Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

Honestly not sure Nash is any better than what we already have.

Hansen, Bolton, Treacy, Mullins. West and Jennings can fill in on the wing. Young Ryan was excellent in the U20 6 Nations and will be looking for more game time next season.

Nash is a solid winger but not a glaring need.

Agreed 2 players I've been critical of in the past had big performances. Shout out again to the front row with both props putting themselves about in the loose as well. Icing on the cake now would be a couple of points against the Lions then it's all roads lead to the Dexcom for a huge provincial clash with our neighbours

Absolutely. Gilbert is one new signing who comes to mind but most of the squad are the same as last year, iirc, except the young lads who have really stepped up or are getting great coaching.

Also need to remember that Hansen has been out for ages, Bundee wasn't playing, neither was Beelham. Three internationals out and still a 5-0 win away to the stormers. Massive victory. Well done lads

And Mullins.

The impact of Gilberts signing cannot be underestimated. All those last minute wins would be valiant losses without his kicking.

When we are under pressure defensively he is the one that keeps us in touch. That means we are in with a good chance when the fitness and muscle memory kicks in for the last 15 mins.

I do like Gilbert and both he or Naughton are significantly above average place kickers. Now I always provide a kick in the tail in my comments and this is it. Gilbert really has to work on his fielding of high kicks. I don't believe he fielded one of competed for high kicks yesterday.

Another thing of concern is that Naughtons touch finders are average at best. His kicking style, which is a very deliberate straight kicking style, could use a bit of work. Maybe a bit of GAA style curving might help. Until then maybe Gilbert should take over these duties.

This in no way is to say Naughton is not my Nr1 pick at 10. You just use your strengths as best you can and I think Gilbert could do better

I think Frawley will be aserious addition next year. We will have 2 starting teams capable of competing at champions cup level.

Personally I would be happy with 9th or 6th.

I don't really want to be going in as bottom seed in the champions cup. However, at the moment, 5th or 6th is as likely as 7th or 8th.

Do runners up get a second seed?

Soooo everyone is a bottom seed 🤣🤣

Although Connacht played very well and it was an amazing result, they also had slices of luck. Bounce of the ball leading to Ben Murphy's try and interceptions. Ref could have given more scrum penalties against them. Having said that, you create your own luck by being in the right place at the right time

I am a great admirer of Connacht under Lancaster, he did a great job at Leinster. I think part of the reason he did well at Leinster is that he left Leo Cullen deal with selection and dealing with the media, he just got on with coaching. He struggled with England and Racing because he was trying to do 2 jobs. I think it would help him in Connacht if there was someone else to assist with media duties

So why not say that then?

The Telegraph is reporting that Rod Seib is going to Leicester as attack coach

Dooley heading back to Leinster as per a poster of Leinsterfans.