Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

ShineyShiney

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123043397#Comment_123043397

Sorry, not trying to be pedantic but the replays that you saw confirm your opinion. Same as the replays that I saw confirm my opinion. It's not really relevant what either of us think.

"The TMO saw no foul play with Barrett clear out" Can you point me towards any source for this supposed FACT? I have seen it said generally that TMO's do this that and the other but I have also seen it said that TMO's can't review everything. Which is accurate in this case ? We don't know because the people that do know haven't said. Or perhaps I've missed a statement from the ref , TMO or the URC. If so I apologize for doubting you and appreciate you pointing me in that direction.

kita99

Connacht seems to use 3 weak tacklers (B.Murphy, Ioane, Cordero). Can they endure at the first half?

Seathrun66

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123043334#Comment_123043334

Not the first couple of days but the first eight hours. All gone by Monday.

SqueakyKneecap

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123043501#Comment_123043501

I think ST's had a window to buy extras on Wednesday. Yesterday was the priority window and Monday is the general sale for whatevers left.

typhoony

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123043390#Comment_123043390

It's the inconsistency that gets to me, we look very good for a few games and my hopes rise that the old failings have been learnt and the players are improving and then my hopes are dashed when we put in a run of abysmal performances. To be honest I'd prefer us to be consistently average than the crazy swings from highs to lows performances.

Sam Loudermilk 247

can see a trimming coming our way tonight unfortunately

Zeugnis

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123043501#Comment_123043501

A very successful exercise which should be repeated, with due warning provided to season ticket holders. Worth considering Roscommon or Sligo as potential venues for a fixture.

Seathrun66

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123044329#Comment_123044329

Fully agree. I assume they’ve gone for Castlebar first as closer to Galway, plus crucially its capacity is circa 6k/7k bigger than the other two venues. A big buzz for the county to have them rotate venues.

Sam Loudermilk 247

apparently, 70% ticket sales are munster fans, I didn't think they'd travel to be honest. fair play to them

Seathrun66

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123044581#Comment_123044581

I'd take that rumour with a pinch of salt wherever it came from. The vast majority of sales will be Galway regulars and Mayo residents who've been waiting a while for this. With circa 22,000 tickets sold there's not a hope in hell that 15,400 of them are from Munster.

testtech05

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123044610#Comment_123044610

Id agree I know personally I had to buy 10 tickets for non season tickets holders when the portal opened on Wednesday between family and friends and know of a few others who also had to add multiple extra to their orders

ClanofLams

Excellent article from Gerry Thornley in today’s Irish Times, one of the few national journalists who has always been willing to be objective with regard to IRFU Connacht relationship.

“Much of the reaction to Hansen’s remarks in the wake of a Leinster defeat to Connacht was certainly in stark contrast to, say, Johnny Sexton approaching the match referee Jaco Peyper in the aftermath of Leinster’s Champions Cup final defeat to La Rochelle at the Aviva Stadium.”

”In the fallout from Hansen’s hearing and punishment, under the heading “Respect Our Game” alongside the IRFU crest, the Union issued a brief and statement on its X feed which read:

“A core pillar underpinning the game of Rugby in Ireland is around respect for all. Without match officials there is no game, and the IRFU is committed to delivering an inclusive game for all.

The IRFU and the four provinces will also be working to ensure all stakeholders of the Game understand their responsibilities.”

Oh please. Funny how the IRFU didn’t see fit to issue such a pompous statement in the wake of Sexton’s aforementioned three-game ban. Suffice to say their desire to “respect our game” seems somewhat selective.”

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2025/01/10/gerry-thornley-the-irfus-desire-to-respect-our-game-seems-somewhat-selective/

AccidentallyOnside

Just watched the Bordeaux Exeter game...... careful what you wish for came to mind; we're pushing hard to get to the champions cup but if you go in there without the requisite quality, like Exeter, we could be looking at some awful hammerings.

HBC08

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123044581#Comment_123044581

Do you have a source for this?

Sounds like BS.

ElisaAtWar

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123042578#Comment_123042578

One improvement is just retiring Denis. He has been a fantastic servant to Connacht but there is a time. Otherwise I think it's a terrible selection. Ioane and Cordero have turned out huge disappointments so these are awful decisions

testtech05

If Denis was as poor as you suggest surely Dooley or Duggan would be forcing their way past him regularly.

As far as I recall he is being selected to start most of the games when he is available.

Tonight is a good chance for both of them to stake a claim though

Seathrun66

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123044855#Comment_123044855

Lots of pals from Ballina & Castlebar who rarely get to the Sportsgrounds are off to this. Having bought multiple tickets.

The random mention of 70% Munster tickets is just balderdash. I’d be very surprised if they managed to make up 20% of the crowd.

ElisaAtWar

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123045330#Comment_123045330

In his prime Denis was amazing. His low centre of gravity allowed him to be a bit of a turnover wizard. But that is so many years ago. Denis doesn't have that physical impact anymore. It's not his fault. It just is

testtech05

Great intercept by Cian and serious gas from Murphy to beat Rattez

cson

French boys do not want to be there at all.

Chance to run up a huge score here.

eagle eye

A five pointer would be awesome. We'd be top seeds.

SqueakyKneecap

Excellent first half. Two trys we got a bit of luck on with Lyon mistakes but two well-worked ones too.

Prendergast and Aki are working their socks off so far. Some lovely lineout steals too.

niallm77

GReat to see that yc. Cheap shot by radradra

niallm77

CONNACHT lose.to Ulster them do this to Lyon

testtech05

An excellent performance for the first hour but the goal kicking is a real weakness. It's fine when your winning well but 3/8 kicks at goal even though a few were tough is not going to cut it

Wegians89

Would it be to Connacht benefit if lyon get the bonus point here? Might mean cardiff have less interest with Lyon pretty much nailed on for a win next week

Shehal

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123045858#Comment_123045858

Nah, better to guarantee first. I dont see Cardiff throwing in the towel regardless so it would be pointless

testtech05

We were asking for trouble a bit there playing on if we conceed a 4th try we need something from cardiff match.

Sums up being a Connacht fan. Back up one of our worst ever performance against a 2nd string Ulster team with the best performance of the season

Wegians89

Fair enough, never felt there was a risk of losing the match today. Probably unjustified confidence given recent weeks.

testtech05

Just with the hot topic of referees lately a word for Holly Davidson. I thought she was very good very clearly communicating with the players and didn't take long to make any of her decisions