Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

5 players, Finlay, Heff, Cian, Bundee and Mack are in the squad fr the NZ tour Pete Wilkins is also joining the National Coaching Group for the duration of the Tour to assist in team preparation

Great for Prendergast as he has been superb this season. Thought Bundee could do with a rest but he is probably there to mentor the younger lads. Wilkins is an odd one.

I don't know but I'd imagine that it is more down to the fact that it was already known a week or 2 ago that he was injured. The guys specifically called out as being injured were fairly new injuries. For instance there is no mention of Will Connors who was already known to be injured. That is not to say that his intl career is alive and well I just think that is why he wasn't specifically mentioned

If Harry Byrne goes well in NZ it's probably the end for himself and Burns as they'll stick with Sexton, Carberry and then either Harry Byrne or Healy (who hasn't really impressed me in the big games I've watched Munster play).

The squad for next year looks pretty solid although there's a lot of improvement required particularly in terms of defence. Here is a speculative selection, but there should really be a lot more rotation this year and effort on bringing through our young prospects. The worst thing that could happen would be conservative selections by an AF too concerned about the % wins. As the rules for Champions Cup will remain disadvantageous for us, we should play a higher risk season with more latitude given to youth and potential.

1. Dooley
2. Heffernan
3. Bealham
4. Thornbury
5. Murray
6. Prendergast
7. Oliver
8. Boyle/Murphy
9. Marmion/Blade
10. Carty
11. Hansen
12. Aki
13. Farrell
14. Byrne
15. Porch
16. Buckley/Burke
17. Delahunt/Tierney-Martin
18. Aungier
19. Boyle/Murphy
20. Dowling/Fifita
21. Marmion/Blade
22. Daly
23. Fitzgerald/Hawkshaw

Young players who need regular game time:

Illo (top priority), Forde, Booth, McCormack, Murray (2). I assume that Jennings is still with the 7s?

Unknown quantities: Ralston, Hurley-Langton

The rest of the squad is good, there's no point listing them all but we're carrying very little dead wood, but I see the others as being a little off first team selection. Honorable mention to Wootton, a terrific finisher but given last year's defensive frailties at a team level, there can be no passengers in that aspect of the game, and he needs to work on it. Curious also to see how McNulty goes, has shown flashes of real potential.

At a coach level I'd like to hear less fluff from AF on the lines of 'fast, relentless, adaptable'. Mental strength should be an absolute priority, and we need some players to take on the role of arse-kickers so that when the chips are down we don't see the folding that characterised our worst displays this year. If we can come back and win some games from a losing position in the second half, it would signal a phase change for the province.

I think that Murphy will be more of a 6/4 and that Prendergast is the more likely of the two to be considered at 8. I think if Boyle regains his 20/21 form we may see Murphy in the second row more, but if Boyle continues to struggle we might be looking at Murphy/Oliver/Prendergast in big games. Of course Hurley-Langton could come in and do a Mack Hansen, we'll have to wait and see on that.

In spite of his Ireland selection, I actually think Heffernan was pretty average this season, and if that continues I would lean towards starting Delahunt and bring Heffernan off the bench for some pop.

Along with getting Illo actual meaningful minutes, my top priority for the coming season is establishing another genuine option at scrum half, whether that be Colm Reilly or Matthew Devine. Both Marmion and Blade are out of contract in 2023 and we will be in big trouble moving forward should one or both depart, if we continue to divide essentially all available minutes between those two. The Challenge Cup will be helpful in that regard, you'd hope it means a guaranteed 6 starts for the chosen young 9, and plenty of minutes for the other players you highlighted above.

I don't think Shane Jennings has played much Sevens recently. It's a shame because I think a full season of Sevens only could have helped his development, particularly in defence, but it seems that he only played sporadically. Not sure I see the point of that, as the players who really benefitted from Sevens (Keenan, Baloucoune, Jimmy O'Brien) all played for an extended period, from what I remember.

That signing of Ilho was strange. He didn't get a look in. He does have the physicality to do well. A big key for Connacht, will be Aungier. He needs to push on and challenge Bealham. He's not a youngster anymore.

Murphy will slot in comfortably in the row or the blindside. I don't think hes going to oust Prendergast or Thornbury but, he can be a huge asset off the bench. Murphy is a really good player that can bring toughness to Connacht!

I reckon Hawkshaw is a wildcard. I think he could do a job at fb, center and 10. I could be wrong and maybe he's been signed as an out half? Adam Byrne is talented but risky. His injury profile has really stalled his growth. Maybe he gets a run of good health.

McNulty could uproot TOH. I think he's worth the risk. He looks to have the tools! Connacht have quite a few young lads that could become regular players. I like Forde and McCormick. If Boyle gets his form back then they could challenge for champions cup rugby!

There has been talk of a TH for months now, but nothing concrete.

Another poster reported that Illo has been impressive in the AIL for Buccaneers, and he was great at U20. Fact is that we just released three props who can play on both sides and now have just three THs. In the case of an injury, or if Bealham is unavailable due to player welfare policies related to his Ireland duties, Illo is the next and only player in line.

Is Matthew Devine injured? He seemed to make a big imact in the U20s 6N but is not in the squad for the summer series. In his absence, there are zero Connacht players, which is very worrying. Anyone have any insight into the reasons for this?

Joe Joyce from Bristol announced as signing after next season. A bit strange, can’t recall signing ever being announced so far in advance.

I remember Piutau for Ulster was announced a year plus in advance at the same time he was announced to be signing for Wasps for the interim period prior. He was a biggish name however and I can't say I'm too familiar with Joyce. From the statement he makes it sound like a bucket list for him as he has big Galway connections.

Exactly the kind of signing we should be making. A proven forward who should add some heft & leadership to the pack. Seen him once or twice this year, he's a good player.

Well, he will be officially playing in Ireland in summer 2023, and he's IQ, so... Maybe

And he'll be 33 in 2027 so he will have another chance any way

That is a serious bit of business 👏

A very good player who's often been spoken about for international selection. Reactiions on the Bristol forums are unanimous: no one is pleased he's leaving.

Big lump of a lad, which we badly need, and hearing him speak about how much he's looking forward to arriving is really heartening.

I can't ever remember us taking a starting player from a prem team, particularly one as good as Bristol, so this is a really good statement signing.

There's not a squad on this island he wouldn't improve so delighted he's coming our way.