Connacht Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread - Part II

wp_rathead · 25-06-2015 3:44pm

typhoony wrote: »

It appeared to me that Muldowney took a more active role as the season went by last year, think we have enough leaders now in the team that captain is not as important as it used to be. Jake would be my second choice as he seems a smart lad and knows whats happening in the game

Not so much about leadership (where you're right we are rather spoilt) and More so about communicating with the Ref
Unfortunately Muldoon seems to rub refs up wrong way

CatFromHue · 26-06-2015 3:31pm

Conn during the RWC will be something like:

FR: Ah You, McCartney, Buckley
SR: Muldowny, Roux
BR: Heenan, Muldoon, McKeon
SH: Marmion, Cooney
OH: Carty, Ronaldson
Centre: Aki, and McSharry ??
Wing: Healy, Poolman, and Niyi
FB: TOH and Leader

Near first choice

freyners · 26-06-2015 5:40pm

CatFromHue wrote: »

Conn during the RWC will be something like:

FR: Ah You, McCartney, Buckley
SR: Muldowny, Roux
BR: Heenan, Muldoon, McKeon
SH: Marmion, Cooney
OH: Carty, Ronaldson
Centre: Aki, and McSharry ??
Wing: Healy, Poolman, and Niyi
FB: TOH and Leader

Near first choice

White maybe over ah you and Fox or masterson may break into the back row depending on Heenans fitness but pretty close there

ouncer · 26-06-2015 9:36pm

CatFromHue wrote: »

Conn during the RWC will be something like:

FR: Ah You, McCartney, Buckley
SR: Muldowny, Roux
BR: Heenan, Muldoon, McKeon
SH: Marmion, Cooney
OH: Carty, Ronaldson
Centre: Aki, and McSharry ??
Wing: Healy, Poolman, and Niyi
FB: TOH and Leader

Near first choice

Folks missing are Browne, Marshall, blade, jhw,

ouncer · 26-06-2015 9:46pm

CatFromHue wrote: »

Conn during the RWC will be something like:

FR: Ah You, McCartney, Buckley
SR: Muldowny, Roux
BR: Heenan, Muldoon, McKeon
SH: Marmion, Cooney
OH: Carty, Ronaldson
Centre: Aki, and McSharry ??
Wing: Healy, Poolman, and Niyi
FB: TOH and Leader

Near first choice

Folks missing are Browne, Marshall, blade, jhw, dillane, finn, George, Shane O'Leary, porter, conor mckeon and apologies to those i missed. Its just the players that struck we straight away. Of course Masterson is also an obvious. All of these guys, when given their chance have played extremely well (Marshall had an impressive emerging Ireland outing).

ouncer · 26-06-2015 9:48pm

CatFromHue wrote: »

Conn during the RWC will be something like:

FR: Ah You, McCartney, Buckley
SR: Muldowny, Roux
BR: Heenan, Muldoon, McKeon
SH: Marmion, Cooney
OH: Carty, Ronaldson
Centre: Aki, and McSharry ??
Wing: Healy, Poolman, and Niyi
FB: TOH and Leader

Near first choice

Folks missing are Browne, Marshall, blade, jhw, dillane, finn, George, Shane O'Leary, porter, conor mckeon and apologies to those i missed. Its just the players that struck we straight away. Of course Masterson and white are also an obvious. All of these guys, when given their chance have played extremely well (Marshall had an impressive emerging Ireland outing).

wp_rathead · 26-06-2015 9:49pm

James Connollyd deserves a mention, looked smashing player in his cameo against Gloucester

gally74 · 27-06-2015 9:24am

for me Tom McCartney should be captain next year!

ouncer · 27-06-2015 11:25pm

gally74 wrote: »

for me Tom McCartney should be captain next year!

Suspect that next season may be john's last before retirement. So while we all may have our likes or dislikes I do expect john to be captain next year.

kingofthekong · 28-06-2015 12:47am

How long till SOB 2.0 is back , he's been out for ages

The Lost Sheep · 28-06-2015 12:55am

kingofthekong wrote: »

How long till SOB 2.0 is back, he's been out for ages

Would imagine he'll be back for new season. Think he said something like that at end of college year...
Where do you think he may be played when getting up to Pro12 level?

Robbo · 29-06-2015 10:05am

Pre-season starts today. Fox arrived last week and was into the Sportsground for a wander the next day.

ArmchairQB · 29-06-2015 11:05am

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Would imagine he'll be back for new season. Think he said something like that at end of college year...
Where do you think he may be played when getting up to Pro12 level?

Would say his future is in the backrow probably at 6

wp_rathead · 02-07-2015 3:48pm

https://twitter.com/connachtrugby/status/616284001540681729?s=09

Darragh Leader finding his inner Mark McHugh

freyners · 02-07-2015 10:55pm

Jaysus Leader

connemara man · 03-07-2015 8:49am

Ireland training camp on July 14 tickets available free for season ticket holders till about 3. I've picked mine up hoping I can get the day of work now lol

03-07-2015 9:06am

Looks like Mils has been charged. On mobile so can't link but was on BBC site.

total former · 03-07-2015 9:07am

Deleted User wrote: »

Looks like Mils has been charged. On mobile so can't link but was on BBC site.

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/jul/03/mils-muliaina-charged-with-sexual-assault

Buer · 03-07-2015 9:16am

Muliaina is now sitting proudly alongside the likes of CJ Van der Linde and Sam Tuitupou as big name signings that were complete let downs.

total former · 03-07-2015 9:28am

Van der Linde at least had the excuse of a chronic injury problem, Muliaina has just been a disaster on every front. It was a big gamble and it backfired horribly.

b.gud · 03-07-2015 11:06am

total former wrote: »

Van der Linde at least had the excuse of a chronic injury problem, Muliaina has just been a disaster on every front. It was a big gamble and it backfired horribly.

I don't know if it's fair to class him as a disaster on all fronts. He was great for marketing the Connacht brand and generating some excitement in a year when we didn't have Heineken cup rugby. While there is no way to prove this I personally feel that he had a huge positive affect on the players particularly in the early part of the season.

On the field, bar one or 2 games, he was a disaster, and spent more time injured than playing. Overall I think it was a bad signing but I do think there were some positives gained from the young lads in the team spending time with and learning from a 100 capped all black

Buer · 03-07-2015 11:19am

There are some positives but I get the impression they're pretty much solely related to the buzz around his signing and increased merchandise and ticket sales that generated.

Obviously, he went badly on the pitch and I have no insight into how things went behind the scenes. With that said, I think one of the regular Connacht fans on here posted that they understood that his input and interest off the field was minimal.

I don't think I've any doubt that someone like Henshaw would be much more inspirational to the other young lads in the squad. A bloke who came from their own back yard and is mixing it with the very best and more than holding his own.

I genuinely feel a little sorry for Zebre. I can't see him being anything other than an expensive mistake.

total former · 03-07-2015 11:45am

Buer wrote: »

I genuinely feel a little sorry for Zebre. I can't see him being anything other than an expensive mistake.

I would be surprised if he ends up going there at all tbh.

Swiwi. · 03-07-2015 12:21pm

total former wrote: »

I would be surprised if he ends up going there at all tbh.

Surely if these allegations proved he goes to jail, no? Which is probably what your saying.

b.gud · 03-07-2015 1:43pm

Buer wrote: »

Obviously, he went badly on the pitch and I have no insight into how things went behind the scenes. With that said, I think one of the regular Connacht fans on here posted that they understood that his input and interest off the field was minimal

Don't recall that post but it certainly could be true, I have no inside knowledge or contact with anyone who would. My post was very much a personal opinion of my view on things

Buer wrote: »

I don't think I've any doubt that someone like Henshaw would be much more inspirational to the other young lads in the squad. A bloke who came from their own back yard and is mixing it with the very best and more than holding his own.

Henshaw is huge for underage kids and the guys in academy to show them that someone can come through Connacht and play at the highest level. When I talked about young team members I was talking about the younger senior players. There were a good few games where the average age of our back line was like 23 or 24. Having someone with the experience and knowledge of Mils to give you advice on a game or training would have been huge for them, Henshaw included. I have no doubt that in a few years to come Henshaw would have the same influence on players around him

Buer wrote: »

I genuinely feel a little sorry for Zebre. I can't see him being anything other than an expensive mistake.

Ya he's really not what they need, unless they're hoping to generate some publicity, and given the current situation it might not be good publicity

b.gud · 03-07-2015 2:47pm

A summary of week one of pre season training http://www.connachtrugby.ie/week-one-of-pre-season/#ConnachtNews

RobbieRuns · 03-07-2015 2:49pm

He should be innocent until proven guilty though.......... he is saying that he is going to fight the charge.

People are getting way ahead of themselves here. Mils has had his injury problems and has not played as much as he would have liked and was not the worlds greatest signing from a rugby perspective but with regards to this charge, lets wait until the facts come out before condemning the man.

Swiwi. · 03-07-2015 2:56pm

RobbieRuns wrote: »

He should be innocent until proven guilty though.......... he is saying that he is going to fight the charge.

People are getting way ahead of themselves here. Mils has had his injury problems and has not played as much as he would have liked and was not the worlds greatest signing from a rugby perspective but with regards to this charge, lets wait until the facts come out before condemning the man.

Where there's smoke there's fire. Don't think anyone has condemned him guilty yet before the usual judicial process, but after a lengthy enough consideration the police obviously consider they have enough to go on to prompt a formal charge.

In terms of his playing, he was a shadow of his former self for the Chiefs in the year prior to coming to the Wesht of Ireland, in fact his career was already sliding in 2011 when Israel Dagg overtook him as NZ's first choice FB. So it shouldn't have been a surprise.

Bazzo · 03-07-2015 2:56pm

RobbieRuns wrote: »

He should be innocent until proven guilty though.......... he is saying that he is going to fight the charge.

People are getting way ahead of themselves here. Mils has had his injury problems and has not played as much as he would have liked and was not the worlds greatest signing from a rugby perspective but with regards to this charge, lets wait until the facts come out before condemning the man.

I don't think anyone was even linking this incident with his time at Connacht being disappointing though? At least I didn't get that impression. A lot of money was spent to get him here for a year to have a couple of half decent performances, miss a lot of games through injury and the remaining games he played he was sub-par to be kind.

As for his influence with players off the pitch, who knows? I have an inkling that he did mingle well and might have helped a few of the young lads out but only the team can know for sure.

Zzippy · 03-07-2015 3:05pm

Mod: Lads, it's a general rule on boards that court cases cannot be discussed until concluded. Now that he is charged (yes, I know it's in another jurisdiction) let's leave any discussion of the case aside please.

Has there been any news of pre-season friendlies?

The Lost Sheep · 03-07-2015 3:25pm

Zzippy wrote: »

Mod: Lads, it's a general rule on boards that court cases cannot be discussed until concluded. Now that he is charged (yes, I know it's in another jurisdiction) let's leave any discussion of the case aside please.

Has there been any news of pre-season friendlies?

play Grenoble on August 7th and Munster on August 21st

total former · 03-07-2015 7:51pm

RobbieRuns wrote: »

He should be innocent until proven guilty though.......... he is saying that he is going to fight the charge.

People are getting way ahead of themselves here. Mils has had his injury problems and has not played as much as he would have liked and was not the worlds greatest signing from a rugby perspective but with regards to this charge, lets wait until the facts come out before condemning the man.

Can you point out where someone has condemned him? That's right, they haven't.

He was a failure for rugby reasons. He should never have been signed and it didn't work out. Worse, he was an expensive failure for a team with limited resources.

ouncer · 03-07-2015 8:03pm

total former wrote: »

Can you point out where someone has condemned him? That's right, they haven't.

He was a failure for rugby reasons. He should never have been signed and it didn't work out. Worse, he was an expensive failure for a team with limited resources.

Simply don't get why this is worth discussing. It is history, done, finished.

total former · 03-07-2015 8:11pm

ouncer wrote: »

Simply don't get why this is worth discussing. It is history, done, finished.

Why bother having a discussion board so? By that logic, we'd never discuss a game once the final whistle had gone, never discuss team selection once the coach had announced it, never discuss a referee's call because, well sure it's done now...

thomond2006 · 03-07-2015 8:13pm

ouncer wrote: »

Simply don't get why this is worth discussing. It is history, done, finished.

Says the poster who loves his post match rants!

ouncer · 03-07-2015 8:22pm

thomond2006 wrote: »

Says the poster who loves his post match rants!

Agree.

Zzippy · 03-07-2015 8:28pm

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

play Grenoble on August 7th and Munster on August 21st

Cheers, knew I'd seen something but couldn't remember. Home or away?

The Lost Sheep · 03-07-2015 8:35pm

Zzippy wrote: »

Cheers, knew I'd seen something but couldn't remember. Home or away?

Both are in Galway

ouncer · 05-07-2015 9:13pm

thomond2006 wrote: »

Says the poster who loves his post match rants!

Yes I have gone over the top in my perceptions of players. I plan to mellow that as I get to see the distress that causes players no matter the sport. Have being late understanding the impact of social media on players (always considered it a supporters rant forum here but obviously players check out the supporters comments so you will find me more moderated in the future).

I see mils has been charged. On this count I think moderation is definitely appropriate with wife and children associated. I have no knowledge of the truth of the matter. If I were to show empathy it would be to the family. Mils has been around the block and should be wiser for it. Whatever the outcome my thoughts are with his family. I wouldn't wish the next month of their lives on my worst enemy.

BrokenMan · 09-07-2015 8:09pm

I see the pre season game against munster has been switched to Thomond Park to coinside with the 7s tournament. Bit of a raw deal for season ticket holders. Only 1 home pre season game now in 2 years.

Zzippy · 10-07-2015 10:27am

BrokenMan wrote: »

I see the pre season game against munster has been switched to Thomond Park to coinside with the 7s tournament. Bit of a raw deal for season ticket holders. Only 1 home pre season game now in 2 years.

Raw deal is right. Was looking forward to that one. Now I'd have to travel to Limerick and buy a ticket to see it. I presume Munster ST holders will get to watch it for free, in their own backyard... nice one Connacht branch! :rolleyes:

thomond2006 · 10-07-2015 10:30am

Zzippy wrote: »

Raw deal is right. Was looking forward to that one. Now I'd have to travel to Limerick and buy a ticket to see it. I presume Munster ST holders will get to watch it for free, in their own backyard... nice one Connacht branch! :rolleyes:

No they won't. My understanding is you either pay full price for the day's rugby or you don't go. I believe Munster STHs are getting free into one of the other pre-season matches (Grenoble @ TP or London Irish @ MP).

wp_rathead · 10-07-2015 10:45am

Always thought was messy how the Limerick 7s was clashing with this friendly with Munster
Frustrating that it was confirmed and used in the promotion for the ST - but I understand why it was changed
I'd say it Munster Branch messing up more so than Connacht Branch on this one

And yes, only 1 home preseason game in 2 seasons is dissapointing

Zzippy · 10-07-2015 10:48am

thomond2006 wrote: »

No they won't. My understanding is you either pay full price for the day's rugby or you don't go. I believe Munster STHs are getting free into one of the other pre-season matches (Grenoble @ TP or London Irish @ MP).

So basically they can't sell enough tickets for the 7s so they put on the pre-season game as part of the package and force both sets of supporters to fork out for it?
I hope Connacht are getting well compensated by Munster/WC7 tournament for providing their services and f*cking over their ST holders...

thomond2006 · 10-07-2015 10:51am

Zzippy wrote: »

So basically they can't sell enough tickets for the 7s so they put on the pre-season game as part of the package and force both sets of supporters to fork out for it?
I hope Connacht are getting well compensated by Munster/WC7 tournament for providing their services and f*cking over their ST holders...

It's €15 for a terrace ticket or €30 for a stand ticket which is very cheap considering it's a day of rugby! Connacht are playing in the 7s as well by the way.

Zzippy · 10-07-2015 12:06pm

thomond2006 wrote: »

It's €15 for a terrace ticket or €30 for a stand ticket which is very cheap considering it's a day of rugby! Connacht are playing in the 7s as well by the way.

Plus €30 on petrol, having to leave work early to drive down, not being able to have a pint... I'm more annoyed about the game being moved, we've had no home pre-season games since 2013, and they announce one that we can look forward to then say sorry lads, it's actually an away game, but look, you can buy tickets for it if you want to go. The game was announced before many people renewed their season tickets so would have been one of the games they already paid for, now they're being told they'll have to pay for it again and pay travel expenses etc. Poor way to treat ST holders IMO.

irishbucsfan · 10-07-2015 12:19pm

Zzippy wrote: »

So basically they can't sell enough tickets for the 7s so they put on the pre-season game as part of the package and force both sets of supporters to fork out for it?
I hope Connacht are getting well compensated by Munster/WC7 tournament for providing their services and f*cking over their ST holders...

Or maybe it might be beneficial to both teams to have the game and the 7s at the same venue to allow them to overlap the squads. I think it's a case of whichever conspiracy theory suits best!

Zzippy · 10-07-2015 12:24pm

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Or maybe it might be beneficial to both teams to have the game and the 7s at the same venue to allow them to overlap the squads. I think it's a case of whichever conspiracy theory suits best!

No conspiracy theory, it's not unreasonable to suggest the game was moved to fill seats for the 7s. I can't see any players from the main squad for the friendly being involved in the 7s squad, maybe a few fringe players and academy players, but certainly not a reason to move the game.

thomond2006 · 10-07-2015 12:37pm

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Or maybe it might be beneficial to both teams to have the game and the 7s at the same venue to allow them to overlap the squads. I think it's a case of whichever conspiracy theory suits best!

I'd say it's a bit of both.

Funk It · 10-07-2015 12:47pm

Really gutted about this, was actually going to be back in Ireland, or galway to be more specific, for this. But ah well, will fully focus on making the away game in Newcastle now, with hopefully a game or two over the Christmas period.

Connacht Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread - Part II

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