. Getting slightly ahead of myself I know, but it's nice to day dream. Connacht for the double

PS: Here's the Irish Times piece I think you were referring to: https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/european-cup/champions-cup-likely-to-go-straight-to-last-16-after-temporary-suspension-1.4455639

realhorrorshow · 19-01-2021 3:30pm

Purist98 wrote: »

Would Shane Jennings be considered?

I'd like to think so but there's no evidence to suggest he's on the radar for senior appearances just yet.

freyners · 19-01-2021 5:04pm

RonnieL wrote: »

Ah that makes more sense, and you'd take that draw, with a good chance of a favorable conditions to implement our preferred game plan. Getting slightly ahead of myself I know, but it's nice to day dream. Connacht for the double

PS: Here's the Irish Times piece I think you were referring to: https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/european-cup/champions-cup-likely-to-go-straight-to-last-16-after-temporary-suspension-1.4455639

That's the one!

Buer · 20-01-2021 10:49am

Interesting comments from Dillane on RTE website this morning which suggest there was more of a collective/communication issue with the closing minutes of the Munster game than purely Boyle going off on a solo run:

"We had a scrum," Dillane told RTÉ Sport in relation to the Munster loss. "There was confusion, a bit of a mix-up. There were messages being sent down from above...people were unsure.

"The scrum was thinking, 'it’s going here’...by the time we looked up, we thought it was going to be a try. It ended up a bit different.

"We had an honest talk about it. We know we need to be clearer. It was disappointing obviously."

Following on from the Bristol miscalculation - "half the team didn’t know what we were going for" - the towering lock was asked what can be done to ensure there isn’t a repeat.

"It could just be one voice. Our skipper on the day brings everyone in together before the play so everyone has absolute clarity.

"Then we go in with a cool head, relaxed, and knowing what the process is."

molloyjh · 20-01-2021 1:41pm

Buer wrote: »

Interesting comments from Dillane on RTE website this morning which suggest there was more of a collective/communication issue with the closing minutes of the Munster game than purely Boyle going off on a solo run:

That doesnt sound good at all. Half the team not knowing what is happening at a crucial point in a game is very poor. It sounds like nobody really knows who is in charge when push comes to shove. Without any real leaders in that group this is an issue that will raise its head again and again. Maybe Aki is that guy when he is there, but you need a group of leaders rather than be relying on 1 guy.

serfboard · 20-01-2021 2:16pm

molloyjh wrote: »

That doesnt sound good at all. Half the team not knowing what is happening at a crucial point in a game is very poor.

Sounds amateurish to me - if you heard of this happening in an AIL game you mightn't be surprised, but in a professional outfit?

leakyboots · 20-01-2021 3:59pm

This isn't a dig at Connacht but you'd like to think if the shoe were on the other foot in either of those matches for Munster the likes of Billy Holland or POM would calmly make the correct call/move. Muldoon would have known too.

Whatever about half the team not knowing, there has to be a captain/leadership group who can make those calls and communicate them effectively.

Like Molloy said, poor leadership. It might be the toe in the hole they need to learn from it though.

KBurke85 · 22-01-2021 12:58pm

I see Frank Murphy is the ref on Sunday

FACECUTTR · 22-01-2021 1:19pm

How will the centres pair up Sunday ?
Daly and ?? If Bundee is not fit ? If he is Bundee at 13 Daly at 12 for me.
Back row is an odd one for me this week. Butler has to come back in. Big Papa is due a return too. Hopefully SOB passed his rtpp. Serious competition there now.
Wouldn't mind seeing Dowling on the bench at 19.
Half backs Carty and Blade.
Like to see Duggan get the start at LH with Buckley on the bench.
Delahunt and Heff
Bealham with Aungier on the bench.
Roux and Dillane
Back 3 Wootton, Porch and BOD.

connachta · 23-01-2021 1:04pm

Both teams close to full international contingent

Big moment for C.Fitz and Sullivan against that back-line
Confident about all others

Zzippy · 23-01-2021 4:37pm

KBurke85 wrote: »

I see Frank Murphy is the ref on Sunday

We'll have to make sure it's a comprehensive win, can't give him a chance to influence the result or Welsh rugby Twitter an excuse for losing...

ElisaAtWar · 23-01-2021 8:41pm

KBurke85 wrote: »

I see Frank Murphy is the ref on Sunday

The happiness that brings me is immeasurable

ElisaAtWar · 23-01-2021 8:51pm

One of the reasons she is TMO is because she is 4 months pregnant. Seriously. That surely must go down as the quote of the game

Burkie1203 · 23-01-2021 9:31pm

ElisaAtWar wrote: »

One of the reasons she is TMO is because she is 4 months pregnant. Seriously. That surely must go down as the quote of the game

I think he means that's why she isn't AR this season

ClanofLams · 23-01-2021 10:14pm

Zzippy wrote: »

We'll have to make sure it's a comprehensive win, can't give him a chance to influence the result or Welsh rugby Twitter an excuse for losing...

Welsh rugby twitter will Welsh rugby twitter regardless. Even if Connacht win by 20.

Zzippy · 23-01-2021 10:28pm

ElisaAtWar wrote: »

The happiness that brings me is immeasurable

If your life is that empty may I suggest taking up a hobby...

connachta · 23-01-2021 10:31pm

So Connacht definitely the only team able to beat Leinster :P

Shelflife · 24-01-2021 1:09pm

ElisaAtWar wrote: »

I firmly believe that a referee has it within his or her abilities to completely murder a game. And Frank has done this many times. Hence my groan before kickoff. I hadn't been aware he was the referee.

He's normally a half decent referee but he should not be involved in such a setup. He has legacy issues

ElisaAtWar wrote: »

I really don't know what Frank Murphy's issue is with Connacht. Did he feel he got screwed by Connacht. All that aside what a clueless performance by people in our team. If you are being hit by a referee you just take it and try and work around it. So many poor decisions made.

ElisaAtWar wrote: »

Been to many pro12/14 games. So I could take issue with the referee (don't mention my favorite referee). I think what upsets me the most is the lack of involvement by the linesman/ lines woman. There you standing in the Clan, and your in direct line with the lines person, and the infringement is so obvious. And it's not about one team or another. It's about fairness. How can a rugby game be fair if the right calls are not called. It's a huge frustration with the competence of how pro 14 games are run. As an example Ben Whitehouse is a joke at this stage. We need better referees and more importantly better assistants.

ElisaAtWar wrote: »

The happiness that brings me is immeasurable

ElisaAtWar wrote: »

One of the reasons she is TMO is because she is 4 months pregnant. Seriously. That surely must go down as the quote of the game

Your dislike of rugby officials is impressive !

Just wondering, do you have a law book/app ? have you read it at least once or do you base your impressions on what outcome you'd like as opposed to the correct outcome ?

its_phil · 24-01-2021 3:41pm

TG4 really is a massive difference to Eir. Lack of spoofing and a Connacht voice is lovely change.

Very lucky to have them covering our games.

CMcsporty · 24-01-2021 3:56pm

Why is Carty not playing?

its_phil · 24-01-2021 3:57pm

its_phil wrote: »

TG4 really is a massive difference to Eir. Lack of spoofing and a Connacht voice is lovely change.

Very lucky to have them covering our games.

That said Loughney doesn’t know Roux is out...

Burkie1203 · 24-01-2021 4:00pm

Barely a hint of a breeze and sunshine in Galway.

WTF

Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

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