The 2010/2011 season Connacht's team me with a strong front row and great backs, this team could give teams trouble in at the Magners League. I witnessed Connacht play Ulster at Ravenhill, Connacht gave Ulster a hard time especially at the ruck with Mike McCarthy for me winning Man of the Match even though Ulster won.
Last season Connacht reached 9th place, which I believe doesn't give the ability Connacht have justice but of course for them to reach to that position in the table there are reasons. The only teams below Connacht were Treviso, Glasgow Warriors and Aironi. The Galway Sportsground isn't an easy place to visit and thats a credit to Connacht for giving it that reputation.
I will delve into the team and point out who I think are great players and why.
The front row for Connacht to me was a great front row, of course it was a young front row but when I watched them play they gave Ulster's front row great problems.
Front Row
Jamie Hagan who at 24 has just moved to Leinster is a future Ireland international I personally think he left Leinster for Connacht now he is returning a changed man with tons of ability waiting to be shown whilst Mike Ross is away with the Ireland World Cup squad.
Sean Cronin who is also moving to Leinster after 3 seasons at Connacht after moving from Munster is a great young hooker at 25 has had to date 12 caps for Ireland. Sean will definitely be going to the Rugby World Cup with Ireland, he most likely won't make the 22 as Rory Best and Jerry Flannery will fight it out for the starting place with the loser making the replacements but Sean will learn alot from both of these hookers.
A comment must go out to Brett Wilkinson, who has been the other part of the front row to make it a great force this season. Brett will be staying with Connacht this season with new front rowers joining him.
Back Row
Mike McCarthy is staying with Connacht next season with i'm sure many fans will be happy with as I said above the game I seen Connacht play against Ulster this guy ruled it. Disrupting the ruck and playing well in the loose, i'm a big fan and this proved it as he got called up to the Ireland Preliminary training squad for the Rugby World Cup.
John Muldoon like Mike he is staying at Connacht after all he is the captain and has been with Connacht his whole career. John has 3 caps with Ireland and is a great leader for Connacht with Johnny O'Connor, John and Mike McCarthy the back row will be enjoying a few nights at the Sportsground next season.
Johnny O'Connor the last man to join the formidable Connacht back row, he was born in Galway Connacht himself so the local man is the sort of players fan love. He played for 4 years over in England with London Wasps which i'm sure Connacht love to turn to him for his experience. He has made 12 appearances for Ireland and is a great flanker one of the best in the Magners League/Pro12.
Half Backs
Frank Murphy When I use to think of Frank Murphy I would think "ex Leicester Scrum Half as he played there for 2 years, I didn't take into consideration the 5 years he spent with Munster. Great experience as he has played in 2 Premiership Finals for Leicester. Signed a new contact with Connacht to play to 2012/2013.
Ian Keatley out of all the players i'm mostly keen on Keatley as I believe he could be a starting Ireland international. Keatley is moving to Munster where he play under Ronan O'Gara which will be fantastic for Ian as Ronan has been there and done it for nearly everything. At 24 years old, he is just rolling into his best years, Keatley can also play at inside centre which he could be used at to get him use to the team? Or maybe fullback? Versatile but in my opinion could be fighting Sexton for 10 in a few years time. Keep your eye on him next season!
Fionn Carr is a small fast winger who can take the ball and explode past your backline. Fionn will be moving to Leinster with Sean and Jamie. Fionn is an exciting player the sort of player whenever they get the ball you are waiting to see something. Excitement levels for Fionn were high at Connacht, when I saw him play he wasn't on great form that night but there were glimpses were I thought this guy can make a great impact at Leinster next season whilst the Rugby World Cup is in full flow. Watch out for some dazzling runs from Fionn next season!
Gavin Duffy an full back who I would of loved to have seen at my team Ulster, his name has always been in the Ireland squad but either Geordan Murphy or Rob Kearney has always kept him out of the position. Gavin played in England for 3 years playing 110 times for the London based team, he has played for Ireland 10 times which at full back is a hard position to crack for Ireland. Gavin typifies Connacht, he is one of the faces of Connacht and the tight unit they are.
New players will be rolling in for Connacht let's hope they have the success like Sean, Jamie, Ian and Fionn had for Connacht.
