Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

Having a crack at picking a 23

1. Jordan Duggan
2. De Buitler or McBurney
3. Illo
4. Dowling
5. O'Connor
6. McCormack
7. Flynn
8. SHL
9. Reilly
10. Carty
11. Smith
12. John Devine or Daniel Hawkshaw
13. Ralston
14. Porch
15. Jennings
16. McBurney or Victory
17. Lasisi
18. Barrett
19. AN Other
20. Flynn
21. Farthing
22. Naughton
23. Mullins

Gavin is injured not sure if he'll be back for the games

I would like to see:

15-9, 1-8: Jennings, Mullins, Ralston, J. Devine, Smith, Dav. Hawkshaw, M. Devine; Lasisi, de Buitléar, Illo, Dowling, O'Connor, N. Murray, McCormack, Jansen

16-13: McBurney, Bohan, Barrett, D. Murray, Flynn, Reilly, Naughton, Treacy

Smith played in the first few rounds of the AIL for Clontarf, but not since October 5th. Can't recall him being mentioned in any injury updates, seems like he just hasn't been selected. He showed a lot of promise last year but we seem determined to play Cordero into form currently.

Murray played 6 in at least one u20 warm up game but don't recall it happening since. I don't think there's a pressing need for another option at blindside with Prendergast and Murphy there, but it could be the best use of Murray's talents and his only hope of pushing on another level or two. He's plateaued a bit outside of being an excellent defensive lineout operator.

Naughton looks very good at that level and seems to be a very important part of the ambitious shape they're playing. Just hard to know how he stacks up as a prospect as he didn't get many minutes for the u20s. Looks to have good fundamentals and especially an ability to straighten and fix defenders, without having any obvious weaknesses to his game. The A games could be a good opportunity for him, but would pick Blade to start with him.

No clue on West, other than I believe he has been more focused on fullback. Hasn't played for Buccs yet this season.

Sligo rovers getting 16 million to redevelop the showgrounds. Part of their submission is to increase the pitch size to accommodate the rugby games in the off season. Would be great if connacht played maybe a zebra or dragon game there. Potential to attract new fans.

Be a great location for a Connacht vrs Ulster Interpro once a year and Ireland A game.

All for this idea, give the people from Sligo and Donegal a chance to see games. Sligo schools have produced so many academy players over the last few years.

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Happens every few seasons ve it november or 6 nations. Hard to avoid all clashes.

Porsh and cordero are probably leaving at the end of the season freeing up 2 non Irish spots. Carty looks likely as wel freeing up a lot of money. What kind of non Irish is best to sign ? Someone like shl who can become Irish qualified or a actual proven international? What positions would be best to invest in ?

Robbo, can you please, please put up a new title for this thread. The TOH or HOT is no longer. So let's move on. If we could have Graham Rowntree as a coach we would be so lucky. To me this season is a defining moment. Probably our best ever players with our worst ever coach.

So 'Connacht: The Pete Wilkins era' as a title sounds appropriate to me. Because the sooner it is over the better for all of us. And hopefully we won't need to use that title for long

This year id prioritize retention. All 7 props,and joyce and Ben Murphy top of my list.

Shopping, a lock, a hooker and a 15.

Maloney, lee Baron and no idea who for 15 but a senior pro not a young lad. Must be good under the high ball.

Not sure I thought he was gone before I was corrected. He would be better then cordero but I suppose management are looking to develop smith,jenning,Bolton. O'Connor is the best 15

Now Jim, ye have your own issues to deal with. That said I do agree with you. Ioane is perfectly fine. Issues are in the pack. They slip off tackles, they look unsware. It's gobsmacking to watch the ineptitude while many say this is our best pack ever.

For example you have Prendergast who falls off tackles while you have Joe Joyce who goes full blast into tackles. Where is the darn intensity in this team. Your captain is supposed to lead and instead you just brush past him.

On other matters Denis really has to be retired. It's beyond a joke with him.