Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
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The v2 Forum :: Sport :: Rugby Union :: Club Rugby
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Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
"The date Jan 20th is etched in our memory"
Connor O'Shea was pretty blunt post Biarritz about the game this week away at Connacht; I don't think any Harlequins fans will have forgotten their sides shock defeat last season away to the Irish province, but for the players it's still especially raw.
Connacht come in to this game off the back of a pretty solid away win against Zebre. Harlequins will be pleased to have got a little momentum with their bonus point win over Biarritz, both teams also met in the pre-season with Quins taking the spoils but that will count for little.
Connacht Team News
15 Robbie Henshaw, 14 Tiernan O'Halloran, 13 Eoin Griffin, 12 Dave McSharry, 11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Dan Parks, 9 Kieran Marmion, 8 George Naoupu, 7 Willie Faloon, 6 John Muldoon, 5 Mike McCarthy, 4 Michael Swift, 3 Nathan White, 2 Adrian Flavin, 1 Dennis Buckley.
Replacements: 16 Jason Harris Wright, 17 Brett Wilkinson, 18 Ronan Loughney, 19 Dave Gannon, 20 Johnny O'Connor, 21 Dave Moore, 22 Miah Nikora, 23 Mata Fifita.
Harlequins Team News
15 Mike Brown, 14 Tom Williams, 13 Matt Hopper, 12 Jordan Turner-Hall, 11 Sam Smith, 10 Ben Botica, 9 Danny Care, 8 Nick Easter, 7 Chris Robshaw, 6 Maurie Fa'asavalu, 5 George Robson, 4 Ollie Kohn, 3 James Johnston, 2 Rob Buchanan, 1 Joe Marler.
Replacements: 16 Dave Ward, 17 Mark Lambert, 18 Will Collier, 19 Charlie Matthews, 20 Tom Guest, 21 Karl Dickson, 22 Rory Clegg, 23 Seb Stegmann.]
Nick Evans is out for the next few weeks with an ankle injury, but new boy Ben Botica looked an able replacement with a clinical kicking boot and good vision running the show. You can bet that he'll get a tougher test of his credentials on Sat if he is selected by Connor.
Other then the change at 10 the backs should remain the same. Tom Williams seemed alright after his hip injury and George Lowe will still be out after his ankle surgery, leaving Mat Hopper at 13. EDIT Monye is out with an ankle injury so young dangerman Sam Smith comes in at 11
The pack should be unchanged from the Biarritz game, all came through unscathed and especially in the second half put in strong performances. Perhaps the only change we could see will be Tom Guest coming in for Mo Fa'Asavalu on a rotation policy.
Connor O'Shea was pretty blunt post Biarritz about the game this week away at Connacht; I don't think any Harlequins fans will have forgotten their sides shock defeat last season away to the Irish province, but for the players it's still especially raw.
Connacht come in to this game off the back of a pretty solid away win against Zebre. Harlequins will be pleased to have got a little momentum with their bonus point win over Biarritz, both teams also met in the pre-season with Quins taking the spoils but that will count for little.
Connacht Team News
15 Robbie Henshaw, 14 Tiernan O'Halloran, 13 Eoin Griffin, 12 Dave McSharry, 11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Dan Parks, 9 Kieran Marmion, 8 George Naoupu, 7 Willie Faloon, 6 John Muldoon, 5 Mike McCarthy, 4 Michael Swift, 3 Nathan White, 2 Adrian Flavin, 1 Dennis Buckley.
Replacements: 16 Jason Harris Wright, 17 Brett Wilkinson, 18 Ronan Loughney, 19 Dave Gannon, 20 Johnny O'Connor, 21 Dave Moore, 22 Miah Nikora, 23 Mata Fifita.
Harlequins Team News
15 Mike Brown, 14 Tom Williams, 13 Matt Hopper, 12 Jordan Turner-Hall, 11 Sam Smith, 10 Ben Botica, 9 Danny Care, 8 Nick Easter, 7 Chris Robshaw, 6 Maurie Fa'asavalu, 5 George Robson, 4 Ollie Kohn, 3 James Johnston, 2 Rob Buchanan, 1 Joe Marler.
Replacements: 16 Dave Ward, 17 Mark Lambert, 18 Will Collier, 19 Charlie Matthews, 20 Tom Guest, 21 Karl Dickson, 22 Rory Clegg, 23 Seb Stegmann.]
Nick Evans is out for the next few weeks with an ankle injury, but new boy Ben Botica looked an able replacement with a clinical kicking boot and good vision running the show. You can bet that he'll get a tougher test of his credentials on Sat if he is selected by Connor.
Other then the change at 10 the backs should remain the same. Tom Williams seemed alright after his hip injury and George Lowe will still be out after his ankle surgery, leaving Mat Hopper at 13. EDIT Monye is out with an ankle injury so young dangerman Sam Smith comes in at 11
The pack should be unchanged from the Biarritz game, all came through unscathed and especially in the second half put in strong performances. Perhaps the only change we could see will be Tom Guest coming in for Mo Fa'Asavalu on a rotation policy.
Last edited by yappysnap on Fri Oct 19, 2012 2:04 pm; edited 2 times in total
yappysnap- Posts : 11993
Join date : 2011-06-01
Age : 36
Location : Christchurch, NZ
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
In recent years
In Almin 10/11
Connacht 9–15 Harlequins
Harlequins 20–9 Connacht
Heineken Cup 11/12
Harlequins 25-17 Connacht
Connacht 9-8 Harlequins
3-1 to Harlequins, it does show that they are meeting a lot in recent years, they should know each other pretty well now.
In Almin 10/11
Connacht 9–15 Harlequins
Harlequins 20–9 Connacht
Heineken Cup 11/12
Harlequins 25-17 Connacht
Connacht 9-8 Harlequins
3-1 to Harlequins, it does show that they are meeting a lot in recent years, they should know each other pretty well now.
Kingshu- Posts : 4124
Join date : 2011-05-30
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
I'd excet to see the same Connacht team as last week
Connacht: R Henshaw; T O'Halloran, E Griffin, D McSharry, F Vainikolo; D Parks, K Marmion; D Buckley, E Reynecke, N White; M Swift, M McCarthy; J Muldoon, W Faloon, G Naoupu
Replacements: M Fifita, R Loughney, D Gannon , J O'Connor A Flavin, R Ah You, D Moore, M Nikora.
E Griffin, D McSharry are a good centre partnership McSharry may even be the form 13 in Ireland, Griffin I think is the better player though.
R Henshaw and T O'Halloran have been in good form, and Duffy will find it hard to win the full back spot back if fit.
But I think Quins fans know the real danger isn't the exciting young backs, its the much critisied Dan Parks, any peneltys will be kicked at goal, to keep the scoreboard ticking over, since he's been fit hes added to the Connacht team.
Connacht: R Henshaw; T O'Halloran, E Griffin, D McSharry, F Vainikolo; D Parks, K Marmion; D Buckley, E Reynecke, N White; M Swift, M McCarthy; J Muldoon, W Faloon, G Naoupu
Replacements: M Fifita, R Loughney, D Gannon , J O'Connor A Flavin, R Ah You, D Moore, M Nikora.
E Griffin, D McSharry are a good centre partnership McSharry may even be the form 13 in Ireland, Griffin I think is the better player though.
R Henshaw and T O'Halloran have been in good form, and Duffy will find it hard to win the full back spot back if fit.
But I think Quins fans know the real danger isn't the exciting young backs, its the much critisied Dan Parks, any peneltys will be kicked at goal, to keep the scoreboard ticking over, since he's been fit hes added to the Connacht team.
Kingshu- Posts : 4124
Join date : 2011-05-30
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
We have been pretty poor at giving away soft penalties against tough opposition. Far more so then other top teams like Saracens etc
I guess if we can score tries though we can counter that, and our kicker is probably just as good at goal.
Btw I am loving that replacements name R Ah You!
I guess if we can score tries though we can counter that, and our kicker is probably just as good at goal.
Btw I am loving that replacements name R Ah You!
yappysnap- Posts : 11993
Join date : 2011-06-01
Age : 36
Location : Christchurch, NZ
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
Should be close game again if it is blowing a gale and chucking down for a change.
glamorganalun- Posts : 3292
Join date : 2011-05-04
Location : Torfaen
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
Yappysnap you better win this one or the Irish fans will make sure you never live it down! I hope for your sake it doesn't rain.
beshocked- Posts : 14849
Join date : 2011-03-08
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
Quins are a fantastic side to watch. They got plenty of grunt as well as flair and were the pick from last weekend's teams for me.
Losing last year to Connacht should be enough of a reminder not to take anything for granted. They should be battle-hardened and up for a fight even if the conditions aren't ideal.
I'd expect them to target 5 points.
Losing last year to Connacht should be enough of a reminder not to take anything for granted. They should be battle-hardened and up for a fight even if the conditions aren't ideal.
I'd expect them to target 5 points.
Avalon- Posts : 77
Join date : 2012-10-15
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
Connacht team, for those not familar with them. (I'm not the best someone can add more detail)
R Henshaw; an exciting young Fullback/wing really making a name for himself this season very attacking (normally Duffy the captain is fullback but is injuried not sure when hes back).
T O'Halloran Wing / Full Back young, is the dangerman, scored a try against Harlequins last year
E Griffin, D McSharry are a good young centre partnership McSharry may even be the form 13 in Ireland, Griffin I think is the better player though.
F Vainikolo, wing Tonga International played super rugby for Highlanders
[overall the backs are young exciting players with a lot of pontential, if they played for more fashionable clubs you would have heard more about them.]
D Parks, you should know
K Marmion only seamed to come on scene this year, but has been the starting 9 this season, seams young and pretty good, but will confess don't know to much about him.
D Buckley, seams to be decent, don't know a lot
E Reynecke, played for Saracens and super rugby for Stormers and Lions, N White; New Zealander moved over from Leinster,
Overall front row is solid
M Swift, He is the most capped Connacht player of all time and is the longest serving player in the Connacht camp, Solid
M McCarthy; 4 Ireland Caps.
solid long time partnership at Lock
J Muldoon, 3 Ireland caps
W Faloon, speliast 7, moved from Ulster where he was rated quite highly
G Naoupu, fan favourite, number 8,
Selected replacement
Rodney Ah You big heavy, bette is loose than scrum.
Johnny O'Connor 12 Ireland caps, Faloon seams to have taken his starting spot
M Nikora flyhalf, decent covers a few positions as well.
R Henshaw; an exciting young Fullback/wing really making a name for himself this season very attacking (normally Duffy the captain is fullback but is injuried not sure when hes back).
T O'Halloran Wing / Full Back young, is the dangerman, scored a try against Harlequins last year
E Griffin, D McSharry are a good young centre partnership McSharry may even be the form 13 in Ireland, Griffin I think is the better player though.
F Vainikolo, wing Tonga International played super rugby for Highlanders
[overall the backs are young exciting players with a lot of pontential, if they played for more fashionable clubs you would have heard more about them.]
D Parks, you should know
K Marmion only seamed to come on scene this year, but has been the starting 9 this season, seams young and pretty good, but will confess don't know to much about him.
D Buckley, seams to be decent, don't know a lot
E Reynecke, played for Saracens and super rugby for Stormers and Lions, N White; New Zealander moved over from Leinster,
Overall front row is solid
M Swift, He is the most capped Connacht player of all time and is the longest serving player in the Connacht camp, Solid
M McCarthy; 4 Ireland Caps.
solid long time partnership at Lock
J Muldoon, 3 Ireland caps
W Faloon, speliast 7, moved from Ulster where he was rated quite highly
G Naoupu, fan favourite, number 8,
Selected replacement
Rodney Ah You big heavy, bette is loose than scrum.
Johnny O'Connor 12 Ireland caps, Faloon seams to have taken his starting spot
M Nikora flyhalf, decent covers a few positions as well.
Kingshu- Posts : 4124
Join date : 2011-05-30
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
Should be an easy one for Harlequins.
Last year was an aberration.
Normal service will be resumed this weekend.
5 points to the multi-coloured marvels.
Last year was an aberration.
Normal service will be resumed this weekend.
5 points to the multi-coloured marvels.
Pot Hale- Posts : 7781
Join date : 2011-06-05
Age : 62
Location : North East
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
beshocked wrote:Yappysnap you better win this one or the Irish fans will make sure you never live it down! I hope for your sake it doesn't rain.
I don't think we'd ever forget about it!
Worryingly I do have a good feeling about this game so we will probably lose now.
yappysnap- Posts : 11993
Join date : 2011-06-01
Age : 36
Location : Christchurch, NZ
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
I would be suprised if Quinns don't win but as the results show it will be close enough and not a massive scoring game so not so sure about TBP.
I think it will depend if Quinns build a lead.
If connacht get a lead they are more likely to hold on as they will fight for everything till the final play. Also with Parks they will score a bit when they go up the other end. If Quins have to get a try and chase the game as Connacht showed v Leinster they can break and defend.
I think it will depend if Quinns build a lead.
If connacht get a lead they are more likely to hold on as they will fight for everything till the final play. Also with Parks they will score a bit when they go up the other end. If Quins have to get a try and chase the game as Connacht showed v Leinster they can break and defend.
Brendan- Posts : 4253
Join date : 2012-04-08
Location : Cork
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
Isn't Parks a little dodgy in big games though? Could the pressure get to him on the weekend? Infact will Connacht even be feeling much pressure? I'm sure they're not expecting to get out of the group so other then putting on a show for the fans will they be as determined in this game compared to the Rabo matches they've played so far?
yappysnap- Posts : 11993
Join date : 2011-06-01
Age : 36
Location : Christchurch, NZ
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
This is Connachts best ever chance, (and prob the best for at least the next 10 years), of Connacht making the knock out stages in the H-cup, ok they will have to spring a surprise or two, but they counldn't have picked a better group for themselves.
Connacht said,
Everyone wants Zebre can we have them in our group.
"OK but you have to have a French and English team as well"
French team- can we have the team that didn't even make the play offs in top 14
English team - can we have Quinns as we know them from last two years and know we can beat them.
Ok in fairness they could have got Cardiff Blues and Edinburgh instead, but it was never going to be perfect for them, just near perfect.
Connacht said,
Everyone wants Zebre can we have them in our group.
"OK but you have to have a French and English team as well"
French team- can we have the team that didn't even make the play offs in top 14
English team - can we have Quinns as we know them from last two years and know we can beat them.
Ok in fairness they could have got Cardiff Blues and Edinburgh instead, but it was never going to be perfect for them, just near perfect.
Kingshu- Posts : 4124
Join date : 2011-05-30
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
Connacht will be well up for this game. You dont need to worrie about that.yappysnap wrote:Isn't Parks a little dodgy in big games though? Could the pressure get to him on the weekend? Infact will Connacht even be feeling much pressure? I'm sure they're not expecting to get out of the group so other then putting on a show for the fans will they be as determined in this game compared to the Rabo matches they've played so far?
LeinsterFan4life- Posts : 6174
Join date : 2012-03-13
Age : 34
Location : Meath
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
I'm confident. We won't get a BP but we should win and in London we will get the BP *knock on wood*
Ah, bollix, he's injured again
Ah, bollix, he's injured again
ChequeredJersey- Posts : 18707
Join date : 2011-12-23
Age : 35
Location : London, UK
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
Could be looking at missing Johnston for the game as well apparently bit of a dodge neck after the Britz game.
yappysnap- Posts : 11993
Join date : 2011-06-01
Age : 36
Location : Christchurch, NZ
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
Intresting Quinns are supplied by O'Neills who are better known for supplying GAA gear.
Connachts kit is manufactured and supplied by Rugbytech (a division of Irish sports store chain Elverys).
Connachts kit is manufactured and supplied by Rugbytech (a division of Irish sports store chain Elverys).
Kingshu- Posts : 4124
Join date : 2011-05-30
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
It's pretty nice kit by O'Neills, really like the training tops especially. I thought that they were more in to surf gear though...
yappysnap- Posts : 11993
Join date : 2011-06-01
Age : 36
Location : Christchurch, NZ
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
Kingshu wrote:This is Connachts best ever chance, (and prob the best for at least the next 10 years), of Connacht making the knock out stages in the H-cup, ok they will have to spring a surprise or two, but they counldn't have picked a better group for themselves.
Connacht said,
Everyone wants Zebre can we have them in our group.
"OK but you have to have a French and English team as well"
French team- can we have the team that didn't even make the play offs in top 14
English team - can we have Quinns as we know them from last two years and know we can beat them.
Ok in fairness they could have got Cardiff Blues and Edinburgh instead, but it was never going to be perfect for them, just near perfect.
Wouldn't you prefer Sale to Quins?
beshocked- Posts : 14849
Join date : 2011-03-08
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
Sale tier 4, Quins tier 2, if had sale couldn't have Zebre, and I'd perfer Zebre to Sale
Kingshu- Posts : 4124
Join date : 2011-05-30
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
Will evans not being the go to guy affect quinns at all. It didn't seem to last week but away form home might be different.
I think Connacht will be looking for at least three wins so they have to either win this or the french
I think Connacht will be looking for at least three wins so they have to either win this or the french
Brendan- Posts : 4253
Join date : 2012-04-08
Location : Cork
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
It probably will but this game will be won or lost in other areas than 10. As long as someone kicks the points, and Botica can definitely kick (his A-team kicking has been close to flawless too)
ChequeredJersey- Posts : 18707
Join date : 2011-12-23
Age : 35
Location : London, UK
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
This game will be all about the pack, if they do their job and Care does his then there will be relatively little pressure on Botica except for kicking.
Big game for the backrow, we've been targetted heavily in that area in the last few games and only just managed to turn it around. Connacht last season did a job on us a few times getting turnovers and absolutely destroying any momentum for us by laying all over the place.
I expect Robshaw will spend a bit less time at first reciever in the first half and focus more on hitting rucks, hopefully in the second half we'll be able to open up a bit.
Big game for the backrow, we've been targetted heavily in that area in the last few games and only just managed to turn it around. Connacht last season did a job on us a few times getting turnovers and absolutely destroying any momentum for us by laying all over the place.
I expect Robshaw will spend a bit less time at first reciever in the first half and focus more on hitting rucks, hopefully in the second half we'll be able to open up a bit.
yappysnap- Posts : 11993
Join date : 2011-06-01
Age : 36
Location : Christchurch, NZ
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
If Connacht just picture Quins wearing Leinster jerseys, they will canter to victory. Otherwise, 15-9 win for Quins
thebandwagonsociety- Posts : 2901
Join date : 2011-06-02
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
Quins team is up:
There are two changes to the starting line-up of the team which defeated Biarritz Olypmique last weekend, with Sam Smith replacing Ugo Monye. The winger suffered an ankle injury and is expected to return for the London Irish game.
Ben Botica, who marked his second senior appearance for the club last week by kicking 18 points, will make his starting debut in Galway, replacing Nick Evans who was also taken off last week with an ankle injury.
Among the replacements, Dave Ward will look to make his second appearance while Rory Clegg and Seb Stegmann cover the backline.
Harlequins team
15. Mike Brown14. Tom Williams13. Matt Hopper12. Jordan Turner-Hall11. Sam Smith10. Ben Botica9. Danny Care 1. Joe Marler2. Rob Buchanan3. James Johnston4. Olly Kohn5. George Robson6. Maurie Fa'asavalu7. Chris Robshaw (C)8. Nick Easter
Replacements:16. Dave Ward 17. Mark Lambert 18. Will Collier 19. Charlie Matthews 20. Tom Guest 21. Karl Dickson 22. Rory Clegg 23. Seb Stegmann
Looking forward to this game. Anyone got the weather for tomorrow?
There are two changes to the starting line-up of the team which defeated Biarritz Olypmique last weekend, with Sam Smith replacing Ugo Monye. The winger suffered an ankle injury and is expected to return for the London Irish game.
Ben Botica, who marked his second senior appearance for the club last week by kicking 18 points, will make his starting debut in Galway, replacing Nick Evans who was also taken off last week with an ankle injury.
Among the replacements, Dave Ward will look to make his second appearance while Rory Clegg and Seb Stegmann cover the backline.
Harlequins team
15. Mike Brown14. Tom Williams13. Matt Hopper12. Jordan Turner-Hall11. Sam Smith10. Ben Botica9. Danny Care 1. Joe Marler2. Rob Buchanan3. James Johnston4. Olly Kohn5. George Robson6. Maurie Fa'asavalu7. Chris Robshaw (C)8. Nick Easter
Replacements:16. Dave Ward 17. Mark Lambert 18. Will Collier 19. Charlie Matthews 20. Tom Guest 21. Karl Dickson 22. Rory Clegg 23. Seb Stegmann
Looking forward to this game. Anyone got the weather for tomorrow?
yappysnap- Posts : 11993
Join date : 2011-06-01
Age : 36
Location : Christchurch, NZ
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
yappysnap wrote:Looking forward to this game. Anyone got the weather for tomorrow?
13 degrees. broken cloud/sunny bits. I should be a weather dolly.
Perfect running Rugby weather Yappy. Game on.
AlastairW- Posts : 805
Join date : 2012-03-30
Location : Moustache twirling, cloak swishing, cackling evil English panto bad guy. The Great Destroyer of the HC.
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
yappysnap wrote: "The date Jan 20th is etched in our memory"
Connor O'Shea was pretty blunt post Biarritz about the game this week away at Connacht; I don't think any Harlequins fans will have forgotten their sides shock defeat last season away to the Irish province, but for the players it's still especially raw.
Connacht come in to this game off the back of a pretty solid away win against Zebre. Harlequins will be pleased to have got a little momentum with their bonus point win over Biarritz, both teams also met in the pre-season with Quins taking the spoils but that will count for little.
Connacht Team News
15 Robbie Henshaw, 14 Tiernan O'Halloran, 13 Eoin Griffin, 12 Dave McSharry, 11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Dan Parks, 9 Kieran Marmion, 8 George Naoupu, 7 Willie Faloon, 6 John Muldoon, 5 Mike McCarthy, 4 Michael Swift, 3 Nathan White, 2 Adrian Flavin, 1 Dennis Buckley.
Replacements: 16 Jason Harris Wright, 17 Brett Wilkinson, 18 Ronan Loughney, 19 Dave Gannon, 20 Johnny O'Connor, 21 Dave Moore, 22 Miah Nikora, 23 Mata Fifita.
Harlequins Team News
15 Mike Brown, 14 Tom Williams, 13 Matt Hopper, 12 Jordan Turner-Hall, 11 Sam Smith, 10 Ben Botica, 9 Danny Care, 8 Nick Easter, 7 Chris Robshaw, 6 Maurie Fa'asavalu, 5 George Robson, 4 Ollie Kohn, 3 James Johnston, 2 Rob Buchanan, 1 Joe Marler.
Replacements: 16 Dave Ward, 17 Mark Lambert, 18 Will Collier, 19 Charlie Matthews, 20 Tom Guest, 21 Karl Dickson, 22 Rory Clegg, 23 Seb Stegmann.]
Nick Evans is out for the next few weeks with an ankle injury, but new boy Ben Botica looked an able replacement with a clinical kicking boot and good vision running the show. You can bet that he'll get a tougher test of his credentials on Sat if he is selected by Connor.
Other then the change at 10 the backs should remain the same. Tom Williams seemed alright after his hip injury and George Lowe will still be out after his ankle surgery, leaving Mat Hopper at 13. EDIT Monye is out with an ankle injury so young dangerman Sam Smith comes in at 11
The pack should be unchanged from the Biarritz game, all came through unscathed and especially in the second half put in strong performances. Perhaps the only change we could see will be Tom Guest coming in for Mo Fa'Asavalu on a rotation policy.
Kingshu- Posts : 4124
Join date : 2011-05-30
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
V Strong squad again, looks like we are really targeting the HEC
ChequeredJersey- Posts : 18707
Join date : 2011-12-23
Age : 35
Location : London, UK
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
[quote="Kingshu"]I'd excet to see the same Connacht team as last week
Connacht: R Henshaw; T O'Halloran, E Griffin, D McSharry, F Vainikolo; D Parks, K Marmion; D Buckley, E Reynecke, N White; M Swift, M McCarthy; J Muldoon, W Faloon, G Naoupu
Replacements: M Fifita, R Loughney, D Gannon , J O'Connor A Flavin, R Ah You, D Moore, M Nikora.
quote]
15 Robbie Henshaw, 14 Tiernan O'Halloran, 13 Eoin Griffin, 12 Dave McSharry, 11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Dan Parks, 9 Kieran Marmion, 8 George Naoupu, 7 Willie Faloon, 6 John Muldoon, 5 Mike McCarthy, 4 Michael Swift, 3 Nathan White, 2 Adrian Flavin, 1 Dennis Buckley.
Replacements: 16 Jason Harris Wright, 17 Brett Wilkinson, 18 Ronan Loughney, 19 Dave Gannon, 20 Johnny O'Connor, 21 Dave Moore, 22 Miah Nikora, 23 Mata Fifita.
only a few wee errors, go me.
Connacht: R Henshaw; T O'Halloran, E Griffin, D McSharry, F Vainikolo; D Parks, K Marmion; D Buckley, E Reynecke, N White; M Swift, M McCarthy; J Muldoon, W Faloon, G Naoupu
Replacements: M Fifita, R Loughney, D Gannon , J O'Connor A Flavin, R Ah You, D Moore, M Nikora.
quote]
15 Robbie Henshaw, 14 Tiernan O'Halloran, 13 Eoin Griffin, 12 Dave McSharry, 11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Dan Parks, 9 Kieran Marmion, 8 George Naoupu, 7 Willie Faloon, 6 John Muldoon, 5 Mike McCarthy, 4 Michael Swift, 3 Nathan White, 2 Adrian Flavin, 1 Dennis Buckley.
Replacements: 16 Jason Harris Wright, 17 Brett Wilkinson, 18 Ronan Loughney, 19 Dave Gannon, 20 Johnny O'Connor, 21 Dave Moore, 22 Miah Nikora, 23 Mata Fifita.
only a few wee errors, go me.
Kingshu- Posts : 4124
Join date : 2011-05-30
Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
AlastairW wrote:yappysnap wrote:Looking forward to this game. Anyone got the weather for tomorrow?
13 degrees. broken cloud/sunny bits. I should be a weather dolly.
Perfect running Rugby weather Yappy. Game on.
That's everywhere EXCEPT Galway mate. Expect gale force winds, driving rain and a sprinkling of hailstones
Rava- Posts : 9507
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Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
Lucky our pack can scrummage and Botica can kick then!
ChequeredJersey- Posts : 18707
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Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
yappysnap wrote: "The date Jan 20th is etched in our memory"
Connor O'Shea was pretty blunt post Biarritz about the game this week away at Connacht; I don't think any Harlequins fans will have forgotten their sides shock defeat last season away to the Irish province, but for the players it's still especially raw.
What was the shock? The home game was tight enough for quins so they were always going to be up against it in Galway. An upset maybe but not really a shock for those who follow Irish rugby and I'd fancy Connacht again this time out given how much stronger they are this season.
Connacht by 8.
rodders- Moderator
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ChequeredJersey- Posts : 18707
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Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
All provinces to win this weekend, it was Munster let us down last weekend.
Kingshu- Posts : 4124
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Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
Is it that Connacht are much better than last season or that the likes of Leinster have been considerably poorer?
ChequeredJersey- Posts : 18707
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Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
Connacht are better, Leinster have nothing to do with it.
rodders- Moderator
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Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
But other than beating Leinster, Connacht's results look the same, if not worse than they did this time last year, obviously I've not been watching them play so I can't comment on that but I can see no discernible change in results for the positive!
ChequeredJersey- Posts : 18707
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Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
Hand on heart I think all Quins fans were nervous about the trip to Connacht but did expect a win, we'd just won in Toulouse and were still steaming along in the Prem. It was also vital so that we made the knock outs.
We kept it close going in to the wind and then expected to turn it on in the second half with the wind at our backs but that just never happened. Honestly that was a shock. Not taking away from Connacht but yes it was a shock win for them. They lost at home to Glos...
Same this weekend, it'll be very very tough but I do expect the win.
We kept it close going in to the wind and then expected to turn it on in the second half with the wind at our backs but that just never happened. Honestly that was a shock. Not taking away from Connacht but yes it was a shock win for them. They lost at home to Glos...
Same this weekend, it'll be very very tough but I do expect the win.
yappysnap- Posts : 11993
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Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
They've had a disappointing start to the season but sometimes you need to look beyond the results.
I think Connacht were bitterly disappointed with their Heino results last time out and will be keen to give a better account of themselves this season. In Galway they are always a tough proposition and personnel wise they are certainly stronger than last year.
Quins are favourites no doubt about it but this will be no walk over
I think Connacht were bitterly disappointed with their Heino results last time out and will be keen to give a better account of themselves this season. In Galway they are always a tough proposition and personnel wise they are certainly stronger than last year.
Quins are favourites no doubt about it but this will be no walk over
rodders- Moderator
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Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
Don't listen to Rodders lads. He's far too conservative.
Connacht by 15pts. Try Bonus as well
Connacht by 15pts. Try Bonus as well
Rava- Posts : 9507
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ChequeredJersey- Posts : 18707
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Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
Just to point out that Quins have fielded a 23 with only TWO NEQ players in it. Both are quality as well.
yappysnap- Posts : 11993
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Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
Paddy Power has it
Connacht
11/4
Draw
22/1
Harlequins
2/7
Draw may be tempting?
Connacht
11/4
Draw
22/1
Harlequins
2/7
Draw may be tempting?
Kingshu- Posts : 4124
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Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
Actually, draw looks very tempting, I don't think it will happen but more likely than 1/22! Don't think it'll be that high-scoring a game
ChequeredJersey- Posts : 18707
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Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
Backing Connacht at 11/4 would be like taking candy from a baby
rodders- Moderator
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Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
Last season when Connacht beat Quins it ended a 14 game losing streak for Connacht. They're in a much better position now. They've a stronger scrum and more dangerous backline and we all know that Parks is a good kicker.
profitius- Posts : 4726
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Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
Jeebus Profitus I'd forgotten about Parks. I was thinking Niall O'Connor who is now third choice at Ulster. Maybe change that prediction to Connacht by 22.
Rava- Posts : 9507
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Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
Parks does go missing in the big games though and I know this match'll be Connachts biggest game of the season.
Prepare for an implosion
(Obv I mean Connacht)
Prepare for an implosion
(Obv I mean Connacht)
yappysnap- Posts : 11993
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Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
Connacht getting the joy so far!
It's a long way to go yet though
It's a long way to go yet though
ChequeredJersey- Posts : 18707
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Re: Heineken Cup Round 2- Connacht v Harlequins TEAMS UP
And kick by kick we pull ourselves back into it
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