Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

Excellent article from Gerry Thornley in today’s Irish Times, one of the few national journalists who has always been willing to be objective with regard to IRFU Connacht relationship.

“Much of the reaction to Hansen’s remarks in the wake of a Leinster defeat to Connacht was certainly in stark contrast to, say, Johnny Sexton approaching the match referee Jaco Peyper in the aftermath of Leinster’s Champions Cup final defeat to La Rochelle at the Aviva Stadium.”

”In the fallout from Hansen’s hearing and punishment, under the heading “Respect Our Game” alongside the IRFU crest, the Union issued a brief and statement on its X feed which read:

“A core pillar underpinning the game of Rugby in Ireland is around respect for all. Without match officials there is no game, and the IRFU is committed to delivering an inclusive game for all.

The IRFU and the four provinces will also be working to ensure all stakeholders of the Game understand their responsibilities.”

Oh please. Funny how the IRFU didn’t see fit to issue such a pompous statement in the wake of Sexton’s aforementioned three-game ban. Suffice to say their desire to “respect our game” seems somewhat selective.”

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2025/01/10/gerry-thornley-the-irfus-desire-to-respect-our-game-seems-somewhat-selective/

Do you have a source for this?

Sounds like BS.

If Denis was as poor as you suggest surely Dooley or Duggan would be forcing their way past him regularly.

As far as I recall he is being selected to start most of the games when he is available.

Tonight is a good chance for both of them to stake a claim though

French boys do not want to be there at all.

Chance to run up a huge score here.

GReat to see that yc. Cheap shot by radradra

An excellent performance for the first hour but the goal kicking is a real weakness. It's fine when your winning well but 3/8 kicks at goal even though a few were tough is not going to cut it

Fair enough, never felt there was a risk of losing the match today. Probably unjustified confidence given recent weeks.

Next week now season defining, bonus point win guarantees top seed and potentially home run all the way to the final.

correct me if I’m wrong, but there’s essentially no difference between first and second seed - you’re at home for all knockout games regardless. You play different teams, but either side of the draw could work out easier than the other (or not)

with this in mind, Connacht need 2 match points in Cardiff next week to stave off Edinburgh who will likely get 5 match points against Black Lion.

I believe points difference is the first tiebreaker and we’ve a decent but not insurmountable lead over Edinburgh there.