Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

Strange selection. Wonder why they didn't start Farrell and Prendergast - easing them back in after their injuries? And where's Boyle?

Disappointed not to see Paul Boyle involved, his carrying seems to have improved a lot this season, would have been tempted to stick with Arnold Bolton but Robb does have a tendency to return from long injury spells and put in huge performances, hopefully he does it again.

Up against literally a team of internationals with another three or four to come on. 17 point underdogs reflects scale of challenge. After Connacht winning in Dublin last January and Ulster winning there last week, no chance of complacency in Leinster ranks either.

I would have preferred to see Ross Byrne starting, Harry is more dangerous. Luke McGrath looked poor last week against Ulster and it’s one position where Leinster lack a bit of depth with Gibson Park out.

It will likely be decided by the forwards though, if Connacht can live with them up front (no easy task) they can make a game of it. If not it could be a long evening.

we're highly underdogs yes

except Heff Bealham Hansen and Masterson/Prendergast who are on a par with their counterparts

And Carty, Marmion, Dillane superior to Byrne McGrath and old-Toner (whatever Irish coaches said)

The rest is scary

Butler has to be as good as he was last week, he wasn't recently

Robb is good in defence and carrying but has to be immaculate with ball-handling

Wootton has to tackle, Arnold has to avoid tackles not to conceed meters and turovers

Burke McNulty Oliver and Dowling, big ask for all 4

But let's enjoy this, good experience for all

Yep first time Henshaw will play against Connacht. was named in the team once before but was a late withdrawal

Was wondering if Connacht rugby would have the balls to select the same team that was fab last week. Is this a recurring issue in Irish rugby and if so I like it lots.

Anyone got a ticket, or pair of tickets they want to offload?

Connacht have been great to watch this season but i fear for them tonight.

A lot of Leinster players in form, point to prove in the RDS, bundee missing is big.

A losing BP would be a great return, keeping leinster from 4 trys is going to be a big ask and this is a big test of where the ‘new’ connacht is this season.

Its a very positive first 13 minutes, great start hopefully it stays competitive!!!!

Take a night off FFS

Think it was very likely a try but you can’t see his hand ground it. Very unlucky.

I seem him clearly ground it on the very first replay just as the 2nd Leinster player gets up. You see mcnulty with his hand on the ball and the ball grounded.

Need to thank Baird for that field position

Leinster right in it despite their halfbacks.

Bad last 5 minutes. Just got a bit passive in defence and let Leinster get their recycling possession game going and gaps eventually opened up.