Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

siltirocker

ShineyShiney wrote: »

While stats won't show everything they certainly don't support Connachta's assertion that he doesn't tackle. He's an excellent attacking winger and a good defender with room for improvement in his tackling according to the stats.

So basically he's a winger, if he was slower and a big tackler he'd be a centre.

I just can't agree with the assertation he is a "good defender". With improvement he can be a good defender but I think his defense has been poor. A quick spin back of the tries we've conceded has him consistently being turned, or slipping off tackles. I'm not saying he's bad or awful or anything, but I can't get onboard with the positive angle of 'good'.

I would agree much more with realhorrorshow's assessment of him as "A passable defender".

connachta

siltirocker wrote: »

I just can't agree with the assertation he is a "good defender". With improvement he can be a good defender but I think his defense has been poor. A quick spin back of the tries we've conceded has him consistently being turned, or slipping off tackles. I'm not saying he's bad or awful or anything, but I can't get onboard with the positive angle of 'good'.

I would agree much more with realhorrorshow's assessment of him as "A passable defender".

I strongly disagree with those stats counting "tackles" when a player is barely held and another defender comes helping...

But I've never EVER said he should be released. Just that between him, Sullivan and S.Fitz, if we are forced to chose, it's not that crystal clear.
Porch, running into traffic + high balls + kicks is another (brillant) category IMO

KBurke85

connachta wrote: »

I strongly disagree with those stats counting "tackles" when a player is barely held and another defender comes helping...

But I've never EVER said he should be released. Just that between him, Sullivan and S.Fitz, if we are forced to chose, it's not that crystal clear.
Porch, running into traffic + high balls + kicks is another (brillant) category IMO

Wooton would be ahead of both all day long if it came to it.

siltirocker

KBurke85 wrote: »

Wooton would be ahead of both all day long if it came to it.

Ya, for all my picking at his defensive abilities. (Experience with Porch will eventually sort out the positioning, and a bespoke program of improving his defensive step and tackler are in no ways out of reach). He is such a potent attacker that he would have to be ahead of the other two.

connachta

What I mean is for exemple Healy worked (he said it) and massively improved his tackling technique.
Wootton has not for now.

Work to be done.

ElisaAtWar

connachta wrote: »

What I mean is for exemple Healy worked (he said it) and massively improved his tackling technique.
Wootton has not for now.

Work to be done.

It's a sevens game Connacht play. Never seen so many trys from interceptions. Usually Connacht would have been crucified by same in years past. We can't maul, we can't defend. Andy Friend is a nice guy but he has a lot to learn. In the meantime Connacht sit in limbo

ElisaAtWar

At least TOH created some semblance of reality on how a team defends. But this Andy Friend experiment does not compute in the PRO12. While there's is an enthusiasm to attack this Connacht team is all over the shop. I have never witnessed Connacht being in such a bad place.

There is no leadership, the structure of the play is nuts, but the most frustrating part is the ability available. As some might guess I am no friend of Andy Friend. He has no clue how to coach a rugby union team. And Connacht will suffer for this

ElisaAtWar

And thomond2006 suggests Wooten is doing well at Connacht. But it's just a fabrication. Wooten breaks the line, runs the field, scores many trys. At the same time Wooten defensive percentages suck. And that's the reality. But it's not Wooten's issue, Andy Friend is not a rugby union coach

ShineyShiney

ElisaAtWar wrote: »

At least TOH created some semblance of reality on how a team defends. But this Andy Friend experiment does not compute in the PRO12. While there's is an enthusiasm to attack this Connacht team is all over the shop. I have never witnessed Connacht being in such a bad place.

There is no leadership, the structure of the play is nuts, but the most frustrating part is the ability available. As some might guess I am no friend of Andy Friend. He has no clue how to coach a rugby union team. And Connacht will suffer for this

Second in our league, on target for European qualification, multiple players getting Irish recognition ..... What did Andy friend do to you, piss in your cornflakes?

realhorrorshow

ElisaAtWar wrote: »

At least TOH created some semblance of reality on how a team defends. But this Andy Friend experiment does not compute in the PRO12. While there's is an enthusiasm to attack this Connacht team is all over the shop. I have never witnessed Connacht being in such a bad place.

There is no leadership, the structure of the play is nuts, but the most frustrating part is the ability available. As some might guess I am no friend of Andy Friend. He has no clue how to coach a rugby union team. And Connacht will suffer for this

Easy to know you're not a Connacht fan! We have definitely been frustrating this season, and I do have concerns around our discipline, decision making, and focus. But taking a step back, we really aren't that bad. I grew up watching us lose at home to teams that don't even exist anymore. We're not even that far removed from Pat's last season and the Kieran Keane reign, which were far worse than this season.

ElisaAtWar

Everything in perspective. Poor teams available. But if you cannot see that:eek: Connacht are unable to maul since Mr Friend arrived, never mind Connacht being able to defend. It is such rubbish. They would ever be able to beat an ordinary team with this muck

ElisaAtWar

And at least Fainga made Butler look useful

realhorrorshow

ElisaAtWar wrote: »

Everything in perspective. Poor teams available. But if you cannot see that:eek: Connacht are unable to maul since Mr Friend arrived, never mind Connacht being able to defend. It is such rubbish. They would ever be able to beat an ordinary team with this muck

I'm sorry but you haven't a clue. Your posts are irritating, petulant, devoid of any insight or understanding of the game, and greatly lower the quality of this thread. Ignored.

ShineyShiney

ElisaAtWar wrote: »

And at least Fainga made Butler look useful

All your posts seem to be really angry, it's just a discussion forum, mind yourselfðŸ‘

ElisaAtWar

realhorrorshow wrote: »

I'm sorry but you haven't a clue. Your posts are irritating, petulant, devoid of any insight or understanding of the game, and greatly lower the quality of this thread. Ignored.

I will desist. I may not not agree but I will desist in future.

ElisaAtWar

realhorrorshow wrote: »

Easy to know you're not a Connacht fan! We have definitely been frustrating this season, and I do have concerns around our discipline, decision making, and focus. But taking a step back, we really aren't that bad. I grew up watching us lose at home to teams that don't even exist anymore. We're not even that far removed from Pat's last season and the Kieran Keane reign, which were far worse than this season.

One last comment realhorrorowshow. This is not Connacht. Yes we are second.. But we no longer are a rugby team. We are a total mess

macslash

ElisaAtWar wrote: »

One last comment realhorrorowshow. This is not Connacht. Yes we are second.. But we no longer are a rugby team. We are a total mess

I think you're the total mess chief. You haven't a clue! Cheer up.

ElisaAtWar

macslash wrote: »

I think you're the total mess chief. You haven't a clue! Cheer up.

Thanks. I believed pat lam at least had some concept. This is horrible stuff and only going in the wrong direction. But if folks wish not to see this let's wait a couple of years. I just can't believe folks cannot see what is so blatant

sydthebeat

ElisaAtWar wrote: »

.... I just can't believe folks cannot see what is so blatant

Seems to be the running theme to your posts.

If everyone else can't see things the way you do... Then just maybe it's not everyone else that has the problem??

siltirocker

ElisaAtWar wrote: »

Andy Friend is not a rugby union coach

He spent 18 months as a 7s coach. He has spent 20 years as a 15's coach.

He has been head coach of big teams like Harlequins, Brumbies, and Suntory in rugby union. Assistant coach of the Wallabies for years also, and head coach of the under-21 Aussie team also.

ElisaAtWar wrote: »

I have never witnessed Connacht being in such a bad place.

Literally 3 seasons ago we finished 11th out of 14. In the past 15 seasons, we have finished: 11th, 10th x 7 times, 9th, 8th x 3 times, and 7th.

Since Friend came in we have finished 5th, 6th, and are currently 4th. This season and last, both under Friend, are literally our best seasons excluding when we were Champions.

connachta

https://twitter.com/Tom4Jones/status/1359256518978281472

Yes we are very happy:D

freyners

siltirocker wrote: »

He spent 18 months as a 7s coach. He has spent 20 years as a 15's coach.

He has been head coach of big teams like Harlequins, Brumbies, and Suntory in rugby union. Assistant coach of the Wallabies for years also, and head coach of the under-21 Aussie team also.



Literally 3 seasons ago we finished 11th out of 14. In the past 15 seasons, we have finished: 11th, 10th x 7 times, 9th, 8th x 3 times, and 7th.

Since Friend came in we have finished 5th, 6th, and are currently 4th. This season and last, both under Friend, are literally our best seasons excluding when we were Champions.

Agreed I don't think there is an ouncer sense to these posts, it's flouncer-ing about with a very billysaysno attitude

ShineyShiney

Reading on the Leinster thread that Hawkshaw has turned down an approach from Connacht. Any ideas what this might mean for our existing squad? I'd be of the opinion that he's wanted as a 10

siltirocker

ShineyShiney wrote: »

Reading on the Leinster thread that Hawkshaw has turned down an approach from Connacht. Any ideas what this might mean for our existing squad? I'd be of the opinion that he's wanted as a 10

I'll never agree with someone who is 5th choice in their position not moving.

Leinster have had a number of players who decided not to move, lost the opportunity to prosper, and then ended up moving to England or something when they hit 25.

I do understand why they don't go. One of the Leinster lads, I can't recall whom, mentioned it in their biography that for some it is the best thing for their career, but they struggle to take the plunge because in Leinster they are, more often than not, training with superstars, part of the winning culture and celebrations of big wins and titles, living around all your mates or your partners, at one of Europe's most prestigious clubs, near your family, etc.

realhorrorshow

ShineyShiney wrote: »

Reading on the Leinster thread that Hawkshaw has turned down an approach from Connacht. Any ideas what this might mean for our existing squad? I'd be of the opinion that he's wanted as a 10

I'd guess this means that Fitzgerald/Dean/both are not particularly rated.

FACECUTTR

realhorrorshow wrote: »

I'd guess this means that Fitzgerald/Dean/both are not particularly rated.

Along with Daly covering 10 from the 12 position a number of times when both were fit too.
It would have been a great move. He realistically could be second choice playing in most games. Now he will have to wait for the scraps of games but as mentioned above maybe he is happy to do that.

bayern

21 year old wants to play for the team he grew up supporting, what a shocker.

FACECUTTR

bayern wrote: »

21 year old wants to play for the team he grew up supporting, what a shocker.

Not knocking him for it at all.

siltirocker

bayern wrote: »

21 year old wants to play for the team he grew up supporting, what a shocker.

It's not a shock at all. The reasons outlined are pretty clear. And no one implied otherwise.

siltirocker wrote: »

. . . in Leinster they are, more often than not, training with superstars, part of the winning culture and celebrations of big wins and titles, living around all your mates or your partners, at one of Europe's most prestigious clubs, near your family, etc.

Rugby4568

FACECUTTR wrote: »

Along with Daly covering 10 from the 12 position a number of times when both were fit too.
It would have been a great move. He realistically could be second choice playing in most games. Now he will have to wait for the scraps of games but as mentioned above maybe he is happy to do that.

I can see why he chose to stay at Leinster. Having captained age grade teams and Ireland u20s and being rated as arguably the best player in his age group all the way through out school I can see why he has high ambitions to push on with Leinster. It’s his first season injury free at the club having been injured for over 18 months I’m sure he wants more time to prove himself as a potential starter at Leinster. Nothing wrong with having ambition.

SqueakyKneecap

In fairness even somebody like Cian Kelleher, who I liked a lot, is finding plenty of gametime there since he moved home even though he is reasonably down the pecking order.

Hawkshaw is very highly rated by all accounts and the injury crisis that Leinster had this season over Christmas would probably be further motivation to stick around.

Wegians89

Wonder who the alternative ten options are now for Connacht to target?

realhorrorshow

SqueakyKneecap wrote: »

In fairness even somebody like Cian Kelleher, who I liked a lot, is finding plenty of gametime there since he moved home even though he is reasonably down the pecking order.

Hawkshaw is very highly rated by all accounts and the injury crisis that Leinster had this season over Christmas would probably be further motivation to stick around.

Kelleher has 10 starts, all in the league, since he moved back to Leinster in 2019.

Bit of a shame he didn't stay, he had 16 starts in his only season under Andy Friend and likely would have continued to do well under him. It's worked out alright for us of course as first John Porch and then Alex Wootton have come in an done well.

Wegians89

Wegians89 wrote: »

Wonder who the alternative ten options are now for Connacht to target?

I heard Danny Cipriani is signing. Has turned down offers from Clermont, Bath and Lyon as he said "its not all about the money".

Wegians89

marley45 wrote: »

I heard Danny Cipriani is signing. Has turned down offers from Clermont, Bath and Lyon as he said "its not all about the money".

Imagine dealing with Marmion and Carty for 60 odd minutes and then seeing blade and cipriani coming off the bench. Would be very entertaining

Shelflife

SqueakyKneecap wrote: »

In fairness even somebody like Cian Kelleher, who I liked a lot, is finding plenty of gametime there since he moved home even though he is reasonably down the pecking order.

Hawkshaw is very highly rated by all accounts and the injury crisis that Leinster had this season over Christmas would probably be further motivation to stick around.

In fairness CK is nowhere near the team come European rugby, if he stayed at Connacht he was always in the shakeup for the the match day squad for our big games. Here he would have got the chance to showcase his ability, At Leinster he holds tackle bags for the big games.

Wegians89

Wonder if Connacht will attempt to get Crowley. I know he turned down a move to France but moving up the road to Connacht would be slightly different. Only an hour or so from home, still in the Irish set up, hasn’t really gotten any opportunities with Munster

Bazzo

bayern wrote: »

21 year old wants to play for the team he grew up supporting, what a shocker.

Who are you arguing with?

its_phil

bayern wrote: »

21 year old wants to play for the team he grew up supporting, what a shocker.

Ireland dumped out of RWC 2023 because 2nd/3rd choice player for club and country doesn't have enough experience, what a shocker.

theVersatile

A team

Connacht RugbyCONNACHT RUGBY
Connacht Eagles team named for Munster ‘A’ friendly at The Sportsground
23 mins ago
EAGLES

The Connacht Eagles side has been named for tomorrow’s interpro friendly at The Sportsground against Munster ‘A’.

The side features a mixture of Pro and Academy players who will be eager to pick up some game-time heading into an important part of the campaign.

Match updates will be posted on the Connacht Rugby Twitter page with match highlights to follow on our social channels.

CONNACHT EAGLES v MUNSTER ‘A’
Friday 12th February, 13:00, The Sportsground

15. Conor Dean
14. Diarmuid Kilgallen
13. Shane Jennings
12. Cathal Forde
11. Oran McNulty
10. Conor Fitzgerald
9. Colm Reilly

1. Paddy McAllister
2. Dylan Tierney-Martin
3. Dominic Robertson-McCoy
4. Cian Prendergast
5. Darragh Murray
6. Sean O’Brien
7. Ciaran Booth
8. Sean Masterson

Replacements from: Eoin de Buitlear, Charlie Ward, Conor Kenny, Hubert Costello, Oisin McCormack, Matthew Devine, Donnacha Byrne, Tiernan O’Halloran, Declan Adamson, Joshua Dunne, Diarmuid McCormack

Wegians89

theVersatile wrote: »

A team

Connacht RugbyCONNACHT RUGBY
Connacht Eagles team named for Munster ‘A’ friendly at The Sportsground
23 mins ago
EAGLES

The Connacht Eagles side has been named for tomorrow’s interpro friendly at The Sportsground against Munster ‘A’.

The side features a mixture of Pro and Academy players who will be eager to pick up some game-time heading into an important part of the campaign.

Match updates will be posted on the Connacht Rugby Twitter page with match highlights to follow on our social channels.

CONNACHT EAGLES v MUNSTER ‘A’
Friday 12th February, 13:00, The Sportsground

15. Conor Dean
14. Diarmuid Kilgallen
13. Shane Jennings
12. Cathal Forde
11. Oran McNulty
10. Conor Fitzgerald
9. Colm Reilly

1. Paddy McAllister
2. Dylan Tierney-Martin
3. Dominic Robertson-McCoy
4. Cian Prendergast
5. Darragh Murray
6. Sean O’Brien
7. Ciaran Booth
8. Sean Masterson

Replacements from: Eoin de Buitlear, Charlie Ward, Conor Kenny, Hubert Costello, Oisin McCormack, Matthew Devine, Donnacha Byrne, Tiernan O’Halloran, Declan Adamson, Joshua Dunne, Diarmuid McCormack

Would really like to see this game streamed live. Three young tens getting a run out. Jennings starting. Lots of young back rows involved. Very exciting

connachta

Wegians89 wrote: »

Would really like to see this game streamed live. Three young tens getting a run out. Jennings starting. Lots of young back rows involved. Very exciting

No stream planned (Connacht twitter)


SOB


and SOB 2.0 rightly kept in the fridge, may have to start the next 5 games

backcamslua

connachta wrote: »

No stream planned (Connacht twitter)


SOB


and SOB 2.0 rightly kept in the fridge, may have to start the next 5 games

SOB 2 is playing @#6 - Young SOB is a back??

connachta

backcamslua wrote: »

SOB 2 is playing @#6 - Young SOB is a back??

Yes I meant good to see SOB 1 back again, and SOB 2 preserved for n°13

Wegians89

connachta wrote: »

Yes I meant good to see SOB 1 back again, and SOB 2 preserved for n°13

Sob 2.0 is the ginger one but I think Connachta refers to them as Connacht only sobs

Tommybojangles

Did he not get promoted to SOB when SOB left the country?

bayern

Tommybojangles wrote: »

Did he not get promoted to SOB when SOB left the country?

Got injured in the process.

Must love hardship

Could Connacht go after Paddy Jackson if in the hunt for a outhalf.

Loan one of the young Irish outhalves to London irish for a years experience.. win win..

No fans currently allowed to protest.

Id personally be more interested in watching connacht playing if he was there. I'm sure alot more real rugby fans would be too.

The people who threaten to protest on twitter or Facebook probably have never been to a game anyway.

Wegians89

Must love hardship wrote: »

Could Connacht go after Paddy Jackson if in the hunt for a outhalf.

Loan one of the young Irish outhalves to London irish for a years experience.. win win..

No fans currently allowed to protest.

Id personally be more interested in watching connacht playing if he was there. I'm sure alot more real rugby fans would be too.

The people who threaten to protest on twitter or Facebook probably have never been to a game anyway.

Won’t happen

Tommybojangles

Connachts brand is far too family and community friendly to go down that road. We've gone to really great lengths over the last decade getting sponsorship money in as well that there's no way that would be risked imo.. would be interesting though!