Cardiff v Connacht Sat 26th Jan 2019, 17.15 - TG4/S4C

The craggy rugby post cardiff pod is well worth a listen for the interviews with Andy Friend, Cillian Gallagher and John Mulvihill. Friend was clearly annoyed, but spoke really well as he always does. Cillian Gallagher came across brilliantly in defeat - wouldn't accept any excuses about conditions etc. And then John Mulvihill gave a great insight into opposition perceptions of Connacht, going as far as calling out the fact that they targetted Horwitz because they don't think he's a 10.

RonanL wrote: ...John Mulvihill gave a great insight into opposition perceptions of Connacht, going as far as calling out the fact that they targetted Horwitz because they don't think he's a 10.

Yeah Mulvihill was refreshingly straight-talking, called out Horwitz as "a 12 not a 10", which also goes for Ronaldson if he were fit (picked 8 times at 10 from 60ish starts for us). Also said he felt Connacht "under-kicked", which certainly wouldn't have happened if Carty was playing. All in all it suggests our biggest need for next year, even with Fitzgerald in the mix, is flyhalf backup for Jack.

We've really signed badly in terms of 10's since Dan Parks, obviously AJ worked well for us but having brought him in we had to let him go nearly as quick which was obviously a mistake given what happened with Boshoff, Fitzgerald did look good when he came on though so there may be hope there yet, that he's the answer as I'd say We'll see less and less of Jack over the next number of years

Don’t think the irfu would go for it and not sure if Horwitz is contracted for next season but what about bringing in a back up ten (Irish qualified if possible) and keeping Horwitz as a 12.

If henshaw moves to 15 for Ireland Tom Farrell should be in Irish camps regularly. So you’d have a first choice for Connacht of 12 bundee 13 Farrell and when they’re away 12 Horwitz 13 godwin. Horwitz looks like he’s a talented player just don’t know if he has what it takes to be the back up ten we need.

Think people are turning their back on some of our players a bit quickly.
Neither Mitchell or Horwitz had games they'll think back fondly on, but anyone who listened to the Craggy podcast will know they targeted the two lads for extra pressure, add in the frankly awful weather and it was a very difficult game for any half backs to do well in.
Granted the lads who came on did a bit better but they had the advantage of being able to watch the game from the sideline so they would have been better prepped coming on.
Writing off a player after a handful of games seems a bit shortsighted to me.

I don’t like being negative towards Connacht players but if I think there’s better options I’ll say it. Mitchell is 75% through his two year contract and hasn’t really impressed under two different managers. The changes in coaching set up might be a reason for this. I’d love to see him show he is good enough for the rest of the season but do other players deserve the chance to show what they can do instead?

On Horwitz he was playing at 12 in the Southern Hemisphere so obviously the change to a 10 in the northern hemisphere will take time. But would it be better to see him at 12 where depth will be needed and the Australians thought he was best suited?