Connacht Team Talk Thread V - The Friend Zone

macslash

Mul, it's over

sydthebeat wrote: »

I'm just throwing that out as a suggestion to the question asked.

What do you think it is

I've no idea. There were two superhero emoji's in the tweet. Maybe the two lads from Munster might get announced? Or two other lads? 🀷ðŸ¼*♂️

Wegians89

The Friend Zone

While Colby has been probably connachts best player since joining and Weise more than likely won’t have the same individual impact, weise seems to be the big ball carrying 8 that we’ve been crying out for. He might never reach Colby’s individual level of performance but could bring a balance to the pack that has a bigger influence

connachta

Wegians89 wrote: »

While Colby has been probably connachts best player since joining and Weise more than likely won’t have the same individual impact, weise seems to be the big ball carrying 8 that we’ve been crying out for. He might never reach Colby’s individual level of performance but could bring a balance to the pack that has a bigger influence

And TBH having 3 24 y.o prepares the future.

Weise looks great on the 2 games I've found. He may be the best 8 since Muldoon. I'm really optimistic about him.
Butler would be even better as 7. Oliver will then be a luxury back-up.

And Arnold just need gametime and experience on his defence. Just like T.Farrell 3 years ago. Il will bodes well!

realhorrorshow

Another thing to consider is that the extended rest period will enable players to get elective surgeries they may have been putting off and rehab injuries they may have been ignoring. A fully fit Sean O’Brien would be as good as a new signing.

Scottmactom

no players are getting elective surgeries during this break.

b.gud

Wegians89 wrote: »

Guessing could be a special Jersey like the green lantern one as a fundraiser for the hse maybe?

We have a winner. Limeted edition jersey launched in aid of Alone, Galway hospice and Mayo Roscommon hospice

https://twitter.com/connachtrugby/status/1260540565743173634

realhorrorshow

Scottmactom wrote: »

no players are getting elective surgeries during this break.

Really? A friend of mine who plays professionally, albeit not in Ireland, went and got surgery pretty much immediately after rugby was cancelled. Reckons the break will definitely prolong his career.

Anyway, I think the point still stands more broadly. Players who have been struggling with injury now have a chance to get it.

Former Coach

Mul, it's over

https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/118951213/all-black-dalton-papalii-changes-provinces-to-join-counties-manukau

Rumoured new signing!

ClanofLams

Mul, it's over

Former Coach wrote: »

https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/118951213/all-black-dalton-papalii-changes-provinces-to-join-counties-manukau

Rumoured new signing!

That would be some signing, looks like he’s under contract until 2022 though..

realhorrorshow

Former Coach wrote: »

https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/118951213/all-black-dalton-papalii-changes-provinces-to-join-counties-manukau

Rumoured new signing!

Not a chance.

sydthebeat

The Friend Zone

A 22 year old 3 capped all black at the beginning of his career??

I can't see any reason for him to move to connacht

Wegians89

The Friend Zone

Former Coach wrote: »

https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/118951213/all-black-dalton-papalii-changes-provinces-to-join-counties-manukau

Rumoured new signing!

Where are these rumours?

salmocab

Wegians89 wrote: »

Where are these rumours?

Not in the article anyway

FACECUTTR

Ball hop I'd say.

shaungil

Clegg wrote: »

Oliver is a decent player who couldn't force his way into Leinster reckoning as we had 4 quality opensides ahead of him. Not sure why it didn't quite happen for him at Munster. Started off well but couldn't quite force his way ahead of O'Donnell or Cloete. I think he'd be a decent asset at Pro 14 level at least.

Same with Arnold. Decentish player, but to me he's a crash bang centre. Will run hard and fast to get over the gainline again and again. But don't expect any subtlety to his game.

Oliver got plenty of gametime under Erasmus but Van Graan didn't fancy him much and went for bulk at end of season when Erasmus left, playing Copeland and Grobler in back 5 even though they were leaving.

Cloete and Botha were generally preferred even when he was available but Van Graan does like the bulk. Oliver will be perfect in Galway. He's an out and out openside and with Connacht playing with width and fast open game he'll be everywhere. Great to see a young Irish guy get another chance the South Africaning of Munster by VdG has not worked IMHO.

KBurke85

The Friend Zone

https://www.the42.ie/roman-salanoa-munster-leinster-5098109-May2020/?amp=1#click=https://t.co/StcFwUf536

That’s one signing not happening for us

lenny4545

Jack Aungier joining from Leinster! Great signing!

https://www.the42.ie/jack-aungier-leinster-connacht-5098637-May2020/

Wegians89

The Friend Zone

lenny4545 wrote: »

Jack Aungier joining from Leinster! Great signing!

https://www.the42.ie/jack-aungier-leinster-connacht-5098637-May2020/

Seems like Connacht are getting the younger but more developed player. Happy with that. Wonder will burke be kept on

Bridge93

If I was Connacht i'd be happier seeing Aungier come through the door than Salanoa

connachta

Wegians89 wrote: »

Seems like Connacht are getting the younger but more developed player. Happy with that. Wonder will burke be kept on

100% no


Bealham/McCoy/Kenny having proved in front of R.Burke in the picking order
+ Jack now, + 3 LH


We have our 7 props
If we consider Arnold+Weise+Oliver done deal (and 1 of Masterson/Dowling covering 5 and 6)


We need 1 last signing : a 10/15 à la Carbery to cover both position for Godwin and Leader departure

1 guy for 2 roles as 3rd choice only will be enough, as we have

Carty/C.Fitzgerald (+Dean) for 10
TOH/S.Fiitzgerald (+McNulty) for 15

Wegians89

The Friend Zone

I wouldn’t mind a winger coming in tbh. If connachtas wish were to come true, think frawley would be an ideal signing

macslash

Mul, it's over

Is Goddard sticking about I wonder??

connachta

macslash wrote: »

Is Goddard sticking about I wonder??

If so, you're right he may be the man for 3rd choice 15 competing with McNulty, and 3rd choice 10 competing with Dean


We shouldn't spend more money there, and raise 2 talents fighting for the occasional spot in the main team

connachta

Position |1st |2nd|3rd| 4th
LH Prop|Buckley|McAllister|M.Burke|(Bealham)
Hooker|Heffernan|Delahunt|Tierney-Martin|Murphy
TH Prop|Bealham|McCoy|Aungier|Kenny
n°4 2nd Row|Dillane|Roux|Macksymiw| (Thornbury)
n°5 2nd Row|Thornbury|Murray|Gallagher or SOB|(Dowling or E.Masterson)|
Blindside Flanker|Boyle|Gallagher or McKeon|Dowling or E.Masterson|
Openside Flanker|Bultler|Oliver|Boyle
n°8 | Weise|SOB|McKeon/Boyle|S.Masterson
SH | Marmion | Blade | Kerrins | (Reilly)
OH |Carty|Fitzgerald|Dean|(Goddard/an.other)
11 | Healy | Porsh | De Buitlear | (McNulty)
Inside Centre|Aki|Robb|Daly|(Arnold)
Outside Centre|Farrell|Arnold|SOB 2.0|(Aki)
14 | S.Fitzgerald | Niyi | Porch | (Sullivan/Farrell)
15 |TOH|S.Fitz|McNulty|(Goddard/an.other)|


It's true we rely a bit on Academy for back-3 there, but if we're short on money, i'd prefer we sign Weise the big ball carrier we desperately need, and trust the young backs.

I'm not aware about McKeon and Gallagher situation, I suspect one of them will be released, that's why they are never listed as a lonely option in the table...

Wegians89

The Friend Zone

connachta wrote: »

Position |1st |2nd|3rd| 4th
LH Prop|Buckley|McAllister|M.Burke|(Bealham)
Hooker|Heffernan|Delahunt|Tierney-Martin|Murphy
TH Prop|Bealham|McCoy|Aungier|Kenny
n°4 2nd Row|Dillane|Roux|Macksymiw| (Thornbury)
n°5 2nd Row|Thornbury|Murray|Gallagher or SOB|(Dowling or E.Masterson)|
Blindside Flanker|Boyle|Gallagher or McKeon|Dowling or E.Masterson|
Openside Flanker|Bultler|Oliver|Boyle
n°8 | Weise|SOB|McKeon/Boyle|S.Masterson
SH | Marmion | Blade | Kerrins | (Reilly)
OH |Carty|Fitzgerald|Dean|(Goddard/an.other)
11 | Healy | Porsh | De Buitlear | (McNulty)
Inside Centre|Aki|Robb|Daly|(Arnold)
Outside Centre|Farrell|Arnold|SOB 2.0|(Aki)
14 | S.Fitzgerald | Niyi | Porch | (Sullivan/Farrell)
15 |TOH|S.Fitz|McNulty|(Goddard/an.other)|


It's true we rely a bit on Academy for back-3 there, but if we're short on money, i'd prefer we sign Weise the big ball carrier we desperately need, and trust the young backs.

I'm not aware about McKeon and Gallagher situation, I suspect one of them will be released, that's why they are never listed as a lonely option in the table...

Looking at that table and assuming aungier, dowling, Weise, Arnold and over are all signing, there seems a desperate need for a back three player. If Connacht could steal either frawley (have him as a 15 mainly) or Adam Byrne I think that’d be a very strong/balanced squad

macslash

Mul, it's over

I don't see the point in putting lads in or leaving lads out until they are announced. You had Salanoa in for ages like. Cool the jets on anyone not announced.

connachta

macslash wrote: »

I don't see the point in putting lads in or leaving lads out until they are announced. You had Salanoa in for ages like. Cool the jets on anyone not announced.

A TH was announced and there is one coming.


the squad will look like my table, the slim differences in the end do not change its interest : seeing the global balance of our team
For example we rely on Academy for now in back-3

b.gud

connachta wrote: »

A TH was announced and there is one coming.


the squad will look like my table, the slim differences in the end do not change its interest : seeing the global balance of our team
For example we rely on Academy for now in back-3

Nothing has been announced, one has been rumoured by the42 who had previously been rumouring Salanoa to come here.

Wegians89

The Friend Zone

b.gud wrote: »

Nothing has been announced, one has been rumoured by the42 who had previously been rumouring Salanoa to come here.

Personally think there’s a huge difference, Salanoa to Connacht was reported by Rte first if I remember correctly. The Arnold, Oliver and Aungier articles are all from Murray Kinsella. While nothing is official yet and I know people will be skeptical, personally think Murray is as close to an official announcement with out the real thing.

The original salanoa rumour, was actually the independent, even less reliable source than rte.
https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/connacht-interested-in-leinsters-hawaiian-prospect-salanoa-as-eastern-province-braced-for-interprovincial-raids-38856601.html

b.gud

Wegians89 wrote: »

Personally think there’s a huge difference, Salanoa to Connacht was reported by Rte first if I remember correctly. The Arnold, Oliver and Aungier articles are all from Murray Kinsella. While nothing is official yet and I know people will be skeptical, personally think Murray is as close to an official announcement with out the real thing.

The original salanoa rumour, was actually the independent, even less reliable source than rte.
https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/connacht-interested-in-leinsters-hawaiian-prospect-salanoa-as-eastern-province-braced-for-interprovincial-raids-38856601.html

Yeah this is a good point Murray is one of the few journalists I would actually listen to when it comes to transfer rumours. I was more making the point that this is still a rumour and nothing should be taken as fact until the announcements actually happen