By Rob Murphy @ Knockon.ie
January 4 2011

With two minutes remaining in the New Year’s Day tussle that saw Leinster beat Connacht comfortably, 19 year old Eoin McKeon popped a brilliantly disguised pass back inside to 20 year old Dermot Murphy he made 30 metres found Andrew Browne. The flanker linked well with Dylan Rogers and Eoin Griffin was on hand to finish. Galway Bay FM match commentator Rob Murphy reviews another disappointing evening in Dublin as Connacht faced in form Leinster...

That was a ray of light in an otherwise totally depressing Christmas period for Connacht. Four of those five players were born in Connacht, nurtured in Connacht clubs and have come through the Connacht academy. At long last, our local talent is getting a chance to shine when others have failed and that is something to cling onto even if the outlook for the remainder of the season is fairly bleak.

None of our young guns were out of their depth on Saturday, Connacht didn’t lose because they played some of their younger players. Some key injuries played a part but this game was lost because of a poor game plan, a typical lack of composure when scores were on offer and numerous unforced errors at key junctures. Most importantly though the game was lost because even without their frontline internationals, Leinster possess the kind of class in their backline that the westerners can only dream of having at the moment.

The game was in the balance at half time with the scoreline at 8-3 yet it felt dead in the water and similar to so many games that have gone before. Connacht had owned the ball but lacked incision. Leinster had picked off a try on their first attack thrown in three more on another and withstood whatever Connacht had from their on.

It was 11-3 early in the second half when a Connacht lineout and powerful maul briefly raised hopes of a comeback. The surge took them 20 metres closer to the line but as they broke off the back a sloppy pass went to ground and another chance was gone. Leinster won a penalty from the scrum kicked to touch on half way, attacked with an incisive move through the centre and scored two phases later after a blistering attack. That was 18-3 and game over. Two late tries secured the bonus.

Combine that result with the defeat to an under strength Munster at home five days previous when the home side had numerous chances to win in the closing stages and you have a clear picture of a fairly forgettable Christmas period.

Connacht started the season with a bang but have struggled ever since and they have now lost eight on the bounce, close shaves in most of those games won’t lessen the frustration for Eric Elwood and his management team. So close but so far away is the feeling and thanks to an unforgiving Magners League scheduling team, they must travel to Newport this Thursday to play the Dragons who sit just two points above them in the table.

An impossible assignment it seems for the league’s smallest squad as it will be a third game in just eleven days. Tough times...

Leinster 30 - 3 Connacht - Connacht Christmas Round Up

Discussion started by Connacht Rugby Supporters (IP Logged), 04/01/2011 20:48

Connacht Rugby Supporters
04/01/2011 20:48

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NZ Fan
05/01/2011 22:20

This game was woeful to watch. Christmas round up? I'd be asking Santa for a new coach - one who can pull the team together and get the respect of the players. One who condones a bit of mongrel. The forward pack have been hard working all season but the "prizes" they win are squandered by the back line. I haven't seen a back line so sluggish since watching 6 - 8 year olds play, who wait for their mates to come up so they can pass the ball to them.
The back line need to have enough confidence in each other to run on to the ball and know with certainty that someone will be there to take the pass. I think the beginning of the season showed promise, but now I wonder if it was the hang over from Bradley who towards the end of his tenure seemed to have finally got it together. I'm not denying the lads are working hard - but there"s working hard and working smart. The smart part needs to be directed by a good coach - and it doesn't appear that this is what is happening.

Hopefully for prides sake something changes soon!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:05:22:23:29 by NZ Fan.

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