Connacht 2012-2013

[ustix]

Its still 4 trys to nil.

Just don't have the squad to compete on 2 fronts (maybe never will). If Parks gots injured our season will fall asunder.

Until Eric's heirs emerge Connacht shall never be released

[Sea_point]

Its still 4 trys to nil.

Just don't have the squad to compete on 2 fronts (maybe never will). If Parks gots injured our season will fall asunder.

It isn't just down to Parks TO, that's a far too simplistic theory. There are other changes too, White and Faloon have been qualified successes also, and Eric running the young lads much more this term and the players who made breakthroughs last year (McSharry, Tiernan, Griff etc) who have that full season behind them now.

Teams are taking us much more seriously now, it was only two years ago that the likes of the Ospreys would have run out their 2nd/3rd XV's at home to us and expected the full five points. They had a test calibre side out Saturday..

[The Outlaw]

It isn't just down to Parks TO, that's a far too simplistic theory. There are other changes too, White and Faloon have been qualified successes also, and Eric running the young lads much more this term and the players who made breakthroughs last year (McSharry, Tiernan, Griff etc) who have that full season behind them now.

Teams are taking us much more seriously now, it was only two years ago that the likes of the Ospreys would have run out their 2nd/3rd XV's at home to us and expected the full five points. They had a test calibre side out Saturday..

I accept that. But the problem is its largely the same 15 expected to front up every week. Parks is giving us a direction at 10 some other teams would kill for. We don't have another 10 anywhere near his league. We also lack beef up front. Likes of Hagan are wasting their time at leinster.

We're probably 5 players short squad wise to lift us to the next level. Its a numbers game at this level. The more money you have the more access to better players you have.

[Munsterboy]

I accept that. But the problem is its largely the same 15 expected to front up every week. Parks is giving us a direction at 10 some other teams would kill for. We don't have another 10 anywhere near his league. We also lack beef up front. Likes of Hagan are wasting their time at leinster.

We're probably 5 players short squad wise to lift us to the next level. Its a numbers game at this level. The more money you have the more access to better players you have.

Cronin and Hagan should be begging Connacht to take them back. They're destroying their Ireland careers.

[Red Hand Hero]

Connachts undoubted improvement this season, due in no small part to some good additions in the close season such as Parks, White and Faloon, will help them once again come transfer time. Going to Connacht is a much mor attractive proposition than it was even two/three seasons ago and I think that the success of guys like McSharry who struggled to get ahead of some of the Leinster guys like Macken, Reid etc as well as the opportunities afforded to O'Halloran, Griffin and most recently Henshaw show that it is a place where if you are good enough you will get exposure at the highest level. Connacht have to have another very proactive recruitment campaign and if they can add another 5/6 players then they will push on further. The demise of the Welsh as a serious force not to mention Zebre's farcical performances could really allow the westies to push on and start challenging for top 4-6 places IMO.

Add another three forwards-prop, lock and backrower as well as two other decent backs and the west might truely awaken.

[Sea_point]

I accept that. But the problem is its largely the same 15 expected to front up every week. Parks is giving us a direction at 10 some other teams would kill for. We don't have another 10 anywhere near his league. We also lack beef up front. Likes of Hagan are wasting their time at leinster.

We're probably 5 players short squad wise to lift us to the next level. Its a numbers game at this level. The more money you have the more access to better players you have.

Five players and the 5k extra season ticket holders required to put us in the next bracket. I'm not one to readily accept the status quo, but we do need to build something sustainable and the pace we are improving at currently is...

It'd be nice to think Hago and Pup would head West again, the former is more realistic than the latter (too expensive I suspect) as long as the bridges haven't been burned. But next season is possible with a new CEO in place and a Head Coach to come...

[porterbelly]

Five players and the 5k extra season ticket holders required to put us in the next bracket. I'm not one to readily accept the status quo, but we do need to build something sustainable and the pace we are improving at currently is...

It'd be nice to think Hago and Pup would head West again, the former is more realistic than the latter (too expensive I suspect) as long as the bridges haven't been burned. But next season is possible with a new CEO in place and a Head Coach to come...

Cronin will never come back. His ego won't allow him to.

Hagan would be easily enough tempted I'd imagine, but as it stands he'd be coming in as 3rd choice TH behind White and Loughney. He'd have to take a pay cut.

Damien Browne would be a worthwhile addition, to add a bit of bulk in the 2nd row and I wouldn't mind taking someone like Mark Flanagan or Brian Hayes as well. We need at least 2 signings in the engine room.

Another option we'd have to be looking at is an NIQ hooker to replace Reyneke. He's decent but his darts are too erratic. Wouldn't mind taking one of Niall Scannell or James Rael as well.

The out list will almost certainly include:

Dave Moore
TJ Anderson
Eoghan Grace
Mark McCrea
James Loxton
Matthew Jarvis
Dave Nolan

and probably a few more. That will leave us short in a few positions

[barleys chinos]

There is at least 15 or 20 players with munster ulster leinster sitting on benches or A teams that could be playing week in week out with connacht,until this is sorted Ireland will continue to suffer lack of players in key positions.
In an ideal world the other provinces would work with instead of against connacht(i know they are rivals).
What harm Horan Hayes ToD going up for a season(not saying connacht want or need them just an example)and if munster need them back to cover so be it(tricky i know).
Surely JJ Hanrahan playing H/C for connacht this year would be a benifit to Munster and Ireland.
Just an idea

[dropkick]

Looking at 3 other provinces, they've all bigger squads than ever and they've all younger players coming through. Theres only so much room in the provinces and as they get better it might mean theres quality squad players who'll have to move away. Its happening now, Connacht have picked up McSharry, Faloon, Nathan White etc. Theres going to be more of players of that standard in years to come.

From an Ireland point of view theres inefficient use of playing resources and money.

[porterbelly]

Looking at 3 other provinces, they've all bigger squads than ever and they've all younger players coming through. Theres only so much room in the provinces and as they get better it might mean theres quality squad players who'll have to move away. Its happening now, Connacht have picked up McSharry, Faloon, Nathan White etc. Theres going to be more of players of that standard in years to come.

From an Ireland point of view theres inefficient use of playing resources and money.

McSharry was an AIL player in Division 2 with UCD when Connacht picked him up. He had no affiliation to Leinster at the time, he couldn't get an academy contract

[Tifa]

Made the trip down for the game, in fairness the Ospreys side were massive by comparison (when Mul looks small you know you're playing with the big boys). After the HEC loss to Leicester they were full metal jacket for us and retrained virtually all their Internationals whereas in the past they generally ran a second string for us, the only change from the Tigers games were Jarvis for Adam Jones and Bearman in for Ryan Jones.

It wasn't a shellacking not even close, we were only a score behind for much of the game. Intercept try off a flat Parks pass when trying to break out early in second half killed us off from 12-6 down unfortunately.

Losing Fafita and Big George in the first half denuded of some real physicality, although it was good to see Poolman get a run and he showed some nice touches...

so, did Leader actually do anything - just wondering as he the ink was barely dry on his academy contract in time for the trip to wales

[Sea_point]

so, did Leader actually do anything - just wondering as he the ink was barely dry on his academy contract in time for the trip to wales

He wasn't stand out by any stretch, but in fairness the way Henshaw has breezed the challenges put to him the season it probably put more expectation on Darragh. Showed his inexperience for the Fotuali'li try off scrum in 22 got caught watching and too slow to react, other than that only solid..

[taz]

Is Connacht match on the tv?

[trixie]

I can only find it live on galway fm doesn't even seem to be listed on the rabopro 12 broadcast schedule website as being played!!!

[taz]

Just checked,only on the radio alright.

[Sea_point]

Is Connacht match on the tv?

No Connacht Pro12 game on TV for three month period, next coverage is 22/12 vs Leinster... :banghead:

Galway Bay FM covering live stream - http://vista.streamguys.com/galwaybayfm

Awful weather, but Connacht up 6-0..

[The Outlaw]

13-0 poolman try

[mr chips]

Disgraceful that there's going to be such a gap in TV coverage. Keep the updates coming please lads.

[RED 49]

13-3 , 20 mins left

[John Cooper Clarke]

Awful weather and The Sportsgrounds - a winning combo.

[Sea_point]

Try Gas Duffy on 73mins, con missed 18-3. Sounds like we're doing just enough for the win against a poor Treviso side..

[Sea_point]

Try Gas Duffy on 73mins, con missed 18-3. Sounds like we're doing just enough for the win against a poor Treviso side..

Same at Fulltime, it's a win but not a performance to impress.......

[McCloud]

Kiss declares his interest in Connacht job
By David Kelly


Thursday November 22 2012




Ireland assistant coach Les Kiss has said it would be a "logical fit" for Anthony Foley to assume a more long-term role with the international side. The Australian has also declared an interest in taking the Connacht coaching post.


Foley is believed to be in line for a full-time role as defence coach should the IRFU decide to retain current head coach Declan Kidney beyond the term of his present contract, which expires next May. "We've spoken about this over the last three of four months as a coaching group, particularly with Declan," said Kiss.


"Anthony was brought in over the Six Nations to work with the forwards. I've worked with Anthony a number of times over the last few years in a defensive capacity when he was with Munster.


"He was the ideal man to come in and work with us. I work also on defence with him. I do the starter and set-piece defence and he does the team defence and a lot of breakdown work, so he's been a great addition to the team, that's for sure.


"Where it goes in the future I think is a little bit of speculation at this stage. It seems like a logical fit, but I think there's a lot of things on Anthony's plate. If he was to become part of it, though, I don't think anyone would be disappointed."


As Connacht yesterday confirmed that they had received 40 applications to succeed Eric Elwood as head coach, Grand Slam winning assistant coach Kiss has thrown his hat into the ring.


"Connacht would interest me, without a doubt, but I haven't put my name forward," he told Dublin's 98FM. "That's based on the fact that, at this stage, my whole focus is about this November series and then I'll reassess from there.


"It'll probably be something that I'd always consider if something like Connacht came up again or even any of the other provinces in Ireland, but, at this stage, my whole focus is November They're conversations for later and deeper thoughts for me to have then."


- David Kelly


Irish Independent

[taz]

So that is David Kelly backing up the other sindo writer.

[John123]

Why would Connacht want Les Kiss?

[The Outlaw]

Why would Connacht want Les Kiss?

There is a lot of interest in the job surprisingly from abroad John. I don't think he'll get it.

What it does tell us is that the Irish coaching ticket is a sinking ship regardless of the the weekend

[Red Hand Hero]

In fairness if Kiss could lay down some of the defensive systems he did initially with Ireland whilst also getting a decent attack and competent forwards coach it would be a bad appointment. Kiss' problems have unfolded from the IRFU's unwillingness to appoint a proper successor to Gaffney, who it has to be said was pretty focking useless.

The Connacht gig is actually a far more attractive option than some might give it credit for, there is increased funding from the IRFU and a decent chance of HEC participation with the way the other three provinces are going and there is often real expectation. A hungry coach with good idea's could really do a job with them for the mutual benefit of the coach and the team. A good shop window if you like.

[munsterforever]

In fairness if Kiss could lay down some of the defensive systems he did initially with Ireland whilst also getting a decent attack and competent forwards coach it would be a bad appointment. Kiss' problems have unfolded from the IRFU's unwillingness to appoint a proper successor to Gaffney, who it has to be said was pretty focking useless.

The Connacht gig is actually a far more attractive option than some might give it credit for, there is increased funding from the IRFU and a decent chance of HEC participation with the way the other three provinces are going and there is often real expectation. A hungry coach with good idea's could really do a job with them for the mutual benefit of the coach and the team. A good shop window if you like.

Without an irish winner inthe HEC, even if connacht finish ahead of munster or leinster would the IRFU allow Connacht in the HEC or overule their qualification?

[Bitter As A Lemon]

In fairness if Kiss could lay down some of the defensive systems he did initially with Ireland whilst also getting a decent attack and competent forwards coach it would be a bad appointment. Kiss' problems have unfolded from the IRFU's unwillingness to appoint a proper successor to Gaffney, who it has to be said was pretty focking useless.

The Connacht gig is actually a far more attractive option than some might give it credit for, there is increased funding from the IRFU and a decent chance of HEC participation with the way the other three provinces are going and there is often real expectation. A hungry coach with good idea's could really do a job with them for the mutual benefit of the coach and the team. A good shop window if you like.

Considering the young players they have coming through, it is an excellent oppurtunity for someone.

[Upfront_1979]

hang on so Les Kiss is still double jobbing?
no surprise our attack is pitiful really.
joke of a setup