Connacht Team Talk Thread V - The Friend Zone

ionadnapokot · 19-01-2020 5:28pm

Good Rob Kearney impression there from Healy
Jeesh!

Bazzo · 19-01-2020 5:44pm

Mul, it's over

Ah Jack!!

stephen_n · 19-01-2020 5:47pm

Finally get the ball back and miss touch from the penalty, that’s criminal.

ClanofLams · 19-01-2020 5:48pm

Mul, it's over

Bundee has had an impressive game.

testtech05 · 19-01-2020 5:50pm

Some Like It TOH

Couple of mistakes from Jack today but overall much better and closet to last year's form!

Bazzo · 19-01-2020 5:54pm

Mul, it's over

Absolute sickener...

RobbieRuns · 19-01-2020 5:54pm

Close but not close enough

RobbieRuns · 19-01-2020 6:01pm

Great effort

Bazzo · 19-01-2020 6:02pm

Mul, it's over

Ah balls, very disappointing result but I think the team can be proud of that performance. Thought for sure they'd score at the end there.

Diabhal Beag · 19-01-2020 6:04pm

Fair sick of brave defeats

RobbieRuns · 19-01-2020 6:08pm

Did way better than I thought they would. Marmion back was huge. Jack a mixture of skill, quick thinking and the odd brain fart.

Still proud of that effort, i prefer brave defeat to getting hammered. At 21-0 down it shows real character. They are all ready for a break.

testtech05 · 19-01-2020 6:10pm

Some Like It TOH

RobbieRuns wrote: »

Did way better than I thought they would. Marmion back was huge. Jack a mixture of skill, quick thinking and the odd brain fart.

Still proud of that effort, i prefer brave defeat to getting hammered. At 21-0 down it shows real character. They are all ready for a break.

At least we showed a bit of invention again too and that we can score tries

Bazzo · 19-01-2020 7:02pm

Mul, it's over

Like I said sickening result and if they'd woken up before 20 minutes into the match I reckon they'd have cruised it. Disappointing but definitely better than the dross over Christmas, hopefully the break does them good.

Few people have hopefully given Andy Farrell a gentle reminder they still exist, Carty and Marmion for sure. Bundee showing exactly why Ireland handed him a 3 year central contract.

Edit: side note, another concussion for Kenny? Not great, give him a good break to recover (thankfully he'll get a least a month but with Bealham and Roberson-McCoy I'd give him more.)

realhorrorshow · 19-01-2020 9:16pm

Missed the game today, can anyone give me a synopsis?

MarinersBlues · 19-01-2020 9:32pm

Mul, it's over

realhorrorshow wrote: »

Missed the game today, can anyone give me a synopsis?

We were level.
Then we were losing by LOADS.
Then we were level.
Then we were winning by a bit.
Then they were winning by a small bit.
Then we were winning by a small bit.
Then they were winning by a bit.
Then it looked like we were going to win by a small bit.
But we didn't - they won by a bit.

typhoony · 20-01-2020 1:33pm

Marmion was great yesterday, if only his box kicking was better he'd be ahead of any other scrum-half in Ireland

FACECUTTR · 20-01-2020 1:45pm

typhoony wrote: »

Marmion was great yesterday, if only his box kicking was better he'd be ahead of any other scrum-half in Ireland

Hopefully that box kicking game that Schmidt implimented is gone with the new set up. We were over reliant on it. Marmion is a wonderful player delighted to have him back.

ClanofLams · 20-01-2020 5:57pm

Mul, it's over

17 Edinburgh players in Scotland six nations squad. There is a six nations game on the same weekend as Edinburgh away so they might get a few back but majority likely to be needed. That’s really a must win.

realhorrorshow · 20-01-2020 6:09pm

Four Connacht players in the Ireland u20 squad.

Josh Dunne is in year two of the academy having come through the IQ rugby program. Has played second row and all three back row positions this year, but is primarily an 8. Big guy with good rugby intelligence.

Cathal Forde is a year underage, can play 12 but is mainly an outhalf. Talented footballer.

Diarmuid Kilgallen is a powerful back who has played a lot of 13 for Wegians this year but mainly on the wing for the Eagles.

Oran McNulty also came through IQ rugby and signed at the same time as Dunne. Short but explosive steppy wing/fullback.

Lucas Culliton was in the original squad but didn't make the cut, maybe injured. Tall, athletic second/back row.

Edit: Forgot about Shane Jennings who was also in the original squad, extremely talented outside back but also quite raw, will play with Ireland u19s this spring.

Lucas44 · 20-01-2020 7:38pm

connachta wrote: »

Sarries relegated, we definitely have to go for Cameron Boon

Why? We have two second rows that are better a year apart of him.. this is the problem in connacht too much focus on bringing in others and not concentrated on developing our young players with good coaching

connachta · 20-01-2020 11:19pm

Lucas44 wrote: »

Why? We have two second rows that are better a year apart of him.. this is the problem in connacht too much focus on bringing in others and not concentrated on developing our young players with good coaching

Because Dillane is Irish-bound and when 1 of Roux/Thornbury is out, we're immediately in troubles. Boon will provide extra choice competing with Murray and Macksymiw

ClanofLams · 21-01-2020 2:47am

Mul, it's over

Think second row is least of issues. Murray and Maksymiw will hopefully progress, three internationals ahead of them.

connachta · 21-01-2020 10:04am

ClanofLams wrote: »

Think second row is least of issues. Murray and Maksymiw will hopefully progress, three internationals ahead of them.

Basically (for now) only 3 players up to the European standard in an attritional position

blackhound · 21-01-2020 10:53am

connachta wrote: »

Basically (for now) only 3 players up to the European standard in an attritional position

To be fair when you look at the other provinces that's pretty much the norm except for maybe Leinster who have slightly better depth but even then not massively so.

We've been unlucky in that we rarely have all three of our first choice locks available at once but I like that we are giving game time to the likes of Murray.

If we are to get out the checkbook for next season I'd be more concerned with a backrow replacement for Fainga'a who can take on some of the ball carrying responsibilities and a little more depth at prop.

testtech05 · 21-01-2020 2:08pm

Some Like It TOH

Some nice clips from the weekend here, including that almost try from near our own 22.....
https://twitter.com/the2ndRow/status/1219376828693078021?s=09

Mr Tickle · 21-01-2020 2:33pm

testtech05 wrote: »

Some nice clips from the weekend here, including that almost try from near our own 22.....
https://twitter.com/the2ndRow/status/1219376828693078021?s=09

That last one was inches from being an amazing try. If the last kick had bounced even slightly more infield Godwin or Marmion would have had it.

macslash · 21-01-2020 5:55pm

Mul, it's over

Did Pollard check Porch there or was it legit? That would have been an insane try

testtech05 · 21-01-2020 10:10pm

Some Like It TOH

Interesting comments from Dave on the 42 this evening.
‘I ended up feeling sorry for myself, now I’m ready to take my second chance’ https://the42.ie/4974470

dropping_bombs · 22-01-2020 11:31am

testtech05 wrote: »

Interesting comments from Dave on the 42 this evening.
‘I ended up feeling sorry for myself, now I’m ready to take my second chance’ https://the42.ie/4974470

That's a great article. Heffernan always comes across as a really interesting, down to earth character. Hopefully he gets game time during the Six Nations, and does himself justice.

theintern · 22-01-2020 11:40am

macslash wrote: »

Did Pollard check Porch there or was it legit? That would have been an insane try

No arm tackle for me.

That makes it foul play for sure, probably penalty only, and Connacht did get advantage from it. But it doesn't feel right that Pollard effectively got away with it.

Bazzo · 24-01-2020 11:59pm

Mul, it's over

https://twitter.com/connachtrugby/status/1220662484706656256?s=19

Quietly going about a very impressive season. For me I think it's very hard to leave him out of a first choice back row now.

realhorrorshow · 25-01-2020 12:50am

Article on Oran McNulty https://www.the42.ie/oran-mcnulty-exiles-ireland-u20-fullback-4976845-Jan2020/

Poorside · 25-01-2020 12:51am

Bazzo wrote: »

https://twitter.com/connachtrugby/status/1220662484706656256?s=19

Quietly going about a very impressive season. For me I think it's very hard to leave him out of a first choice back row now.

Should be in the wider Irish squad.

FACECUTTR · 27-01-2020 9:15pm

Do some of the coaches contracts end this season ?

ClanofLams · 27-01-2020 9:34pm

Mul, it's over

FACECUTTR wrote: »

Do some of the coaches contracts end this season ?

No, they all renewed last season until end of next season.

FACECUTTR · 27-01-2020 9:39pm

ClanofLams wrote: »

No, they all renewed last season until end of next season.

Good stuff.
Gone quiet again on the stadium funding. Hopefully they get started as soon as the season finishes.

RobbieRuns · 27-01-2020 10:20pm

New stadium works start in July

Bazzo · 27-01-2020 10:26pm

Mul, it's over

Phase one is just putting down the new pitch isn't it? I suppose they could start work on the new gym facilities etc once that's done during the season as the training pitch won't be needed any more.

KBurke85 · 28-01-2020 10:33am

The Friend Zone

Bazzo wrote: »

Phase one is just putting down the new pitch isn't it? I suppose they could start work on the new gym facilities etc once that's done during the season as the training pitch won't be needed any more.

Think that was the plan, replace the pitch and then build the new training centre. After that they'll work on the stadium

Burkie1203 · 28-01-2020 3:15pm

Mul, it's over

Faingaa confirmed to Lyon

Wegians89 · 28-01-2020 3:19pm

The Friend Zone

Burkie1203 wrote: »

Faingaa confirmed to Lyon

Balls

FACECUTTR · 28-01-2020 3:28pm

Burkie1203 wrote: »

Faingaa confirmed to Lyon

This makes me sad

realhorrorshow · 28-01-2020 3:41pm

Burkie1203 wrote: »

Faingaa confirmed to Lyon

Where did you see that?

Burkie1203 · 28-01-2020 3:42pm

Mul, it's over

realhorrorshow wrote: »

Where did you see that?

Linley McKenzie on twitter

testtech05 · 28-01-2020 4:29pm

Some Like It TOH

I knew it was coming but still very disappointing news!

realhorrorshow · 28-01-2020 4:34pm

Ages are at start of next season

Loosehead

Denis Buckley (30) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019
Matthew Burke (23) - Signed contract in 2019
Paddy McAllister (31) - Signed contract in 2019
Peter McCabe (28) - Signed short term contract in 2019

Jordan Duggan (22) - Academy year 2

Tighthead

Finlay Bealham (29) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019
Rory Burke (26) - Signed contract in 2019
Conor Kenny (24) - Signed contract in 2019
Dominic Robertson-McCoy (26) - Signed contract in 2018

Hooker

Shane Delahunt (26) - Signed contract in 2019
Dave Heffernan (29) - Signed contract in 2019
Tom McCartney (34) - Signed 3 year contract in 2017
Jonny Murphy (28) - Signed contract in 2018

Declan Adamson (21) - Academy year 1
Dylan Tierney-Martin (21) - Academy year 2

Lock

Ultan Dillane (26) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019
Cillian Gallagher (23) - Signed contract in 2018
Joe Maksymiw (24) - Signed contract in 2018
Quinn Roux (29) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019
Gavin Thornbury (26) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019

Niall Murray (20) - Academy year 2

Back row

Paul Boyle (23) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019
Jarrad Butler (29) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Robin Copeland (32) - Signed 2 year contract in 2018
Colby Fainga'a (29) - Signed contract with Lyon for next season
Eoghan Masterson (27) - Signed 2 year contract in 2018
Eoin McKeon (29) - Signed contract in 2019
Sean O'Brien (25) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020

Joshua Dunne (20) - Academy year 2
Sean Masterson (22) - Academy year 3
Oisin McCormack (19) - Academy year 1
Mikey Wilson (23) - Academy year 2

Scrumhalf

Caolin Blade (26) - Signed contract in 2018
Stephen Kerins (24) - Signed contract in 2019
Angus Lloyd (27) - Signed contract in 2019
Kieran Marmion (28) - Signed 3 year contract in 2020

Colm Reilly (21) - Academy year 2

Outhalf

Jack Carty (28) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019
Conor Fitzgerald (22) - Signed contract in 2019
Dave Horwitz (25) - Signed contract in 2018

Luke Carty (22) - Academy year 3
Conor Dean (22) - Academy year 2

Centre

Bundee Aki (29) - Signed 3 year central contract in 2020
Tom Daly (27) - Signed contract in 2019
Tom Farrell (26) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Kyle Godwin (28) - Signed contract in 2018
Peter Robb (26) - Signed contract in 2019

Shane Jennings (19) - Academy year 1
Sean O'Brien (22) - Academy year 2

Back 3

Niyi Adeolokun (29) - Signed contract in 2019
Stephen Fitzgerald (24) - Signed contract in 2019
Will Goddard (21) - Signed short term contract in 2019
Matt Healy (31) - Signed 2 year contract in 2018
Darragh Leader (27) - Signed contract in 2018
Tiernan O'Halloran (29) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
John Porch (26) - Signed contract in 2019
Peter Sullivan (22) - Signed short term contract in 2019

Colm de Buitléar (22) - Academy year 3
Hugh Lane (21) - Academy year 1
Oran McNulty (20) - Academy year 2

irishgrover · 28-01-2020 5:25pm

I'll be honest, I have a huge problem reconciling Denis being 30... In my head he's still a young fella, not an elder of the squad.... I'm suddenly feeling like an old fella

Former Coach · 29-01-2020 9:28am

Mul, it's over

https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/id-be-open-to-playing-at-any-of-the-provinces-ian-madigan-open-to-ireland-return-after-four-years-away-38905220.html

Squidgy Black · 29-01-2020 9:46am

Former Coach wrote: »

https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/the-left-wing/id-be-open-to-playing-at-any-of-the-provinces-ian-madigan-open-to-ireland-return-after-four-years-away-38905220.html

I feel bad for Madigan in a sense, was probably hard done by with MOC in Leinster, but his stock has plummeted immensely over the last couple of years. His stint in France wasn't great and then Pat Lam made the mental decision of bringing him over to Bristol on a massive contract in the championship to hold the ship together until Sheedy was ready, and is now 3rd on the depth chart despite being one of their highest paid players.

He'd probably be a decent utility back as a squad player for a province but he's 31 in a couple months and hasn't played regularly in top flight rugby since 2017.

connemara man · 29-01-2020 9:54am

The Friend Zone

Could see him going to Munster TBH. Carberry injury prone, TB constantly injured, Hanrahan good but has his flaws and Healy doesn't seem ready or trusted for the starting 15

Connacht Team Talk Thread V - The Friend Zone

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