Connacht Team Talk Thread V - The Friend Zone

Bazzo · 24-03-2020 11:01pm

Mul, it's over

b.gud wrote: »

https://www.the42.ie/aly-muldowney-connacht-retiring-5056419-Mar2020/

Interesting read. Not hard to deduce who didn't rate him, seems mad in retrospect. As far as I remember everyone on here was gutted that he was leaving at the time.

evil_seed · 25-03-2020 10:50am

The Friend Zone

Bazzo wrote: »

Interesting read. Not hard to deduce who didn't rate him, seems mad in retrospect. As far as I remember everyone on here was gutted that he was leaving at the time.

Jimmy Duffy. We can sling the mud no?

connachta · 25-03-2020 11:06am

Bazzo wrote: »

Interesting read. Not hard to deduce who didn't rate him, seems mad in retrospect. As far as I remember everyone on here was gutted that he was leaving at the time.

TBH he wasn't performing with either Grenoble or Bristol. It was maybe the right time to let him go, except a 1-year deal with salary drop...

irishgrover · 25-03-2020 12:36pm

connachta wrote:

TBH he wasn't performing with either Grenoble or Bristol. It was maybe the right time to let him go, except a 1-year deal with salary drop...

But he was absolutely performing with Connacht !

craggyrugby · 26-03-2020 3:14pm

If you are looking for something to brighten up ur afternoon, why not relax & listen to the Craggy Crew & Galway Bay FM rugby commentary team relive the buildup, full commentary & celebrations of the glorious PRO12 final win for Connacht over Leinster in 2016 - https://galwaybayfm.ie/podcasts/glorious-galway-connacht-20-10-leinster-2016-guinness-pro12-final-commentary/

Bazzo · 30-03-2020 6:54pm

Mul, it's over

https://twitter.com/TadhgLeader/status/1244675418738827267?s=19

Guessing Darragh Leader might be on the way out? A shame but with the injury record it felt inevitable.

Wegians89 · 30-03-2020 7:01pm

The Friend Zone

Bazzo wrote: »

https://twitter.com/TadhgLeader/status/1244675418738827267?s=19

Guessing Darragh Leader might be on the way out? A shame but with the injury record it felt inevitable.

A lot of unfulfilled potential there, feel the Mulinia signing stunted his growth in hindsight

ClanofLams · 30-03-2020 8:36pm

Mul, it's over

Wegians89 wrote: »

A lot of unfulfilled potential there, feel the Mulinia signing stunted his growth in hindsight

Agree on potential but not on Muliaina being cause of it. Leader has had plenty of time since the latter went, unfortunately just hasn’t been able to stay fit.

FACECUTTR · 30-03-2020 8:52pm

What a great player when fit. I wonder has somebody been signed so ?

macslash · 31-03-2020 11:55am

Mul, it's over

That's a pity. You would have to think there is someone lined up to come in. It's bigger the squad needs to get

FACECUTTR · 31-03-2020 1:17pm

Nice interview with big George
https://www.the42.ie/george-naoupu-connacht-gonzaga-5062227-Mar2020/

Wegians89 · 01-04-2020 11:33am

The Friend Zone

macslash wrote: »

That's a pity. You would have to think there is someone lined up to come in. It's bigger the squad needs to get

I’d say a first choice 15 will be targeted, toh had been playing well recently but feel he hasn’t really been challenged the last few years

KBurke85 · 01-04-2020 1:17pm

The Friend Zone

Wegians89 wrote: »

I’d say a first choice 15 will be targeted, toh had been playing well recently but feel he hasn’t really been challenged the last few years

In fairness none of us know how recruitment plans may be effected by the ongoing situation. The need for a bigger squad and the finances to achieve it may no longer match up

salmocab · 01-04-2020 1:21pm

KBurke85 wrote: »

In fairness none of us know how recruitment plans may be effected by the ongoing situation. The need for a bigger squad and the finances to achieve it may no longer match up

I’d say it’s very likely to affect overseas recruitment, especially any big signings.

MarinersBlues · 01-04-2020 2:18pm

Mul, it's over

salmocab wrote: »

I’d say it’s very likely to affect overseas recruitment, especially any big signings.

As much as our budget might fall overseas players earning potential will fall too.

NZ and Australia unions are in bigger trouble than us at the moment. The English clubs are slashing salarys but I'm not sure how the French sugar daddys are getting on.

salmocab · 01-04-2020 3:02pm

MarinersBlues wrote: »

As much as our budget might fall overseas players earning potential will fall too.

NZ and Australia unions are in bigger trouble than us at the moment. The English clubs are slashing salarys but I'm not sure how the French sugar daddys are getting on.

Actually fair point although I would think the irfu may want to circle the wagons so to speak with making the best of what’s currently here.

FACECUTTR · 02-04-2020 7:56pm

https://www.the42.ie/connacht-rugby-3-5064891-Apr2020/

connachta · 02-04-2020 8:03pm

Was desesperately calling for this since Naoupu, would be very happy if it happens!!!

ki · 03-04-2020 8:12am

Why look international for a no.8 when our owners the IRFU are sitting on 2 top class No. 8's in Deegan and Dorris in one regional team.

How can that be in the interest of the the international team? -> that question is for Nucifora, when he comes on here.

KBurke85 · 03-04-2020 9:45am

The Friend Zone

ki wrote: »

Why look international for a no.8 when our owners the IRFU are sitting on 2 top class No. 8's in Deegan and Dorris in one regional team.

How can that be in the interest of the the international team? -> that question is for Nucifora, when he comes on here.

It’s not just up to Nucifora. The player has to want to make the move too.

Wegians89 · 03-04-2020 10:20am

The Friend Zone

So there’s been links to weise, Arnold and Oliver. Any other names to add ?

ki · 03-04-2020 10:53am

KBurke85 wrote: »

It’s not just up to Nucifora. The player has to want to make the move too.

I know that, but Carberry did not seek out a move to Munster!

There are ways and means to achieve it if the IRFU wanted to to have a stronger Ireland team not just a strong regional team.

Boardmember101 · 03-04-2020 11:14am

Dowling, Adam Byrne and Brian Byrne. Brian out of contract and Adam cant get a run. Has fallen behind Kelleher, and he isnt getting much game time either.

sydthebeat · 03-04-2020 11:33am

The Friend Zone

ki wrote: »

Why look international for a no.8 when our owners the IRFU are sitting on 2 top class No. 8's in Deegan and Dorris in one regional team.

How can that be in the interest of the the international team? -> that question is for Nucifora, when he comes on here.

deegan, doris, and conan

however both deegan and doris have the ability of switch around the back row, generally at 7 and 6 respectively... so both may be happy to vie for those positions as well.

deegan has over 1000 minutes in this truncated season already... doris has over 750... and assuming at least one of conan and doris will be on ireland duty for a lot of coming the seasons, then there has to be a might big cherry for any of them to move.

realhorrorshow · 03-04-2020 1:45pm

Boardmember101 wrote: »

Dowling, Adam Byrne and Brian Byrne. Brian out of contract and Adam cant get a run. Has fallen behind Kelleher, and he isnt getting much game time either.

I feel like Adam Byrne could be very good if a coach backed him to play week in, week out. He would also make a good big wing/small wing partnership with Porch.

Diabhal Beag · 03-04-2020 4:56pm

Botha has never really impressed me. Would worry about another potential Copeland.

Buer · 03-04-2020 5:01pm

realhorrorshow wrote: »

I feel like Adam Byrne could be very good if a coach backed him to play week in, week out. He would also make a good big wing/small wing partnership with Porch.

Excellent aspects to his game but also significant weaknesses which he has never ironed out even when he has had a run in the team. He's still only 25 (about to turn 26) so there's time still but I think Connacht can do better.

I'd be looking at Barry Daly more than Adam Byrne to be honest. Far more rounded player. Equally effective in attack but far more astute defender. Horrendous injury record though which has to be considered.

Buer · 03-04-2020 5:28pm

Diabhal Beag wrote: »

Botha has never really impressed me. Would worry about another potential Copeland.

The phrase flat track bully comes to mind. He's talented, no doubt. But when Munster have come up against better opposition, he has been quite anonymous. There are squad players that have an ability to make a big impact on the game even when playing in a game many would consider to be above their level such as Billy Holland, Duncan Williams, Hanrahan etc. I don't really see Botha as that sort of guy. Once a team meets his brawn with similar aggression, he fades significantly.

Former Former · 03-04-2020 5:32pm

You've got a Friend in me

Neither Botha nor Adam Byrne would improve Connacht significantly. I'd also be surprised if Botha is allowed stay on given he's been capped for SA.

Wegians89 · 04-04-2020 6:23pm

The Friend Zone

Hadn’t seen any link to Adam Byrne, would be very happy with him coming in leader.

FACECUTTR · 04-04-2020 10:01pm

Wegians89 wrote: »

Hadn’t seen any link to Adam Byrne, would be very happy with him coming in leader.

This thread has turned very grotty all of a sudden......

jacothelad · 05-04-2020 9:48am

Wegians89 wrote: »

Hadn’t seen any link to Adam Byrne, would be very happy with him coming in leader.

Steady on.......Have they even been introduced?:D:D:D

Shefwedfan · 05-04-2020 11:55am

Buer wrote: »

Excellent aspects to his game but also significant weaknesses which he has never ironed out even when he has had a run in the team. He's still only 25 (about to turn 26) so there's time still but I think Connacht can do better.

I'd be looking at Barry Daly more than Adam Byrne to be honest. Far more rounded player. Equally effective in attack but far more astute defender. Horrendous injury record though which has to be considered.

The main gripe people have with Byrne is defence, he has worked on it and improved. But like a lot of players once he has an issue people seem to concentrate on it

Personally I don't see any major issues and he could be an incredible players for any province. He is more than capable of been a top winger in Pro 14 and in the group stage of Champions Cup, its when he comes up against the top/top teams he can be found out sometimes and still has some issues with defence, but nothing like when he first broke into the team

He was playing well last season and then picked up injury, as mentioned dropped down the ranking and at thsi stage for himself he would be better to move on. If Connacht dont pick him up I would expect a number of English team will.

connemara man · 05-04-2020 12:05pm

The Friend Zone

Shefwedfan wrote: »

The main gripe people have with Byrne is defence, he has worked on it and improved. But like a lot of players once he has an issue people seem to concentrate on it

Personally I don't see any major issues and he could be an incredible players for any province. He is more than capable of been a top winger in Pro 14 and in the group stage of Champions Cup, its when he comes up against the top/top teams he can be found out sometimes and still has some issues with defence, but nothing like when he first broke into the team

He was playing well last season and then picked up injury, as mentioned dropped down the ranking and at thsi stage for himself he would be better to move on. If Connacht dont pick him up I would expect a number of English team will.

Just about the bolded bit. Connacht have the players for this. But we don't have the big game changers in depth. We need more players especially in the back three and back row that will leave an impact on a game and Byrne as much as he's improved isn't that.

Shefwedfan · 05-04-2020 12:31pm

connemara man wrote: »

Just about the bolded bit. Connacht have the players for this. But we don't have the big game changers in depth. We need more players especially in the back three and back row that will leave an impact on a game and Byrne as much as he's improved isn't that.

Do they?

I would classify Byrne as a quality player who can help get a team out of the group, probably a Qtr but in a semi/final he is just lacking.

I watched Connacht a few times this season, all the games I could in europe and in Pro14, I would have thought the type of Byrne would be a welcome addition, maybe I am wrong?

Wegians89 · 05-04-2020 1:47pm

The Friend Zone

Just to clarify I meant Byrne coming in for leaders place in the squad hahah

The prospect of carty cross field kicks to Byrne on the wing could be a serious weapon for connachts attack, if Byrne were to join.

connachta · 05-04-2020 2:05pm

Wegians89 wrote: »

Just to clarify I meant Byrne coming in for leaders place in the squad hahah .

You wrote the truth vey well at 1st place, that's why Leader is flying away :pac:

Wegians89 · 05-04-2020 2:31pm

The Friend Zone

McAllister Buckley Burke
Heff delahunt Byrne* Murphy
Bealham McCoy Kenny Burke/Solonoa *

Thornbury dillane Murray
Roux Maksymiw Dowling*

Sob masterson gallagher
Butler Oliver*
Weise* Boyle mckeon

Marmion blade kerins Reilly
Carty Fitz dean
Healy Porch
Bundee Robb Daly
Farrell Arnold*
Byrne* Niyi
Toh Fitz de buitlear

With academy players pushing :
Duggan
DTM
S masterson
Sob 3.0
Sullivan
Hayes
McNulty

Would be very happy with that squad, feel it’d be one of the most impress summers of recruitment if it happens

FACECUTTR · 05-04-2020 7:46pm

If we picked up all of those it would be unreal.

gally74 · 05-04-2020 8:28pm

The Friend Zone

Wegians89 wrote: »

McAllister Buckley Burke
Heff delahunt Byrne* Murphy
Bealham McCoy Kenny Burke/Solonoa *

Thornbury dillane Murray
Roux Maksymiw Dowling*

Sob masterson gallagher
Butler Oliver*
Weise* Boyle mckeon

Marmion blade kerins Reilly
Carty Fitz dean
Healy Porch
Bundee Robb Daly
Farrell Arnold*
Byrne* Niyi
Toh Fitz de buitlear

With academy players pushing :
Duggan
DTM
S masterson
Sob 3.0
Sullivan
Hayes
McNulty

Would be very happy with that squad, feel it’d be one of the most impress summers of recruitment if it happens[/

I wouldnt rush recruitment, if this runs on thru next winter, the bigger teams will have to unload lots of expensive players, france, england, leinster, corona will level the budgets .....

Shefwedfan · 05-04-2020 9:20pm

gally74 wrote: »

I wouldnt rush recruitment, if this runs on thru next winter, the bigger teams will have to unload lots of expensive players, france, england, leinster, corona will level the budgets .....

If Leinster get hit then Connacht will get hit as well.

Don't see how Connacht would be in a position to buy players if Leinster/munster have to release due to budget issues?

Wegians89 · 05-04-2020 10:51pm

The Friend Zone

Shefwedfan wrote: »

If Leinster get hit then Connacht will get hit as well.

Don't see how Connacht would be in a position to buy players if Leinster/munster have to release due to budget issues?

I would expect Connacht to be hit harder than the likes of Leinster/Munster if there is a serious impact

MarinersBlues · 06-04-2020 10:54am

Mul, it's over

Wegians89 wrote: »

I would expect Connacht to be hit harder than the likes of Leinster/Munster if there is a serious impact

It's all relative.

If everyone gets hit, there are less playing positions available for the same amount of players.

This is a global situation it's not happening in isolation. Bigger clubs reducing their squads makes more players available for the other clubs.

If all clubs are affected financially then the only change is a bigger player pool to compete for.

salmocab · 06-04-2020 11:35am

MarinersBlues wrote: »

It's all relative.

If everyone gets hit, there are less playing positions available for the same amount of players.

This is a global situation it's not happening in isolation. Bigger clubs reducing their squads makes more players available for the other clubs.

If all clubs are affected financially then the only change is a bigger player pool to compete for.

Surely if everyone is hit financially then Connacht are likely to be as strapped for cash as the clubs releasing the players? It’s hard to know what the outcome will be but I’d suspect smaller squads will be an outcome alright but I don’t really see who can profit without having cash available.
That said the irfu may help with moving a couple of lower profile players around to help things short term.

ki · 06-04-2020 11:53am

NIQ's from all regions need to be looked at first, if cuts are coming. Make room for the lower cost academy players to come through.

It will put pressure on Musters 2 new SA signings. If the ink is not dry the contracts they could get pulled.

This situation could be the start of a draft from the academies, with the players going where they are needed rather than progressing to over-stacked teams.

salmocab · 06-04-2020 12:05pm

ki wrote: »

NIQ's from all regions need to be looked at first, if cuts are coming. Make room for the lower cost academy players to come through.

It will put pressure on Musters 2 new SA signings. If the ink is not dry the contracts they could get pulled.

This situation could be the start of a draft from the academies, with the players going where they are needed rather than progressing to over-stacked teams.

The provinces run their own academy they’re not going to bother properly if the players can be taken away.

Squidgy Black · 06-04-2020 12:11pm

ki wrote: »

NIQ's from all regions need to be looked at first, if cuts are coming. Make room for the lower cost academy players to come through.

It will put pressure on Musters 2 new SA signings. If the ink is not dry the contracts they could get pulled.

This situation could be the start of a draft from the academies, with the players going where they are needed rather than progressing to over-stacked teams.

Draft system would never work unless the IRFU are going to set up a consolidated academy that's independent from the academies. The whole point of the academies in their current form is for provinces to develop players for their own teams, I can't see any being ok with investing time and money into players to then stick them into a general pool where other provinces can pick and choose from.

That and the fact the financial benefits of the likes of an American sport draft aren't there for players to be keen to move away from their families and friends. It's a whole different ball game getting picked in say the NFL or NHL draft where you're signing for hundreds of thousands a year starting off compared to an academy contract of less than 25k.

salmocab · 06-04-2020 12:20pm

Squidgy Black wrote: »

Draft system would never work unless the IRFU are going to set up a consolidated academy that's independent from the academies. The whole point of the academies in their current form is for provinces to develop players for their own teams, I can't see any being ok with investing time and money into players to then stick them into a general pool where other provinces can pick and choose from.

That and the fact the financial benefits of the likes of an American sport draft aren't there for players to be keen to move away from their families and friends. It's a whole different ball game getting picked in say the NFL or NHL draft where you're signing for hundreds of thousands a year starting off compared to an academy contract of less than 25k.

Plus it would require some people to move to a different country.

gally74 · 08-04-2020 5:16am

The Friend Zone

bit sad to see this fella gone, met him a few times in the tent before amd after 2016, he was always a gentleman, had hoped he might settle here, but best of luck to him,

1 foot short in the pro 12 final,

Pulled his hammy going for a try in front of the clan,

Hopefully he will be back at some point to recieve a clap even in a years time at half time,,,

Freak

https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/rugby/connachts-mccartney-to-hang-up-boots-992566.html

testtech05 · 08-04-2020 8:43am

Some Like It TOH

gally74 wrote: »

bit sad to see this fella gone, met him a few times in the tent before amd after 2016, he was always a gentleman, had hoped he might settle here, but best of luck to him,

1 foot short in the pro 12 final,

Pulled his hammy going for a try in front of the clan,

Hopefully he will be back at some point to recieve a clap even in a years time at half time,,,

Freak

https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/rugby/connachts-mccartney-to-hang-up-boots-992566.html

Very said to see Tom's stay ended like that, as you said hopefully he gets a proper farewell at some stage. He was a great signing.
News to me but according to that article Eoin McKeon has retired too, he is listed at the bottom, do they mean Eoin Griffin? Even though he wasn't in the squad in 2016 when we wont the league.

Connacht Team Talk Thread V - The Friend Zone

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