Still plenty of positives as Connacht faced their third reigning champions in five weeks, writes John O’Sullivan
After a physically and emotionally draining loss to Harlequins there was an air of inevitability that an inexperienced Connacht team would lose to the reigning Pro12 champions. The 26-9 loss to the Ospreys somewhat flatters the Welsh region, though, as Connacht, though the boot of Dan Parks, frustrated their opponents for large parts of the game.
At any time, the Liberty Stadium is a tough venue-just ask Munster- but Connacht were hampered by the seven enforced changes from their loss against Harlequins. Indeed, the Westerners, along with the aforementioned seven changes, had to play players in positions that are alien to them. Impressive full back Robbie Henshaw was drafted into second centre beside Tongan Mata Fifita, whilst the Sportsgrounders incumbent number eight George Naoupu was deployed at lock alongside Michael Swift. Youngster Darragh Leader is the latest off the province’s impressive conveyor belt and the full back will be happy with his solid showing, particularly in defence. Despite the loss, coach Elwood can be proud that his young team, many of whom who had never played with each other before, held the five time league champions at bay for large parts of the game.
Dan Parks' two penalties kept Connacht in the game after pacy winger Eli Walker had given the home team the lead, but, alas, The Ospreys scored two tries at crucial junctures either side of half time though Justin Tipuric and Jonathan Thomas. For all the talent of Connacht youngsters, there is no substitute for experience and the Ospreys game management was superior to Connachts last weekend. Connacht's youngsters, though, will benefit from playing against quality operators like Hano Dirksen and Ian Evans.
Connacht, too, will be happy that South African utility back Danie Poolman made his debut. Poolman was highly regarded in his native South Africa and many Springbocks fans questioned their Unions decisions to let the youngster move to Ireland and potentially represent his adopted nation in the future.
Connacht only have three players included in Declan Kidney's autumn international squad, meaning the men in green will have more players to chose from for their hosting of Treviso next weekend. It's a small victory for Connacht, though, as it proves that Declan Kidney, and his staff, clearly haven't been watching much of Connacht this season. Dave McSharry, in particular, can feel hard done by his exclusion from the Irish squad. This season McSharry has been , along with Darren Cave, the former Irish centre scoring tries against both the English and European Champions(Leinster and Harlequins). Also, with the lack of Irish full backs, due to injury, Robbie Henshaw can consider himself unlucky for not being selected. All Conancht's youngsters can do is to continue impressing and make themselves impossible not to pick. The young men in green can start with a victory over Treviso next weekend.
I’m John O’Sullivan, 20. Part time student, full time sports nut. Love rugby and am currently the PRO of Connemara RFC. I also do some radio work for my local station. One day, I would love to be a Sports Journalist/Broadcaster.
