Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

It also needs to be highlighted just how easy of a ride the coaching staff and squad get in the media. The past couple of seasons you'd get the token "Friend is an excellent head-coach that doesn't have the same resources" guff from pundits who clearly never actually watch Connacht. There's very little criticism of the regular final 20 minute collapses, turnstile defending or the poor game management.

Hahahaha, it took its time showing up, but the “Ireland coach ruined fan favourite player confidence” speil has finally appeared.

But he seems to miss touch frequently. Farrell probably has little faith in him. It's likely he doesn't trust him or rate him. Not Farrells fault to be fair.

That said, Farrell is probably not enthused with Carberry either. He got next to nothing time v Scotland.

Carty is 30 this year and the prospect of international caps are dwindling, imo. He may go to N.Z for the tour but, I would guess that Ben Healy will travel if he continues to play well. I think it will be Sexton. Carberry and Healy.

Poor auld Tommy O'Donnell never recovered.

I think next season will be Friend's last at Connacht anyway. I heard him interviewed recently and he mentioned June 2023 was when him and the wife have their big camper van tour of Europe planned for. Maybe coincidental but it seems like it would be a natural break.

For the first time in years I’d say, I’m not really bothered about the Connacht match this weekend. Need a big result to help hype up the sportsground next weekend

Do you go full strength or give a few young lads a go?

Team named. Thornbury and Dylan Martin named on the subs. Is Duggan injured strange that he's not covering loosehead.

6-2 split on the bench.

CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS BENETTON RUGBY

Saturday 2nd April, 12:00 @ Stadio Monigo

Number/Name/Caps

15. Tiernan O’Halloran (202)

14. John Porch (53)

13. Tom Farrell (74)

12. Sammy Arnold (34)

11. Mack Hansen (9)

10. Jack Carty (174) (C)

9. Kieran Marmion (203)

1. Matthew Burke (35)

2. Dave Heffernan (159)

3. Finlay Bealham (169)

4. Niall Murray (31)

5. Leva Fifita (10)

6. Cian Prendergast (25)

7. Conor Oliver (36)

8. Paul Boyle (71)

Replacements

16. Dylan Tierney-Martin (1)

17. Greg McGrath (5)

18. Tietie Tuimauga (8)

19. Gavin Thornbury (58)

20. Abraham Papali’i (21)

21. Caolin Blade (145)

22. Conor Fitzgerald (47)

23. Sean Masterson (16)

Really wish we would move Porch to 15, or try Hansen there. The coaches don't seem to really rate any of our props outside of Buckley, Burke, Bealham, and maybe Tuimauga to a lesser extent.

Great to see Thornbury back, think he and Murray will be a great combination going forward.

They really ought to be able to beat Benetton, especially with the Italians integrating the international lads. I'm happy to see Boyle starting, Butler is just not as good, imo.

I don't think Duggan is rated, tbh. With Dooley arriving he will struggle to get playing time. Thornbury back is great, fantastic player last season.

Connacht by 10.

Agreed about Thornbury, but i'd expect it will take him a while to get back into the flow.

Greg McGrath on the bench at LH is just bizarre. He has played in that position for just 6 mins against Munster, all his other appearances have been at TH. And yes, it should be Hansen or Porch at FB. McNulty plays there too. My assumption at this point is that Tiernan is gone at the end of the season.