Connacht Team Talk Thread V - The Friend Zone

connachta · 12-09-2018 10:38pm

Fainga'a to start please. Was brillant in the rucks!

Wegians89 · 12-09-2018 10:41pm

The Friend Zone

connachta wrote: »

Niyi instead of Kelleher this time. On large Murrayfield his speed will be useful

Kelleher is no slouch and one of the most inform players at the minute. He’s one who should be kept playing. Could see toh or Healy drop out instead.

connachta · 12-09-2018 10:50pm

Wegians89 wrote: »

connachta wrote: »

Niyi instead of Kelleher this time. On large Murrayfield his speed will be useful

Kelleher is no slouch and one of the most inform players at the minute. He’s one who should be kept playing. Could see toh or Healy drop out instead.

Hell we disagree there. Niyi is 14. So is Kell. Was a disaster as FB in the past.
Don't move player out of their position if you don't need to...

connachta · 12-09-2018 10:55pm

Wegians89 wrote: »

connachta wrote: »

Niyi instead of Kelleher this time. On large Murrayfield his speed will be useful

Kelleher is no slouch and one of the most inform players at the minute. He’s one who should be kept playing. Could see toh or Healy drop out instead.

Hell we disagree there. Niyi is 14. So is Kell. Was a disaster as FB in the past.
Don't move player out of his position if you don't need to...

Wegians89 · 12-09-2018 10:57pm

The Friend Zone

connachta wrote: »

Hell we disagree there. Niyi is 14. So is Kell. Was a disaster as FB in the past.
Don't move player out of their position if you don't need to...

Kelleher could fit in at 11, has played there a number of times in the past.

Wegians89 · 12-09-2018 11:00pm

The Friend Zone

connachta wrote: »

Fainga'a to start please. Was brillant in the rucks!

Back row will be very interesting all season. A lot of players with very different qualities and skill sets.

connachta · 12-09-2018 11:00pm

Wegians89 wrote: »

connachta wrote: »

Hell we disagree there. Niyi is 14. So is Kell. Was a disaster as FB in the past.
Don't move player out of their position if you don't need to...

Kelleher could fit in at 11, has played there a number of times in the past.

with Leinster you mean? Healy is in form too though less shiny...

connachta · 12-09-2018 11:03pm

Wegians89 wrote: »

connachta wrote: »

Fainga'a to start please. Was brillant in the rucks!

Back row will be very interesting all season. A lot of players with very different qualities and skill sets.

I even think there's 1 too many. A LH prop would have been more needed. But here we are, let's focus on the squad we have

Wegians89 · 12-09-2018 11:04pm

The Friend Zone

connachta wrote: »

with Leinster you mean? Healy is in form too though less shiny...

Kellehers first season. Healy broke his wrist, kelleher slotted in well on the left. Including big wins at home to Toulouse and Ulster I believe.

Wegians89 · 12-09-2018 11:06pm

The Friend Zone

connachta wrote: »

I even think there's 1 too many. A LH prop would have been more needed. But here we are, let's focus on the squad we have

A lot of pressure on Conan to preform when needed

ClanofLams · 12-09-2018 11:14pm

Mul, it's over

Kelleher definitely starts, he looks very sharp, was brilliant v Glasgow and if he gets a bit of luck on the injury front, will have a huge season I reckon. I'd leave Healy and TOH too.

Liking that we're seeing more settled teams this season, 7/8 changes was common last season and didn't help at all.

Wegians89 · 12-09-2018 11:22pm

The Friend Zone

ClanofLams wrote: »

Kelleher definitely starts, he looks very sharp, was brilliant v Glasgow and if he gets a bit of luck on the injury front, will have a huge season I reckon. I'd leave Healy and TOH too.

Liking that we're seeing more settled teams this season, 7/8 changes was common last season and didn't help at all.

You’re right with a settled team being better long term. Saying that I’d rather see outlet best settled team start at home to both scarlets and Leinster as I really think targeting home games is a must. Also the strength in depth seems to have gone up a notch this year apart from maybe loose head. For that reason I’d rather a few changes for this week and revert back for the home games

ClanofLams · 12-09-2018 11:31pm

Mul, it's over

Wegians89 wrote: »

You’re right with a settled team being better long term. Saying that I’d rather see outlet best settled team start at home to both scarlets and Leinster as I really think targeting home games is a must. Also the strength in depth seems to have gone up a notch this year apart from maybe loose head. For that reason I’d rather a few changes for this week and revert back for the home games

Think this is probably as winnable as both of those. Agree though that making the sportsground a fortress should be big aim. Reading this earlier seems like Friend won't be making any back row changes. https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/pro14/aki-set-to-make-first-appearance-of-season-against-edinburgh-1.3625917

Making better use of replacements this season too, front row only playing 50-60 mins unlike poor Buckley being flogged in the past and with the scrum going so well last week I'd be a bit reluctant to change it.

Wegians89 · 13-09-2018 8:33am

The Friend Zone

ClanofLams wrote: »

Think this is probably as winnable as both of those. Agree though that making the sportsground a fortress should be big aim. Reading this earlier seems like Friend won't be making any back row changes. https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/pro14/aki-set-to-make-first-appearance-of-season-against-edinburgh-1.3625917

Making better use of replacements this season too, front row only playing 50-60 mins unlike poor Buckley being flogged in the past and with the scrum going so well last week I'd be a bit reluctant to change it.

That certainly makes it look like there won’t be any unnecessary changes. The Celtic cup is on this weekend, I’d imagine Copeland will start in that if not involved in the senior match

connachta · 13-09-2018 8:51am

Wegians89 wrote: »

ClanofLams wrote: »

Think this is probably as winnable as both of those. Agree though that making the sportsground a fortress should be big aim. Reading this earlier seems like Friend won't be making any back row changes. https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/pro14/aki-set-to-make-first-appearance-of-season-against-edinburgh-1.3625917

Making better use of replacements this season too, front row only playing 50-60 mins unlike poor Buckley being flogged in the past and with the scrum going so well last week I'd be a bit reluctant to change it.

That certainly makes it look like there won’t be any unnecessary changes. The Celtic cup is on this weekend, I’d imagine Copeland will start in that if not involved in the senior match

Griffin or Joyce as 13?

Wegians89 · 13-09-2018 9:24am

The Friend Zone

connachta wrote: »

Griffin or Joyce as 13?

For eagles? Joyce I’d say as griffin should be the extra man for the back line with seniors

evil_seed · 13-09-2018 9:32am

The Friend Zone

Prediction time for Edinburgh,
Kelleher, Niyi, Bundee, Godwin, Healy ,Carty, Marms, Buckley, Delahunt, Bealham, Dillane, Roux, Butler, Faingaa, Copeland

ClanofLams · 13-09-2018 9:54am

Mul, it's over

Sevu Reece doing damage again.

https://twitter.com/murray_kinsella/status/1040150503009599488?s=21

Wegians89 · 13-09-2018 9:57am

The Friend Zone

ClanofLams wrote: »

Sevu Reece doing damage again.

https://twitter.com/murray_kinsella/status/1040150503009599488?s=21

Really excited to see him in green.

evil_seed · 13-09-2018 11:16am

The Friend Zone

ClanofLams wrote: »

Sevu Reece doing damage again.

https://twitter.com/murray_kinsella/status/1040150503009599488?s=21

He was pretty close to being offside no? I know the ball went 15m and he's very fast off the blocks. But it's close

KBurke85 · 13-09-2018 12:00pm

The Friend Zone

Team named https://www.connachtrugby.ie/marmion-back-in-connacht-side-as-aki-named-on-the-bench-for-pro14-clash-with-edinburgh/

Bundee on bench.

Dillane in for Roux

Niyi in for Kelleher

No Buckley

wp_rathead · 13-09-2018 12:03pm

You've got a Friend in me

i think no Buckley is the big news
massive evening for Conan

ClanofLams · 13-09-2018 12:05pm

Mul, it's over

Hope it’s just a rest of course but think no Buckley means he has picked up an injury. Kelleher must have too, be a harsh dropping otherwise.

wp_rathead · 13-09-2018 12:10pm

You've got a Friend in me

15. Blair Kinghorn (66)

14. Dougie Fife (109)

13. James Johnstone (20)

12. Matt Scott (76)

11. Duhan van der Merwe (19)

10. Simon Hickey (2)

9. Henry Pyrgos (2)

1. Pierre Schoeman (2)

2. Stuart McInally (122) CAPTAIN

3. WP Nel (117)

4. Ben Toolis (90)

5. Grant Gilchrist (122)

6. Jamie Ritchie (50)

7. Hamish Watson (83)

8. Luke Hamilton (2)

Replacements: 16. Ross Ford (181); 17. Allan Dell (46); 18. Simon Berghan (50); 19. Fraser McKenzie (102). 20. Magnus Bradbury (53); 21 Sean Kennedy (62); 22. Jaco van der Walt (18); 23. Juan Pablo Socino*

*Edinburgh competitive debut

ClanofLams · 13-09-2018 12:12pm

Mul, it's over

Thought Hickey was really good for them last week v Ulster, he’ll need close attention.

evil_seed · 13-09-2018 12:24pm

The Friend Zone

ClanofLams wrote: »

Hope it’s just a rest of course but think no Buckley means he has picked up an injury. Kelleher must have too, be a harsh dropping otherwise.

The late hit against Zebre. He wasn't right after it.

freyners · 13-09-2018 12:34pm

The Friend Zone

If buckley isnt carrying something i dont understand why he isnt benching. Massive vote of confidence in conan though.

Niyi i expect to rip it up with kelleher playing so well.

Lebute · 13-09-2018 12:49pm

freyners wrote: »

If buckley isnt carrying something i dont understand why he isnt benching. Massive vote of confidence in conan though.

Niyi i expect to rip it up with kelleher playing so well.

With us not signing a LH I think its conans season to get to the next level and the coaches seem to be embracing it.

Jump_In_Jack · 13-09-2018 12:55pm

Who is covering fullback in that selection if TOH comes off?

freyners · 13-09-2018 12:56pm

The Friend Zone

Jump_In_Jack wrote: »

Who is covering fullback in that selection if TOH comes off?

Healy

FACECUTTR · 13-09-2018 1:05pm

Jump_In_Jack wrote: »

Who is covering fullback in that selection if TOH comes off?

Healy is imagine. Has done so in the past.

evil_seed · 13-09-2018 1:06pm

The Friend Zone

Jump_In_Jack wrote: »

Who is covering fullback in that selection if TOH comes off?

IMO order: Kelleher/Healy/Carty

FACECUTTR · 13-09-2018 1:08pm

evil_seed wrote: »

IMO order: Kelleher/Healy/Carty

Kelleher isn't in the squad but he would be ahead of Healy I'd say

Wegians89 · 13-09-2018 1:37pm

The Friend Zone

Hope Buckley and Kelleher are just being rested and not injured.

Griffin keeping his place sets the tone for putting a solid performance means you play regardless of who’s waiting to get back in.

Right five will need a huge game and Dillane and bealham need to step up and lead that five and show they’re both real contenders for the Irish squad.

Wouldn’t want to be the tired Edinburgh player who gets to be the first person Bundee gets his hands on

Dog Botherer · 13-09-2018 5:38pm

You've got a Friend in me

https://twitter.com/murray_kinsella/status/1040276827690938373?s=21

connachta · 13-09-2018 5:40pm

Without Buckley, and Aki/Fainga'a for an hour, seeing that strong Edinburgh team, it's a tough ask to expect a BP

connachta · 13-09-2018 5:43pm

Dog Botherer wrote: »

https://twitter.com/murray_kinsella/status/1040276827690938373?s=21

That's a pretty cool Eagles team, do someone knows who's Moylett on the bench?

The Lost Sheep · 13-09-2018 5:46pm

connachta wrote: »

That's a pretty cool Eagles team, do someone knows who's Moylett on the bench?

Moylett is from Ballina. Has been in school in Roscrea. Played Irish 19s last season. His dad played for Connacht and Ireland in 80s

Former Coach · 13-09-2018 5:48pm

Mul, it's over

Is this our first match at Murrayfield since the Pro12 final??

Wegians89 · 13-09-2018 6:31pm

The Friend Zone

Didn’t get to see any preseason or the Glasgow match but does anyone know what conor Carey did to get dropped?

realhorrorshow · 13-09-2018 8:46pm

Has anyone seen much of Cian Huxford? Been in quite a few Eagles teams now, starting when he was barely turned 18. Missed Ireland 19s through injury last year I believe, wonder will he make 20s.

salmocab · 13-09-2018 9:26pm

That new away jersey is nice, except the Connacht on the ar5e bit. Is it only being released today? Odd timing.

The Lost Sheep · 13-09-2018 9:29pm

realhorrorshow wrote: »

Has anyone seen much of Cian Huxford? Been in quite a few Eagles teams now, starting when he was barely turned 18. Missed Ireland 19s through injury last year I believe, wonder will he make 20s.

Will have decent shot at making 20s. Though playing A games can vary hugely. Not necessarily mean much in terms of playing Irish 20s

Zzippy · 13-09-2018 10:34pm

salmocab wrote: »

That new away jersey is nice, except the Connacht on the ar5e bit. Is it only being released today? Odd timing.

First away game, first time the players will be wearing it. Release the jersey same day to get a bit of interest.

realhorrorshow · 14-09-2018 12:43am

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Will have decent shot at making 20s. Though playing A games can vary hugely. Not necessarily mean much in terms of playing Irish 20s

Penny will have ther 7 shirt sewn up I guess.

CatFromHue · 14-09-2018 12:49am

Dog Botherer wrote: »

https://twitter.com/murray_kinsella/status/1040276827690938373?s=21

Is this a joke by Nucifora making Connacht sign players with names beginning with C!

realhorrorshow · 14-09-2018 1:30am

CatFromHue wrote: »

Is this a joke by Nucifora making Connacht sign players with names beginning with C!

6 Conors in one team, must be a record.

Wegians89 · 14-09-2018 8:14am

The Friend Zone

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Will have decent shot at making 20s. Though playing A games can vary hugely. Not necessarily mean much in terms of playing Irish 20s

Who else will be in with a shout at u 20s? Teirney, Murray, huxford, Reilly? Didn’t realize Hayes was also u 20

The Lost Sheep · 14-09-2018 9:25am

Wegians89 wrote: »

Who else will be in with a shout at u 20s? Teirney, Murray, huxford, Reilly? Didn’t realize Hayes was also u 20

Look at the 20s thread or just google last years 18s/19s squads and you will have good idea of Connacht players who are eligible for 20s
Yeah Hayes was part of a very good Munsters u16 side that were Munster finalists in their age group and were seriously competitive at 18s. Has also been playing AIL from soon after he turned 18

Zzippy · 14-09-2018 9:33am

realhorrorshow wrote: »

6 Conors in one team, must be a record.

Could get confusing!

Connacht Team Talk Thread V - The Friend Zone

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