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

connachta · 18-02-2016 6:19pm

Zzippy wrote: »

Any source for Aki and Muldowney being out? If they are I'd go with this team (not sure if all are fit):

Buckley, McCartney, Bealham
Dillane, Browne/Naoupu/Marshall
Muldoon, Heenan, Masterson
Marmion, Ronaldson
Robb, Parata
Healy, TOH, Poolman

JHW, Ah You, Loughney, Browne/Naoupu/Marshall, McKeon, Blade, AJ, Carr

we all want that, but Pat wants Ron as 12

Billysays no · 18-02-2016 9:31pm

While my opinion may not be the favourite opinion on boards it is an opinion. I just felt the need to express discontent. Job done. Onwards to zebre and top4. Onwards to centrally contracted players who want to play at Connacht. At least I understand pat lams comments over the past while about players who want to play at Connacht. Many others could leave but I don't believe they will. I believe one player was brainwashed but the others are unlikely to be such easy targets. A lesson has been learnt by players, fans and management here. I expect Heenan to sign on again. I expect muldowney to sign on again. I expect the irfu to be very sympathetic to Connacht after this fiasco.

On Heenan, could he possibly pick a worse time to be edging towards IQ. Irish back row simply full of talent. But then he is as good as SOB in my opinion so go get that position Jake. And Aki is also nearing IQ. Maybe what's disturbing is that I see them on central contracts before toh, Healy, Buckley ie.. our homegrown talent. As ever just an opinion.

CMOTDibbler · 18-02-2016 9:50pm

Billysays no wrote: »

While my opinion may not be the favourite opinion on boards it is an opinion. I just felt the need to express discontent. Job done. Onwards to zebre and top4. Onwards to centrally contracted players who want to play at Connacht. At least I understand pat lams comments over the past while about players who want to play at Connacht. Many others could leave but I don't believe they will. I believe one player was brainwashed but the others are unlikely to be such easy targets. A lesson has been learnt by players, fans and management here. I expect Heenan to sign on again. I expect muldowney to sign on again. I expect the irfu to be very sympathetic to Connacht after this fiasco.

Really?

porterbelly · 18-02-2016 9:55pm

Don't think either of Heenan or Muldowney are signing on

ClanofLams · 18-02-2016 10:08pm

porterbelly wrote: »

Don't think either of Heenan or Muldowney are signing on

Wouldn't be surprised about Muldowney, said on here a while back he would be tough to keep given his age and final payday in the offing that Connacht can't match.

Heenan would be very frustrating. Considering the injuries meaning he's played so little, if he signed elsewhere after seven or eight games, would be disappointing.

Zzippy · 18-02-2016 10:11pm

porterbelly wrote: »

Don't think either of Heenan or Muldowney are signing on

Seriously? On top of Robbie that would be really crap news...

S12b · 18-02-2016 10:17pm

porterbelly wrote: »

Don't think either of Heenan or Muldowney are signing on

I'm hoping this is a dole related joke!!

porterbelly · 18-02-2016 10:20pm

S12b wrote: »

I'm hoping this is a dole related joke!!

I wish it was

Billysays no · 18-02-2016 10:25pm

porterbelly wrote: »

Don't think either of Heenan or Muldowney are signing on

I wonder where muldowney would go. Can understand he might have got somewhat pissed at the most recent web summit. I would hate to think that this would be the reason. And Heenan has such a huge future at Connacht.

Then of course Jake has had two reconstructions of the shoulder. And reading the triggs article earlier in the week, it was interesting to hear the difference between northern hemisphere rugby compared to southern hemisphere rugby. Triggs suggested one was a running type of rugby while the other was purely a contact based type of rugby.

I suppose after his last few years he could be forgiven saying to hell with this style of rugby.

porterbelly · 18-02-2016 10:29pm

Billysays no wrote: »

I wonder where muldowney would go. Can understand he might have got somewhat pissed at the most recent web summit. I would hate to think that this would be the reason. And Heenan has such a huge future at Connacht.

Then of course Jake has had two reconstructions of the shoulder. And reading the triggs article earlier in the week, it was interesting to hear the difference between northern hemisphere rugby compared to southern hemisphere rugby. Triggs suggested one was a running type of rugby while the other was purely a contact based type of rugby.

I suppose after his last few years he could be forgiven saying to hell with this style of rugby.

There was a contract on the table for Heenan. If he goes where I heard he's going it will not go down well.

d-gal · 18-02-2016 10:33pm

porterbelly wrote: »

There was a contract on the table for Heenan. If he goes where I heard he's going it will not go down well.

Elaborate please?

Kirk Van Houten · 18-02-2016 10:35pm

d-gal wrote:

Elaborate please?

Presume he means that Heenan might be taking a short trip down south.

Borders no.2 · 18-02-2016 10:39pm

I know loyalty means little in a professional game and I'm all for players doing what they need to do for their career but provided Connacht have made a reasonable contract offer Jake Heenan owes us at least one good season for how we've stood by him the last 3 years.

Billysays no · 18-02-2016 10:49pm

Borders no.2 wrote: »

I know loyalty means little in a professional game and I'm all for players doing what they need to do for their career but provided Connacht have made a reasonable contract offer Jake Heenan owes us at least one good season for how we've stood by him the last 3 years.

If true this would be a right kick in the knuts. Trip to grenoble will be interesting. Much to discuss!!!

calico77 · 18-02-2016 10:52pm

Billysays no wrote: »

Triggs suggested one was a running type of rugby while the other was purely a contact based type of rugby.

I am assuming your reference to Triggs is about how he was making comments about McCarthy's concussion the other day. What was the name of the guy from NZ who played for connacht a few years ago for half a season before he quit after his 12th or so concussion in 2 years, most of which happened in NZ. This style and attrition argument keeps getting trotted out and its not very accurate, sure we even had Eddie Jones claiming Ireland kick 60% of our possession when the stats dont come close to that.

Richie McCaw had his issues with concussion in the mid noughties IIRC and Kieran Read was stood down for a few months in 2013 [or 2014 not sure which] super rugby season.

porterbelly · 18-02-2016 10:53pm

Borders no.2 wrote: »

I know loyalty means little in a professional game and I'm all for players doing what they need to do for their career but provided Connacht have made a reasonable contract offer Jake Heenan owes us at least one good season for how we've stood by him the last 3 years.

Couldn't agree more. Having spent over half of his 3 year contract on the treatment table, some loyalty is not alot to ask for.

I'd be hugely disappointed if he left, he's a class player when fit. I don't know why he'd want to be no2 somewhere else either.

ClanofLams · 18-02-2016 10:54pm

Kirk Van Houten wrote: »

Presume he means that Heenan might be taking a short trip down south.

Would be a weird one. Himself and Tommy O'Donnell battling for the 7 spot. Can't see it.

The emergence of Nepia Fox and James Connolly would be some comfort but Heenan would still be a massive loss.

Bazzo · 18-02-2016 10:55pm

calico77 wrote: »

I am assuming your reference to Triggs is about how he was making comments about McCarthy's concussion the other day. What was the name of the guy from NZ who played for connacht a few years ago for half a season before he quit after his 12th or so concussion in 2 years, most of which happened in NZ. This style and attrition argument keeps getting trotted out and its not very accurate, sure we even had Eddie Jones claiming Ireland kick 60% of our possession when the stats dont come close to that.

Richie McCaw had his issues with concussion in the mid noughties IIRC and Kieran Read was stood down for a few months in 2013 [or 2014 not sure which] super rugby season.

Craig Clarke, he was a serious talent, his retirement was really really unfortunate.

porterbelly · 18-02-2016 10:58pm

ClanofLams wrote: »

Would be a weird one. Himself and Tommy O'Donnell battling for the 7 spot. Can't see it.

The emergence of Nepia Fox and James Connolly would be some comfort but Heenan would still be a massive loss.

Both fine players but Jake is a cut above and a future international in the waiting.

Connolly played most of his underage at 6 as well so he can play there too.

With the way our 7's get injured, having 3 senior opensides is vital

ClanofLams · 18-02-2016 11:03pm

The whole thing doesn't make a lot of sense to me anyway. It can't be financial, he's not guaranteed to be first choice and at this moment in time Munster are less likely than Connacht to be in Champions cup next season.

Would expect him to stick around but we'll see.

Billysays no · 18-02-2016 11:04pm

Borders no.2 wrote: »

I know loyalty means little in a professional game and I'm all for players doing what they need to do for their career but provided Connacht have made a reasonable contract offer Jake Heenan owes us at least one good season for how we've stood by him the last 3 years.

What Connacht are owed and what Connacht get seem two disparate things. Porterbelly, cut the crap. Put us out of our next misery!!!!

CMOTDibbler · 18-02-2016 11:43pm

Billysays no wrote: »

What Connacht are owed and what Connacht get seem two disparate things. Porterbelly, cut the crap. Put us out of our next misery!!!!

Porterbelly says no

wp_rathead · 19-02-2016 12:00am

Kirk Van Houten wrote: »

Presume he means that Heenan might be taking a short trip down south.

back to NZ?

Billysays no · 19-02-2016 12:12am

wp_rathead wrote: »

back to NZ?

From my understanding a much shorter trip south!!!

gally74 · 19-02-2016 12:20am

Billysays no wrote: »

From my understanding a much shorter trip south!!!

Ok so it's either the Clare hurlers, or that other team in Munster

Billysays no · 19-02-2016 12:37am

gally74 wrote: »

Ok so it's either the Clare hurlers, or that other team in Munster

Always felt clare hurlers needed a bit more uuuumph about them. Jake will sort the issue

Funk It · 19-02-2016 7:15am

I've tried to keep out of the Henshaw debate until now. Course I'm disappointed, but thats life. Never heard words like 'loyalty' thrown around when the likes of O'Connor or Duffy went to ply their trade in England, so feel like its unfair to tar Robbie with it now.

Quite disappointed to see the reactions of a lot of Connacht and Leinster fans, but again maybe its just from the outspoken minority (or so I hope).

Heenan would be a big loss, but as others have pointed out, he hasn't played a whole lot and we are building adequate cover there.

Aki would be the one I'd worry about, but not a time to go into now amongst all the doom and gloom.

Moving onto the next game, and another massive 4-5 point prize on offer. Sounded like Dillane gave us a timely boost in the last game, so fingers crossed he's being given more of a run out this time.

Zzippy · 19-02-2016 9:48am

Aki travelled on the flight to Italy anyway so he must be ok

Zzippy · 19-02-2016 11:59am

A friend was also on that flight, sent a blurry pic of some of the team boarding. SOB 2.0 was the only one I could make out, so he's there too.

wp_rathead · 19-02-2016 1:01pm

15 Tiernan O’Halloran
14 Niyi Adeolokun
13 Bundee Aki
12 Craig Ronaldson
11 Matt Healy
10 AJ MacGinty
9 Kieran Marmion

1 Denis Buckley
2 Tom McCartney
3 Finlay Bealham
4 Ben Marshall
5 Aly Muldowney
6 John Muldoon (captain)
7 Jake Heenan
8 Eoin McKeon

Replacements:

16 Dave Heffernan
17 Ronan Loughney
18 Rodney Ah You
19 George Naoupu
20 Eoghan Masterson
21 Caolin Blade
22 Peter Robb
23 Danie Poolman

connemara man · 19-02-2016 1:03pm

Dillane being kept in bubble wrap?

freyners · 19-02-2016 1:05pm

connemara man wrote: »

Dillane being kept in bubble wrap?

Highly probable now he is on the bench for England i reckon. At the least he is 24 again

spurscormac · 19-02-2016 1:08pm

Interesting selection of Niyi ahead of Danie - must think there'll be acres of space to utilise his speed and keep Poolman fresh for the Ospreys?

S12b · 19-02-2016 1:15pm

spurscormac wrote: »

Interesting selection of Niyi ahead of Danie - must think there'll be acres of space to utilise his speed and keep Poolman fresh for the Ospreys?

I'd assume just a degree of rotation.....likewise with Masterson on the bench, he's played a lot in the last few months so give him somewhat of a rest and get McKeon some minutes under the belt.

Great to have Marshall back and some much needed depth at lock.

Robbo · 19-02-2016 1:16pm

spurscormac wrote: »

Interesting selection of Niyi ahead of Danie - must think there'll be acres of space to utilise his speed and keep Poolman fresh for the Ospreys?

Niyi hasn't played in a while as well so it's a good idea to get him up to speed.

spurscormac · 19-02-2016 1:18pm

Robbo wrote: »

Niyi hasn't played in a while as well so it's a good idea to get him up to speed.

usually doesn't take him too long

wp_rathead · 19-02-2016 1:32pm

Gonna see if Poolman is available at decent price for an "anytime try scorer" - odds should be longer if coming of the bench
Robbo - you're not allowed bet :pac:

S12b wrote: »

I'd assume just a degree of rotation.....likewise with Masterson on the bench, he's played a lot in the last few months so give him somewhat of a rest and get McKeon some minutes under the belt.

Great to have Marshall back and some much needed depth at lock.

I remember in the Clan Bar after a match McKeon mentioned that Lam likes to rotate 1 player in the backrow as much as possible

MarinersBlues · 19-02-2016 2:20pm

wp_rathead wrote: »

Gonna see if Poolman is available at decent price for an "anytime try scorer" - odds should be longer if coming of the bench

They probably won't be longer. If someone is trying to bet on a sub the traders will consider them either a mug or that they have inside knowledge on an injury.

I would expect him to be the same price as Healy, if he is priced up at all.

Bazzo · 19-02-2016 2:44pm

That's a strong team. Pat went with the predicted AJ - Craig - Bundee axis, no surprise there. Dillane not being released while Donnacha Ryan was is an interesting one.

freyners · 19-02-2016 2:59pm

Bazzo wrote: »

That's a strong team. Pat went with the predicted AJ - Craig - Bundee axis, no surprise there. Dillane not being released while Donnacha Ryan was is an interesting one.

Easiest anwer would be Dillane has played a lot of rugby this season and we have the depth for once to not need him with Marshall in place coupled with the fact he most likely will debut this weekend the more time he has in camp the better at this rate.

Still highly doubt Joe would make his first Ireland appearance starting vs England. Stranger things have happened tho..

Bazzo · 19-02-2016 3:01pm

freyners wrote: »

Easiest anwer would be Dillane has played a lot of rugby this season and we have the depth for once to not need him with Marshall in place coupled with the fact he most likely will debut this weekend the more time he has in camp the better at this rate.

Still highly doubt Joe would make his first Ireland appearance starting vs England. Stranger things have happened tho..

Well, since I wrote that somebody pointed out that a lot of the new caps haven't been released so it may just be to give them extra time in camp if they're going to be capped later in the tournament.

Robbo · 19-02-2016 3:04pm

Zebre were allowed 4 Italian squad members back, one of which is Haimona who must be brimming with confidence following the Paris dropgoal incident...

Muiliana is at full back and apparently he's making Andy Goode look svelte these days. We should be dealing with their back 3 at maximum velocity.

All in all, we should be looking at pinning them back in their 22 with the boot, let the forwards do the early damage and then let the backs come at them at speed.

freyners · 19-02-2016 3:11pm

Bazzo wrote:

Well, since I wrote that somebody pointed out that a lot of the new caps haven't been released so it may just be to give them extra time in camp if they're going to be capped later in the tournament.

Didn't see that. Makes sense

Robbo · 19-02-2016 4:00pm

evil_seed · 19-02-2016 4:01pm

Robbo wrote: »

we should be looking at pinning them back in their 22 with the boot, let the forwards do the early damage and then let the backs come at them at speed.

I'd call that the perfect gameplan to win any rugby game

b.gud · 19-02-2016 4:12pm

Robbo wrote: »

Updated the injury list. I also took out the Irish Squad lads as we all know the score there. Parata and Delahunt are new additions.

I think we hopefully expect this to be a bit shorter again next week but the backs remain an area of concern.

Compared to where we were a short while ago that is a nice short list. FB would be the worst of the back positions right now. Centre isn't too bad, Outhalf is tight but at least we have 2 recognised outhalves fit, plus McKeon in the academy. Wings are well stocked with Healy, Poolman, Niyi, Carr and TOH. FB is really just TOH available

porterbelly · 19-02-2016 4:39pm

I imagine Mils will be feeling the heat with a back 3 of Niyi, Healy and TOH coming at him.

That's not too bad Zebre side. Luke Burgess is a useful 9 and Van Schalwyk has always had very strong games against us. The releasing of 4 of their Italians will certainly strengthen them. They've been half decent at home

Zzippy · 19-02-2016 5:18pm

porterbelly wrote: »

I imagine Mils will be feeling the heat with a back 3 of Niyi, Healy and TOH coming at him.

That's not too bad Zebre side. Luke Burgess is a useful 9 and Van Schalwyk has always had very strong games against us. The releasing of 4 of their Italians will certainly strengthen them. They've been half decent at home

They gave Munster a right scare only 3 weeks ago, and they've beaten Cardiff and Edinburgh at home too. On the other hand they got some drubbing last week at Leinster. Get a good start and the heads could drop quickly...

connemara man · 19-02-2016 5:46pm

Zzippy wrote: »

They gave Munster a right scare only 3 weeks ago, and they've beaten Cardiff and Edinburgh at home too. On the other hand they got some drubbing last week at Leinster. Get a good start and the heads could drop quickly...

We're using our backline better IMO. If we play a territory based game force them make a load of tackles and keep the ball moving I think we'll win and hopefully win convincingly, but I wouldn't take them for granted they're at home, and are pushing teams at home

errlloyd · 19-02-2016 6:14pm

Leinster home game v Zebre, not televised, Connacht away v Zebre, Live and HD on Tg4.

Have Connacht fans noticed a decent increase in tv coverage in line with success? I tend to watch them whenever they're on, and there do seem to be more.

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

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