Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

Many thanks Ben B.

Not sure it's fair to compare Pat Lam and ROG. Pat left at Connacht's peak to move to Bristol and become the highest paid manager in the world for the last 7 years coming from the connacht job. That's like winning the lotto in money terms. ROG is managing at a higher level in France with more pressure. Next move I would guess is an international job like maybe Australia

As for the Bolton selection. Well that one is beyond a mystery.

Good player, lots of bosh. Perhaps not so much finesse. Better off the bench than starting imo. Very similar to Munsters young Gleeson. I was a little surprised at his inclusion for the emerging Ireland tour but tbh he's been very consistent albeit as a bosher.

This may be the role he is being asked to play though.

Don’t think Bolton call up is overly surprising. They have obviously had their eye on him for a while.

Was named in the emerging Ireland squad and as a development player in November, only to miss both opportunities due to injuries.

He is probably the closest thing to a Lowe replacement, minus the kicking game. Could very easily see Bolton and Kilgallen over take Nash in the Irish pecking order, if they can stay fit.

Sadly I am no (Ze)genius and while my opinion is harsh that opinion tends to not be too far off the mark. It's all fine to say all is fine, it's harder to say why all is not fine and see the issues. I guess my tone could be nicer but that's ElisaAtWar for you

Just out of curiosity, what do you have against Lancaster? As far as I can recall, he was well liked and popular with the players he coached.

https://www.connachtrugby.ie/news/squad-update-tuesday-11th-february/bp3293/

The Connacht Rugby management team have released the latest squad update ahead of Saturday’s BKT URC meeting with Cardiff at Dexcom Stadium.

Following the recent break, a number of players have returned to full training after respective injury layoffs. They include Hugh Gavin (ankle), Andrew Smith (thumb), Denis Buckley (thigh), Darragh Murray (achilles) and Shane Jennings (ankle).

Meanwhile six players have been released from international duty to be available for selection this week - they are Jack Aungier, Caolin Blade, Shayne Bolton, Cathal Forde, Ben Murphy and captain Cian Prendergast. Remaining in the Ireland camp are Bundee Aki, Finlay Bealham and Mack Hansen.

Just two players have been ruled out of the game due to injury. Sean O’Brien has unfortunately undergone hamstring surgery and will be out for 3 months, while Eoin de Buitlear suffered a thumb fracture during an Energia AIL game at the weekend. A timeline on his return is to be determined.