Honours almost even at the Stoop

Connacht launched themselves back into action with a visit to our old Twickenham based friends Harlequins. The bottom line sadly from last night's fixture was a game we should have won, but didn't due to some more than familiar issues that need addressing before we move into the competitive fixtures.

Harlequins 15 - 14 Connacht

Stoop Memorial Ground,Twickenham 

14/08/2009

Connacht were ok at times if flattering to deceive somewhat, frustratingly we threatened in not dangerous positions (between the 22's) but our longstanding failure to convert possession into points will ensure another season of acute disappointment I fear.  There seems to be no composure or clarity of mind or purpose at all when we get into the oppo 22, we just keep bashing away at opponent defence ignoring perhaps opportunities of a snap drop goal and an easy three points which is better than spurning six or seven opportunities in persuit of a try.

We were hanging on defensively on more than a few occasions, and I didn't have a clear view of Quins first try, but it did seem that we should have grounded it comfortably first and the try was opportunist due to defensive hesitation perhaps borne out of the newer combinations.

They were both fairly scratch sides on display, both were missing their Internationals (no Keatley, Matthews, Murphy or Muldoon for us) but there were far more of Quins top players missing from the action (Monye, Evans, Care, Malone, Robshaw, Easter, Skinner and of course the banned Williams). 

Positives for us were:

The Backs

The young lads held up pretty well without being exposed too much, but never really threatened Quins O'Halloran looked the best of the younger home lads. O'Loughlin looked sharp, definitely think if he stays fit he'll be vying with Murphy for the 9 jersey.  Nikora kicked his goals but didn't stand out partiularly, should improve with games though. Touhy, often got ball too quickly and too far out but took his one decent opportunity well. Nathan looks like he shifted a few pounds over the summer, and was moving with more zip from at first fullback and then at 10 when O'Halloran replaced Nikora.
 
The Pack:

Normal service resumed. Despite ref Barnes making an ass of the scrummage we seemed to dominate when Quins were forced to scrum. McComish had a decent enough game, offers much more mobility at eight than Mul or Rigney but may lack firepower. JO'C and  Mike Mc made a nuisance of themselves at breakdown but we didn't dominate there. Swifty went ok, but I wonder has he the legs and ability to fill Farley's boots as senior lock? Upton did his bit at lineout time and scrum, but didn't really show too strongly in the loose.

Worryingly Niva limped off after 50 with what seemed like a leg injury, and Campbell who had come on as a sub went off with over ten to go with a hand injury.  

The team needs to learn how to win games, and quickly. There was more than enough experience in the Connacht side to warrant an away win worryingly they never looked like delivering.

Harlequins: R Chisholm; O Lindsay-Hague, G Lowe, T Masson, S Smith; R Clegg, S So’oialo; A Croall, C Brooker, M Lambert; L Stevenson, G Robson; C York, N McMillan, T Guest.

Replacements: K Dickson for So’oialo, half time; S Jewell for
Lindsay-Hague, 57 mins; J Andress for Guest, 63 mins; J Percival for
Lambert, 63 mins; J Ross for Robson, 63 mins; W Luveniyali for Clegg, 67 mins; T Fuga for Brooker, 71 mins.

Connacht: T Nathan; B Tuohy, N Ta’auso, A Wynne, F Carr; M Nikora, C O’Loughlin; R Loughney, A Flavin, R Morris; M Swift, B Upton; M McCarthy, J O’Connor, M McComish.

Replacements: T O’Halloran for Nikora, 43 mins; J Hagan for Morris, 43 mins; E
Griffin for Ta’auso, 51 mins; A Browne for McCarthy, 55 mins; K
Campbell for O’Loughlin, 55 mins; D Nolan for Swift, 57 mins; B
Wilkinson for Loughney, 57 mins; D Murphy for Flavin, 62 mins; C
O’Loughlin for Campbell, 70 mins.

Referee: W Barnes (RFU).