neiliog93 wrote:He's our best 8 of the professional era, so yes, we do. However I expect great things from Conan who is a actually a superior physical specimen to Heaslip and in my opinion could develop into a Picamoles-type number 8. Time will tell.
Taken from Leinster squad biog:
JH - 6' 4" - 17st 4 lbs
JC - 6' 4" - 17st 6 lbs
If JC had an enema they'd be physically identical.
Dubious dimensions aside, saying anyone is a superior physical specimen to JH is a hell of a statement given his incredible durability.
Conan used to be listed as 114 kg (18 stone), that looks more likely for him by appearance. Also the idea that Heaslip is 6'4" is absolute nonsense, I'm 6'3.5", have met him, and was clearly taller than him. In the past Heaslip has been listed as 6'3", but even that's optimistic IMO.
Even if they were the same weight, Conan is more 'powerful'. He busts through tackles. He runs over other forwards and puts them on their arse. Heaslip doesn't have the power to do that in the professional game.
"This is breathless stuff.....it's on again. Contepomi out to Hickie,D'Arcy,Hickie.......................HICKIE FOR THE CORNER! THAT IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
neiliog93 wrote:Even if they were the same weight, Conan is more 'powerful'. He busts through tackles. He runs over other forwards and puts them on their arse. Heaslip doesn't have the power to do that in the professional game.
neiliog93 wrote:Even if they were the same weight, Conan is more 'powerful'. He busts through tackles. He runs over other forwards and puts them on their arse. Heaslip doesn't have the power to do that in the professional game.
He would if he was this size again.
Aye, he was 25 then and is now 32. Some guys like Henry Tuilagi, Willem Alberts etc keep their 'power' into their 30s, but many don't. Heaslip is still an effective carrier but he has lost some power.
Just think of Conan running full tilt at an opposition prop who was say 118kg, taking him on, and dipping the shoulder. Whether it's his size or power or a combo of both compared to Heaslip, Conan would definitely have a better chance of coming out on top of that collision than Heaslip. Obviously still an inferior all-round player but he's 23 and is a better athlete in the sense of size, strength and power.
"This is breathless stuff.....it's on again. Contepomi out to Hickie,D'Arcy,Hickie.......................HICKIE FOR THE CORNER! THAT IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
