Connacht Rugby Thread - Part III - The Violence of the Lams

galwaylad14

I like that team, it's as strong as we could have fielded given the injuries. Might have gone with McKeon at 8 myself and Muldoon at 6 but that's not a big deal.

AJ takes his rightful place at number 10, our best out half to get those outside him moving forward. And that's where this game will be won. We have electric backs and I love that centre pairing. Think if the scrum can survive that we're in with a great chance.

I think myself O'Leary ahead of Carty is a fair call, as I've said here before, he's better at taking the ball at pace and is a better passer of the ball than Carty. Probably also a little physically stronger too.

connachta

Roux ahead of Browne is interesting too. Maybe Pat is seeing what Joe saw earlier... Ball-carrier in the rain is a good call anyway. Glasgow team is not 100% either. Price must be targetted, very young SH. Their TH might make Loughney suffer much less than the Italian guy last week. Bennett "only" on the bench is releiving, too

wp_rathead

connachta wrote: »

Roux ahead of Browne is interesting too. Maybe Pat is seeing what Joe saw earlier... Ball-carrier in the rain is a good call anyway. Glasgow team is not 100% too. Price must be targetted very young SH. Their TH might make Loughney suffer much less than the Italian last week. Bennett "only" on the bench is releiving, too

Andrew Browne is injured - but I say he'd have gone with Roux anyway

Injured/Unavailable: Denis Buckley, Nathan White, Conan O’Donnell, Andrew Browne, Ben Marshall, Nepia Fox-Matamua, Eoghan Masterson, Ian Porter, Craig Ronaldson, Dave McSharry, Danie Poolman, Darragh Leader, Ciaran Gaffney.

connachta

wp_rathead wrote: »

connachta wrote: »

Roux ahead of Browne is interesting too. Maybe Pat is seeing what Joe saw earlier... Ball-carrier in the rain is a good call anyway. Glasgow team is not 100% too. Price must be targetted very young SH. Their TH might make Loughney suffer much less than the Italian last week. Bennett "only" on the bench is releiving, too

Andrew Browne is injured - but I say he'd have gone with Roux anyway

Injured/Unavailable: Denis Buckley, Nathan White, Conan O Donnell, Andrew Browne, Ben Marshall, Nepia Fox-Matamua, Eoghan Masterson, Ian Porter, Craig Ronaldson, Dave McSharry, Danie Poolman, Darragh Leader, Ciaran Gaffney.

Apologies. BTW What happened to Ben Marshall (again)

b.gud

connachta wrote: »

Roux ahead of Browne is interesting too. Maybe Pat is seeing what Joe saw earlier... Ball-carrier in the rain is a good call anyway. Glasgow team is not 100% either. Price must be targetted, very young SH. Their TH might make Loughney suffer much less than the Italian guy last week. Bennett "only" on the bench is releiving, too

Browne is listed as injured

Number 137

connachta wrote: »

Totally agree, it's "kick it" or die IMO

I think I made it relatively clear that it isn't about kick, kick and kick. It's about varying their game. Whatever happens I'll be shouting Connacht on, but this is going to be a genuine test of how far Connacht have come. Hope you do it.

connachta

Number 137 wrote: »

connachta wrote: »

Totally agree, it's "kick it" or die IMO

I think I made it relatively clear that it isn't about kick, kick and kick. It's about varying their game. Whatever happens I'll be shouting Connacht on, but this is going to be a genuine test of how far Connacht have come. Hope you do it.

Nobody can reasonably think we're going to kick all the time. We won't go from one extreme strategy to the other. The point is we only kicked the ball literally twice or thrice against Leinster or Treviso in the entire game. We need to clear our line a bit more often.

ClanofLams

connachta wrote: »

Nobody can reasonably think we're going to kick all the time. We won't go from one extreme strategy to the other. The point is we only kicked the ball literally twice or thrice against Leinster or Treviso in the entire game. We need to clear our line a bit more often.

Connacht won against Leinster and the game plan wasn't the problem against Treviso. As Lam said after the Leinster match if they had kicked they would be defending rather than running with ball in hand, albeit usually for no gain or losing ground. Had they kicked more I don't think they would have been able to hold on.

I really don't get the criticism of the Connacht game plan. Yes it has led to scores against Connacht but it has also led to many for Connacht and is a big part of the reason why Connacht are already in the semi finals with 8 try bonus points. Running from the 22 is risky but it is a risk that has paid off over the season and I wouldn't expect it to be changed much at this stage.

connachta

ClanofLams wrote: »

connachta wrote: »

Nobody can reasonably think we're going to kick all the time. We won't go from one extreme strategy to the other. The point is we only kicked the ball literally twice or thrice against Leinster or Treviso in the entire game. We need to clear our line a bit more often.

Connacht won against Leinster and the game plan wasn't the problem against Treviso. As Lam said after the Leinster match if they had kicked they would be defending rather than running with ball in hand, albeit usually for no gain or losing ground. Had they kicked more I don't think they would have been able to hold on.

I really don't get the criticism of the Connacht game plan. Yes it has led to scores against Connacht but it has also led to many for Connacht and is a big part of the reason why Connacht are already in the semi finals with 8 try bonus points. Running from the 22 is risky but it is a risk that has paid off over the season and I wouldn't expect it to be changed much at this stage.

How many times we went so close to interception, even in our 22, that the fans caught heart-attack? Many times, especially against Leinster and Treviso. That's why I quoted those games.
Risks have to be balanced. The fact it has suit us doesn't mean it always will. Against aggressive and handy teams like Glasgow, we have to be careful (and kick sometimes, even if it means pressure afterward)

Zzippy

The gameplan isn't bad, but I'd prefer to see a few more chips over the top to keep defences honest. Teams have been really pressing up on us lately, knowing we're going to move the ball through the hands, which is leaving little space to play and often forcing us back. The odd chip and chase would keep them a bit more honest and reduce their line speed for fear of being caught out. Not easy to do against the likes of Russell and Hogg, mind...

ClanofLams

connachta wrote: »

How many times we went so close to interception, even in our 22, that the fans caught heart-attack? Many times, especially against Leinster and Treviso. That's why I quoted those games.
Risks have to be balanced. The fact it has suit us doesn't mean it always will. Against aggressive and handy teams like Glasgow, we have to be careful (and kick sometimes, even if it means pressure afterward)

I'm not arguing that it's not risky but if you reviewed the season as a whole it's been a risk that paid off. McGinty is less of a kicking 10 than Carty and the game plan isn't going to change at this stage.

Johnny Farango

Just wondering what channels cover this game? I was meant to go to it but now am going to be in Belfast. TG4? Any other channels?

b.gud

Johnny Farango wrote: »

Just wondering what channels cover this game? I was meant to go to it but now am going to be in Belfast. TG4? Any other channels?

BBC Scotland and TG4

connachta

ClanofLams wrote: »

connachta wrote: »

How many times we went so close to interception, even in our 22, that the fans caught heart-attack? Many times, especially against Leinster and Treviso. That's why I quoted those games.
Risks have to be balanced. The fact it has suit us doesn't mean it always will. Against aggressive and handy teams like Glasgow, we have to be careful (and kick sometimes, even if it means pressure afterward)

I'm not arguing that it's not risky but if you reviewed the season as a whole it's been a risk that paid off. McGinty is less of a kicking 10 than Carty and the game plan isn't going to change at this stage.

Nobody's talking about change, we're talking about 6-7 clearance kicks a game + 2-3 chips, which would still be very low.
And with Boshoff it's going to change a lot more

Billysays no

The Connacht game works based on some simple rules. The pack must be able to hold steady, the lineout must function, the ruck must be cleared out quickly. If you take the Leinster game we were under crazy pressure, our pack was seriously creaking and Shane did the right thing and got rid of the ball. There is no point in playing a possession game if you are on your own line. However there is every reason to play a posession game everywhere else. Without posession the potential break wont happen. And you really don't want to be handing Glasgow posession

ClanofLams

connachta wrote: »

Nobody's talking about change, we're talking about 6-7 clearance kicks a game + 2-3 chips, which would still be very low.
And with Boshoff it's going to change a lot more

By at this stage I meant this season. Boshoff would seem to be a 10 that will mean more kicking alright but that's next season.

All I'm saying is the current plan isn't going to be altered for tomorrow imo. We have no great touch finders so a kick will either result in a Glasgow lineout probably juat outside the Conn 22 (assuming the kick is deep in 22) or Stuart Hogg running the ball back, neither good outcomes.

Maybe I'm wrong though, will see tomorrow.

ClanofLams

Billysays no wrote: »

The Connacht game works based on some simple rules. The pack must be able to hold steady, the lineout must function, the ruck must be cleared out quickly. If you take the Leinster game we were under crazy pressure, our pack was seriously creaking and Shane did the right thing and got rid of the ball. There is no point in playing a possession game if you are on your own line. However there is every reason to play a posession game everywhere else. Without posession the potential break wont happen. And you really don't want to be handing Glasgow posession

Connacht kicked practically nothing in that game, one or two but in comparison to what the vast majority of teams would have done it was very little.

Billysays no

ClanofLams wrote: »

Connacht kicked practically nothing in that game, one or two but in comparison to what the vast majority of teams would have done it was very little.

I honestly cant see that change tomorrow. AJ will do what he does and challenge the line as will Kieran. TOH will carry until the last second and either pass or grubber kick (thanks God he's rock solid under the high ball as he will need to be with the weather promised), Matt does the odd kick forward and usually collects and Niyi is just pure pace. Bundee will look for any chance to run with the ball and Robbie will be rock solid in defence. So its a really good and more importantly experienced back line. They all know how each other play and trust each other. The only concern is if Ronan can step up. I'm happy that Finlay is tight-head, his strongest position. Muldoon will be immense, SOB has been simply fantastic all season and deserves his place, Tom is simply great, Jake Heenan has been such a signing, Ultan has gone from height to height with his game and its such a shame that we will lose Aly next season as he really has put his body on the line for us.

No matter what the result is tomorrow its been an incredible ride. I would love to see us finish top of the Pro12 but if we don't we can only feel huge pride in our team. So even if we lose tomorrow we still win.

connachta

Billysays no wrote: »

ClanofLams wrote: »

Connacht kicked practically nothing in that game, one or two but in comparison to what the vast majority of teams would have done it was very little.

I honestly cant see that change tomorrow. AJ will do what he does and challenge the line as will Kieran. TOH will carry until the last second and either pass or grubber kick (thanks God he's rock solid under the high ball as he will need to be with the weather promised), Matt does the odd kick forward and usually collects and Niyi is just pure pace. Bundee will look for any chance to run with the ball and Robbie will be rock solid in defence. So its a really good and more importantly experienced back line. They all know how each other play and trust each other. The only concern is if Ronan can step up. I'm happy that Finlay is tight-head, his strongest position. Muldoon will be immense, SOB has been simply fantastic all season and deserves his place, Tom is simply great, Jake Heenan has been such a signing, Ultan has gone from height to height with his game and its such a shame that we will lose Aly next season as he really has put his body on the line for us.

No matter what the result is tomorrow its been an incredible ride. I would love to see us finish top of the Pro12 but if we don't we can only feel huge pride in our team. So even if we lose tomorrow we still win.

Yeah Henshaw might be the only one who'll kick the ball sometimes (like he did on Niyi try v Munster).

MarinersBlues

Billysays no wrote: »

.... Robbie will be rock solid in defence.

You contradict yourself so much it's nearly as nauseating as your "wall of text" posts.

You spent the early part of this week telling us how poor a defender Henshaw is!

Just settle on one opinion. That way you won't have to argue with so many people.

connachta

I fear about McGinty kicking lenght. Even Carty goes longer...

Billysays no

connachta wrote: »

I fear about McGinty kicking lenght. Even Carty goes longer...

Are we talking about penalty kicking or positional kicking. Do remember the aim is a try bonus point so penalty kicking won't be crucial. If Glasgow beat us it won't be because of penalty kicking. We have an aim and we will play the game we know to achieve it. Its all out stuff or nothing. It is what we do best.

connachta

Billysays no wrote: »

connachta wrote: »

I fear about McGinty kicking lenght. Even Carty goes longer...

Are we talking about penalty kicking or positional kicking. Do remember the aim is a try bonus point so penalty kicking won't be crucial. If Glasgow beat us it won't be because of penalty kicking. We have an aim and we will play the game we know to achieve it. Its all out stuff or nothing. It is what we do best.

Was talking about both.
And one word : rain.

Buer

Billysays no wrote:

Shane did the right thing and got rid of the ball. There is no point in playing a possession game if you are on your own line.

You've been singing a completely different tune for the last 6 months.

connachta

Buer wrote: »

Billysays no wrote:

Shane did the right thing and got rid of the ball. There is no point in playing a possession game if you are on your own line.

You've been singing a completely different tune for the last 6 months.

I don't get how we came to that absurd debate
The point was just : heavy rain forseen, Glasgow team handy enough to intercept, need to kick more.
Nothing about the global scheme of things...

Billysays no

Buer wrote: »

You've been singing a completely different tune for the last 6 months.

Really? Possession rugby over kicking away possession. Honestly I would like for you to qoute an example.

Padkir

connachta wrote: »

We need to clear our line a bit more often.

Not sure I want to be landing too much ball down on Hogg, Seymour, Lamont, etc...

connachta

I'm not overly impressed, Horne etc..FFS This is not an all-black team. We can do it.

connachta

Billysays no wrote: »

Buer wrote: »

You've been singing a completely different tune for the last 6 months.

Really? Possession rugby over kicking away possession. Honestly I would like for you to qoute an example.

I think he was referring to O'leary praised

Billysays no

connachta wrote: »

I think he was referring to O'leary praised

In relation to that we were creaking. It was the only time I have ever backed that strategy.

Diabhal Beag

Saw Pat and Edward the Avian Carnivore at the Darkness into Light run. Very nice to see on the morning of one of the biggest matches in our history.

connachta

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2016/0506/786688-bundee-aki-connacht-richie-mccaw/

Yeah_Right

McCaw being his usual diplomatic self. Gets asked a loaded question and politely talks up the guy that the locals love.

Zzippy

Yeah_Right wrote: »

McCaw being his usual diplomatic self. Gets asked a loaded question and politely talks up the guy that the locals love.

That sort of level-headed reason is not welcome around here. Get the pitchforks, lads!

ionadnapokot

I'd prefer if his diplomacy went like this.
"Smashing player. Probably one of the best players in Ireand at the moment. Huge loss to NZ. He has fully committed to Connacht and everybody is reaping the benefits of that. I'm sure Joe Schmidt can't wait to have him playing for Ireland"

Zzippy

Lads, it's a quote made up by a hack writer. What he actually said was... "Who?"

Number 137

MarinersBlues wrote: »

You contradict yourself so much it's nearly as nauseating as your "wall of text" posts.

You spent the early part of this week telling us how poor a defender Henshaw is!

Just settle on one opinion. That way you won't have to argue with so many people.

To be fair, the punctuation was excellent though.

ionadnapokot

Weather. It's a pity. Nakawara will still carry with 1 hand! Will miss him...and Muldowney

connachta

Rucks!!! But missed!!!!!!!

b.gud

MacGinty having a good game, he's an excellent tackler

Redo91

Playing against 16 out there. Referee is just looking for excuses to give something against us. I don't think he knows why he's giving them half the time. Penalty count must be through the roof.

Bazzo

Redo91 wrote: »

Playing against 16 out there. Referee is just looking for excuses to give something against us. I don't think he knows why he's giving them half the time. Penalty count must be through the roof.

I think the refereeing has been fine.

Billysays no

Rodney where have you been. Playing a blinder

Pudsy33

Anyone have any idea what's going on on TG4?

The trad music on tg4 is unreal

irishbucsfan

Bazzo wrote: »

I think the refereeing has been fine.

Yep, completely fine

Bazzo

Was there any explanation for this? On the player it just cut straight from a fan linn screen to trad hahaha

Pudsy33

Pudsy33 wrote: »

Anyone have any idea what's going on on TG4?

Ah here we go. That was an interesting half time experience

b.gud

Billysays no wrote: »

Rodney where have you been. Playing a blinder

Yeah he's having a blinder in the scrum and in defence a few big hits.
The while team look really aggressive and hungry in defence which has been great.

No problems with the ref from me, one or 2 mistakes IMO but show me a ref who doesn't make mistakes and certainly none of them major

Redo91

And he's getting worse!