Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

It will depend entirely on the extent of their involvement really. Leinster's issue in recent seasons hasn't been about just providing c. 20 players into the wider squads, it's the fact that Leinster have routinely had 15-16 players in the match 23, as these are the players who are getting their minutes managed etc.

Just having players in the international squad won't massively impinge on Connacht (or any team) unless they're actively in the match squads - i.e. Ireland name a 37-man squad for the 6 Nations, but we released 11 players back to their provinces between Round 3 and Round 4 to get game time in the URC (so i.e. Ulster got 5 players back).

He is a battering ram. I give you that. What more he can be is up to him

That's my view as well and I have been encouraged by Forde's contributions at 13 more recently so it may work out that a 12. Gavin 13. Forde pairing is more favorable than the other way around.

My major gripe is the lack of a mix zone. When people are seated in different areas there is no option to meet for a pint before or after.

I just have this feeling that this season is a long way from over yet for Connacht.

28th of May 2016 - right up there with the best days of my life. I'll never forget the atmosphere under the stand as the teams arrived - spine tingling stuff.

Love it. I was on the steps on the far side. It got even better as the band stopped playing, and the doors of the bus opened. Pat Lam and John Muldoon have both spoken about the impact that had on the team on the day.

The story goes that Leinster lodged a complaint in the aftermath, and were told to take a hike.

Hopefully Jansen will be back for the Semi and Final ;)

Good team, I like the bench.

Jansen is a big loss for sure, but I have no doubt Paul Boyle is going to come in like a man possessed. Darragh Murray and the two hookers being back are big pluses (although Eoin De Buitlear did a great job in their absence). Fingers crossed the Bundee/Devine partnership goes well. Very excited.

I know that in Gavins first year with the U20's he played left wing (I believe to just get the best players on the pitch) and center in his second year but hes never struck me as someone with much pace. Maybe those that have seen him live would have a better understanding if hes quick or not.

You're right, that Glasgow selection is ridiculously strong, they're maximum strength. And of course Jansen is a loss, but Boyle is a good carrier, more evasive than SJ's 'run it straight' attritional approach. And with SHL and Cian we can still get an edge.

Glasgow didn't convince against Ulster, which gives me hope. Franco Smith is a great coach who has built a very effective system there. While it's a big ask, we have momentum, good morale, and are unburdened by expectations - it's a free hit.

Glad we've decided against having Carty and Naughton on the bench together. Tough on Hugh to find himself well down the depth chart, he probably would have fancied his chances at nailing down the 13 shirt coming into the season. I fancy him to have a big 26/27 if he can get a decent pre season under his belt and put some games together.