Connacht Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread - Part II

CatFromHue · 01-03-2015 8:42pm

Big game next week in Cardiff.

S12b · 01-03-2015 8:45pm

Inspector Coptoor wrote: »

7 tries
5 points.
A masterclass in kicking from the tee from Ronaldson
Players taken off early and rested

A great nights work

And Robbie MOTM scoring the winning try for Ireland.....not a bad day at all!!

ouncer · 01-03-2015 8:53pm

If I were to ask a question its Finn and bealham. Rodney has not been great and dani is obviously a better winger than centre.

connachta · 01-03-2015 9:10pm

freyners wrote: »

Healy for lions.

Ronaldson for ireland

Lam for freedom of galway

With a more realistic approach I'd say

Henshaw for Lions in the near future
Healy and Poolman in the extended Irish squad (more than Leader IMO)
TOH may well push Mils/leader out of the first XV
Ronaldson for 10, undoubtedly (open play and kicking from the tee were class act, and TOH/Leader/Porter can find touch if he's bothered by his recent injury)

oneofakind32 · 01-03-2015 9:16pm

CatFromHue wrote: »

Big game next week in Cardiff.

Looking at next weekend's fixtures, if we beat Blues that would take them all but out of top 6 contention. If Leinster can beat Scarlets it will really hurt their chances of 6th.

Watching Robbie today made me realise how much we have been missing him. If we can get him back from the 6N uninjured and Bundi back fit, we could be looking at huge end to the season.

Borders no.2 · 01-03-2015 9:32pm

oneofakind32 wrote: »

Looking at next weekend's fixtures, if we beat Blues that would take them all but out of top 6 contention. If Leinster can beat Scarlets it will really hurt their chances of 6th.

Watching Robbie today made me realise how much we have been missing him. If we can get him back from the 6N uninjured and Bundi back fit, we could be looking at huge end to the season.

Being honest even if we lost to Blues I think we should finish ahead of them as they have a rotten run in but it is another very significant game. Being honest we are unlikely to get much away to Munster and we have 3 sides chasing the play offs to come to Galway so Cardiff and Zebre are the most winnable games.

Looking at Cardiff and Edinburgh earlier I think Edinburgh had enough to win that game but Cardiff struck at good times and got a few breaks. I think Cardiff is very winnable if Connacht go there with conviction they can score trys. Defence wasn't tested tonight but wasn't good enough the two weeks previous so will need to be better in that area.

typhoony · 01-03-2015 10:17pm

not sure of the logistics of it but if Donnybrook was available it would be big advantage if they could train there for a few days.

oneofakind32 · 01-03-2015 10:20pm

typhoony wrote: »

not sure of the logistics of it but if Donnybrook was available it would be big advantage if they could train there for a few days.

Thats would be a matter for the Leinster Branch, could be a lot of politics involved. Ditto for UCD. Might be easier to rent out Drum, Salthill Devon's ground for the day but I don't know if that is the same type of pitch.

ouncer · 01-03-2015 10:23pm

connachta wrote: »

Healy for Ireland, TOH for IrEland, and now Ronaldson for Ireland:D

Healy very impressive.

wp_rathead · 02-03-2015 1:40am

TOH very impressive
Also thought whole backline played better when Finn came on and moved to centre and Poolman went to wing (nothing against Niyi)

death1234567 · 02-03-2015 12:17pm

d-gal wrote: »

We should really have the attitude of chasing 4th and 5th. We are only 5points behind Ospreys now and 7points off 4th.
6 point cushion on Scarlets and 10 on Edinburgh

No we shouldn't. Scarlets have a much easier run in than Connacht and it's going to be touch and go to stay ahead of them. Getting 6th should be the focus.

evil_seed · 02-03-2015 12:46pm

d-gal wrote: »

We should really have the attitude of chasing 4th and 5th. We are only 5points behind Ospreys now and 7points off 4th.
6 point cushion on Scarlets and 10 on Edinburgh

Agreed. Why not go hell for leather for one of those. You never achieve anything if you don't raise your goals

Zzippy · 02-03-2015 1:06pm

I think the team have been looking upwards all season, not just targeting 6th, but I wonder if at times they got a bit cocky and didn't take the other teams going for 6th seriously - the loss to Edinburgh and draw with Cardiff particularly. We have a much tougher run-in - we need to realise that we're not guaranteed wins against any team - and need to target every game like a cup final. Zebre and Cardiff are must-win games, and we will probably need at least one more win. Ulster at home is the best chance of that, maybe Ospreys in the last game if they have already secured a playoff spot and can't be overtaken, but that's not looking likely.

its_phil · 02-03-2015 1:08pm

I'd love to finish 4th/5th as much as anyone, but I do think we need to be measured in our approach right now. Just keeping Scarlets (who have an easier run in) at a push should be the immediate target by just winning. The Ospreys will welcome back a lot of players after the 6N and will be stronger again. Our season depends on staying strong at home and beating Zebre and Cardiff away while hoping Scarlets continue to be awful away from home. One game at a time.

Heard Bundee will be back for Gloucester and the team are desperate to win the trophy.

connachta · 02-03-2015 1:40pm

Cardiif isn't easy to play away. Connacht must benefit more of the " Sportsground effect" to beat two of Glasgow/Ospreys/Ulster at home. All those are winnable, these teams are less impressive than they were in the past few years

connachta · 02-03-2015 6:49pm

Never correct to rejoice about injuries, but those two could really help Connacht "Josh Navidi and Lucas Amorosino were injury victims"

connachta · 02-03-2015 6:53pm

Cuthbert, Anscombe, Kristian Dacey, Scott Andrews and Cory Allen have all been made available for selection for Friday night's home Guinness PRO12 clash with Connacht Rugby

If only Joe could do the same with Henshaw, in exchange we could rest him against Munster/Gloucester

wp_rathead · 02-03-2015 7:38pm

connachta wrote: »

Cuthbert, Anscombe, Kristian Dacey, Scott Andrews and Cory Allen have all been made available for selection for Friday night's home Guinness PRO12 clash with Connacht Rugby

If only Joe could do the same with Henshaw, in exchange we could rest him against Munster/Gloucester

Never in a million years gonna happen
None of those Welsh players started vs France

RobbieRuns · 02-03-2015 11:19pm

Robbie hurt his ankle anyway, I was worried for him. Look at the bandage around his ankle when he scores that try. He needs a rest between those test matches.

S12b · 03-03-2015 11:32am

High praise for Henshaw!!

http://www.allblacks.com/News/26797/nine-things-the-all-blacks-might-have-noticed-about-the-six-nations

thomond2006 · 03-03-2015 12:40pm

I think the emergence of Garry Ringrose as a potential star could be good news for Connacht. He might get opportunities in the Pro12 during the World Cup and if he comes good Leinster might forget about signing Henshaw. Plus Ben T'eo looks like a quality prospect. Then there's Madigan, Fitzgerald and Reid who can play in the centre. Ulster have centres coming out of their ears while Keith Earls is flourishing at 13 right now for Munster.

It might be the best use of resources for Team Ireland if Henshaw remains at Connacht.

Bridge93 · 03-03-2015 1:00pm

thomond2006 wrote: »

I think the emergence of Garry Ringrose as a potential star could be good news for Connacht. He might get opportunities in the Pro12 during the World Cup and if he comes good Leinster might forget about signing Henshaw. Plus Ben T'eo looks like a quality prospect. Then there's Madigan, Fitzgerald and Reid who can play in the centre. Ulster have centres coming out of their ears while Keith Earls is flourishing at 13 right now for Munster.

It might be the best use of resources for Team Ireland if Henshaw remains at Connacht.

Are Munster not the ones supposedly sniffing after him now?
They're one injury away with Earls from back to scraping the barrel, and Earls back on the wing would be nice from Munsters point of view.

total former · 03-03-2015 1:02pm

thomond2006 wrote: »

I think the emergence of Garry Ringrose as a potential star could be good news for Connacht. He might get opportunities in the Pro12 during the World Cup and if he comes good Leinster might forget about signing Henshaw. Plus Ben T'eo looks like a quality prospect. Then there's Madigan, Fitzgerald and Reid who can play in the centre. Ulster have centres coming out of their ears while Keith Earls is flourishing at 13 right now for Munster.

It might be the best use of resources for Team Ireland if Henshaw remains at Connacht.

Leinster have never shown any interest in Henshaw.

thomond2006 · 03-03-2015 1:04pm

Bridge93 wrote: »

Are Munster not the ones supposedly sniffing after him now?
They're one injury away with Earls from back to scraping the barrel, and Earls back on the wing would be nice from Munsters point of view.

Munster have plenty wingers on the books so I'm not sure if Earls will be a full-time winger.

total former wrote: »

Leinster have never shown any interest in Henshaw.

But the indo said it...

03-03-2015 1:09pm

thomond2006 wrote: »

I think the emergence of Garry Ringrose as a potential star could be good news for Connacht. He might get opportunities in the Pro12 during the World Cup and if he comes good Leinster might forget about signing Henshaw. Plus Ben T'eo looks like a quality prospect. Then there's Madigan, Fitzgerald and Reid who can play in the centre. Ulster have centres coming out of their ears while Keith Earls is flourishing at 13 right now for Munster.

It might be the best use of resources for Team Ireland if Henshaw remains at Connacht.

Blow your shmoke up someone else's hole for a bit! Leave the kid at at it.

thomond2006 · 03-03-2015 1:18pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Blow your shmoke up someone else's hole for a bit! Leave the kid at at it.

Bit harsh

its_phil · 03-03-2015 1:21pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Blow your shmoke up someone else's hole for a bit! Leave the kid at at it.

Don't think it's smoke, the boy is going to be the real deal and the sooner Leinster start playing him the better. It's why I think Leinster dot need Henshaw, they've got their own homemade 13 who they can develop

phog · 03-03-2015 1:43pm

Not sure what to make of this - from the Indo

Concern as Connacht disband schools squad

Last Tuesday a meeting was held in Galway between the schools representatives and new Connacht domestic rugby manager Eric Elwood.

Those involved in running schools rugby were informed that, from next season, the CBIRFU will not be competing in the schools interprovincial series.

Inteead, they will be fielding one squad under the banner U-18s as part of the youths tournament.

Confirmation from the Connacht Branch followed, informing those on the ground voicing concerns which at least warrant debate, that "the decision the Branch have made at this time is to play under the banner of Connacht U-18 and play in the youths competition. An open mind will be kept to regularly review this situation"

While clearly the bottom-line objective is to do what is best for Connacht rugby going forward, it is the unnecessary haste surrounding this decision, without proper debate or notification, that rankles with those currently working on nursing the next generation of Robbie Henshaws through.

Timing is everything, we know, but that concern is heartfelt.

Robbo · 03-03-2015 2:42pm

Leader, Muliaina to be available for Friday.

The Lost Sheep · 03-03-2015 3:11pm

phog wrote: »

Not sure what to make of this - from the Indo

It might be better for Connacht. They use the same squad in both the youths and schools competitions and with the IRFU wanting to move the youths interpros a few weeks earlier in the season its better for Connacht.

b.gud · 03-03-2015 3:40pm

Robbo wrote: »

Leader, Muliaina to be available for Friday.

Call me crazy but after reading that update I'm actually feeling a bit better about our chances against Munster. Assuming we get the players back that they expect, and no one else gets injured between here and then, touch wood grab a rabbits foot etc, then we will be able to field our 1st choice team minus Henshaw, and McSharry Aki is a great back up to be able to go to. Munster on the other hand will be missing O'Connell, O'Mahoney, maybe O'Donnell, Murray, Zebo and maybe Jones.

Obviously we still have to go to Thomand and that's a huge ask but maybe it's not the worst time for us to go there

thomond2006 · 03-03-2015 3:58pm

b.gud wrote: »

Call me crazy but after reading that update I'm actually feeling a bit better about our chances against Munster. Assuming we get the players back that they expect, and no one else gets injured between here and then, touch wood grab a rabbits foot etc, then we will be able to field our 1st choice team minus Henshaw, and McSharry Aki is a great back up to be able to go to. Munster on the other hand will be missing O'Connell, O'Mahoney, maybe O'Donnell, Murray, Zebo and maybe Jones.

Obviously we still have to go to Thomand and that's a huge ask but maybe it's not the worst time for us to go there

I'm not sure we will be missing all of those. We have no match the week after (

) so the players will get a week off then.

b.gud · 03-03-2015 4:01pm

thomond2006 wrote: »

I'm not sure we will be missing all of those. We have no match the week after ( ) so the players will get a week off then.

Good point this is kinda unchartered territory for Munster so kinda hard to know how this year will compare to last year but I would imagine that at least the ones who have/will have started all the games would be rested?

03-03-2015 6:10pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW0JYgn5lAM

Starie1975 · 03-03-2015 7:37pm

Who's going to Cardiff? Where's a good spot to go pre/post match?

ouncer · 03-03-2015 8:39pm

Robbo wrote: »

Leader, Muliaina to be available for Friday.

After the weekend performance and with niyi out for 3 weeks I wouldn't be surprised to see a back line of toh, poolman, Finn, mcsharry, healy, ronaldson, cooney.

While Treviso may not be the best team in the pro12 last weekend probably saw some of the most fluent back line rugby all season with this combination of players

galwaylad14 · 03-03-2015 9:24pm

ouncer wrote: »

After the weekend performance and with niyi out for 3 weeks I wouldn't be surprised to see a back line of toh, poolman, Finn, mcsharry, healy, ronaldson, cooney.

While Treviso may not be the best team in the pro12 last weekend probably saw some of the most fluent back line rugby all season with this combination of players

Definitley not. Either Muliaina or Leader will start at 15 with the other on the bench. TOH moving to 14

connachta · 03-03-2015 9:27pm

galwaylad14 wrote: »

Definitley not. Either Muliaina or Leader will start at 15 with the other on the bench. TOH moving to 14

Disagree : Poolman 14, TOH 15, Leader 13
Mils 23

connachta · 03-03-2015 9:59pm

12)McShazz
13) Leader
14) Poolman
15) TOH
23) Mils

or

12) Ronaldson
13) McShazz
14) Poolman
15) Leader
23) Mils/TOH

or

12) McSha
13) Finn
14) Poolman
15) Leader
23) Mils/TOH

or

12) McShazz
13) Poolman
14) TOH
15) Leader
23) Mils/Finn

which combo would be your choice?;)

ouncer · 03-03-2015 10:16pm

connachta wrote: »

12)McShazz
13) Leader
14) Poolman
15) TOH
23) Mils

or

12) Ronaldson
13) McShazz
14) Poolman
15) Leader
23) Mils/TOH

or

12) McSha
13) Finn
14) Poolman
15) Leader
23) Mils/TOH

or

12) McShazz
13) Poolman
14) TOH
15) Leader
23) Mils/Finn

which combo would be your choice?;)

Would seem the combos don't include Finn which I think is strange. I thought he was a breath of fresh air in the centre. In fact I thought he did great. Ah feic it, what would I know, or is my opinion so hugely grating on folks they would wish anything other than what I suggest☺

freyners · 03-03-2015 10:16pm

connachta wrote: »

12)McShazz
13) Leader
14) Poolman
15) TOH
23) Mils

or

12) Ronaldson
13) McShazz
14) Poolman
15) Leader
23) Mils/TOH

or

12) McSha
13) Finn
14) Poolman
15) Leader
23) Mils/TOH

or

12) McShazz
13) Poolman
14) TOH
15) Leader
23) Mils/Finn

which combo would be your choice?;)

Healy
McSharry
Finn
Poolman
Leader

TOH

connachta · 03-03-2015 10:19pm

freyners wrote: »

Healy
McSharry
Finn
Poolman
Leader

TOH

That's combo n°3:D

(I've never quoted n°11 because Healy is the obvious pick)

ouncer · 03-03-2015 10:35pm

galwaylad14 wrote: »

Definitley not. Either Muliaina or Leader will start at 15 with the other on the bench. TOH moving to 14

Poolman is the obvious choice for 14. Toh has not impressed at 14. So I fail to understand that choice. The only possible reason one might be of that opinion would be because dani needs to be at centre. And game after game he has been poor at centre. So even if conor had played badly last weekend at centre (which he didn't) how would it improve things having toh playing badly on the wing and dani playing badly in the centre

connachta · 03-03-2015 10:43pm

ouncer wrote: »

Poolman is the obvious choice for 14. Toh has not impressed at 14. So I fail to understand that choice. The only possible reason one might be of that opinion would be because dani needs to be at centre. And game after game he has been poor at centre. So even if conor had played badly last weekend at centre (which he didn't) how would it improve things having toh playing badly on the wing and dani playing badly in the centre

Partly agree, but you did'nt give your opinion about Leader at 13 (Poolman winger, Mils/TOH FB)

ouncer · 03-03-2015 11:08pm

connachta wrote: »

Partly agree, but you did'nt give your opinion about Leader at 13 (Poolman winger, Mils/TOH FB)

To be honest I go with freyners/my selection. I see darragh as a capable centre as dani is. Neither would be my choice. Conor is a centre by trade and a damm good one at that. You put him in the centre and then your best wingers are where they should be. So then its a toss-up (as I see it) whether you play darragh/mils/toh at full back. On that count I thought tiernan deserves the call as his running was incisive, his ball handling was faultless, his kicking was better than Craig's☺ and even when he was forced to leave the field it was not before he had his mits on the ball in the ruck that ensured Treviso had to give a penalty away for holding on

Padkir · 03-03-2015 11:41pm

freyners wrote: »

Healy
McSharry
Finn
Poolman
Leader

TOH

Harsh on TOH given that he put in 2 goods shifts. Maybe he could do with not starting given that he's just coming back from injury, but assuming he's good to go, I'd have either have Leader at 13 or keep Finn at 13 and Leader or Mils at 23.

Poolman is wasted in the centre so leave him and Healy on the wings anyway as much as possible to continue doing the damage they have been doing.

connachta · 03-03-2015 11:42pm

Padkir wrote: »

Harsh on TOH given that he put in 2 goods shifts. Maybe he could do with not starting given that he's just coming back from injury, but assuming he's good to go, I'd have either have Leader at 13 or keep Finn at 13 and Leader or Mils at 23.

Poolman is wasted in the centre so leave him and Healy on the wings anyway as much as possible to continue doing the damage they have been doing.

E-XAC-TLY

freyners · 03-03-2015 11:53pm

Padkir wrote: »

Harsh on TOH given that he put in 2 goods shifts. Maybe he could do with not starting given that he's just coming back from injury, but assuming he's good to go, I'd have either have Leader at 13 or keep Finn at 13 and Leader or Mils at 23.

Poolman is wasted in the centre so leave him and Healy on the wings anyway as much as possible to continue doing the damage they have been doing.

It is harsh but unfortunately someone has to be left out and leader is a better player in my opinion. we probably will see toh kept on the back of his recent displays and to ease leader back in but i would have leader as our 1st choice 15.

connachta · 04-03-2015 12:41am

freyners wrote: »

It is harsh but unfortunately someone has to be left out and leader is a better player in my opinion. we probably will see toh kept on the back of his recent displays and to ease leader back in but i would have leader as our 1st choice 15.

that's why we maybe should have both of them : Leader 13 TOH 15 or Leader 15 TOH 14. It depends if you prefer picking players on inner qualities and recent good shifts, even out of position OR a less experienced/talended player but used to play where he'll be assigned (Finn)

ouncer · 04-03-2015 12:46am

freyners wrote: »

It is harsh but unfortunately someone has to be left out and leader is a better player in my opinion. we probably will see toh kept on the back of his recent displays and to ease leader back in but i would have leader as our 1st choice 15.

I have only one bet in Cheltenham (which is faugheen). There are no guarantees no matter the sport. Week on week you won't win a game by some 50 points. But when you do then maybe you have found a combination worth trying next time out. Then we will all see if it was a fluke or correct combinations. All selections are week by week. Its one player this week, another next week. I still hope on my selection being the preferred but pats the man

Connacht Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread - Part II

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