Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

Any news about Tuimauga arriving?

We're still 1 injury from nightmare, we will breath easier

I doubt he even has the visa yet lads. Usually 6-8 weeks from what I hear.

That was my feeling at the start of the season but it's been very pleasing to see Burke do so well and Duggan as solid as I expected. IIRC we have three omniprops: Finlay, DRMcC and Greg McGrath, and I had imagined how those permutations might run, but it just has not been necessary.

One of the things that I like about Connacht is problems can't be solved with money, players have to be developed. We saw this a couple of seasons ago during the injury crisis which hit second row especially heavily. This provided the opportunity for Niall Murray to get the game time which he required - I'd say that's worked out pretty well! Let's not assume that the way forward is sticking Tuimauga in, it's great to have him but he'll have to win the jersey.

Former Connacht man AJ McGinty has signed 3 year deal with Bristol!

We probably will, won't risk at least one of Duggan/Burke for now, can't afford to until our Samoan comes...

Will the game be streamed?

Loads of interesting names there.

Bolton in the centre,Wooton back, and Greg McGrath starts at TH, with Sam Illo will make his debut from the bench. Oisin McCormack starts - he was so good for the Irish U20s, as was Cathal Forde who subs.

I had to look up Bart Vermeulen, interesting story, Belgian guy who has been playing for Trinity where he's been doing a degree, used to be a number eight:

Papa Leahy at eight, keep it low Papa!

Munster won 36-21.

Report here: https://www.munsterrugby.ie/2021/11/12/munster-a-defeat-connacht-in-ul/#post

Carty been called up to the Ireland squad according to Murray Kinsella.

Both were with the squad on the pitch pre match but not involved in the drills / warmup , when I saw Jack I was wondering was it an injury to one of the other 10's or covid related?

There is nothing to suggest he will be in the squad, what he has though is a run of form this year which Harry hasn't and more caps so it will be interesting to see. He needs to hit the ground running this week given the short window he has to impress Farrell.

Yeah, fingers crossed he gets a shot, but I just wouldn't be expecting it, in which case the call up doesn't really change things much for him really. Is Burns injured? If not, I suppose this call-up at least confirms he's moving up the pecking order!

I think it's true that the way Ireland have played in recent matches would suit Jack better, but his place kicking is a concern. That was drummed home on Saturday when Joey aced that kick from the halfway line, and he was 3/3 off the tee IIRC. Were Jack to play 10, would someone else handle the kicking duties?

A lot of maul tries conceded!

Three year deal is huge. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him club captain next season.