Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

Andy Friend said a while back that Thornbury injury profile suggested maybe an early retirement.

Interesting team, I'd echo the sentiment expressed by others that it's good to see Jack under pressure from JJ, think it can only do good. At a squad level, it shuts a door for Tom Daly, a matter myself and @ElisaAtWar have discussed in the past, and also makes life harder for Hawkshaw.

DH was one of the names I was surprised not to see on the sheet, but I hope to see more of him this season, along with Shayne Bolton, Shane Jennings, Sam Illo and Darragh Murray. From the pups I'm looking forward to Mathew Devine entering the action and curious about Chay Mullins and Josh O'Connor, both of who have their fans.

Last season Connacht surpassed my expectations on almost every count, it was a great season, even though I felt we lost a knockout game against the Stormers that was there for the taking. But we broke through on the mental strength front and even when behind didn't let the head drop. I'm psyched to see what contribution Scott Fardy will make, very excited for the back five players to be learning from a such a hardy and intelligent player. Leinster will be gunning for silverware this year, Munster are back in the saddle, so it's going to be tough, but we should be looking to finish in the top eight.

Looking forward to seeing Bundee back in Sportsground, what a world cup he had, a genuine Connacht legend. And with Mack and Finlay to enjoy as well - we're lucky.

And so many thanks to Andy Friend for leaving us in rude health.

Good to see Connacht playing a bit more pragmatic and taking points to get the scoreboard moving. Excellent start

Really impressive from connacht so far. Poor pass there but solid basics mostly and not overplaying it

Very impressive from Connacht so far. Just need a bit more patiences and precision in finishing opportunities.

Blade in for a 2nd just as I write that.

Forde impressing so far.

Blade in for a hat trick 😂

Bundee you have a job on your hands to getting a starting position 😀. Forde and Farrell have been incredible. Defensively Connacht has been impressive also other than that try for Ospreys.

The new blood I felt was only going to be positive and so far it seems that way. I am liking what I am seeing a lot. Get on Connacht

Poor decisions there brought Ospreys back into this. Three clear chances to get out of their own half with a kick there but played themselves into trouble

Class by Forde. Hopefully steady the ship.

His hand mouth coordination is not up to scratch.

Seems I have the kiss of death on this Connacht team when I say positive things. So I will revert to normal. Felt that Ralston was very poor with all the opportunities he was provided. But I would commend the team selection and hope this blooding of players continues. And fair play to Joe Joyce. He had a super game

Auinger had a great game.

Thought Smith had a bit of a mixed bag, burned one on one for a try and made a few mistakes and could have been carded, that said he kept showing up and took a couple of nice high balls. Enough there to think he'll grow into a good player.

A lot to like about the defence, some really big hits out there, could be a weapon when we settle into it more.

All in all a very satisfactory opening day of the season.

Not sure how much Smith would have played at 15. Thought he looked a little dodgy with the positioning defensively. Looks like a player who’ll have all the attributes of a good winger though