Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

Is Roydon Swift IQ?

I think it's premature to talk about departures. Especially seeing as we've no idea how Buckley's recovery is going nor how robust he will be on return.

Still think we can't allow to have 4 TH for 18 games

this year McGrath covered both sides in theory becauce of Buckley injury

but next it will be 6 or 7 props max IMO

Aki out for the Leinster match with a knee injury

Mack Hansen currently has the most tries scored, clean breaks, defenders beaten, and metres made in the league, as well as the third most turnovers conceded.

Frank Murphy confused at Connacht training yesterday as he trys to figure out which Connacht scrums he should give the penalty against 😀

That was due to how bad the weather was and that there was space in the main terrace because of the weather. thats unlikely to be the way for the stade game. you will still be able to meet up with your mate at half time etc during the game be it at bars etc

Huge show of faith in Oran McNulty, he must be very highly rated. Not a fan of that backrow at all, the least physical combination we could possibly pick.

Strange selection. Wonder why they didn't start Farrell and Prendergast - easing them back in after their injuries? And where's Boyle?

Disappointed not to see Paul Boyle involved, his carrying seems to have improved a lot this season, would have been tempted to stick with Arnold Bolton but Robb does have a tendency to return from long injury spells and put in huge performances, hopefully he does it again.

Up against literally a team of internationals with another three or four to come on. 17 point underdogs reflects scale of challenge. After Connacht winning in Dublin last January and Ulster winning there last week, no chance of complacency in Leinster ranks either.

I would have preferred to see Ross Byrne starting, Harry is more dangerous. Luke McGrath looked poor last week against Ulster and it’s one position where Leinster lack a bit of depth with Gibson Park out.

It will likely be decided by the forwards though, if Connacht can live with them up front (no easy task) they can make a game of it. If not it could be a long evening.

we're highly underdogs yes

except Heff Bealham Hansen and Masterson/Prendergast who are on a par with their counterparts

And Carty, Marmion, Dillane superior to Byrne McGrath and old-Toner (whatever Irish coaches said)

The rest is scary

Butler has to be as good as he was last week, he wasn't recently

Robb is good in defence and carrying but has to be immaculate with ball-handling

Wootton has to tackle, Arnold has to avoid tackles not to conceed meters and turovers

Burke McNulty Oliver and Dowling, big ask for all 4

But let's enjoy this, good experience for all

Yep first time Henshaw will play against Connacht. was named in the team once before but was a late withdrawal

Was wondering if Connacht rugby would have the balls to select the same team that was fab last week. Is this a recurring issue in Irish rugby and if so I like it lots.

Anyone got a ticket, or pair of tickets they want to offload?

Connacht have been great to watch this season but i fear for them tonight.

A lot of Leinster players in form, point to prove in the RDS, bundee missing is big.

A losing BP would be a great return, keeping leinster from 4 trys is going to be a big ask and this is a big test of where the ‘new’ connacht is this season.