Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

Josh Murphy could fill that role, or SHL at a pinch. And in recent times Dowling has proven effective there as well.

Some good business done already, the only essential renewal remaining is Aungier imo, apparently he has interest from Saracens and France. Certainly don't want to lose the likes of Oliver, Farrell and Ralston but think we would be fine given the depth in those positions. Losing Aungier after all the time we've put into him would be a disaster, and place too much reliance upon Illo and Barrett at this stage of their careers.

You'd have to think he can be kept in Ireland, and probably Connacht. He's a clear second choice and has loads of opportunity to push past Bealham.

The fear might be that Leinster are in the market. If the Tupou deal doesn't come through, they might settle for an IQ option and tempt Jack home.

If I was leinster I'd have my beady eyes on Aungier tbf, cracking player and with Furlong ageing he could be starting there if they don't get an IQ player.

Interesting that JOD is back for Munster a full 2 months before Hansen is expected. Pleased he's back and it wasn't serious but the difference in commentary between the two incidents was very telling.

Leinster get Aungier if Connacht can have Tupou

From a distance, Connacht are changing rapidly and look going forward to the big-size running team. Both Illo and Barrett will reach Ireland near future if they won't hate huge hard work (imo). And at HBs Connacht have Reilly, Devine, West and Naughton. If they have decent game times, they 'll become top class players in URC. I want Connacht hurry up to use them in actual games. The target is 2026 season.

Team to play the Lions:

15. Tiernan O’Halloran (231)

14. Byron Ralston (27)

13. David Hawkshaw (24)

12. Cathal Forde (23)

11. Andrew Smith (9)

10. JJ Hanrahan (14)

9. Caolin Blade (184) (C)

1. Denis Buckley (242)

2. Tadgh McElroy (11)

3. Jack Aungier (62)

4. Niall Murray (68)

5. Joe Joyce (12)

6. Cian Prendergast (61)

7. Conor Oliver (77)

8. Sean O’Brien (6) 

16. Dave Heffernan (191)

17. Jordan Duggan (43)

18. Sam Illo (16)

19. Darragh Murray (19)

20. Shamus Hurley-Langton (32)

21. Colm Reilly (23)

22. Jack Carty (206)

23. Paul Boyle (87)

Have to say I was disappointed in Wilkins comments about Kilgallens move to Munster. To say he would see more game time on the wing for Munster is disingenuous. Hansen and Kilgallen would be our first choice wingers so to say something like that is simply not true

Not sure I agree with you. TOH has been the locked in full back for some time now which suggests none of the players you mention are even challenging his position. And on the wings it was always Kilgallen and Hansen. Ralston was always a utility player who covered wing and centre.

I suspect we will lose Daly and Farrell this year at centre which we leave us down to bare bones. I'm not a Hawkshaw fan which means we have nothing coming through there other than an U20 option.

And of course we still have to deal with the elephant in the room which would suggest next season could be somewhat bothersome

TOH has been flogged because Cordero got injured in the preseason.

I imagine the plan was for TOH & Cordero to 'platoon' (to borrow an American phrase) the FB position.

I agree above comment '6-2' splitis risky. Ireland was defeated by England using 6-2 splits. When Nash was injured, there is no winger.

The opponent has scrum-strong FWs and youg SH is very agile and speedy. For Connacht, this will be difficult team. Connacht seems to emphasis the mobility(in spite of bad weather) using not SHL at the starter but Oliver who has been conceded many penalties including a card. Please take care it. I hope Connacht will take advantage of home.

Great results for us today with Benetton and Ulster losing.

Need to capitalize with a win of any kind.

Any win today means we would end this round in 5th and only be 1 or 2,depending on BP or not, points off Munster in 4th

Dreadful start. Got a bit unlucky that a blatant deliberate knock on was missed around midfield but we've really compounded errors since then.