Connacht Team Talk Thread V - The Friend Zone

Former Former · 04-08-2020 4:13pm

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.

thomond2006 · 04-08-2020 4:20pm

Some Like It TOH

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

connachta · 04-08-2020 5:05pm

Former Former wrote: »

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

Diabhal Beag · 04-08-2020 5:13pm

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

cson · 05-08-2020 5:15pm

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.

connachta · 05-08-2020 5:20pm

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

WallyGUFC · 05-08-2020 5:31pm

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.

thomond2006 · 05-08-2020 5:45pm

Some Like It TOH

There is no chance of Sexton retiring from international rugby before he retires outright.

connachta · 05-08-2020 5:50pm

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

Zzippy · 05-08-2020 9:42pm

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

Hint: Ireland thread, lads

connachta · 05-08-2020 10:13pm

Too old for us

+ 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)

connachta · 08-08-2020 1:06pm

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

degzs · 08-08-2020 1:30pm

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

The Lost Sheep · 08-08-2020 1:34pm

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

realhorrorshow · 08-08-2020 1:44pm

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.

Squidgy Black · 08-08-2020 2:17pm

realhorrorshow wrote: »

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.

Scottmactom · 09-08-2020 9:01am

It's Prendergast.

Wegians89 · 09-08-2020 2:31pm

The Friend Zone

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

connachta · 09-08-2020 4:22pm

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

Lucas44 · 09-08-2020 6:08pm

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

Bazzo · 09-08-2020 6:17pm

Mul, it's over

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

macslash · 10-08-2020 2:49am

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..

realhorrorshow · 10-08-2020 10:51am

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.

FACECUTTR · 10-08-2020 11:00am

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.....

connachta · 10-08-2020 11:08am

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...

Redo91 · 10-08-2020 11:26am

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?!

freyners · 10-08-2020 11:31am

The Friend Zone

realhorrorshow wrote: »

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:

Wegians89 · 10-08-2020 11:45am

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.

connachta · 10-08-2020 3:39pm

First day of squad training for Papali'i!

macslash · 10-08-2020 4:01pm

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 ðŸ˜‚

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

The Lost Sheep · 10-08-2020 4:20pm

macslash wrote: »

I actually have my usual spot in the college end &#55357;&#56834;

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

Yes local. Ballinasloe.

Former Coach · 10-08-2020 5:08pm

Mul, it's over

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Yes local. Ballinasloe.

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

realhorrorshow · 10-08-2020 5:29pm

Former Coach wrote: »

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.

freyners · 11-08-2020 12:11pm

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

theVersatile · 11-08-2020 2:33pm

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.

Lucas44 · 12-08-2020 11:19pm

theVersatile wrote: »

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)

connachta · 13-08-2020 12:08am

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

connachta · 13-08-2020 1:33am

realhorrorshow wrote: »

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..

Paul Smeenus · 13-08-2020 12:41pm

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

realhorrorshow · 13-08-2020 1:03pm

Paul Smeenus wrote: »

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.

Paul Smeenus · 13-08-2020 1:18pm

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

realhorrorshow · 13-08-2020 2:12pm

Paul Smeenus wrote: »

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.

connachta · 13-08-2020 2:42pm

realhorrorshow wrote: »

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.

realhorrorshow · 13-08-2020 3:42pm

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.

Wegians89 · 13-08-2020 3:50pm

The Friend Zone

realhorrorshow wrote: »

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.

realhorrorshow · 13-08-2020 4:03pm

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.

connachta · 13-08-2020 4:47pm

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

Richie_Rich89 · 13-08-2020 4:54pm

Mul, it's over

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

connachta · 13-08-2020 5:00pm

Richie_Rich89 wrote: »

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..

stephen_n · 14-08-2020 2:27pm

realhorrorshow wrote: »

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.

Connacht Team Talk Thread V - The Friend Zone

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