With their mix of home-grown talent and test experience, things can only get better out west, writes John O’Sullivan
For the 8,000 vociferous home fans shoe-horned into the Sportsground on Saturday last, they may not have witnessed a Connacht victory but they may well have seen their heroes ditch their perennial tag of underachievers.
Indeed, a 30-22 loss to English champions Harlequins proved that last season was no fluke and that Connacht can mix it with the big boys
I, and so many Connacht fans alike can feel a sea change in Connacht rugby, epitomised by the impressive duo of Kieran Marmion and Robbie Henshaw. The aforementioned players have the talent to be legends in the Sportsground but their youthful exuberance represents the new found belief and positive attitude of the Connacht fans. Rugby Is growing like wild fire in Connacht and youngsters in the province can look the men in Green for their rugby heroes rather than the teams in Blue and Red. It should not be underestimated, either, that several of Connacht's match day squad were born in the province; Denis Buckley, Johnny O'Connor, Tiernan O'Halloran, Eoin Griffin, John Muldoon et al were in all born in Connacht and, crucially, they were not all born in Galway, proving the popularity of the game is spreading to all the counties of Connacht.
The inclusion of local born players in a Heineken Cup squad sets a viable precedent for Connacht's ever improving academy players, who'll know, If they have the talent and desire, that they can achieve their rugby goals with their local province.
Most impressive for Connacht, though, was their veteran import Dan Parks. Not only was Parks' fantastic with the boot, as shown by his 100% record from the kicking tee, but he linked extremely well with Connacht's other backs-something his detractors said he couldn't do.
Despite all the positives, I feel that Connacht shouldn't be immune to criticism. In order for Connacht to fulfil its potential the almost patronising attitude of "fair play, you're only Connacht you should be happy just to play the big boys" needs to be shelved. At the end of the day, Connacht want to win but they didn't, chiefly due to the fact they overpowered at scrum time, meaning the scrum is an issue that has to be looked at.
Connacht lost, 30-22 to Harlequins, but had our young team coped better at scrum time and managed the game better whilst in the lead we could have taken another scalp.
There are lessons to be learned, but Connacht, and their young squad, have the time and the capability to learn them.
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.
