RUGBY ANALYST:It's more Naca than Nama this week as Connacht need to bounce back quickly from last week's disaster in Scotland
NAMA – NOT Another Munster Article! Not this week, as there’s been some interesting feedback on Napoleon Bonaparte’s four officers from last week. I’ve been alerted that Field-Marshall Montgomery only had three categories of officer, as he believed there didn’t exist an intelligent and hard-working officer. His third category, the stupid and hard-working, would create untold damage and, as they were hard-working, would do this damage so quickly and effectively as to render any remedial management intervention useless. Montgomery felt that nothing could be done with this category and for the sake of the greater good the only sensible action was to put them against a wall and have them shot.
Based on last week’s result, Connacht are back in the spotlight. However, instead of putting Connacht in front of the firing squad, as Field-Marshall Montgomery might, I’m sure a solution could be found.
Six years in, Michael Bradley must be losing heart. Their supporters have to be asking questions. Players must be questioning the wisdom to suspend real life for such a drubbing as they suffered in Scotland. Of course there are obvious problems. To the fellow who told me to show me the solution and not the problem, I give you the Irish international Paul McShane. Sunderland allowed him to move to Hull City on loan for the 2008/09 season and recalled him in January 2009. Then there’s Richard Dunne’s recent high-profile transfer. But the most appropriate example is the short-term move of former Republic of Ireland under-21 captain Darren O’Dea, who signed a new three-year contract at Celtic before leaving the club for a four-month loan spell at Championship side Reading. All this for O’Dea in the same month as his debut for Republic of Ireland in Thomond Park against South Africa.
The transfer soccer signings across the water bring an interesting option to Irish rugby. Culturally it’s far more acceptable for soccer players to move clubs, regardless of all the chest/crest thumping in advance. That said, Robbie Keane and co have become very wealthy with all the transfer fees, not to mention hefty weekly salaries to begin with. Connacht simply don’t have the money to entice players across the Shannon on a full-time basis. The idea that top class players on the fringes of their current province will uproot their life and family for the money available is ludicrous. But, they may cross for a loan period, especially if it gives them a shot at Ireland. The reverse has been the case for years. The IRFU, like Napolean and Montgomery are in the driving seat. But do they have the stomach to assist Connacht? Or do they care? Connacht are a proud province that have beaten the big three in the past but they need help from the very big three now more than ever.
Cardiff Blues’ loss in Thomond Park by 11 points was as much to do with Munster’s bounce-back-ability as it was with a disappointing run out from Cardiff. The Welsh side, as represented by Xavier Rush, are an infuriating side to watch. They were brilliant in Europe, coming through the pool stages unbeaten. But they have remained average in the Magners League. With Lions tourists Andy Powell on the bench for Cardiff and Jamie Roberts starting, the Sportsground could be another step backwards for the westerners if they don’t force the average Cardiff out to play.
So what represents Connacht’s best chance this weekend? I think Cardiff Blues themselves will unlock that door. As the Blues coach suggests, “it always seems to be windy over in Galway”. Is this defeatist from Dai Young? It’s been four years and 12 games since Connacht had their last victory over the Blues, so they need a performance first and a win a very close second.
It’s a very big day for Junior All Blacks Bernie Upton in the lineout for Connacht; a strong defensive lineout incorporating both the height of Andrew Browne and the lift of John Muldoon is how to stop Jamie Roberts’ ball carrying. They need to prevent any OTT (off the top) ball like John Hayes did so successfully for Munster last week. Johnny O’Connor’s presence is paramount at the breakdown.
We’ve seen Munster’s Niall Ronan and Leinster’s Seán O’Brien display a whole new bag of tricks at the breakdown. Connacht could sorely do with as strong a display in this area. Further out the field there is a danger new outhalf Miah Nikora, as a former New Zealand Schools’ player, will play too much rugby and especially in the wrong part of the field. I hope for a big Connacht performance.
Although a little belated, Argentina’s arrival to the big time is a fantastic achievement, especially for the players who have mainly come to their end. More is the pity because Agustin Pichot deserved an annual shot at a title and particularly one as prestigious as the Tri-Nations. I saw him play for Bristol in the European Cup against Leinster and he was mesmerising. The activity around him for 80 minutes had Bristol buzzing and the defence baffled.
Not unlike him, Felipe Contepomi, at 32, may have lost a chance to perform in 2012.
Argentina’s inclusion in the Tri-Nations will provide a potential solution to the European propping plight. Their European-based players will be forced to move south of the equator and out of France, especially as the loss of props during the international window will be too heavy a price to carry for the clubs. Otherwise the player himself will face a never-ending season. The norm in England and France is clearly club orientated with their top players togging out between internationals. The season’s packed schedule and the travel distances are far too challenging for the players to “commute”!
The solution for Irish rugby, in particular, is positive. We have to develop our own and not buy in seasoned pros. That’ll force a rethink on schools rugby and the role it plays therein. This can only be a positive for the domestic and international game. Come on Connacht.
liamtoland@yahoo.com
