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.

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.

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...

Really hope George will accept a new contract. The guy is immense and plays with an honesty I just love.

And if he was to move on and we don't get a decent replacement I'm worried we'd continue with the "Mul as an 8" plan that just doesn't work.

Great 8s are tough to find, Ezra Taylor ring a bell?

connachtexile wrote: Does anyone know if John O'Sullivan former Munster and Connacht no. 8 is still playing? I was thinking if George goes he might be good for a season. Leo Auva'a will also be let go by Leinster so he could be an option.

O'Sullivan retired in summer 2011 after 2 years playing in France.

And Auva'a for George would be like trading in your Ferrari for a Fiesta, but I guess your point is beggars can't be choosers. I's sooner go with McKeown, or maybe Browne would make a decent 8? He has the size, pace, and lineout ability...

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.

This talk of trying Rodney at number 8 is one of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard.

Backrow is a position that can dictate a game. Number 7 can be seen to do lots of the work but Number 8 is often the brains of the operation. As well as having a brain for the game, they also need to be quick over the first five yards. Most number 8 are also good lineout options in the modern game. They also need incredible fitness to be everywhere around the pitch and hit every ruck.

I believe Rodney has none of these abilities. Just because he is a big guy does not mean he would be a good number 8. That is the kind of thing that is said in under 12 rugby. This is also seen with second rows (being the tall kids), scrum halfs (being the small kids) etc.

When Rodney goes through people it is usually after he has come on fresh against a tiring opposition. It is also when he takes the ball at great depth.

Comparisons have been made here between Nick Williams (because he is a big guy) and Rodney. This is outrageous. Williams is playing well this season with Ulster but has an incredibly dynamic pack around him. I would not have exact details, but would be pretty sure that he would be fitter, faster and smarter than Rodney could be.

No disrespect to the lad, I have met him and he seemed like a very nice person. But the front row is where he belongs. I know that every front row dreams of getting to the backrow someday!

Rant over!

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.

Why do people think George and Fets won't be retained or will leave. I understand Maccas stock going up after this autumn and it will be interesting after the 6 nations however if the right offer is made to him I don't see him moving on . Guy likes to play week week out seems to be at home withconnacht.

Does anyone know if John O'Sullivan former Munster and Connacht no. 8 is still playing? I was thinking if George goes he might be good for a season. Leo Auva'a will also be let go by Leinster so he could be an option. Some guys definitely gone and for a small squad we have a few lads who haven't made the grade. So far we've signed good players so I expect better than the one's we'll be releasing.

That said losing Macca or George would be be a huge kick in the nads. Not to pushed about Fets to be honest.

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

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.

Of those left I'd say:
Ah You (can't be 100% but I don't think the new management will persist with him regardless of who they are)
Moore (hard to see him remain on)
Andersen (definitely gone)
McCrea (definitely gone)
Frank Murphy (think his time is up)
Grace (probably gone)
Loxton (probably gone)
Fafita (maybe around for another season)
Flavin or Reynecke (1 will definitely go, maybe both.Reynecke hasn't done enough for me, will free up a NIQ spot,doubt we'll get much more out of Flavin (34 in summer)his race might be run, this is probably an area we'll have to target for a big signing)
Gannon (50/50)
Brian Murphy (might hang around for A games)
Healy (probably gone)
Nolan (may get another contract but any more injuries and I'm afraid that'll be it for him)

Hope George waits around for at least another season as he's a proven performer at 8 and it will help with the integration of McKeown. We have few other alternatives at 8.

Vainikolo will probably still be around. With McCrea and Loxton likely to leave, Healy possibly also, we haven't many options on the win, again a 1 year deal would be smart.

Thats a fair turnaround but I think in some instances we are paying the price now for the recruitment in the summer of 2011.

FACECUTTR wrote: George
Redneck
Rodney
Fetu
Hopefully im wrong about George (the peoples champion) and Fetu.
Not too pushed on redneck and i think were all on agreement with rodney.

Why do you think we might lose Fetu?

Rodney's far too small to be an effective 8. Wouldn't be surprised if he's retained, I know the coaching staff believe he has great potential... I've only seen Loxton play once but thought he looked quite good. Jarvis hasn't progressed at all from what I've seen and McCrea and TJ seem to be injured all the time. we just can't afford to carry guys like that. Grace is a good prospect and I would think will be kept on. We've been weak at hooker for a few years, it's there for the taking if JHW is up to it, too early to tell yet. I know Murphy was injured at the start of the season but he's now playing regularly for the Eagles and 'wegians and he certainly looks like he will be able to make the step up if required. We're not exactly weak at centre though. Would be devastated if we can't re-sign Georgie, Fets and Macca for whatever reason, they have been outstanding for us, how on earth would we replace them Also i am completely unobjective when it comes to swifty and believe he should be given an endless contract. he can retire when it suits him as far as I'm concerned

That leaves 4 players whom I would be amazed to see here next year: Anderson, McCrea, Grace, Loxton

Would agree with you on McCrea and Anderson both I'd say were on decent money and haven't played at all. Grace seems to be liked as he's captained the Eagles a few times so I'd rate him as 50/50. Loxton will probably go as well. Ah You as a prop should go but would like to see him been converted to an 8 maybe and given a run before a decision is made. I think it depends who we get in Hookers wise before Reynecke leaves i.e. if Falvin retires etc.

Healy and Murphy have been injured so jury is still out there.

Will be interesting who we promote up. No academy forward apart from maybe Heffernan strikes as ready to make the leap yet.