Connacht Team Talk Thread V - The Friend Zone

ClanofLams

Mul, it's over

I’m possibly over analysing but I thought friend sounded quite confident of keeping Aki. Marmion was obviously getting full pitch whereas that didn’t seem necessary for Aki. Suppose most likely answers just reflect questions and Marmion was asked about specifically due to rumours.

Same as last week for me, if Connacht can match them up front (much harder this week) then the backs have enough to get them over the line. Sickener to be without three first choice second rows for this and first two European games, this would be a great time for Cillian Gallagher to really step up. Big test for Burke too, Porter and Bent are both very good tightheads.

connachta

ClanofLams wrote: »

I’m possibly over analysing but I thought friend sounded quite confident of keeping Aki. Marmion was obviously getting full pitch whereas that didn’t seem necessary for Aki. Suppose most likely answers just reflect questions and Marmion was asked about specifically due to rumours.

Same as last week for me, if Connacht can match them up front (much harder this week) then the backs have enough to get them over the line. Sickener to be without three first choice second rows for this and first two European games, this would be a great time for Cillian Gallagher to really step up. Big test for Burke too, Porter and Bent are both very good tightheads.

Buckley has to deal with Porter the whole time, and only when he's off Friend can have Burke in. Bent is old now, not at his very very best, it could be ok for young Matt. Huge relief there's not Furlong on the bench

Wegians89

The Friend Zone

I don’t really fear bundee leaving I’d say it’s just negotiating for a central contract

connachta

Wegians, you were right about Bundee on the bench, I was right about Carty starting!

Wegians89

The Friend Zone

Tight five for Connacht really need to be perfect for this game. Delighted Gallagher will be tested at this level, he was there or there about a with James Ryan at u20 level but has been plagued with injuries since. Don’t expect him to go as far as Ryan but he can become a brilliant player in his own right if fit.

Hope Connacht pack can give some platform to the backs because I think carty - Robb- Farrell could really do some real damage to a Leinster back line that I don’t think have defended too much together.

b.gud

Nice medical joker to sign while MacCallister is out

https://www.the42.ie/beast-south-africa-4883326-Nov2019/

BakeMeACake

ClanofLams wrote:

I’m possibly over analysing but I thought friend sounded quite confident of keeping Aki. Marmion was obviously getting full pitch whereas that didn’t seem necessary for Aki. Suppose most likely answers just reflect questions and Marmion was asked about specifically due to rumours.

I would have thought that Marmion would have started if he had in any way suggested he might stay at Connacht. Like you I might be overreacting but I think the signals would suggest he will most likely leaving Galway.

On another matter, what's the story with Ultan? I hadn't heard he was unavailable?

Utopia Parkway

Wegians89 wrote: »

I don’t really fear bundee leaving I’d say it’s just negotiating for a central contract

Surely he'll be offered one. He's started most Ireland games over the past 18 months I imagine.

Wegians89

The Friend Zone

BakeMeACake wrote: »

I would have thought that Marmion would have started if he had in any way suggested he might stay at Connacht. Like you I might be overreacting but I think the signals would suggest he will most likely leaving Galway.

On another matter, what's the story with Ultan? I hadn't heard he was unavailable?

I don’t think marmion was ever starting this match regardless of where he is next year. Blade started the first three, Marmion the next two and blade gets the start tomorrow. I’d say marmion will start the two champions cup and then blade will get the two after that. It’s just rotation on two top class 9s.

If marmion doesn’t start next week either then it could be a bad sign.

Ultan went of with a back spasm and was a doubt for this week. I think he’ll be fine next week

ClanofLams

Mul, it's over

BakeMeACake wrote: »

I would have thought that Marmion would have started if he had in any way suggested he might stay at Connacht. Like you I might be overreacting but I think the signals would suggest he will most likely leaving Galway.

On another matter, what's the story with Ultan? I hadn't heard he was unavailable?

Dillane is injured I would think, came off last week with back spasms.

Wegians said on here during the week his guess was Blade would start this week and Marmion the two European games as Blade deserved a start in one big game at least for his form. I would think he was correct and Marmion will be back for the next two games. Don’t think it reflects any intention one way or another in relation to Marmions future plans.

Utopia Parkway

Looks like there is heavy rain due Friday evening. Hopefully might not start until after the match but it's touch and go I'd say.

BakeMeACake

Utopia Parkway wrote:

Looks like there is heavy rain due Friday evening. Hopefully might not start until after the match but it's touch and go I'd say.

I'm just after catching the BBC weather forecast which suggests a dry cold evening which should be perfect for a good game of rugby

ClanofLams

Mul, it's over

Interesting to hear Craggy Rugby pod speculating Niall Murray might get in the mix soon. Obviously a reflection of Connachts second row injury woes but he’s a very good prospect too. Great to have Dillane, Roux and Thornbury as three main second rows obviously but good to have a couple of homegrown prospects in Gallagher & Murray coming up behind them.

Wegians89

The Friend Zone

ClanofLams wrote: »

Interesting to hear Craggy Rugby pod speculating Niall Murray might get in the mix soon. Obviously a reflection of Connachts second row injury woes but he’s a very good prospect too. Great to have Dillane, Roux and Thornbury as three main second rows obviously but good to have a couple of homegrown prospects in Gallagher & Murray coming up behind them.

Have very high hopes for Murray but as said before he’s a bit light for the pro game yet

ClanofLams

Mul, it's over

Wegians89 wrote: »

Have very high hopes for Murray but as said before he’s a bit light for the pro game yet

For sure, think next season would be time enough for his debut, or maybe off bench in March or April. If Connacht were in challenge cup could maybe throw him in there at home off bench but thankfully don’t have that luxury this season.

Wegians89

The Friend Zone

ClanofLams wrote: »

For sure, think next season would be time enough for his debut, or maybe off bench in March or April. If Connacht were in challenge cup could maybe throw him in there at home off bench but thankfully don’t have that luxury this season.

Yeah maybe March or April would be good timing. Certainly wouldn’t like him thrown in over the next three weeks

Wegians89

The Friend Zone

No disrespect to Fitz be really excited to see carty-Robb-Farrell axis. If carty can play to the same level as last season, this will be very entertaining

connachta

Wegians89 wrote: »

No disrespect to Fitz be really excited to see carty-Robb-Farrell axis. If carty can play to the same level as last season, this will be very entertaining

I agree, Robb/Farrell axis is mouthwatering! Bundee has to make hard work to come back in!

ClanofLams

Mul, it's over

On extended interview on craggy rugby patreon Friend said they had discussed making a short term signing of a second row with the IRFU but there wasn’t much available apparently. After playing for eagles earlier in the season, Cormac Daly has been back training with Connacht the last three weeks.

Without the established second rows, thought Connachts maul defence was the weakest part of their game last week. Leinster will be a lot better than Dragons in that area and will presumably target it so Connacht need to have improved a lot in the space of a week.

connachta

ClanofLams wrote: »

On extended interview on craggy rugby patreon Friend said they had discussed making a short term signing of a second row with the IRFU but there wasn’t much available apparently. After playing for eagles earlier in the season, Cormac Daly has been back training with Connacht the last three weeks.

Without the established second rows, thought Connachts maul defence was the weakest part of their game last week. Leinster will be a lot better than Dragons in that area and will presumably target it so Connacht need to have improved a lot in the space of a week.

Macksymiw is a big lad, he should hold, but has to keep his discipline!

Shelflife

Was Daly only here on loan ?

He played a few times for the Eagles, I thought he had signed for us.

Shelflife

Shelflife wrote: »

Was Daly only here on loan ?

He played a few times for the Eagles, I thought he had signed for us.

Thought he was in the 23 last weekend?

Yip, he was
https://www.connachtrugby.ie/farrell-set-for-first-start-of-the-season-as-connacht-travel-to-ospreys/

ClanofLams

Mul, it's over

Shelflife wrote: »

Was Daly only here on loan ?

He played a few times for the Eagles, I thought he had signed for us.

Don’t think he’s signed with anyone. I presume the eagles games were part of a trial period or else he was just happy to fill in as Connacht needed second rows.

Wegians89

The Friend Zone

Deleted User wrote: »

Thought he was in the 23 last weekend?

Yip, he was
https://www.connachtrugby.ie/farrell-set-for-first-start-of-the-season-as-connacht-travel-to-ospreys/

Different daly’s Tom Daly (center) was on loan last season and signed permanently this year.

Cormac Daly (lock) was in the sun academy/trial last season and Olaf played with the eagles this season. Wasn’t given an academy contract this year but he impress decent for the eagles any time I saw him

Wegians89

Wegians89 wrote: »

Different daly’s Tom Daly (center) was on loan last season and signed permanently this year.

Cormac Daly (lock) was in the sun academy/trial last season and Olaf played with the eagles this season. Wasn’t given an academy contract this year but he impress decent for the eagles any time I saw him

:cool:

Totally didnt read the conversation. Just jumped in

realhorrorshow

Was surprised Cormac Daly wasn't given a deal of some form, he's very physical and looked good for the Eagles. Murray is probably a better prospect long term but Daly is far more first team ready right now.

ClanofLams

Mul, it's over

Sh*te. Marmion out with injury, Kerins onto bench.

BakeMeACake

ClanofLams wrote:

Sh*te. Marmion out with injury, Kerins onto bench.

I suspect Caolin will likely see the game out to the point where it is won or lost. Leinster, you would suspect have a big (Dev) advantage in the lineout so you would suspect Connacht will be keeping the ball on the pitch as much as possible. That's going to put a lot of pressure on ball handling skills. Looking forward to the game. Should be a dinger

KBurke85

The Friend Zone

BakeMeACake wrote: »

I suspect Caolin will likely see the game out to the point where it is won or lost. Leinster, you would suspect have a big (Dev) advantage in the lineout so you would suspect Connacht will be keeping the ball on the pitch as much as possible. That's going to put a lot of pressure on ball handling skills. Looking forward to the game. Should be a dinger

Henshaw our for Leinster

Utopia Parkway

All the injuries up front came home to roost tonight. Pack were just mullered and over powered.