HEC P3: Connacht Rugby v Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque

[Groundhog]

Henshaw looks very promising, as does most of the Connact backline to be honest. They just need a bit of depth in their squad before they can really compete at European level. They're really starting to develop homegrown talents, that won't get poached once they start to develop.

 

[big ginger 8]

Yeah hard to believe Henshaw was playing schools last year I mean I played against him! Also realised last week my dad thought McSharry.

 

[Tribesmen-ce-123]

Henshaw looks very promising, as does most of the Connact backline to be honest. They just need a bit of depth in their squad before they can really compete at European level. They're really starting to develop homegrown talents, that won't get poached once they start to develop.

If our forwards were a little stronger, especially around hooker and lock, we'd be well capable of beating most teams in Europe. As it stands were still well capable of giving almost any club a tough time, and beat a few.

Really liking our backline at the moment, some seriously talented and flashy players. Hopefull we see the likes of Shane Layden break into the first team soon.

 

[Tony Manx]

If our forwards were a little stronger, especially around hooker and lock, we'd be well capable of beating most teams in Europe. .

Now come on lads, get real.......they had a great win against a very, very indifferent French side who are struggling desperately in their league and who have been, more on than off, for the last few seasons......do not let the ***le Amlin Cup holders lull you, no one seriously thought they would beat Toulon in the final and Toulon lost it because of the expectations rather than BO winning it.

It may well be the case that Connacht can be taken more seriously and must be applauded for their bringing younger talent on but that talent WILL be poached if only by the other Irish sides, it is the nature of professional rugby and also the way the IRFU is set up where they are the poor relations!

Enjoy it while it goes on and let us see them play like that more often before heaping on to them some of the ambitions you have for them......sometimes the weight of expectation is too heavy a load and they certainly were not carrying that last night....they could just go out and give it a lash and did that very, very well!

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

I agree with much of what Tony Manx says. Well done to Connacht. Winning with such a crippling injury list against a team with pedigree is a fair achievement. However look at Biarritz's form in the Top 14. They're 7th in the table having lost half their games. It's hardly a giant killing act against a European superpower. If we're honest, Connacht should be looking to win that game 75% of the time.

It's time for Connacht to re-evaluate where they are. They should get a 3rd win in the group against Zebre in the last game. Going for a win away to Biarritz or Quins and an Amlin quarter final place at least must be the target. Don't be content with one off performances against more illustrious teams. They've already tied up most of the key players in their squad to contracts next season. Start achieving things off their own bat and they'll attract a better calibre of player to join them.

 

[Feicarsinn]

Yep, agree with much of what has been said.

Connacht are at an interesting juncture. While I don't believe they're anywhere near as self sustaining as the other provinces they've been making progress under Elwood. In the backs they've got a whole host of young, home grown talents coming through and they have a few decent forwards too.

That's not to say they're not going to be taking seconds off other provinces again soon. Bringing back Jamie Hagan (despite Munster surely needing him more) would be a good more, giving them a lot of strength at TH. Apparently Cronin is on the move, so if they can show some serious intent in Europe this season they could launch a serious bid to lure him. Leinster have lots of young flankers that they should be targeting too, considering that the likes of McCarthy, Muldoon, etc. are starting to push on.

A lot will depend on the new national coach's attitude to the province. If he's as blinkered as the last two they could struggle to pick up guys with eventual international aspirations, but if he's in any way open minded with regards to form they should be able to strengthen.