Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

To me he is another Peter Robb😟

I don't think anyone has forgot about him tbh. The reality is that this is top level senior rugby, not underage. Gavin has always had size but his skill level needs to improve.

West is a ball player and now that he's bulked up a little, you're always going to pick him over someone who's skills are questionable at this level.

13 is the second hardest position to play in the back line and Gavin currently isn't good enough to play professional rugby at 13.

I think they're hopeful he'll be available this week.

This is a bit harsh imo - we won 2/3 games he started at 13 this season, with the other being the narrow 2 pt loss to Munster. He had what I thought was his best game at 13 to date vs the Sharks and was unlucky to get injured shortly after. That injury meant he wasn't part of the team when standards started to increase across the board.

Hopefully he gets a good pre-season under his belt and a chance to build some momentum next season. In theory much of the pain of the transition to 13 should be in the rear view mirror now.

Centre is a fascinating position for us moving forward. We have produced four Ireland u20 starting 12s* in the space of six years, now we need to figure out how to get the most out of them all.

*assuming Seán Walsh returns from injury for the JWC.

I think you have to play at that level in the back row… With Sean and Shamus the standard is so high… Paul Boyle is on the bench, that is a bit crazy, he better than any back row in Munster bar Beirne….

Will Conors has to come into that… Rooting for Sean F., tough place to make a mark..

I'd also imagine that once the priority window opens up a number of people who don't currently have tickets will buy them now that the new stand is in place and the results on the field are going well

That's great business. Is Finlay the only outstanding player to be announced?

To be honest Laventi if I was right all the time people would get bored. So I tend to throw in the odd wobbler which my now best friend FtD has accumulated into an evidence train. I feel privileged that FtD has gone to such lengths to identify these posts.

From the Leinster injury update today

Will Connors sustained an injury during the Lions game and will be unavailable for the rest of the season

Hopefully nothing too serious

Murray Kinsella reporting that Gerard Mullen is set to be announced as backs and skill coach moving from Quins

Officially confirmed now

https://www.connachtrugby.ie/news/gerard-mullen-appointed-backs-coach/bp3731/

Seib was reported to be leaving for another role overseas, and the story breaking him leaving contained quotes from Lancaster saying he was disappointed Seib was leaving:

While we are disappointed that Rod has decided to depart Connacht Rugby, we fully respect his decision and are extremely grateful for the contribution he has made to the province this season.

“His coaching has been outstanding, and he has had a great impact on the players helping them drive standards on and off the pitch.

“His departure opens an exciting opportunity here with us at the club. A role that offers the chance for someone new to step in, build on strong foundations and make their own mark on Connacht Rugby”

Friday provides new challenges to those of an IT and networking background. The first issue is to have 3 TVs in one place.

The middle TV will have the Edinburgh v Connacht game on using TG4 so a saorview RF connection will sort that.

The left tv will have the Cardiff game on using premier sports so that will be through the Sky Box.

And the right TV will have Chromecast connected so you can stream the Ulster game using the Premier Sports app from your phone to the this TV.

And lastly you will have to ask your partner to not interrupt you for 2 hours other than providing fresh beer when necessary. For this I suggest a bell that you can ping at the appropriate time so your alcohol needs are met.

And I think you should be good. Note this 2 hour period should in no way be interrupted by children, opinions from partner, visits from anyone. Should an emergency situation occur it should be dealt with by others. It should be pointed out these 2 hours matter more than life itself.