Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

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.

I believe Joe is quitting to spend more time with his family. Unless they have moved to Ireland recently I think you might have long wait for Schmidt.

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.

Cardiff have something like 7 or 8 players in the Welsh 23.

It would be nice to see the Ford/Gavin 12/13 partnership but probably not a start for the latter with being out for so long.

Wouldn't mind seeing Hawkshaw and Gavin in the centre, O'Connor at full back and Cian Prendergast just given a few weeks off to consider his future. He is very tame at the best of times. He is there but it's hard to see that there is any protracted effort

Would you find you are often in disagreement with the vast majority of people?

I think you could make the case that he hasn't been as effective as previous seasons, but no idea how you can question his work rate:

• 2nd most attacking rucks hit.
• Committing 2+ attackers more than anyone else.
• Most tackle attempts.
• 2nd most defensive ruck involvements.

Never mind all the involvements which don't show in the stats - being first up on kick chase, first to a loose ball, etc.

This is very true Eagle Eye. And yet my opinions are anything but trolling. They are firmly what I believe for the betterment of the team. I think Cian has been ok but nothing more than that. I think a back row of SHL, Jansen and Oliver would do more. And of course I think Denis is surplus to requirements.

I'd take Elisa over Pete Wilkins, for what it's worth. He couldn't do much worse in the URC than Wilkins this season tbf.

Exciting 12/13 combo.