Our Connacht columnist John O’Sullivan looks ahead to the new campaign and picks his ideal matchday XV from their new squad.
Although not as glamorous, or extortionately overpriced, as our footballing cousins, there has been lots of transfer activity in this summers off season, not least by my own club, Connacht.
Despite not having the riches of neighbouring provinces, Ulster, Munster and Leinster, Connacht have made some very shrewd signings. Dan Parks and Nathan White add much needed experience to key positions, out half and prop, Willie Faloon, surprisingly let go by Ulster, will provide a natural option at 7 and South African centre Danie Poolman has the potential to be a real star. Tyro’s Jason Harris Wright and J.P. Cooney will provide competition in the front three, whilst former Leinster winger Matt Healy will provide competition for Tiernan O’Halloran, Fetu’u Vainikolo et al. In particular, the signing of Poolman was a major coup, with many South Africans questioning their Unions decision to let the youngster move to Ireland and possibly, in future years, become an Irish international.
Eric Elwood, and his staff, deserve credit for the aforementioned signings, who will add both experience and youthful exuberance to the Connacht set up. Consecutive seasons of Heineken Cup rugby has made Connacht an attractive proposition for players, particularly younger players who feel they’ll get more game time at Connacht than at the holy trinity of Munster, Leinster and Ulster.
Domestic and Heineken Cup rugby is only a matter of weeks away, so, with that in mind, below I’ll name what I believe to be Connacht’s strongest team.
1: Brett Wilkinson; The recently naturalised Irishman is a model of consistency for Connacht in a key position.
2: Ethienne Reynecke; A position with massive competition, both Adrian Flavin and Jason Harris Wright are solid operators, but on this occasion I’ll go with the former Saracens hooker. Reynecke was in and out of Connacht’s starting line up last season, but on his day the South African is a quality operator.
3: Nathan White: A fantastic signing for Connacht, the Kiwi can play both sides of the scrum and is destructive in the loose
4: Michael Swift: The English born lock is part of the furniture of Connacht and his honesty of effort is much appreciated at the Sportsground
5: Mike McCarthy: Last season McCarthy received long overdue international recognition. The former England underage international is a quality line out operator and a good ball carrier to boot.
6: John Muldoon; A Connacht legend, had it not been for the emergence of Stephen Ferris and Sean O’Brien, one would feel he would have many more Irish Caps.
7: Willie Falloon. Surprisingly, in a position where Ireland struggle to produce, Ulster let him go. A fine, fine player.
8: George Naoupu: A tremendous athletic ball carrier, the New Zealand school cap holder will look to continue his ultra consistent form in 2012-2013
9: Frank Murphy; Scrum half is a position where Connacht have legitimate competition for places. Dave Moore, and Paul O’Donohue are solid players, but I believe Frank Murphy just shades it
10: Dan Parks; One of Connacht’s problems last season was their inability to close out game or to get that crucial score, one will remember all those missed kicks in last Januarys clash with European Champions Leinster, had they been converted those kicks Connacht would have had another scalp on their hands. Hopefully Dan Parks can rectify the above problems, he certainly has the quality and experience to do so.
11: Tiernan O’Halloran; A rapidly improving player. The Clifden native scored the provinces first ever Heineken Cup try away to Harlequins. Still very young, but his inclusion in the Ireland Six Nations training camp is very encouraging. Has shed-loads of potential
12: Eoin Griffin; Along with Tiernan O’Halloran, Griffins was one of the indigenous Connacht players who caught the eye last season. Many in the Sportsground rate him as a future Irish international, high praise indeed.
13: Danie Poolman; After much consideration, I have selected Danie Poolman to partner Griffin in the centre. Although still an unknown quantity to many, the South African, who can also play winger, has pace to burn and a terrific step.
14: Fetu’u Vainikolo: Struggled at the beginning of last season, his form begging to improve as the seasons progressed. One would feel the season ended too early for him, but hopefully he can carry that form into the next campaign.
15: Gavin Duffy; fielding a ball in the wet and windy weather that so often engulfs the Sportsground is not easy, yet Gavin Duffy has made it an art form. Imperious in the air, a fantastic kicker and distributor the former Mayo minor footballer would have had many more caps in former years. Unfortunately for Gavin, his main rival for the Irish full back jersey is possibly the worlds best. Either way, Duffy is a vital cog in the Connacht machine.
The above team has a great equilibrium between youth and experience, and, for once, the Connacht squad has depth when injuries and suspensions call. The seasons is on the horizon, I, and the rest of the growing Connacht family, can’t wait.
I’m John O’Sullivan, 20. Part time student, full time sports nut. Crazily addicted to Liverpool F.C. My forte is obscure sporting facts. For example, not many people seem to know that Alfredo Di Stefano had an Irish grandmother. Love rugby and am currently the PRO of Connemara R.F.C. I also do some radio work for my local radio station. One day, I would love to be a Sports Journalist/Broadcaster. I would like to thank Jeff for giving me the chance to cover my beloved Connacht on ‘Harpin2’ Looking forward to a great season!
