Connacht Team Talk Thread V - The Friend Zone

Squidgy Black · 12-11-2019 1:07pm

RobbieRuns wrote: »

I would beg to differ

I had heard it was a significant contract, but not a central contract directly with the IRFU instead with the IRFU giving Connacht an additional budget to allow it.

siltirocker · 12-11-2019 1:55pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Realistic, the IRFU have given him a central contract to stay with Connacht. I really do believe that the IRFU want us to have a player on a Central contract. The tried with Henshaw. I believe he was only offered a central contract if he stayed with Connacht

Vice versa there I believe. Henshaw was offered a central contract. . . but not at Connacht. When Henshaw went to Leinster it was on a central contract.
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/connacht-confirm-robbie-henshaw-will-leave-the-province-1.2534458?mode=sample&auth-failed=1&pw-origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.irishtimes.com%2Fsport%2Frugby%2Fconnacht-confirm-robbie-henshaw-will-leave-the-province-1.2534458

Utopia Parkway · 12-11-2019 2:12pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Saw that alright. Copeland posted it on Instagram if anyone is interested

Another interesting thing I spotted.
Bundee looks to have updated his profile pic on Instagram.
He now has an animated picture of himself in an Ireland jersey.
The conspiracist within me, thinks that this might be a good sign.

Positive, he has signed a Central Contract with Ireland

Negative, it could be with another province

Can't see them moving Bundee to either Leinster or Munster. Leinster already have more than enough. Munster will have De Allende next season. Ulster possibly but if he stays in Ireland I imagine he will be staying at Connacht.

Wegians89 · 12-11-2019 2:14pm

The Friend Zone

Utopia Parkway wrote: »

Can't see them moving Bundee to either Leinster or Munster. Leinster already have more than enough. Munster will have De Allende next season. Ulster possibly but if he stays in Ireland I imagine he will be staying at Connacht.

Yeah I don’t think there’s a fear of him going to another province. The fans love him here, seen by the reaction to him coming on last Friday and I think he loves the fans back

Squidgy Black · 12-11-2019 3:17pm

Utopia Parkway wrote: »

Can't see them moving Bundee to either Leinster or Munster. Leinster already have more than enough. Munster will have De Allende next season. Ulster possibly but if he stays in Ireland I imagine he will be staying at Connacht.

Can't imagine he'd be going to Munster considering all the noise about them signed De Allende. Ulster would be an unlikely landing spot too considering they've always been fairly loaded at centre but who knows.

b.gud · 12-11-2019 3:25pm

Bundee may leave Connacht when his contract is up but I reckon the chance of him going to another province are pretty close to 0

Richie_Rich89 · 12-11-2019 3:33pm

Mul, it's over

kingofthekong wrote: »

Should look at some of Leinsters locks Like Dunne or Ryan might be too early for Ryan

Ryan's just come off the U20s. Wouldn't Connacht have their own guy at about that stage of development in Murray? Is he fit?

Dunne is injured, I believe. Ryan and Dunne are well placed to ultimately be important players for Leinster when Toner and Fardy are no longer around, so they probably wouldn't want to disrupt that anyway. Oisin Dowling might be a possibility, as Dubinusa suggests. Hard to see where the minutes are going to come from for him at Leinster.

I suggested O'Connor because he's a bit more developed and seems on the outer a bit at Munster, so more chance of it being made permanent if it works out well.

ClanofLams · 12-11-2019 3:37pm

Mul, it's over

I know Copeland played a bit in 2nd row for Munster, anyone know how many games and how he went there? I think it was only a handful of games but might be mistaken.

Dubinusa · 12-11-2019 4:14pm

Some Like It TOH

I forgot that Munster signed a medical joker. Bizarre really as they have O Connor, O Shea Holland and Wycherly.
Anyhow Dowling getting a run out at Connacht would be good for both Leinster and Connacht.
Who knows, he may turn out as a signing too. He also covers 6.
So far this season, Robb has been the player that has impressed me the most. He's like a tank, seems to get over the gainline every time. Hope he stays injury free.

connemara man · 12-11-2019 5:07pm

The Friend Zone

TBH all the names mentioned might be decent player's in the future but Connacht are down 3 international standard Locks.

If Leinster were down Fardy, Toner and Ryan
Munster down Bierne, Kleyn, and Holland
Ulster down Henderson, Treadwell and Alan O'Connor at the same time other teams third choice or academy player's wouldn't be in the conversation as replacements

And that's not to begrudge the quality of player they might get in an injury crisis but it wouldn't be a someone that isn't ready for the European stage.

Wegians89 · 12-11-2019 5:13pm

The Friend Zone

connemara man wrote: »

TBH all the names mentioned might be decent player's in the future but Connacht are down 3 international standard Locks.

If Leinster were down Fardy, Toner and Ryan
Munster down Bierne, Kleyn, and Holland
Ulster down Henderson, Treadwell and Alan O'Connor at the same time other teams third choice or academy player's wouldn't be in the conversation as replacements

And that's not to begrudge the quality of player they might get in an injury crisis but it wouldn't be a someone that isn't ready for the European stage.

Brilliant point and really puts it into context, think only Leinster could survive three footsteps choices being out.

For instance why couldn’t Holloway be given to Connacht? Munster don’t need him and he’d be the type of player needed

salmocab · 12-11-2019 5:20pm

Wegians89 wrote: »

Brilliant point and really puts it into context, think only Leinster could survive three footsteps choices being out.

For instance why couldn’t Holloway be given to Connacht? Munster don’t need him and he’d be the type of player needed

He’s not a piece of equipment to be given to whoever the irfu choose, munster signed him albeit with irfu approval. I’m sure if Connacht can find someone suitable short term they could also sign them if the irfu think it’s necessary.

Wegians89 · 12-11-2019 5:26pm

The Friend Zone

salmocab wrote: »

He’s not a piece of equipment to be given to whoever the irfu choose, munster signed him albeit with irfu approval. I’m sure if Connacht can find someone suitable short term they could also sign them if the irfu think it’s necessary.

I know it’s not a simple as passing him around to who needs him, just find it odd that Munster were allowed to sign him in the first place and that he’d be the type of quality needed.

Will the irfu allow Connacht to sign a Southern Hemisphere lock, cause surely you’d be able to find one. Friend could have contacts in Australia.

salmocab · 12-11-2019 5:28pm

Wegians89 wrote: »

I know it’s not a simple as passing him around to who needs him, just find it odd that Munster were allowed to sign him in the first place and that he’d be the type of quality needed.

Will the irfu allow Connacht to sign a Southern Hemisphere lock, cause surely you’d be able to find one. Friend could have contacts in Australia.

I’m sure if they can make the case and have finances available they can.

KBurke85 · 12-11-2019 5:50pm

The Friend Zone

Bit of good news for Connacht

https://twitter.com/rugby_ie/status/1194296294581374979

FACECUTTR · 12-11-2019 6:26pm

KBurke85 wrote: »

Bit of good news for Connacht

https://twitter.com/rugby_ie/status/1194296294581374979

Link wont open for me.

FACECUTTR · 12-11-2019 6:31pm

salmocab wrote: »

I’m sure if they can make the case and have finances available they can.

I'd say making the case is relatively easy but the budget is a whole different story.

b.gud · 12-11-2019 8:13pm

KBurke85 wrote: »

Bit of good news for Connacht

https://twitter.com/rugby_ie/status/1194296294581374979

Tweet appears to be gone, what did it say?

Squidgy Black · 12-11-2019 8:27pm

b.gud wrote: »

Tweet appears to be gone, what did it say?

Guirado out injured until April, torn bicep.

Richie_Rich89 · 12-11-2019 11:48pm

Mul, it's over

connemara man wrote: »

TBH all the names mentioned might be decent player's in the future but Connacht are down 3 international standard Locks.

If Leinster were down Fardy, Toner and Ryan
Munster down Bierne, Kleyn, and Holland
Ulster down Henderson, Treadwell and Alan O'Connor at the same time other teams third choice or academy player's wouldn't be in the conversation as replacements

And that's not to begrudge the quality of player they might get in an injury crisis but it wouldn't be a someone that isn't ready for the European stage.

Connacht have had some success with those sort of level signings in the recent past though. Farrell was straight into the #23 jumper for a European game after arriving from the Championship having been cut by Leinster after not getting a single minute of senior gametime in his four years there. Thornbury was no longer involved with Leinster and came from amateur rugby in NZ on a temporary (?) deal at first. Stephen Fitzgerald was way down the pecking order at Munster and was short-term initially as well, I think.

I'd hope Leinster would start Molony and Baird in the above scenario, with one of Josh Murphy, Dowling or Charlie Ryan on the bench (assuming Dunne is in fact injured). Munster would almost definitely go looking for a short-term signing. They love their medical jokers. It's a joke Holloway was allowed when they had Holland, O'Shea, Wycherley, O'Connor and Coombes. How likely was it that they'd have had to give significant minutes to Ahern or the year 1 locks if they hadn't gone through with Holloway? Hardly any chance of it, so a complete waste of an opportunity to get their squad players gametime. O'Connor especially must be wondering what's the point if they won't even give him gametime during the RWC.

connachta · 13-11-2019 12:03pm

Squidgy Black wrote: »

Guirado out injured until April, torn bicep.

Nugusa out too for both games ! even more impactful news!

Look we also have our fair bit of injuries

but if someone said to you before the season starts we would have vs Montpellier

4) Dillane
5) Gallagher
6) Masterson
7) Fainga'a
8) Butler
19) Copeland
20) Boyle

you wouldn't have felt bad
The guys just have to shake it off!

connachta · 13-11-2019 12:07pm

And I clearly not consider Gallagher as a weak link. He made 22 tackles vs Leinster, missed none

Wegians89 · 13-11-2019 12:18pm

The Friend Zone

The big issue is if dillane is back or not. If Dillane is back this week and roux back in a week or two there probably won’t be any signing.

I’d say maksymiw will start though as he’s a bigger human, would prefer Gallagher though.

connachta · 13-11-2019 12:21pm

Wegians89 wrote: »

The big issue is if dillane is back or not. If Dillane is back this week and roux back in a week or two there probably won’t be any signing.

I’d say maksymiw will start though as he’s a bigger human, would prefer Gallagher though.

Maksymiw went off injured too, didn't he? As SOB came in (and out)

Wegians89 · 13-11-2019 12:24pm

The Friend Zone

connachta wrote: »

Maksymiw went off injured too, didn't he? As SOB came in (and out)

I hadn’t seen that, did it look serious?

Wegians89 · 13-11-2019 12:54pm

The Friend Zone

Roux and Dillane pictured in training, think cormac Daly was pictured too

Wegians89 · 13-11-2019 1:01pm

The Friend Zone

https://inpho.ie/media/5MOCpOoVOEye0AECx04ong..a?ts=WxyL3zHt_5KvDO8wTM-JUw..a

Any idea who’s in the back ground?

Wegians89 · 13-11-2019 1:46pm

The Friend Zone

Bealham and marmion out, niyi and dillane back fit. Sob set to be out for a few months

connachta · 13-11-2019 1:56pm

Wegians89 wrote: »

https://inpho.ie/media/5MOCpOoVOEye0AECx04ong..a?ts=WxyL3zHt_5KvDO8wTM-JUw..a

Any idea who’s in the back ground?

Llyod, isn't he?

Wegians89 · 13-11-2019 1:59pm

The Friend Zone

connachta wrote: »

Llyod, isn't he?

Nope Lloyd is pictured later with white sleeves

CowboyTed · 13-11-2019 2:05pm

Is Jack Lam (Samoa) still available...

Looks like could fill an injury gap in the back row if needed...

connachta · 13-11-2019 2:06pm

Wegians89 wrote: »

Nope Lloyd is pictured later with white sleeves

Doesn't look like a TH anyway, which is my main worry (not lock, as Dillane/Copeland will add beef)

Diabhal Beag · 13-11-2019 2:25pm

Delighted to have McCabe back tbh.

Zzippy · 13-11-2019 2:41pm

CowboyTed wrote: »

Is Jack Lam (Samoa) still available...

Looks like could fill an injury gap in the back row if needed...

We're well enough stocked in the back row, I think, but in any case remember what happened the last time we tried to sign a Lam as emergency cover... I wouldn't hold my breath!

Utopia Parkway · 13-11-2019 2:44pm

https://twitter.com/RuaidhriOC/status/1194588571396706308

connachta · 13-11-2019 2:46pm

Murray Kinsella

Connacht bring in 20-year-old lock Niall Murray and prop Peter McCabe in place of Paddy McAllister and Sean O'Brien.

May he be the guy on your pic?

Wegians89 · 13-11-2019 2:48pm

The Friend Zone

connachta wrote: »

Murray Kinsella

Connacht bring in 20-year-old lock Niall Murray and prop Peter McCabe in place of Paddy McAllister and Sean O'Brien.

May he be the guy on your pic?

Nah Murray is a lot longer hahah

testtech05 · 13-11-2019 2:55pm

Some Like It TOH

Utopia Parkway wrote: »

https://twitter.com/RuaidhriOC/status/1194588571396706308

Hopefully he's wrong about Roux being long term

connemara man · 13-11-2019 2:56pm

The Friend Zone

testtech05 wrote: »

Hopefully he's wrong about Roux being long term

Roux is long term

testtech05 · 13-11-2019 2:58pm

Some Like It TOH

connemara man wrote: »

Roux is long term

Any idea what happened him? Thought they had been reporting him as 2-3 weeks?

b.gud · 13-11-2019 3:00pm

testtech05 wrote: »

Any idea what happened him? Thought they had been reporting him as 2-3 weeks?

Only tangentially related to this but I'm quite annoyed that Connacht have stopped releasing injury updates midweek. It was always good to know where players were in their recovery cycle and when we could expect them back

Wegians89 · 13-11-2019 3:03pm

The Friend Zone

https://inpho.ie/media/YDaF9gFrAiKh8sXpxaS98g..a?ts=RzTz597aLxT1Ue4gMRz9sfsRtWVCrwPQCvbZX4QK8iY.a

Here’s Roux in training today, doesn’t look like he’s done any contact (others look pretty mucky). What type of injury did he suffer? Thought it was lower body,can’t see him being out for too much longer if he’s back running already

Shelflife · 13-11-2019 3:06pm

Wegians89 wrote: »

https://inpho.ie/media/YDaF9gFrAiKh8sXpxaS98g..a?ts=RzTz597aLxT1Ue4gMRz9sfsRtWVCrwPQCvbZX4QK8iY.a

Here’s Roux in training today, doesn’t look like he’s done any contact (others look pretty mucky). What type of injury did he suffer? Thought it was lower body,can’t see him being out for too much longer if he’s back running already

Hes also wearing two watches, I heard it was a pectoral injury.

Wegians89 · 13-11-2019 3:10pm

The Friend Zone

Shelflife wrote: »

Hes also wearing two watches, I heard it was a pectoral injury.

Oh if it’s a peck injury he’d have no problems keeping up the fitness, could be long term so. Can’t trust a man with two watches

13-11-2019 3:11pm

Mul, it's over

connachta wrote: »

And I clearly not consider Gallagher as a weak link. He made 22 tackles vs Leinster, missed none

The problem against Leinster wasn't purely down to missed tackles, it was the continued gainline lost in contact that ye couldn't recover from.

That's my concern against Montpellier, they've plenty of gainline breakers and Connacht look a bit underpowered at the moment.

Expect Friend will have ye out of the blocks as hard as possible. Blitz them early and aim for a 60 minute performance and then hold on for the last quarter.

connachta · 13-11-2019 3:26pm

Wegians89 wrote: »

Nah Murray is a lot longer hahah

Who's he, then? Wegians as 24th man vs Montpellier?:P

connachta · 13-11-2019 3:37pm

https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2019/1113/1090628-dillane-boost-for-connacht-ahead-of-montpellier-visit/

Confirmed for Dillane return, massive news!!

So many mistakes in the article though.

KBurke85 · 13-11-2019 3:50pm

The Friend Zone

Wegians89 wrote: »

https://inpho.ie/media/5MOCpOoVOEye0AECx04ong..a?ts=WxyL3zHt_5KvDO8wTM-JUw..a

Any idea who’s in the back ground?

https://inpho.ie/assignment/YaxflRMGPM_VywHhdvHZ-w..a?ts=baFAt-TgI587QGxWYS-bow..a

Will Goddard

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/rugby-union/giteau-training-session-sparks-brumbies-academy-mission-for-goddard-20180525-p4zhfo.html

connachta · 13-11-2019 3:57pm

https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/connacht-sign-top-australian-prospect-on-shortterm-deal-as-andy-friend-deals-with-injury-crisis-38689185.html

Robbo · 13-11-2019 4:01pm

I can't believe it's not Butler

b.gud wrote: »

Only tangentially related to this but I'm quite annoyed that Connacht have stopped releasing injury updates midweek. It was always good to know where players were in their recovery cycle and when we could expect them back

It can all be traced back to the poor advice Jamie Heaslip received on data protection rights which informed the line IRUPA took on these matters.

For comparison, UK based teams seem to have no GDPR concerns when issuing injury updates (Cardiff and Glasgow, for example) which include specifics of the injury and the projected recovery time. Bear in mind that UK based teams have far more reason to be cautious on these issues due to the propensity of their regulator to issue fines and the willingness of the Courts there to vindicate a subjects rights in monetary terms.

Connacht Team Talk Thread V - The Friend Zone

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