Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

Watched the game on TV - well done to those who braved the conditions.

One thing that jumped out to me is our lack of management of referees. I feel that this has been a problem with Connacht for a while, we are more often than not on the wrong side of various referees. At one stage Jack was trying to speak with Busby but was told he is not the captain. There looked to be talking from Connacht players constantly, and it must get on the refs wick at times.

From looking on TV, Munster were definitely pushing the offside line for most of the game. I wonder if a quiet word from a captain to the ref would be more effective than multiple players shouting at every opportunity.

Why not try Hawkshaw or Smith at fullback?

Last I heard on the craggy rugby podcast was around April

It is interesting. Not too many have succeeded to date at FB. I guess it's related to the specific position and not the individual. No more than I said I would like Mack on the wing which is his natural place, it's not about putting players in positions in the hope

Hawkshaw 12 (if no Forde), Farrell 13 Smith 15 Bolton 11 Jennings 14 Porch 23

Have to admit I was a bit puzzled with the lack of gametime Jennings was provided with considering his cameos were very impressive.

The Lyon game is a chance to change things up a bit and see what's possible. Wouldn't mind seeing Jennings, Bolton, Farrell, Daly, Porch, Forde, McDonald. Think that could work really well

Have a great trip. Lyon is well know for its food in general, and the local cuisine is pretty hearty, you should ask for recommendations where you're staying. Otherwise here's a piece about traditional Lyonais 'Bouchons' which are the local version of the bistrot:

Haven't been to any of them, just want to convey the flavour.

As for the game, I think we have the monkey off our back with the Munster victory, expectations are low, so scope to be experimental with the selection.

ddyAt the end of the day,defence of Connacht was functioning at latest game.

So I think that if Lyon use weaker side FW(as same as against Montpellier), Connacht will get a chance for the win. Even if they use stronger (heavier) FW(as same as against Bordeaux), Connacht could get a close game.

I am a bit surprised that Kyle Godwin was at CTB in Lyon alongside Botha (ex Munster) and Paddy Jackson. As a experiment I hope DRM at LHT and Illo at THP. Because Connacht should aim to win over Treviso (away) using some heavy props.

Sorry, it's my mere randam idea. Maybe coaches have no intention. I think that Connacht will need heavier LHPs next season for upgrade their rank in the league.

Grim news. Although the likes of Ralston and Bolton have stood up it's a fair blow to potentially not have Mack, Kilgallen or Cordero back for the remainder of the season.

No more than Ralston getting cited for his challenge on O'Donoghue, Hodnett surely has to be cited for this. In from the side, no wrapping and full impact on the limb of the opposing player. Both attempted tackles were exactly the same other than the limb they hit. Both incredibly dangerous with potential damage levels extremely high

I note that there has been almost no discussion in the press about the Hodnett clearout which resulted in Mack's injury. Meanwhile the IT runs a whole piece by Owen Doyle enraged at the fact that Ralston was given yellow and not red for the clearout on JOD.

The media throws red meat to the teams with plenty of eyeballs.

The penalty wasn't given against Hodnett it was given against Murray for holding on. But yes, Hodnett did come in at the side, didn't wrap, and injured his target in the process.

Not saying you're wrong here or that posters calling for Hodnett to be cited are right, but I do want to clarify one thing. During the match the referee was clear that the reason Ralston was being carded was that he had performed an illegal action which had resulted in player ending up injured. He deemed side entry was that illegal action at no point was targeting the lower limb mentioned.

In terms of the media I did see that Joe or balls or one of those online rags did have a piece trying to create outrage by linking Hansens injury to Hodnetts tackle and I really don't like it, full disclosure I haven't read it but can tell from the headline what kind of article it will be.

My main issue with the 2 clear outs is my biggest bug bear with rugby in general, regardless on if Connacht are playing or not, and that's inconsistency. There were 2 rucks that resulted in an injured players but only 1 was reviewed by the TMO.