Connacht Team Talk Thread V - The Friend Zone

ClanofLams

Mul, it's over

Wegians89 wrote: »

Godwin and faingaa are the two big ones that could move other than Marmion. Could cope with Godwin leaving but faingaa is key. I’d probably be looking at Copeland out with one of deegan/Doris replacing him if the Irfu are pushing that.

Possibly further depth at prop but that depends on how the Burke’s and Kenny go. Back three look fine too

Agreed. Hopefully Fainga’a can stay as a project player even if his age isn’t ideal for that.

Given Fardy and others have got extensions down through the years no reason Connacht shouldn’t be allowed make Godwin an offer. Aki also a possibility of moving in that he’s likely to have no shortage of suitors but think he will stay.

If either were to go though centre should be a priority. It’s great to see Robb firing and healthy but with his history it would be a risk to place total confidence in that continuing.

Lucas44

realhorrorshow wrote: »

Loosehead

Denis Buckley (29) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019
Matthew Burke (22) - Signed contract in 2019
Paddy McAllister (30) - Signed contract in 2019

Jordan Duggan (21) - Academy year 2

Tighthead

Finlay Bealham (28) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019
Rory Burke (25) - Signed contract in 2019
Conor Kenny (23) - Signed contract in 2019
Dominic Robertson-McCoy (25) - Signed contract in 2018

Hooker

Shane Delahunt (25) - Signed contract in 2019
Dave Heffernan (28) - Signed contract in 2019
Tom McCartney (33) - Signed 3 year contract in 2017
Jonny Murphy (27) - Signed contract in 2018

Declan Adamson (20) - Academy year 1
Dylan Tierney-Martin (20) - Academy year 2

Lock

Ultan Dillane (25) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019
Cillian Gallagher (22) - Signed contract in 2018
Joe Maksymiw (23) - Signed contract in 2018
Quinn Roux (28) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019
Gavin Thornbury (25) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019

Niall Murray (19) - Academy year 2

Back row

Paul Boyle (22) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019
Jarrad Butler (28) - Signed 3 year contract in 2017
Robin Copeland (31) - Signed 2 year contract in 2018
Colby Fainga'a (28) - Signed contract in 2018
Eoghan Masterson (26) - Signed 2 year contract in 2018
Eoin McKeon (28) - Signed contract in 2019
Sean O'Brien (24) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020

Joshua Dunne (19) - Academy year 2
Sean Masterson (21) - Academy year 3
Oisin McCormack (18) - Academy year 1
Mikey Wilson (22) - Academy year 2

Scrumhalf

Caolin Blade (25) - Signed contract in 2018
Stephen Kerins (23) - Signed contract in 2019
Angus Lloyd (26) - Signed contract in 2019
Kieran Marmion (27) - Signed 2 year contract in 2018

Colm Reilly (20) - Academy year 2

Outhalf

Jack Carty (27) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019
Conor Fitzgerald (21) - Signed contract in 2019
Dave Horwitz (24) - Signed contract in 2018

Luke Carty (21) - Academy year 3
Conor Dean (21) - Academy year 2

Centre

Bundee Aki (28) - Signed 3 year contract in 2017
Tom Daly (26) - Signed contract in 2019
Tom Farrell (25) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Kyle Godwin (27) - Signed contract in 2018
Peter Robb (25) - Signed contract in 2019

Shane Jennings (18) - Academy year 1
Sean O'Brien (21) - Academy year 2

Back 3

Niyi Adeolokun (28) - Signed contract in 2019
Stephen Fitzgerald (23) - Signed contract in 2019
Matt Healy (30) - Signed 2 year contract in 2018
Darragh Leader (26) - Signed contract in 2018
Tiernan O'Halloran (28) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
John Porch (25) - Signed contract in 2019
Peter Sullivan (21) - Signed trial contract in 2019

Colm de Buitléar (21) - Academy year 3
Hugh Lane (20) - Academy year 1
Oran McNulty (19) - Academy year 2

Made some educated guesses about length of contacts. There's a chance that some of the deals signed in 2019 may have been for one year only.

Blades contract is up at the end of the season, apparently holding out from signing until marmion leaves/stays to get a bigger contract. FairPlay to him for holding out and not being pressurised into signing

connachta

Lucas44 wrote: »

Blades contract is up at the end of the season, apparently holding out from signing until marmion leaves/stays to get a bigger contract. FairPlay to him for holding out and not being pressurised into signing

Kerrins/Reilly are promising Blade should not blackmail too much

ClanofLams

Mul, it's over

In fairness to Blade, he is a long way clear of any of alternatives other than Marmion and every player is entitled to try to get best deal they can - short career etc. Hopefully the two of them stick around.

KBurke85

The Friend Zone

New deal for Butler

https://twitter.com/connachtrugby/status/1192009856011689984

testtech05

Some Like It TOH

Great news!! Is this business being done a bit earlier this year?

Wegians89

The Friend Zone

Brilliant news, wouldn’t be surprised to see him capped by Ireland. One of the best signings in ages

MarinersBlues

Mul, it's over

testtech05 wrote: »

Great news!! Is this business being done a bit earlier this year?

This is the best squad we have ever had.
Players more likely to want to stay with the results and style of play.
The club would also want to pin them down asap.

It's easy do business when everyone is relatively happy and on the same page.

testtech05

Some Like It TOH

MarinersBlues wrote: »

This is the best squad we have ever had.
Players more likely to want to stay with the results and style of play.
The club would also want to pin them down asap.

It's easy do business when everyone is relatively happy and on the same page.

Long may it continue this way!!! Hopefully get more of the lads nailed down over the next few days...

connachta

Wegians89 wrote: »

Brilliant news, wouldn’t be surprised to see him capped by Ireland. One of the best signings in ages

IQ in a year
problem is, as said on a Brumbies forum before he left, he's a very good 7 and 8 but not an excellent one in a specific position
He can't surpass VdF/Leavy for example IMO BUT he could be a very useful 31th player in a RWC squad though

Beirne covering 5/6, Butler 7/8, the other players specified to 1 position

Wegians89

The Friend Zone

connachta wrote: »

IQ in a year
problem is, as said on a Brumbies forum before he left, he's a very good 7 and 8 but not an excellent one in a specific position
He can't surpass VdF/Leavy for example IMO BUT he could be a very useful 31th player in a RWC squad though

Beirne covering 5/6, Butler 7/8, the other players specified to 1 position

Id have him in the jordi Murphy role but personally (biased maybe) think butler is a better player. I think he’d be ideal for a 20 spot on the bench, bringing a more expansive running game and leader ship from the bench. He’s also a tackle machine say a stat today he’s joint top tackle success rate this season so far with 95.7%

I also wouldn’t discount butlers ability in the 6 jersey, he’s extremely versatile

ClanofLams

Mul, it's over

Some going to replace Muldoon with a near carbon copy. A 6/8 (Butler plays 7 well too of course) who plays every week, gets through huge amount of work, almost never turns in bad performance, good leader,etc

connachta

ClanofLams wrote: »

Some going to replace Muldoon with a near carbon copy. A 6/8 (Butler plays 7 well too of course) who plays every week, gets through huge amount of work, almost never turns in bad performance, good leader,etc

No beard, no Muldoon (yeah I know he lived without it, but wasn't a legend at the time:P:P)

b.gud

Grassroots to Greenshirts will be shown on Eir Sport 1 at 10pm after the game on Friday

https://twitter.com/eirSport/status/1192071932952371201

KBurke85

The Friend Zone

https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/connacht-rugby/friend-hoping-marmion-and-aki-remain-at-connacht-38669281.html

Thornbury out untill the new year and Roux out for 2 to 3 weeks. Bundee and Jack both in the 23 for Leinster

Wegians89

The Friend Zone

KBurke85 wrote: »

https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/connacht-rugby/friend-hoping-marmion-and-aki-remain-at-connacht-38669281.html

Thornbury out untill the new year and Roux out for 2 to 3 weeks. Bundee and Jack both in the 23 for Leinster

His age will probably go against him but given how much he’s played for Ireland since qualifying bundee should be getting a central contract, which would boost connschts finances hugely

BeardySi

You've got a Friend in me

Wegians89 wrote: »

His age will probably go against him but given how much he’s played for Ireland since qualifying bundee should be getting a central contract, which would boost connschts finances hugely

He's played every single game where he was available for selection - it'd be criminal if he didn't.

connachta

BeardySi wrote: »

He's played every single game where he was available for selection - it'd be criminal if he didn't.

They'd say 33 y.o in 2023, and he's not Rob Kearney, so too old... Double standard

testtech05

Some Like It TOH

Roux will be sorely missed especially against big Montpellier pack.

With Thornbury out too a bif chance for Dillane and Gallagher/Maks to make a claim for game time

connachta

testtech05 wrote: »

Roux will be sorely missed especially against big Montpellier pack.

With Thornbury out too a bif chance for Dillane and Gallagher/Maks to make a claim for game time

I'd try Copeland as 19 with Dillane/Gallagher starting.
He's a ball carrier

evil_seed

The Friend Zone

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/pro14/doubts-linger-over-aki-and-marmion-s-connacht-future-1.4075473?mode=amp

Connacht are facing an injury crisis and the long term possibility of life without Ireland internationals Kieran Marmion and Bundee Aki.

Sidelined secondrow duo Gavin Thornbury (elbow) and Quinn Roux (pec) will damage this season’s prospects in a Champions Cup Pool that includes Montpellier, Toulouse and Gloucester.

Saracens are looking to add Marmion to their squad next season but should that deal fall through a number of English Premiership clubs would sign up the 27-year-old scrumhalf.

“Kieran is very aware that we would like him to stay,” said Connacht coach Andy Friend at the Heineken EPCR launch in Cardiff .”The sort of performance that he puts out there week after week would attract many clubs. So I wouldn’t be surprised if there is four or five other clubs, whether it’s Saracens or whoever else want to talk to him good luck to them.”

Marmion struggled with Joe Schmidt’s decision to take Luke McGrath to the World Cup as the second scrumhalf.

“It’s not just as easy as turning off a tap and saying ‘that didn’t happen, put on the Connacht jersey and off I go again’. Certainly for Kieran it was a really big blow for him, a really big blow, because he missed out on the previous one [in 2015]. He worked really really hard, he got himself to where he believed he was in a good position and the selection didn’t fall his way.

Kieran Marmion has been linked with a switch from Connacht to Saracens. Photograph: Tommy Dickson/Inpho
Kieran Marmion has been linked with a switch from Connacht to Saracens. Photograph: Tommy Dickson/Inpho
“He shared with us that he was frustrated,. He shared with us that he loves living in Galway. He shared that he has had many a fun night at the Sportsground playing for Connacht. So, from our point of view, hopefully that’s the thing that he holds on to the most when he makes the decision.”

Aki strongly considered a switch to Munster or abroad in 2016 but re-signed for Connacht only to express a sense of betrayal when former coach Pat Lam subsequently announced he was joining Bristol. He has since expressed remorse about a social media post.

“That would be nice too [to keep Aki],” said Friend. “We’re in talks about recruitment but for me it’s a lot about retention, making sure you are keeping the right people. We have got a really healthy group of players there. It’s really important we lock down the main ones who have got us to where we currently are and we view them of being a very important part of where we want to build to.”

Aki’s departure from Connacht would more than likely signal the end of his international career as Munster are in advanced talks with Springbok centre Damian de Allende while Leinster are well stocked in midfield players. The 29-year-old’s durability would command a six figure salary in France, England or Japan.

Both Aki and Jack Carty will line up against Leinster in Galway on Friday night but Friend admits the province are struggling to cope with injuries.

“We have picked up two big injuries in the last couple of weeks. One to Quinn Roux with his pec and one with Gavin Thornbury with his elbow. Both of those men had been playing great rugby. Prior to that we had Paddy McAllister with a knee injury. We have already used 35 players in our opening five games. I think there is a belief and a view that Connacht are just swimming through these first five games.

“We used 50 players last year.

“Gavin has just had surgery on that elbow so we are probably looking at into the new year for him coming back. Yeah, it’s a massive blow. Quinn we’re probably looking at hopefully two or three weeks.”

connachta

https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2019/1107/1089296-jarrad-butler-connacht-deserve-to-be-here/

KBurke85

The Friend Zone

Team named

https://twitter.com/connachtrugby/status/1192410116110176261

KBurke85

The Friend Zone

Leinster Team

https://twitter.com/leinsterrugby/status/1192411377303879682

connachta

it's a 50/50 IMO

EachSmallChime

KBurke85 wrote: »

Leinster Team

https://twitter.com/leinsterrugby/status/1192411377303879682

Good team. Definitely beatable.

**** the bed. What a bench for Connacht
I think this is Henshaws first return to the Sportsground. Booooooooo :P

connachta

Worriness :

- Macksymiw having conceeded 3 pens on his own last week, has to keep his discipline
- Farrell defence out Henshaw/Tomane
- Healy and Porsh would have had my preference over S.Fitzgerald, but it's 51/49 indeed
- no Dillane, but Fardy


Confidance :

- Farrell attacking game vs Henshaw/Tomane, not used to defend in those positions
- Burke has to handle Bent and not Furlong, he should
- Boyle wanting to impress as an ex-Leinsterman
- Our bench is stronger (Carty+Aki+Godwin will cause havoc against tired legs)
- Leader big boot, useful in these games!


Decisive 50/50

- Gallagher/SOB will do the job in 2nd row IMO, even if it's optimism
- Fainga'a to counter Ruddock impact from the bench
- Buckley vs Porter, hell of a massive fight to gain/neutralize scrums
- Adeolakun vs A.Byrne, who's the fastest, who's the closest to Irish squad for 6 nations

Redo91

You've got a Friend in me

evil_seed wrote: »

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/pro14/doubts-linger-over-aki-and-marmion-s-connacht-future-1.4075473?mode=amp

Funny how the independent carried the same quotes but said we were confident of keeping Marmion.

Everdene

Mul, it's over

Redo91 wrote: »

Funny how the independent carried the same quotes but said we were confident of keeping Marmion.

Had the very same thought reading them this morning. Glass half full / glass half empty....

Who knows!