Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

A lot went wrong that shouldn't have. A lot of basic skills failures in the first half that would have meant we were a lot further ahead heading in to the second half and it's probably a totally different game.

Despite having a lot of excellent players and prospects in the back row they never seem to click cohesively as a unit. I'd be tempted to give 6. Boyle 7. Oliver 8. Papali'i a go with Prendergast to come off the bench at 50. Butler seems a bit off the boil at the minute. It does mean that you risk one of your second rows having to put in a big shift there's an injury, and one of them having to cover the back row but there are plenty of options there capable of doing that.

We desperately need Aki back in the team for his jackal threat if nothing else. Boyle seemed to be contesting a fair bit(though not getting much change from the ref) but at least he was slowing the ball down.

Consistently inconsistent. I think we have enough quality in the team to be a tough outfit to beat but the performances game to game can just swing so wildly. I said it last season that either the game plan is not being translated from the coaching staff well enough or there is something else not right internally. Yes with the new coaches there will be a bit of bed in time but results will have to pick up regardless if they are against Leinster or Ulster or whoever.

I don't like to single out players but Butler is not cutting it the last few seasons. He was fantastic for the first 2 seasons after arriving. I realistically thought he would even get capped for ireland if he kept going the way he was. He is good when dealing with referees but I do doubt his leadership skills. Oliver is a good 7 for urc level but not in Europe. I gladly take back Colby Faingaa and let Butler move on.

Enough of the rant anyway, and let's hope we get things together and start to move in the right direction.

Tom Farrell shoulder injury needs a surgical consultation. Guy has no luck.

Ya he is a magnificent player and we are a different type of attacking threat with him available.

Ah that's bad news - love Tom. Fingers crossed it's not too serious, and thankfully not a recurrence of his previous injury.

I'm a newbie to away day at Thomond Park. Any suggestions for a few pints before the game, where do the Connacht faithful usually congregate? Hopefully Farrell gets back soon, we have 3 great options at center with himself, Bundee and Daly.

Should be a stern test for Connacht. I would expect a better performance than what they showed last week. I reckon it will be close enough!

I wouldn't say he's been excellent, lost possession three times Vs the Dragons from what I remember , but yeah agree with your point. I'd say Dowling can feel more aggrieved to be left out based on form so far.

Munster are very short on ball carriers, but Im afraid they may absolutely demolish us at the breakdown with the amount of jackal threats in their team.

Dowling was ruled out with a facial injury

Playing well so far, unlucky not to get the try there. Bundee making yards.

Beirne clearly in front of the kicker there. I mean what on earth?

Scandalous officiating that. Wasn't even difficult to see.

Poor officiating but a further fall in TOH's stock there, should have tidied up Conway's kick. Once Wooton is back I'd like to see Porch or Hansen at FB.