Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

14-05-2021 9:59pm

connachta wrote: »

2030

Duggan
Aungier
Murray 1
Murray 2
Prendergast
Boyle (33 is ok for a n°8)
S.Masterson
D.Byrne

Future? No bother!

Apart from that we had a cut in us tonight, haven’t seen it in a while, long overdue

Borders no.2 · 14-05-2021 10:49pm

The roller coaster of a season continues. Real resilience in this game and willingness to do the dirty work in defence that is often marked absent. Not really sure how we held on. Got very scrappy in the 2nd half but Munster have only themselves to blame.

Hilarious to hear Stander blaming the referee for the defeat given that usually we have to stomach Frank Murphy being the man in the middle for this fixture. I'd be the first to criticise a referee if it went against us so tonight I have to acknowledge we probably got more than our fair share of that ref but I don't care, the shoe is on the other foot often enough and we have to suck it up.

In my lifetime I think we've won twice away to Munster, Leinster and Ulster and 3 of them 6 wins have been since the start of 2021 mixed in with the horrific displays against Leinster home, Leicester away, Scarlets 2nd half away, Ospreys home etc. We have a performance that makes you despair and then we pull a performance out of the hat when not expected.

We found a way to just about deal with their maul on most occasions and we were efficient in attack with the chances we got. Heroic defensive work at times mixed with Munster incompetence and one or two 50/50 refereeing decisions in our favour kept us in it.

Couple of weeks until Treviso and then Ospreys. Hopefully finish the season on a high. We are unlikely to make the final of this competition but its not overly important whether we do or don't but hopefully get two solid performances in the last two games to bring into next season.

Utopia Parkway · 14-05-2021 11:50pm

Tough on McAllister and Robertson-McCoy but no way Connacht win that only for Bealham and Buckley coming on right before half-time. The scrum was getting absolutely demolished but was back to being it's usual solid self for the 2nd half.

Would have been nice to have kept the ball better after half-time but we made some basic errors with some kicks going out on the full that kept gifting Munster territory and possession.

Amazing effort in defence though they way they kept chopping down ball carriers in midfield.

RonnieL · 15-05-2021 12:40am

Delighted with that win. We rode our luck for sure in the second half, but overall I think we were good value for the win. Great to see Daly get a big win in his first game as captain. I felt sorry for the two props getting called ashore before half time, but McAllister is just back from a long layoff, and Robertson McCoy had some great moments outside of the scrum, so hopefully they don't let it affect them too much. Can't see us winning the thing, but we should be right up there. Consistency of intensity is what we need in the remaining games.

Zeugnis · 15-05-2021 1:58am

Frankly, Munster made a big contribution to our win there. Two incredibly soft tries for Connacht, and errors by Munster at crucial moments, and what can one say about JOD's maniac behaviour with Papali’i to invalidate O'Mahony's try? Bizarro.

Still, Connacht have been unlucky all season, so it it was time the dice smiled on us. And we made a lot of our own luck.

One of the things that i enjoyed most was the decisiveness of Friend's substitutions of Dom RMc and MacAllister just before half-time. They had both performed well in the loose and collisions, but were being pasted in the scrum. Interestingly, Papali’i made good decisions and handled well to clean up at the back on several occasions when the scrum was under pressure. But the arrival of Buckley and Bealham steadied the ship immediately. I've been critical of Buckley of late, but thought he did very well tonight.

Not for the first time I felt the pack had a better shape with Delahunt starting, Heff was fine when he came on. Murray and Dillane were potent, two good footballers and the latter brought a lot of intensity. Prendergast was very game and incisive in the carry. Daly and SOB had another great outing together and contributed an unbelievable amount in defence. Hopefully the decision to start Arnold on the wing reflects a hint that O'Brien will be retained after all, strange to think that he's still technically an Academy player. Daly has been a regular source of revelations, and recently his tackles have become really dominant. A great night for him as Captain, he led by example. Marmion very good as well.

So a good evening, and a pick-me-up in a week when we learnt of Quinn Roux's departure. I'm sure he enjoyed this victory, it would be great see him in green again before he departs. In any case, all the best to him in his new adventure.

ShineyShiney · 15-05-2021 8:14am

Totally brilliant!

SqueakyKneecap · 15-05-2021 9:30am

Bazzo wrote: »

**** me it's hard work bring a Connacht fan

Perfectly put Bazzo.

All the highs of beating the top teams in our league away from home in 2021 matched with astounding collapses from seemingly unbeatable leads.

There's a heck of a lot of potential in this squad though. Lads like Prendergast and Murray have made mistakes and not let them phase them.

Connacht pissing away that penalty late on, stopping a maul and then forcing a knock-on was huge mental fortitude we haven't seen enough of against a very strong Munster bench.

Wegians89 · 15-05-2021 9:48am

Not too far fetched to think Niall Murray would be in consideration for the Irish squad this summer if he was doing the same things in a blue jersey

Zeugnis · 15-05-2021 10:10am

Wegians89 wrote: »

Not too far fetched to think Niall Murray would be in consideration for the Irish squad this summer if he was doing the same things in a blue jersey

He's on the right road, but I expect Thornbury to be next to get the call up. Although he's a different type of lock to Quinn, he'll benefit from his departure.

connachta · 15-05-2021 10:11am

Let Murray and Prendergast some time
21 with that level is amazing, they have to be polished like diamond next seson

Tigerandahalf · 15-05-2021 10:58am

Murray looks a good prospect and for the first time since Muldowney he seems to be a good lineout option.

I don't think Roux is a big loss.
His skills were very limited.
With Dillane being a similar build he can fill the void. With Thornbury as well Connacht now have 3 good locks. Murray looks like he has full out a bit too.

If Connacht can sort their lineout maul defence that would be a big weakness taken out.

They could really do with a quality LH to back up Buckley and a quality 7 is badly needed too. The backrow is one of the weakest areas now especially with some players on short contracts.

I think Tom Daly has probably been Connacht's player of the year. He has been very consistent, does the right things and looks to be a good leader.

Buer · 15-05-2021 11:11am

Wegians89 wrote: »

Not too far fetched to think Niall Murray would be in consideration for the Irish squad this summer if he was doing the same things in a blue jersey

Fair point.

Do you reckon he'd be open to the move?

Wegians89 · 15-05-2021 11:13am

Zeugnis wrote: »

He's on the right road, but I expect Thornbury to be next to get the call up. Although he's a different type of lock to Quinn, he'll benefit from his departure.

Should be two spots in the squad opening up, with roux leaving and Henderson going with the lions

connachta · 15-05-2021 11:58am

Buer wrote: »

Fair point.

Do you reckon he'd be open to the move?

Baird doing the other way, it's ok

connachta · 15-05-2021 12:03pm

Zeugnis wrote: »

He's on the right road, but I expect Thornbury to be next to get the call up. Although he's a different type of lock to Quinn, he'll benefit from his departure.

Yeah let Murray/Prendergast grow, Thornbury 1st, with Dillane

Butler and Heff would miss out, TBH

Bealham 100%

Marms or Blade 1 may go. Carty might

Daly as a surprise.

Wegians89 · 16-05-2021 11:19am

Missed the match live and watching it on YouTube in bursts, about 20 minutes inbut so far Fitzgerald has been very impressive

Bazzo · 17-05-2021 9:44am

Is there any league team(minus the new Saffers) yet to be beaten in Andy Friend's tenure now? It feels like an age since we've beaten Scarlets.

connachta · 17-05-2021 1:03pm

Prendergast and Dowling have same height, same weight same carrrying abilities

Leinster fans see both as 6, with capacity to cover 5

With Masterson that's 3 of the kind

Papali'i / Boyle great for 8

Butler has to be trainned to play 7 only from now on and during preseason I think, and become 1st choice again there
Oliver is a nice cover

S.Masterson will be 7/8 emergency cover

We're good to go with the new second row signing

Same for back-3

I'd still think after his 1st half disaster we could find better than McAllister for LH 3rd choice.
But has to be IQ...
I'd go shopping in Gloucester again, one of the 2 IQ LH there may be interested, either Conor Maguire or Bryan O'Connor

connachta · 17-05-2021 6:35pm

connachta · 17-05-2021 9:29pm

23 forwards, 19 backs

I'm afraid we finish on 42 with no LH or OH signed

Would be a minimun, with SOB re-signed at least

freyners · 18-05-2021 11:21am

Stephen Fitzgerald forced to retire. Gutted for the lad

testtech05 · 18-05-2021 11:27am

freyners wrote: »

Stephen Fitzgerald forced to retire. Gutted for the lad

Very unfortunate. Must have had a horrible injury when you consider the likes of Masterson was able to get back from his that time.

He looked good for us in the games he had played and I had hoped even if he wasn't being kept on he might continue somewhere else.....

Best of luck to him!

ionadnapokot · 18-05-2021 12:48pm

freyners wrote: »

Stephen Fitzgerald forced to retire. Gutted for the lad

Brutal. I always liked Fitzgerald. Particularly from FB.
Looking for silver linings at leas he is still of an age to have had a professional rugby career and can still prepare himself for a new career.

Touch of class about his statement
"Lastly, I just want to thank everyone who has helped me get to where I am today. I’m extremely lucky to have amazing friends and family who have supported me. My family and girlfriend have been there for me more than they will ever realise and I just hope I’ve made them proud of what I’ve done.

"I look forward to being a fan and enjoying getting back in the stands with ye all soon.”
https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/sport/633969/limerick-s-stephen-fitzgerald-devastated-and-heartbroken-at-being-forced-to-retire-from-rugby.html

FACECUTTR · 18-05-2021 12:51pm

Gutted for him.
https://www.connachtrugby.ie/stephen-fitzgerald-to-retire-from-rugby-at-end-of-the-season/

MarinersBlues · 18-05-2021 4:21pm

ionadnapokot wrote: »

Brutal. I always liked Fitzgerald. Particularly from FB.
Looking for silver linings at leas he is still of an age to have had a professional rugby career and can still prepare himself for a new career.

Touch of class about his statement
"Lastly, I just want to thank everyone who has helped me get to where I am today. I’m extremely lucky to have amazing friends and family who have supported me. My family and girlfriend have been there for me more than they will ever realise and I just hope I’ve made them proud of what I’ve done.

"I look forward to being a fan and enjoying getting back in the stands with ye all soon.”
https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/sport/633969/limerick-s-stephen-fitzgerald-devastated-and-heartbroken-at-being-forced-to-retire-from-rugby.html

I ended up beside his family and girlfriend in the tent one night when he was being interviewed post match. They were very proud of him that night and are very nice people. It is tough, but he is right to say he has a good support network.

Hopefully he will have plenty of opportunity to be in the clan to watch his brother compete in european knockout games.

realhorrorshow · 18-05-2021 6:15pm

Loosehead

Denis Buckley (31) - Signed contract in 2021
Matthew Burke (24) - Signed contract in 2021
Jordan Duggan (23) - Signed contract in 2021
Paddy McAllister (32) - Signed contract in 2019

Charlie Ward (21) - Academy year 1

Tighthead

Jack Aungier (22) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Finlay Bealham (30) - Signed contract in 2021
Conor Kenny (25) - Signed 1 year contract in 2020
Dominic Robertson-McCoy (27) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020

Hooker

Shane Delahunt (27) - Signed contract in 2021
Dave Heffernan (30) - Signed contract in 2021
Jonny Murphy (29) - Signed contract in 2021
Dylan Tierney-Martin (22) - Signed contract in 2021

Declan Adamson (22) - Academy year 2
Eoin De Buitléar (u21) - Academy year 1

Lock

Ultan Dillane (27) - Signed contract in 2021
Oisin Dowling (24) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Cillian Gallagher (24) - Signed contract in 2018
Niall Murray (21) - Signed contract in 2021
Gavin Thornbury (27) - Signed contract in 2021

Darragh Murray (u21) - Academy year 1

Back row

Paul Boyle (24) - Signed contract in 2021
Jarrad Butler (30) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Eoghan Masterson (28) - Signed contract in 2021
Sean Masterson (23) - Signed contract in 2021
Sean O'Brien (26) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Conor Oliver (25) - Signed contract in 2021
Abraham Papali’i (28) - Signed contract in 2021
Cian Prendergast (21) - Signed contract in 2021

Ciaran Booth (21) - Academy year 1
Donnacha Byrne (u21) - Academy year 1
Hubert Costello (u21) - Academy year 1
Joshua Dunne (21) - Academy year 3
Oisin McCormack (20) - Academy year 2

Scrumhalf

Caolin Blade (27) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Stephen Kerins (25) - Signed contract in 2019
Kieran Marmion (29) - Signed 3 year contract in 2020
Colm Reilly (22) - Signed contract in 2021

Outhalf

Jack Carty (29) - Signed contract in 2021
Conor Dean (23) - Signed contract in 2020
Conor Fitzgerald (23) - Signed contract in 2021

Cathal Forde (20) - Academy year 1

Centre

Bundee Aki (31) - Signed 3 year central contract in 2020
Sammy Arnold (25) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Tom Daly (28) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Tom Farrell (27) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Peter Robb (27) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020

Shane Jennings (20) - Academy year 2
Sean O'Brien (23) - Academy year 3

Back 3

Mack Hansen (23) - Signed 2 year contract in 2021
Matt Healy (32) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Oran McNulty (21) - Signed contract in 2021
Ben O'Donnell (26) - Signed contract in 2020
Tiernan O'Halloran (30) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
John Porch (27) - Signed contract in 2021
Peter Sullivan (23) - Signed contract in 2021
Alex Wootton (27) - Signed contract in 2021

Colm de Buitléar (23) - Academy year 3
Diarmuid Kilgallen (21) - Academy year 1

IN: Mack Hansen (Back 3, Brumbies)
OUT: Quinn Roux (Lock, TBC), Stephen Fitzgerald (Back 3, retiring)

*ages as at 01/09/2021

Bazzo · 18-05-2021 7:19pm

Is there any reason you haven't included the number of years for players who confirmed it themselves on social media? For instance Carty and Porch both confirmed 1 year, Buckley 2. I'm sure there are others. Not meaning to sound like a hurler in the ditch.

Strand1970 · 18-05-2021 7:43pm

Just curious do you think Connacht would play a game in Sligo if the rovers were to upgrade the showgrounds in a few years. They plan to lenghten the pitch which would also achieve the criteria for rugby.

FACECUTTR · 18-05-2021 7:44pm

James Cronin would make a nice signing. Has done very well this season and has that bit of niggle and abrasiveness. If McCallister is going he would be a fantastic replacement. Marshall would have been worth a punt for a year too if DTM and Murphy had not re-signed. He looked sure to get a few ireland caps before he picked up a few injuries.

ki · 19-05-2021 3:32pm

Strand1970 wrote: »

Just curious do you think Connacht would play a game in Sligo if the rovers were to upgrade the showgrounds in a few years. They plan to lenghten the pitch which would also achieve the criteria for rugby.

Yes it's Connacht Rugby not Galway rugby. Plus Sligo is a major contributor to the local talent pool.

But like in Munster they will be games of lesser significance.

Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

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