Connacht Rugby Thread - Part III - The Violence of the Lams

errlloyd

freyners wrote: »

Does JHW count for this since he came west via Bristol

Yeah, I am fairly happy for anyone who has caps for both. So JHW yay, Keatley nay.

brocbrocach

Des Dillon a few years back?
Whatever happened to him btw?

testtech05

Damien browne and maybe Mark McHugh??

b.gud

Conor Gilsenan has caps for Connacht, did he get any for Leinster?

The Lost Sheep

brocbrocach wrote: »

Des Dillon a few years back?
Whatever happened to him btw?

Played club rugby with Blackrock. Think he retired at end of last season

Johnny Farango

Luke Fitz back for Leinster. I wonder what the story is with the Irish players? All out or only lads who played most of the game...

freyners

Johnny Farango wrote: »

Luke Fitz back for Leinster. I wonder what the story is with the Irish players? All out or only lads who played most of the game...

Usually based on Gametime. Finlay, Kieran will be available, Ultan maybe, doubtful Whitey or Robbie will be

thomond2006

freyners wrote: »

Usually based on Gametime. Finlay, Kieran will be available, Ultan maybe, doubtful Whitey or Robbie will be

White should be. He only started the first two matches out of five. Ultan too.

Number 137

Delighted that Nigel Owens has been appointed referee. This is as big an interprovincial game as there has been for quite a while. I honestly cannot call it.

typhoony

so only Henshaw definitley out of this weekends match, will be interesting to see if Munster abide by the rules and not pick any of the starters from last weekend

neelia11

typhoony wrote: »

so only Henshaw definitley out of this weekends match, will be interesting to see if Munster abide by the rules and not pick any of the starters from last weekend

Is Henshaw definitely out? JS is quoted on the pro12 site saying we may see Henshaw against Ringrose this weekend.

Bazzo

neelia11 wrote: »

Is Henshaw definitely out? JS is quoted on the pro12 site saying we may see Henshaw against Ringrose this weekend.

Hasn't Henshaw started and besides a blood sub played all 80 minutes of every game? I can't see any way in hell of him being available.

Also, any news on Ronaldson?

b.gud

Bazzo wrote: »

Hasn't Henshaw started and besides a blood sub players all 80 minutes of every game? I can't see any way in hell of him being available.

Also, any news on Ronaldson?

I'd imagine we'll get a squad update tomorrow which should answer both those questions

typhoony

Bazzo wrote: »

Hasn't Henshaw started and besides a blood sub players all 80 minutes of every game? I can't see any way in hell of him being available.

Also, any news on Ronaldson?

I don't think he was with the rest of the squad in Mayo last week , also on twitter pic of him at home resting up his ankle. So I think it's unlikely he'll be recovered in time, should be an official update tomorrow. Apart from that I think we're in good shape apart from the long termers that we know about already. Cooney should be back in contention.

ANXIOUS

Can anyone suggest where to get tickets for the greyhound stand for this match? Are they expecting this to sell out?

Bazzo

ANXIOUS wrote: »

Can anyone suggest where to get tickets for the greyhound stand for this match? Are they expecting this to sell out?

There look to be a few Bohermore terrace tickets left. Everything else is already sold out and I would think these will sell out fairly soon too.

http://connachtrugby.tickets.ie/Listing/EventInformation/25760/connacht-v-leinster-the-sportsground-26-March-2016

typhoony

was passing by the sportsground today and they were busy adding the extra terracing. might still be tickets on sale end of week, typical irish weather looks set for a change at the weekend.

mistdub

Seemingly well sourced info that AJ will go to aviva prem next season on the most recent eggchasers rugby podcast

wp_rathead

mistdub wrote: »

Seemingly well sourced info that AJ will go to aviva prem next season on the most recent eggchasers rugby podcast

Brilliant, he deserves it

b.gud

Jantjies to undergo surgery so he could be out for a while which means Marnitz should see a bit more game time with the Lions

errlloyd

Read a Saffer rugby mag that argued Marnitz should be in and around the squad to get a cap for SA this June. They have lots of injuries in the 10 position.

oneofakind32

mistdub wrote: »

Seemingly well sourced info that AJ will go to aviva prem next season on the most recent eggchasers rugby podcast

It was mentioned also on the Egg Chasers Rugby Podcast that an "unnamed" pro12 player would be going to Sale. They wouldn't name names but said that it was mentioned on the AmericanRugby Podcast. So joining the dots, it looks like AJ -> Sale with Stringer(If he gets another year) giving him quick ball. It would be good to watch.

oneofakind32

Leinster Squad update ahead of this weekend's game.
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/pro12/healy-and-o-brien-will-regain-form-and-fitness-dempsey-1.2582841
No Heally, SOB

The Ireland players who started against Scotland – Johnny Sexton, Jack McGrath, Mike Ross, Devin Toner and Jamie Heaslip – are being rested for most of this week but could be available for Saturday’s trip to the Sportsground.

former total

oneofakind32 wrote: »

Leinster Squad update ahead of this weekend's game.
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/pro12/healy-and-o-brien-will-regain-form-and-fitness-dempsey-1.2582841
No Heally, SOB

That article doesn't say Healy will be unavailable.

Bazzo

I'm guessing the teams are still trying to get the IRFU on side to have as many players released as possible. It may actually be easier for Leinster because they have no European involvement from here on out.

If they do get the majority of players released it'd be nice for us to get Robbie too. He's missed quite a few games through injury and with Ronaldson looking like he's out we could do with him in the centre.

b.gud

https://twitter.com/Furlo/status/712270526861987841?s=09

connachta

He added about Connacht international players "all back except Rob who's back Thursday". Might still have him then...

b.gud

https://twitter.com/connachtrugby/status/712291998905008130

connachta

http://www.the42.ie/henshaw-connacht-squat-injury-update-2674446-Mar2016/?utm_source=twitter_self


Greatest news for Henshaw, worrying for Dillane

irishbucsfan

Very interesting

connachta

So I'd expect smth like

1) Buckley
2) McCartney
3) Whitey
4) Roux
5) Muldowney
6) Muldoon
7) Heenan
8 ) McKeon
9) Marmion
10) McGinty
11) Heals
12) Aki
13) Henshaw
14) Poolman
15) TOH

16) Heff
17) Loughney
18) Bealham
19) Dillane (if not Browney)
20) SOB 2.0
21) Blade/Cooney (can't decide about that one)
22) O'Leary (to cover 10/15)
23) Parata (to cover centre and wing)

Guys that would be the greatest team since Toulouse away in HCup! I can't wait to be in the plane and then in the Sportsground

b.gud

b.gud wrote: »

Jantjies to undergo surgery so he could be out for a while which means Marnitz should see a bit more game time with the Lions

Apparently he got a 2nd opinion and is now fine to play

Robbo

Injury update, table revised.

Definitely injured:
Player|Knack|Expected Return
Nepia Fox-Matamua|ACL|Next Season
Dave McSharry|Concussion|Next Season
Darragh Leader|Wrist|Next Season
Jack Carty|Spleen/Waterslide Ouch|To resume training within a couple of weeks
Rory Parata|Kneecap|Back running
Eoghan Masterson|Knee|December 2016
Craig Ronaldson|Ankle|A "number" of weeks
Ciaran Gaffney|Ankle|TBD


Returning: Andrew Browne, John Cooney, Shane Delahunt

b.gud

Robbo wrote: »

Injury update, table revised.

Definitely injured:
Player|Knack|Expected Return
Nepia Fox-Matamua|ACL|Next Season
Dave McSharry|Concussion|Next Season
Darragh Leader|Wrist|Next Season
Jack Carty|Spleen/Waterslide Ouch|To resume training within a couple of weeks
Rory Parata|Kneecap|Back running
Eoghan Masterson|Knee|December 2016
Craig Ronaldson|Ankle|A "number" of weeks
Ciaran Gaffney|Ankle|TBD


Returning: Andrew Browne, John Cooney, Shane Delahunt

When you look at where we were earlier in the season that table is a joy to behold

connachta

b.gud wrote: »

When you look at where we were earlier in the season that table is a joy to behold

No parata, so Robb on the bench?

ClanofLams

How long has Ciaran Gaffney been out for exactly? Seems like a long time with an unspecified ankle issue?

Billysays no

connachta wrote: »

No parata, so Robb on the bench?

Sorry, how can robb be on the bench. Ronaldson is injured, parata is injured, henshaw is unavailable, Griffin is still injured, Mcsharry is out til the end of the season, Finn is not back. There is Robb and Aki. Nothing else

So what are you describing. Robbie, who wont be available will cover all positions. WTF.

b.gud

Billysays no wrote: »

Sorry, how can robb be on the bench. Ronaldson is injured, parata is injured, henshaw is unavailable, Griffin is still injured, Mcsharry is out til the end of the season, Finn is not back. There is Robb and Aki. Nothing else

So what are you describing. Robbie, who wont be available will cover all positions. WTF.

Henshaw may be available to us so that would be the scenario that connachta was talking about Robb being on the bench

evil_seed

Billysays no wrote: »

Sorry, how can robb be on the bench. Ronaldson is injured, parata is injured, henshaw is unavailable, Griffin is still injured, Mcsharry is out til the end of the season, Finn is not back. There is Robb and Aki. Nothing else

So what are you describing. Robbie, who wont be available will cover all positions. WTF.

Still with LI

connachta

Billysays no wrote: »

So what are you describing. Robbie, who wont be available will cover all positions. WTF.

Aki 12 Henshaw 13 TOH 15, I don't get what's wrong.
And Finn is available AFAIK, contrary to what you said...

typhoony

connachta wrote: »

Aki 12 Henshaw 13 TOH 15, I don't get what's wrong.
And Finn is available AFAIK, contrary to what you said...

LAM is a bit less optimistic about Henshaw playing in today's IT, article quotes him as saying he's had some tough games and taken a few heavy hits. it will be a last minute decision leaving it up to friday lunchtime to decide

galwaylad14

typhoony wrote: »

LAM is a bit less optimistic about Henshaw playing in today's IT, article quotes him as saying he's had some tough games and taken a few heavy hits. it will be a last minute decision leaving it up to friday lunchtime to decide

I think given the importance of the game, the class of player Robbie is and our shortage in the centres at the moment that he absolutely has to play.

Also let's take a more ruthless look at things, he's hardly played for us this season, he's leaving at the end of it and we have what maybe 7 or 8 games left depending on how Europe and the Pro 12 goes? I'd be playing him whenever possible to be honest. Get the maximum possible value out of a world class player for the last 2 months that we have him.

And if he absolutely has to be rested soon then I'd still play him this week and give him the rest the following week for what will in all probability be a fairly fruitless trip to Belfast.

Billysays no

galwaylad14 wrote: »

I think given the importance of the game, the class of player Robbie is and our shortage in the centres at the moment that he absolutely has to play.

Also let's take a more ruthless look at things, he's hardly played for us this season, he's leaving at the end of it and we have what maybe 7 or 8 games left depending on how Europe and the Pro 12 goes? I'd be playing him whenever possible to be honest. Get the maximum possible value out of a world class player for the last 2 months that we have him.

And if he absolutely has to be rested soon then I'd still play him this week and give him the rest the following week for what will in all probability be a fairly fruitless trip to Belfast.

By my count we have 10 games left. Time to buy that silverware cabinet

freyners

galwaylad14 wrote: »

I think given the importance of the game, the class of player Robbie is and our shortage in the centres at the moment that he absolutely has to play.

Also let's take a more ruthless look at things, he's hardly played for us this season, he's leaving at the end of it and we have what maybe 7 or 8 games left depending on how Europe and the Pro 12 goes? I'd be playing him whenever possible to be honest. Get the maximum possible value out of a world class player for the last 2 months that we have him.

And if he absolutely has to be rested soon then I'd still play him this week and give him the rest the following week for what will in all probability be a fairly fruitless trip to Belfast.

Honestly my opinion would be if you were looking for the max value you would be keen to rest him. He could be the difference between a QF/SF/Final and a home draw vs an away draw in the playoffs, he needs time to rest. Ulster game and Treviso games being the two I would look at

ClanofLams

I doubt Henshaw will start to be honest, he might bench. He's after a tough 6 nations and more importantly, he's not able to train until tomorrow, Lam is fairly keen on guys training all week if they're gonna start.

connachta

I can't see how he woudn't play, with our 3 main covers out (McSharry, Ronaldson, Parata).
If it still happens it's either Robb, Finn or Api pairing with Aki. Your preference??

Bazzo

connachta wrote: »

I can't see how he woudn't play, with our 3 main covers out (McSharry, Ronaldson, Parata).
If it still happens it's either Robb, Finn or Api pairing with Aki. Your preference??

Robb. Haven't seen enough of Api at senior to throw him in(has he ever played for the senior side?) And Finn is just back from a long injury lay off. Robb has done well in his cameos this year.

connachta

Bazzo wrote: »

Robb. Haven't seen enough of Api at senior to throw him in(has he ever played for the senior side?) And Finn is just back from a long injury lay off. Robb has done well in his cameos this year.

Agree but the youngest... Please Henshaw...Please Dillane... 1% of extra experience/talent may well win this game...

b.gud

Eoghan Mastersons brother is in the Ireland U18 squad

https://twitter.com/EoghanMasterson/status/712749363592896512

I hope Connacht look to bring him into the sub academy on the chance that he has a tenth of the commitment and work ethic his brother has

connemara man

In serious Connacht news Nathan white is now on Twitter @njwhite33