Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

It's not really entirely the case at U20 level either - he played two seasons at that grade, for the first season he spent the bulk of it on the wing, and was moved to 13 for most of the RWC (after Hugh Cooney's suspension), including starting the RWC Final at 13.

He did start most of his second year of matches at U20s at 12 (albeit was selected at 13 a few times that season too), but I would absolutely struggle to see the relevance of what that coaching staff for an U20 side think (when the head coach has also since moved on) in terms of how Connacht pick their team.

I'm not a fan at all of Bundee as a thirteen, he's a top class 12 but very average at 13, and gets shown up badly for pace.

Hugh Gavin is very young, and has all the physical attributes you want in a thirteen. I think it's worth making the investment in him to give him time there, he's never going to be a top class defender straight out of the box.

100%, Daly’s been in great form and has nailed down his spot. Aki will have to fight hard to get back into that midfield now.

Walsh has played plenty of rugby at both 12 and 13, including in both positions for the Irish U18s. He's the same age group as two other really good centre prospects - Jack Deegan in Leinster and James O'Leary in Munster.

Walsh mostly played 12 (with Deegan 13) for the Irish U18 Schools, but played 13 for the Irish U18 Clubs. For the Irish U19s this year Walsh was at 12 with Deegan again at 13.

Curious to see what Lancaster makes of the back three. Mack has been the only true constant.

Finn Treacy was very effective last year but has been nursing an injury, don't know where that's at. He was on the wing for MH's three appearances at 15 late in the season.

It's a part of the team which has not settled, in part because there were a lot of good options and also because wilkins was an erratic selector. I'd like to see Jennings in the 23 more regularly.

The Connacht Rugby management team have released the first squad update of the season, ahead of Saturday’s BKT United Rugby Championship season opener against Benetton Rugby at Dexcom Stadium.

Temi Lasisi has undergone surgery in relation to a knee injury sustained in a development fixture at Dexcom Stadium on Friday, and will undertake an extended period of rehabilitation.

Oisin Dowling will also undergo knee surgery this week and is expected to be sidelined until December, while Harry West will miss a number of weeks with a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile Bundee Aki, Finlay Bealham and Mack Hansen began pre-season training last Monday following their involvement with the British & Irish Lions, and will continue to integrate into the squad.

Finally, summer signing Sam Gilbert will link up with the squad later in the year, after completing his commitments with Otago in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship.

Lancaster’s team selections are going to be very interesting, especially if, as he said, everyone is going to get a chance over first five games. I expect him to be pretty ruthless with selection so you got to look at a few of the older lads and see if they can be challenged.

Very tough for him, he really needs to get senior minutes under his belt.

Leaves us a bit short as he was ostensibly 4th choice on both sides of the scrum. I think Barrett should be ready for minutes at tighthead but Billy Bohan is a while off yet. I wonder if we're one more injury away from a short term signing at loosehead.

Aim for top eight and back ourselves in knockout footy to have a go at anyone. Simple eh!

I can understand how a seasoned Connacht fan could be cautious given the number of times where it looked like things were going good only for us to find a way f**k it up.

However I do feel that with Lancaster at the helm things will be a bit different this time. It's strange even though it'll probably be very close to a team that we saw at some stage last season I can't remember being this excited about a team announcement and match in a long time

Exciting selection - intrigued by Naughton at 15, and very happy to see the two THPs - Illo and Barrett have huge potential.

Wonder why Ben and Cian aren’t starting?

The players away with Ireland can only play a set amount of minutes in the first 5 games

Looks like a very powerful Benetton team. Would be good to see us stand up well to a more physical, direct style of play.

Big test for Connacht but I've a feeling they will kick off the season with a win 🏉 💪