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Connacht Team Talk Thread V - The Friend Zone

1161162164166167199

Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,728 ✭✭✭Former Former


    You've got a Friend in me
    connachta wrote: »
    The truth of a 35 y.o isn't the same as a 34 y.o.
    Decline is happenig. Soon. And before next RWC you know this

    But not this season.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 45,433 ✭✭✭✭thomond2006


    Some Like It TOH
    The IRFU aren't paying Sexton (allegedly) 750k p/a to just play for Leinster.


  • Registered Users Posts: 7,965 ✭✭✭connachta


    But not this season.




    He's 35. It should be this season.


    Quote me 1 outhalf not declining at 35. O'Gara left at 34


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 15,238 ✭✭✭✭Diabhal Beag


    Jaysus lads ye're being fierce optimistic discussing international squads at this stage. A lot could happen before the interpros even kickoff.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,477 ✭✭✭✭cson


    connachta wrote: »
    He's 35. It should be this season.


    Quote me 1 outhalf not declining at 35. O'Gara left at 34

    ROG was 36 when he finished for Munster, 35 for Ireland (literally 2 weeks before he turned 36).

    Last game for Ireland was sadly the horror show v Scotland, last game for Munster was a Champions Cup Semi defeat at Clermont.


  • Registered Users Posts: 7,965 ✭✭✭connachta


    cson wrote: »
    ROG was 36 when he finished for Munster, 35 for Ireland (literally 2 weeks before he turned 36).

    Last game for Ireland was sadly the horror show v Scotland, last game for Munster was a Champions Cup Semi defeat at Clermont.




    So, let's avoid that


    Sexton should start in October, bench in March, then retire for Ireland and have a final seaon with Leinster as Byrne back-up


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,054 ✭✭✭WallyGUFC


    Why should Sexton retire purely due to age? He should continue to start as long as he's the best option available. At the moment, he still is, and arguably by a distance.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 45,433 ✭✭✭✭thomond2006


    Some Like It TOH
    There is no chance of Sexton retiring from international rugby before he retires outright.


  • Registered Users Posts: 7,965 ✭✭✭connachta


    WallyGUFC wrote: »
    Why should Sexton retire purely due to age? He should continue to start as long as he's the best option available. At the moment, he still is, and arguably by a distance.




    People on this forum and in IRFU staff clearly don't understand age, at 35 furthermore, means you can be 1st choice 6 months ago and not at all at international level very quickly after. After such an interruption it's probably now


    Let's see how he does, but please don't pull on the rope because of non-pertinent recent past, at this age


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,166 ✭✭✭✭Zzippy


    Does Sexton play for Connacht now? Have I missed some big news?

    Hint: Ireland thread, lads ;)


  • Registered Users Posts: 7,965 ✭✭✭connachta


    Too old for us :D

    + there are Leinster boys over the 3 provinces in Madigan and Carbery, we can do without this ;)

    Back to subject, 3 OH with our starter maybe absent half of the season and the other 2 U23, that's the only position I see us fragile. The others are ok, full of promising though slightly experienced players (Wootton and Arnold know what European games are, after all)


  • Registered Users Posts: 7,965 ✭✭✭connachta


    https://inpho.ie/cache/inpho/bd/4e/01/6455c2e65abf6ccd4bee4df38625be4d0e78164da1/INPHO_01714130.jpg

    Can someone spot me the 2 guys behind Dean, to be sure?

    By the way, so good to see everyone back to training contact

    Just missing Farrell, Robb, Porch, and Gallagher from the potential 23 in the 23rd of August, as I can observe...
    Not sure about Marmion and Healy on background


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 266 ✭✭degzs


    Is there any friendly matches coming up and are spectators allowed?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    degzs wrote: »
    Is there any friendly matches coming up and are spectators allowed?
    Connacht are playing the pro14 games in Aviva in two and three weeks time. they'll have internal behind closed doors games before that and after that we dont know


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,996 ✭✭✭realhorrorshow


    connachta wrote: »
    https://inpho.ie/cache/inpho/bd/4e/01/6455c2e65abf6ccd4bee4df38625be4d0e78164da1/INPHO_01714130.jpg

    Can someone spot me the 2 guys behind Dean, to be sure?

    By the way, so good to see everyone back to training contact

    Just missing Farrell, Robb, Porch, and Gallagher from the potential 23 in the 23rd of August, as I can observe...
    Not sure about Marmion and Healy on background

    I think Jack Aungier is on the right.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,721 ✭✭✭✭Squidgy Black


    I think Jack Aungier is on the right.

    Aungier on the right, and I think it could be Cian Prendergast on the left, whoever it is has lifting blocks strapped on their legs anyways in other photos.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 490 ✭✭Scottmactom


    It's Prendergast.


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,450 ✭✭✭Wegians89


    The Friend Zone
    So prendergast, de buitlear and mcnulty are the only academy players pictured training with the senior squad?


  • Registered Users Posts: 7,965 ✭✭✭connachta


    Wegians89 wrote: »
    So prendergast, de buitlear and mcnulty are the only academy players pictured training with the senior squad?




    Indeed where are SOB 2.0 Tierney-Martin and Booth, the 3 others to watch for senior squad cover this season...

    But it's true it's logical for now :
    a lock because Roux and Dowling are out for August
    2 back-3 as Fitzgerald and O'Donnell might not be fully available until November


  • Registered Users Posts: 379 ✭✭Lucas44


    are we just going to act like Oisin McCormack wasn’t training with the seniors too or do the so called fans need the inpho photographers to put names on every player so we can recognise them. Find it tough to watch people make predictions of young players/criticise them when you don’t know what they look like never mind having seen them play. Also McCormack > booth


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,047 ✭✭✭Bazzo


    Mul, it's over
    I'd say it's more likely people just didn't notice, no need for an ott reaction


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,388 ✭✭✭macslash


    Mul, it's over
    Lucas44 wrote: »
    are we just going to act like Oisin McCormack wasn’t training with the seniors too or do the so called fans need the inpho photographers to put names on every player so we can recognise them. Find it tough to watch people make predictions of young players/criticise them when you don’t know what they look like never mind having seen them play. Also McCormack > booth

    Sorry, hi! I'm a 'so called fan'. Could you give more info on Oisín McCormack there? Thanks..


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,996 ✭✭✭realhorrorshow


    macslash wrote: »
    Sorry, hi! I'm a 'so called fan'. Could you give more info on Oisín McCormack there? Thanks..

    You’re not a real fan unless you examine all training photos with a magnifying glass and can instantly recognise all of the teenagers in the academy.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,542 ✭✭✭FACECUTTR


    macslash wrote: »
    Sorry, hi! I'm a 'so called fan'. Could you give more info on Oisín McCormack there? Thanks..

    McCormack > Booth is all you need to know if you are a real fan.....


  • Registered Users Posts: 7,965 ✭✭✭connachta


    FACECUTTR wrote: »
    McCormack > Booth is all you need to know if you are a real fan.....




    I'd naturally trust the guy already from a Top club academy with appearences in Championship...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,870 ✭✭✭Redo91


    You've got a Friend in me
    Lucas44 wrote: »
    are we just going to act like Oisin McCormack wasn’t training with the seniors too or do the so called fans need the inpho photographers to put names on every player so we can recognise them. Find it tough to watch people make predictions of young players/criticise them when you don’t know what they look like never mind having seen them play. Also McCormack > booth
    Is that you Oisin?!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,300 ✭✭✭freyners


    The Friend Zone
    You’re not a real fan unless you examine all training photos with a magnifying glass and can instantly recognise all of the teenagers in the academy.

    Your not really a real fan unless you pray to your statue of john muldoon every morning, dress only club gear at least 5 years old and have a spot in the college end cause the clan is full of "not real" fans and you wish it was back to days you could bring your dogs in.:pac::cool:


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,450 ✭✭✭Wegians89


    The Friend Zone
    Tbh Lucas44 has a great knowledge of the club and underage game on Connacht, I’ve often asked him about different underage players. Unfortunately for the majority of fans I’d say the Irish u20s and possibly for locals the eagles, would be the first time you could really see how the underage players are getting on.


  • Registered Users Posts: 7,965 ✭✭✭connachta


    First day of squad training for Papali'i! :D


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,388 ✭✭✭macslash


    Mul, it's over
    freyners wrote: »
    Your not really a real fan unless you pray to your statue of john muldoon every morning, dress only club gear at least 5 years old and have a spot in the college end cause the clan is full of "not real" fans and you wish it was back to days you could bring your dogs in.:pac::cool:

    I actually have my usual spot in the college end 😂

    But in all seriousness re. McCormack. Is he a local lad or what? Thanks


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    macslash wrote: »
    I actually have my usual spot in the college end ��

    But in all seriousness re. McCormack. Is he a local lad or what? Thanks
    Yes local. Ballinasloe.


  • Registered Users Posts: 453 ✭✭Former Coach


    Mul, it's over
    Yes local. Ballinasloe.

    His father, Peter, was an excellent GAA (Athlone) and rugby (Buccaneers) player.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,996 ✭✭✭realhorrorshow


    His father, Peter, was an excellent GAA (Athlone) and rugby (Buccaneers) player.

    His brother, Eoin, played for Galway United for a couple of seasons too.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,300 ✭✭✭freyners


    The Friend Zone
    macslash wrote: »
    I actually have my usual spot in the college end ��

    But in all seriousness re. McCormack. Is he a local lad or what? Thanks

    Likewise, not because of a real fan test, my dad is a ST holder as well and he prefers watching games from that angle


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,328 ✭✭✭theVersatile


    While McCormack is good from what I've seen in Connacht underage and Irish schools; it's a bit outlandish to say with certainty that he's better than Booth who played Irish U20 as an U19 (a feat McCormack did not achieve, mind maybe he could have had a World Championship gone ahead). Be interesting to see what he's like post knee injury though and I'm sure McCormack will develop into a fine player.

    Edit: Can someone post a recent picture of McCormack if theres one of him with the seniors, last I saw he was still on the light side and I'd be interested in seeing what his current build is.


  • Registered Users Posts: 379 ✭✭Lucas44


    While McCormack is good from what I've seen in Connacht underage and Irish schools; it's a bit outlandish to say with certainty that he's better than Booth who played Irish U20 as an U19 (a feat McCormack did not achieve, mind maybe he could have had a World Championship gone ahead). Be interesting to see what he's like post knee injury though and I'm sure McCormack will develop into a fine player.

    Edit: Can someone post a recent picture of McCormack if theres one of him with the seniors, last I saw he was still on the light side and I'd be interested in seeing what his current build is.


    Don’t really think it’s outlandish to say. Played Irish schools in 2018 after two years starting for Connacht u18& 19s (albeit missed his second year for 19s with acl) started most games at 7 For schools and was one of there best players. Then probably 2-3 months later was on standby/injury reserve for the jwc squad while doing his leaving cert as an u18 player ( the onebooth was involved in).. tore his acl shortly after and missed out on last years six nations squad/Irish 19s... would of made the jwc squad if not for covid not sure if he would of started but would of been involved.. maybe I was a little over the top but just think a lot of posters seem to know a lot about the external players that come and join the academy from abroad or other provinces and often seem to overlook the local lads right infront of there eyes


    Picture from last week
    https://inpho.ie/media/p41DreqEtQSK-A8rBxh5ZQ..a?ts=YcNwtuU6AC8ODYhsphqUpq_K1DDU1x-5yq23bF6nJ_w.a

    https://inpho.ie/media/15JUyKLUjLu-UVDH1O1nGw..a?ts=yZ-DBzEzzj762n52helJQW8K9xIjPaXvPXDw8R100NQ.a

    https://inpho.ie/media/RYnT6dy-eTNYewso0Aacng..a?ts=_YwRsPDq7o_o6328yueicGdNbExFTRIWFciJ5XRdBAA.a

    https://inpho.ie/media/3kw8RcbPIo6O8yT_NvKAww..a?ts=Ms9_MfZmqy_7TX4RMz5qFHc1DRFuwtQMAUmSs-C5wsc.a



    probably between himself, debuitlear, Jennings and mcnulty given our lack of depth for breakthrough player from academy this year imo having seen all the academy players play ail recently. Think a lot of people will be dissapointed with dtm not reaching there expectations, had a great u20 campaign but having seen him play ail don’t quite think he will be as good as people think (think it’s reflected in not getting a development deal, him and adamson more or less fighting it out head to head for that dev deal this year)


  • Registered Users Posts: 7,965 ✭✭✭connachta


    Lucas44 wrote: »
    Don’t really think it’s outlandish to say. Played Irish schools in 2018 after two years starting for Connacht u18& 19s (albeit missed his second year for 19s with acl) started most games at 7 For schools and was one of there best players. Then probably 2-3 months later was on standby/injury reserve for the jwc squad while doing his leaving cert as an u18 player ( the onebooth was involved in).. tore his acl shortly after and missed out on last years six nations squad/Irish 19s... would of made the jwc squad if not for covid not sure if he would of started but would of been involved.. maybe I was a little over the top but just think a lot of posters seem to know a lot about the external players that come and join the academy from abroad or other provinces and often seem to overlook the local lads right infront of there eyes


    Picture from last week
    https://inpho.ie/media/p41DreqEtQSK-A8rBxh5ZQ..a?ts=YcNwtuU6AC8ODYhsphqUpq_K1DDU1x-5yq23bF6nJ_w.a

    https://inpho.ie/media/15JUyKLUjLu-UVDH1O1nGw..a?ts=yZ-DBzEzzj762n52helJQW8K9xIjPaXvPXDw8R100NQ.a

    https://inpho.ie/media/RYnT6dy-eTNYewso0Aacng..a?ts=_YwRsPDq7o_o6328yueicGdNbExFTRIWFciJ5XRdBAA.a

    https://inpho.ie/media/3kw8RcbPIo6O8yT_NvKAww..a?ts=Ms9_MfZmqy_7TX4RMz5qFHc1DRFuwtQMAUmSs-C5wsc.a



    probably between himself, debuitlear, Jennings and mcnulty given our lack of depth for breakthrough player from academy this year imo having seen all the academy players play ail recently. Think a lot of people will be dissapointed with dtm not reaching there expectations, had a great u20 campaign but having seen him play ail don’t quite think he will be as good as people think (think it’s reflected in not getting a development deal, him and adamson more or less fighting it out head to head for that dev deal this year)




    Hope you're right about Oisin. :)

    You'd say I'm obsessed but he's nowhere near a Senior corpulence for 7 as he is now


  • Registered Users Posts: 7,965 ✭✭✭connachta


    Agree on DTM unfortunately, but hopefully we are both wrong. The fact that we are only carrying three senior hookers this year seems to indicate the coaches have some faith in either himself or Adamson. Also, a couple of months ago you said deBuitléar was lucky to be kept on, and now you're tipping him to be our breakthrough academy player this year?




    + a 20 y.o hooker has years to develop.
    If there's a positon you shouldn't be judged too early, it's n°2
    First choice for us was a flanker at this age..


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭Paul Smeenus


    So, folk of the Wild West. At this stage, what team do you think will line out against the Northern Horde?


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,996 ✭✭✭realhorrorshow


    So, folk of the Wild West. At this stage, what team do you think will line out against the Northern Horde?

    1. Denis Buckley
    2. Dave Heffernan
    3. Finlay Bealham
    4. Ultan Dillane
    5. Gavin Thornbury
    6. Eoghan Masterson
    7. Jarrad Butler
    8. Paul Boyle
    9. Kieran Marmion
    10. Jack Carty
    11. Matt Healy
    12. Bundee Aki
    13. Tom Farrell
    14. John Porch
    15. Tiernan O’Halloran

    Paddy McAllister, Caolin Blade, and Sam Arnold all have a decent shot at starting too imo. Plus there’s always the potential for a surprise like Cillian Gallagher at 6 or maybe Wootton on the wing.


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭Paul Smeenus


    Good side. Strong second row, good centre combination especially.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,996 ✭✭✭realhorrorshow


    Good side. Strong second row, good centre combination especially.

    Both second rows are really good players, and two of the best defensive lineout operators in the league, but neither is a renowned scrummager nor a natural tighthead lock. Our second row is much more balanced with Quinn Roux in the 5 jersey. Our centre stocks are really good, plus we have the option to go with Aki-Arnold for games in which we might need extra defensive solidity.


  • Registered Users Posts: 7,965 ✭✭✭connachta


    1. Denis Buckley
    2. Dave Heffernan
    3. Finlay Bealham
    4. Ultan Dillane
    5. Gavin Thornbury
    6. Eoghan Masterson
    7. Jarrad Butler
    8. Paul Boyle
    9. Kieran Marmion
    10. Jack Carty
    11. Matt Healy
    12. Bundee Aki
    13. Tom Farrell
    14. John Porch
    15. Tiernan O’Halloran

    Paddy McAllister, Caolin Blade, and Sam Arnold all have a decent shot at starting too imo. Plus there’s always the potential for a surprise like Cillian Gallagher at 6 or maybe Wootton on the wing.




    100% agree


    Another surprise considering form might be De Buitlear as 23.
    And as lonely as I may be, I wouldn't completly rule out Oliver starting at 7 with Butler kept as 8 and Boyle 6.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,996 ✭✭✭realhorrorshow


    connachta wrote: »
    100% agree


    Another surprise considering form might be De Buitlear as 23.
    And as lonely as I may be, I wouldn't completly rule out Oliver starting at 7 with Butler kept as 8 and Boyle 6.

    Don't think it will happen so soon but who knows, he could be training the house down. Only thing is both of the backrows we've suggested are a tad underpowered, which is why I'd like to see us try Gallagher at 6.


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,450 ✭✭✭Wegians89


    The Friend Zone
    Don't think it will happen so soon but who knows, he could be training the house down. Only thing is both of the backrows we've suggested are a tad underpowered, which is why I'd like to see us try Gallagher at 6.

    Nothing against masterson but I’d be very interested in seeing a back row of gallagher, butler, Boyle and masterson on the bench against ulster. Like sob, think gallagher could go on to be a stunning player if he can sort of the injuries.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,996 ✭✭✭realhorrorshow


    Wegians89 wrote: »
    Nothing against masterson but I’d be very interested in seeing a back row of gallagher, butler, Boyle and masterson on the bench against ulster. Like sob, think gallagher could go on to be a stunning player if he can sort of the injuries.

    Such a pity that the two best homegrown forwards of the past ~10 years have had such bad injury problems. Both are still young though, hopefully they can finally put a run of games together.


  • Registered Users Posts: 7,965 ✭✭✭connachta


    Wegians89 wrote: »
    Nothing against masterson but I’d be very interested in seeing a back row of gallagher, butler, Boyle and masterson on the bench against ulster. Like sob, think gallagher could go on to be a stunning player if he can sort of the injuries.




    Perfectly right, I'm conviced he can bring grint as 6, as Dowling seems to be promised for 5.


    Boyle and Butler are clearly the most regular players in the team, for tackling, making very few errors, and being fit again and again


    That leaves one spot + one off the bench we should chose considering the opposition we face



    - Gallagher (lock-profile backrow)
    - Papali'i (ball-carrying backrow)
    - Masterson (experienced and versatile back-row)
    - Oliver (smart and veloce back-row)




    Friend made a very intelligent recruitement here


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,066 ✭✭✭Richie_Rich89


    Mul, it's over
    There'd be a nice balance to a 6. Dowling, 7. Oliver, 8. Papali'i backrow.


  • Registered Users Posts: 7,965 ✭✭✭connachta


    There'd be a nice balance to a 6. Dowling, 7. Oliver, 8. Papali'i backrow.




    I'd love it. Maybe Gallagher (higher, heavier) is the n°5 and Oisin n°6.
    But the announcement when he signed looks the other way..


  • Registered Users Posts: 12,920 ✭✭✭✭stephen_n


    1. Denis Buckley
    2. Dave Heffernan
    3. Finlay Bealham
    4. Ultan Dillane
    5. Gavin Thornbury
    6. Eoghan Masterson
    7. Jarrad Butler
    8. Paul Boyle
    9. Kieran Marmion
    10. Jack Carty
    11. Matt Healy
    12. Bundee Aki
    13. Tom Farrell
    14. John Porch
    15. Tiernan O’Halloran

    Paddy McAllister, Caolin Blade, and Sam Arnold all have a decent shot at starting too imo. Plus there’s always the potential for a surprise like Cillian Gallagher at 6 or maybe Wootton on the wing.
    If that’s the team they go with, this should be a cracking game.


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