ConnachtCows wrote: We'll have to agree to disagree on Riordan.
You have to remember that in 2006 we were a shambles of a team, compared to what we are now, and in my opinion, Riordan was a decent player when compared to those on the team

He's obviously not in the same bracket as Duffy

Buy all means, but subsequent history would side with our version of events I'm afraid. Despite the opportunities at other provinces (having continued to shine at AIL level) he hasn't made the step up anywhere. And I'm a Jes head btw, so I would have loved to seen him fulfil his schoolboy potential...

We'll have to agree to disagree on Riordan.
You have to remember that in 2006 we were a shambles of a team, compared to what we are now, and in my opinion, Riordan was a decent player when compared to those on the team

He's obviously not in the same bracket as Duffy

i think the big question all the out of contract players face is where do we need to strengthen?

Imo Hooker and 2nd row are the priorities for next season. None of our current hookers are of the required standard imo and we also need at least 1 top 2nd row(2 if Macca leaves).

in addition we need to evaluate our niqs both in terms of quality and position filled.

from a quality perspective Parks and white are now the benchmark. George imo reaches that standard but Reynecke doesnt. Imo Fetu doesnt quite reach that standard either and plays in a position where there are lots of Irish qualified alternatives.

from a position perspective we may need to use an niq on a 2nd row as there arent many irish qualified quality 2nd rows out there. The same goes for hooker. there are some good young prospects out there but this is a vital position and needs to be filled with experience. This may require using a niq spot to do so.
its desirable that macca stays but not if the financial cost blows our budget and pay structure. Connacht are building for the future and any excessive contracts could cause disquiet among those whose contracts come up for renewal.

For me Riordan should have had a look at League I think it would have suited his game down to the ground.

As for Auva'a I don't think he'd be first team by any stretch but he could plug the gap which McComish did and Anderson is meant to as a good squad backrower. Might be worth a punt.

ConnachtCows wrote:

sea_point wrote:

_nobody_ wrote:

sea_point wrote: So then you have no memory of Bradley's experiments with Fionn at fullback for Connacht in his first season with us, about ten games in all after which Fionn reverted to wing and stayed there (for good reason)?

To be fair, and I am the first to say that I was not Bradleys biggest fan,e specially with his strange selections, but Fionn had played most of the previous season in fullback with Blackrock and ran a muck scoring tries from there.

He was also their kicker that season though!

Huge step up from AIL to professional though.

Indeed, our own Danny Riordan was the classic example of that. Just never cut if for Connacht (or Munster or Leinster) when given the opportunity at FB. But a fabulous footballer at AIL level.

Always thought he should have looked to France rather than staying in Ireland exclusively...

Danny Riordan was a different situation. He had a decent season at full back, and then we announced the signing of Gavin Duffy. Riordan was never going to keep Duffy out, due to the wages we had signed him on. Duffy and O'Connor were marque signings that season, and they were helping to get numbers in the gates.
Riordan was thrown all over the place in the backs. Tried at both centre positions and on both wings. He was told to put on muscle to become a better centre, and lost some of his pace because of it.
It is only now, after going to AIL, and moving back to full back, is back playing like he was back in 2006

Eh no CC, sorry but no. He was figured out at FB and targeted relentlessly with high balls and as a player you can either deal with the ball and chasers at that level or not. More than any ground in Europe, the Sportsground is not a place where you can afford to second guess yourself at full-back...

ConnachtCows wrote:
Danny Riordan was a different situation. He had a decent season at full back, and then we announced the signing of Gavin Duffy. Riordan was never going to keep Duffy out, due to the wages we had signed him on. Duffy and O'Connor were marque signings that season, and they were helping to get numbers in the gates.
Riordan was thrown all over the place in the backs. Tried at both centre positions and on both wings. He was told to put on muscle to become a better centre, and lost some of his pace because of it.
It is only now, after going to AIL, and moving back to full back, is back playing like he was back in 2006

Danny Riordan did not have a decent season at full-back. He had pace, that was it. He did not have a clue how to field a high ball and was found out badly on a number of occasions.
He let a making up the numbers Irish call-up go to his head and that was it basically.

Creedence wrote:

Porterbelly wrote:

Creedence wrote:

2015 - White, Loughney, Wilkinson, Marmion, Poolman, Buckley

What is the thinking behind giving all 4 first choice props contracts that run out at the same time?
Surely staggering them to some degree would allow for greater continuity? It seems a bit all-eggs-in- one-baskety to me.

Wouldn't surpise me if Fetu'u decided to move on, but he'll need to rack up a few tries first.

IQ props are at a premium. Best to get them signed up

And if they are at a premium in 2015, where does that leave us?

Heineken Cup Champions :silly: :silly: :silly: :silly:

sea_point wrote:

_nobody_ wrote:

sea_point wrote: So then you have no memory of Bradley's experiments with Fionn at fullback for Connacht in his first season with us, about ten games in all after which Fionn reverted to wing and stayed there (for good reason)?

To be fair, and I am the first to say that I was not Bradleys biggest fan,e specially with his strange selections, but Fionn had played most of the previous season in fullback with Blackrock and ran a muck scoring tries from there.

He was also their kicker that season though!

Huge step up from AIL to professional though.

Indeed, our own Danny Riordan was the classic example of that. Just never cut if for Connacht (or Munster or Leinster) when given the opportunity at FB. But a fabulous footballer at AIL level.

Always thought he should have looked to France rather than staying in Ireland exclusively...

Danny Riordan was a different situation. He had a decent season at full back, and then we announced the signing of Gavin Duffy. Riordan was never going to keep Duffy out, due to the wages we had signed him on. Duffy and O'Connor were marque signings that season, and they were helping to get numbers in the gates.
Riordan was thrown all over the place in the backs. Tried at both centre positions and on both wings. He was told to put on muscle to become a better centre, and lost some of his pace because of it.
It is only now, after going to AIL, and moving back to full back, is back playing like he was back in 2006

Porterbelly wrote:

Creedence wrote:

2015 - White, Loughney, Wilkinson, Marmion, Poolman, Buckley

What is the thinking behind giving all 4 first choice props contracts that run out at the same time?
Surely staggering them to some degree would allow for greater continuity? It seems a bit all-eggs-in- one-baskety to me.

Wouldn't surpise me if Fetu'u decided to move on, but he'll need to rack up a few tries first.

IQ props are at a premium. Best to get them signed up

And if they are at a premium in 2015, where does that leave us?

_nobody_ wrote:

sea_point wrote: So then you have no memory of Bradley's experiments with Fionn at fullback for Connacht in his first season with us, about ten games in all after which Fionn reverted to wing and stayed there (for good reason)?

To be fair, and I am the first to say that I was not Bradleys biggest fan,e specially with his strange selections, but Fionn had played most of the previous season in fullback with Blackrock and ran a muck scoring tries from there.

He was also their kicker that season though!

Huge step up from AIL to professional though.

Indeed, our own Danny Riordan was the classic example of that. Just never cut if for Connacht (or Munster or Leinster) when given the opportunity at FB. But a fabulous footballer at AIL level.

Always thought he should have looked to France rather than staying in Ireland exclusively...

overstrander wrote: However I don't ever remember him getting cheered just for actually succeeding in catching a ball, something that happened to Fetu'u against Treviso.

I remember the Amlin QF a few years ago: EE on the sideline begging Carr to stay in the right position. He didn't drop any ball as it all went straight over his head.

Would still have him back in a shot.

sea_point wrote: So then you have no memory of Bradley's experiments with Fionn at fullback for Connacht in his first season with us, about ten games in all after which Fionn reverted to wing and stayed there (for good reason)?

To be fair, and I am the first to say that I was not Bradleys biggest fan,e specially with his strange selections, but Fionn had played most of the previous season in fullback with Blackrock and ran a muck scoring tries from there.

He was also their kicker that season though!

Huge step up from AIL to professional though.

Fionn was very poor under the high ball and he was also suspect defensively. However I don't ever remember him getting cheered just for actually succeeding in catching a ball, something that happened to Fetu'u against Treviso.

He is fast though, I'll give him that.

RonanL wrote:

sea_point wrote:

RonanL wrote:

sparking wrote:

connachtexile wrote: Not to pushed about Fets to be honest.

:ohmy:
Savage player as proven whenever he's given the ball in space, he tries a hell of a lot harder than Tiernan, who can seem disinterested at times.

Don't get me wrong, I like Fets and I hope he stays on but lets not lose sight of the fact he can hardly catch a ball, barely kick one, and his tackling is dire.

What planet are you on, seriously...?

Never mind the recent Test matches, for me the only downside to Fet's is that he is NIQ. But he is by far and away the best attacking option we have. The fact that we don't use him enough or create space for him is a different kettle of fish entirely, and despite this he works extremely hard for the team...

By the same token would you have said the same thing abut Carr, for whom much of the limitations you describe were actually true...

I'm on planet earth, specifically Galway, which is handy because it means I can go to all of Connacht's home games. Where are you based again?

Anyway, like I said, I do like Fetu. There is a buzz of excitement every time he gets the ball in hand, particularly in broken play, and he probably represents our most significant attacking threat. I'm merely pointing out that he's far from the compelte package. Since you mentioned him, I don't recall Fionn being particularly bad under a high ball, and I think he had a respectable boot on him. I always thought he was poor defensively, and I suspect he always will be because he strikes me as being the type of player who is afraid to put his body on the line.

I have missed watching one game this season either attending live or watching recorded actually (if you want to measure d*cks), and with TV coverage you get a much better viewpoint generally than standing on the terrace or in the bar/toilet... :lol:

So then you have no memory of Bradley's experiments with Fionn at fullback for Connacht in his first season with us, about ten games in all after which Fionn reverted to wing and stayed there (for good reason)?

Right, OK then I concede to your vast knowledge then..... :dry:

I'll be honest, I've missed a few home games this season, but nothing I have seen of Fetu playing for Connacht has exactly inspired me.
He's better than the majority of wingers that we've had down the years, but thats not saying a lot.
Everyone knows my love for Fionn Carr, but I'd still rate his time with us as better than Fets.

Borders no.2 wrote:

sea_point wrote:

RonanL wrote:

sparking wrote:

connachtexile wrote: Not to pushed about Fets to be honest.

:ohmy:
Savage player as proven whenever he's given the ball in space, he tries a hell of a lot harder than Tiernan, who can seem disinterested at times.

Don't get me wrong, I like Fets and I hope he stays on but lets not lose sight of the fact he can hardly catch a ball, barely kick one, and his tackling is dire.

What planet are you on, seriously...?

Never mind the recent Test matches, for me the only downside to Fet's is that he is NIQ. But he is by far and away the best attacking option we have. The fact that we don't use him enough or create space for him is a different kettle of fish entirely, and despite this he works extremely hard for the team...

By the same token would you have said the same thing abut Carr, for whom much of the limitations you describe were actually true...

I'd agree with RonanL. What is in any way factually incorrect in what he says there? I have warmed to him and I'd like to see him stay for at least another season, we know what he can do in attack, when given a chance and he has shown that on occasion when he has got go forward ball.

However, he has been dreadful under the high ball, not attacking the ball on a couple of occasions, his kicking has improved but is still suspect, before his match winning intervention for Tonga the last day he almost twice got them into trouble with awful kicks, not sold on his tackling ability either.

He has been one of our better performing backs (and the spotlight really should be on TOH's form who hasn't really delivered this season) but the opposition are all well aware of Vainikolo's shortcomings so there's no point us turning a blind eye to them.

Not just addressing this to you BN2 btw...

RonanL's comments are entirely accurate for one fixture, (the first game of the season played in atrocious conditions and one in which the whole team underperformed) after which the same people were haranguing him on here. The FACT is that Fet's has been rock solid for us since that first game. As evidenced by his selection for Tonga this autumn (or does anyone really think that a Pacific Island nation cannot find one or two decent wingers?)...

The kicking thing is a complete red herring anyway, how many wingers are top class kickers from hand? Few and far between is the real answer, they are the exception rather than the rule.

Defensively, no he's not a top level destructive tackler but he's as solid as any of our wing options that's for sure comfortably. And at least he shows eagerness to get involved defensively and try to do something positive in attack every time, and the fact that Eric sees him as first choice is confirmation of that...

When you look at the success rate of outside back Pacific Islanders in Ireland, Fet's is actually a shining light...