Lost 13-15.
Three tries for Munster. Connacht maintain their impressive record at keeping out conversions. They must be using some kind of Jedi mind trickery.

Eagles team to play Munster 'A'

While the senior team travel to Scotland to take on Glasgow Warriors in the PRO12, the Connacht Eagles welcome Munster ‘A’ to the Sportsground this Friday afternoon (kick off 14:30).

Head Coach Nigel Carolan has named his side for the third interpro game of the season for the Eagles and the second against rivals Munster. The last time the two sides met was in September at Musgrave Park and the game finished 20 – 12 in favor of the hosts with Connacht winger Steve Macauley crossing for two Eagles’ tries.

This week, Carolan has named a squad that includes a good mix of Senior, Academy and club players from around the province.

Miah Nikora has been named at outhalf for his first game of the season. The veteran number 10 has recovered from his long-term injury to earn some valuable game time with the Eagles. Nikora and captain Frank Murphy make up the half back pairing.

Another notable addition in the back line is Dave McSharry. The 23-year-old had been side-lined with injury since Connacht’s Heineken Cup game against Toulouse in December. He partners Rory Parata in the centre.

Former Munster Academy hooker James Rael makes up the front row with Academy props Finlay Bealham and Peter Reilly.

Eoghan Masterson, who was handed a PRO12 start against the Scarlets in November, is named at Number 8.

Please note there is no charge for the game at the Sportsground and there will be some parking available inside the grounds. All support is welcome.

Connacht Eagles

15. Tiernan O’Halloran
14. Shane Layden
13. Rory Parata
12. Dave McSharry
11. Ciaran Gaffney
10. Miah Nikora
9. Frank Murphy (captain)

1. Finlay Bealham
2. James Rael
3. Peter Reilly
4. Conor Kindregran
5. Danny Qualter
6. Mata Fifita
7. Shane Casey
8. Eoghan Masterson

Replacements:

16. Pat O’Toole
17. Jacob Walshe
18. Saba Meunagria
19. Josh O’Rourke
20. Jake Dineen
21. Caolin Blade
22. Tadhg Leader
23. Brian Murphy
24. Steve Macauley
25. David Panter



Munster A Head Coach Peter Malone also named his side which will be captained by full back Ronan O’Mahony.

Munster ‘A’ team

Ronan O’Mahony (Capt.); Darren Sweetnam, Harry McNulty, Cian Bohane, Luke O’Dea; Johnny Holland, Brian Haugh; Niall Horan, Kevin O’Byrne, Alan Cotter; Ian Nagle, Darren O’Shea; Lee Nicholas, Ryan Murphy, Shane Buckley. Replacements: Ben Burns, Mike Lynch, Conor Glynn, Luke Cahill, Aidan Butler, Jamie Glynn, Rory Scannell, David Johnston, Alex Wootton

Connacht vs Llanelli

Connacht Eagles’ lineup v Llanelli RFC

15. Shane Layden
14. David Panter
13. Rory Parata
12. Conor Finn
11. Steve Macauley
10. Craig Ronaldson
9 Frank Murphy (captain)

1 Ronan Loughney
2 Dave Heffernan
3 JP Cooney
4 Danny Qualter
5 Aly Muldowney
6 Sean O’Brien
7 Aaron Conneely
8 Eoghan Masterson

Replacements (from):

16 James Rael
17 Finlay Bealham
18 Aaron McCloskey
19 Rory Moloney
20 Caolin Blade
21 Tadhg Leader
22 Brian Murphy

Anyone know anything about Aaron McCloskey?

No, simply no. Nowhere near the athlete that Henderson is, which isn't a shot at him.. very very few players are that big and athletic.

Also SOB is 6'4 and while there is a couple of 6'4 second rows around.. the number is no more than a handful.

I thought he was taller than that. My bad. He'll still be a hell of a flanker if he keeps on his natural progression.

Bayern wrote:

connachtexile wrote: 4 Sean O’Brien - tall enough and could be our Ian Henderson if he bulks up and plays at the same level he did in the schools league.

No, simply no. Nowhere near the athlete that Henderson is, which isn't a shot at him.. very very few players are that big and athletic.

Also SOB is 6'4 and while there is a couple of 6'4 second rows around.. the number is no more than a handful.

He could still grow and inch or two, but regardless I think he'll be more needed at 6 or 8.

I don't know how anyone can compare Henderson to any current young Irish forward, he's going to be a top class player, having watched the U20's world cup 2 seasons ago he carried that pack on his own. Marmion was the other stand-out player from that years team.

also horrendous and embarrassing result.

connachtexile wrote: 4 Sean O’Brien - tall enough and could be our Ian Henderson if he bulks up and plays at the same level he did in the schools league.

No, simply no. Nowhere near the athlete that Henderson is, which isn't a shot at him.. very very few players are that big and athletic.

Also SOB is 6'4 and while there is a couple of 6'4 second rows around.. the number is no more than a handful.

Strong Irish Provincial Squad?
Tiernan has more caps (outside of Loughs and Frank Murph) than the rest of our squad put together...

Sheffield Star wrote: Rotherham Titans 59 Connacht Eagles 3
www.thestar.co.uk/sport/other-sports/rug...-eagles-3-1-6368001#

Rotherham’s excellent progress so far this season which has already taken them to second in the Championship has now achieved a place in the quarter-finals of the British and Irish Cup.

A strong Irish provincial side, at least on paper, was thrashed by nine tries to none at Clifton Lane during a performance that was both ruthless and thrilling.

The result sends the Titans through to the last eight for the first time since the competition was introduced five years ago

After such a convincing display, the Titans 13th win in 17 league and cup matches, coach Lee Blackett, who has extended his contract by another two years, confirmed that several players had already been offered deals for next season.

“We’ve talked to a few players we are trying to retain but we know and expect that we will lose a few to the Premiership. We wish them well.

“As for the Cup, this competition is about making history for the club and it would be nice for our fans to remember this set of players.

“The first 40 minutes was among the best we have played this season.

“We had masses of tempo and desire and some of the tackling was top notch.

“The way the backline took their chances was outstanding, and the forwards at the back of the scrum, Laurence Pearce, Ali Birch and Alfie To’oala worked well as a unit.”

The speed of Rotherham’s attacks in the first half was quite superb.

Rotherham scored six tries before the interval, two by winger Curtis Wilson and one apiece for forwards Pearce and To’oala.

In addition, winger James Broadley and centre Lloyd Hayes also ruined Connacht’s defence as Rotherham rapidly built up a lead of 40-3 by half time.

What was also encouraging was the confident form of Australian fly half Dallan Murphy who rose to the challenge after a mediocre game against Cornish Pirates a week ago.

The Queenslander struck seven conversions, ran hard at the Connacht defence and played sharply.

The Irish offered stronger resistance for 30 minutes into the second half, but once Rotherham reasserted their authority after a quite period, Connacht’s defence was raided again and again.

Tries on 70,73 and 79 minutes completed the crushing defeat as backs Jack Roberts, Sean Scanlon and replacement winger Ben Rath ran in exciting scores which assured the Titans’ place in the quarter finals.

Rotherham have one game remaining in the British and Irish Cup at Bedford on Saturday where they will be chasing their fifth win in six games in the competition this season.

Having beaten Bedford twice already during this campaign, the Titans will be confident, but not complacent, about repeating this success at Goldington Road and will be keen to show that topping Pool 3 is by no means down to luck.

Rotherham Titans: Scanlon, Broadley, Hayes, Roberts, Wilson, Murphy, White, Williams, Sowrey, Tampin, Thomas, Sanderson, Pearce, Birch, To’oala. Replacements: Cruse, Dias, Stout, Rieder, Preece, Socino, Rath.

* Scorers: Tries(9): Wilson 2, Pearce, Broadley, To’oala, Hayes, Roberts, Scanlon, Rath.

* Conversions: Murphy 7.

* Referee: Craig Evans (Wales).

Would like to see a match report. I really thought that we had a good team going out there, did not think that they would win, but a very unexpected scoreline.

No news on replacements. Looks like all the damage done in the first half.

Some random thoughts on the A game after being smacked around on the field by Rotterham.

15 Tiernan O’Halloran

14 Shane Layden - Thought this would be his break-out season but Leader has overtaken him. Needs to step up sooner rather than later.

13 Conor Finn - At 13? Interesting. He did well at 12 and would like to see him get a chance there for the senior team.

12 Brian Murphy - At 12? Fighting for a contract so you'd have hoped for a big performance.

11 David Panter

10 Tadhg Leader

9 Frank Murphy (captain)

1 Ronan Loughney

2 Dave Heffernan

3 JP Cooney - Is a great LH so don't know whY we are still trying him across the other side. Yes he plays there at AIL level but if he wants to step up it's going to be at LH. We're trying to develop players at this level so play him at 1!

4 Sean O’Brien - tall enough and could be our Ian Henderson if he bulks up and plays at the same level he did in the schools league.

5 Danny Qualter

6 Mata Fifita

7 Rory Moloney

8 Eoghan Masterson

Seems like a rough night for the lads. 35 - 10 final score.

Thats some good news to pick up a bad thursday. It greatly increases Lam's choices for the first team. The November internationals couldn't have come and a better time for us.

15 Darragh Leader
14 Fionn Carr
13 Eoin Griffin (back from injury)
12 Dave McSharry (back from injury)
11 Tiernan O’Halloran
10 Jack Carty (Capt.)
9 Frank Murphy

1 Ronan Loughney
2 Dave Heffernan
3 Nathan White (back from injury)
4 Dave Nolan
5 Mick Kearney
6 Aly Muldowney
7 Eoghan Masterson
8 Mata Fifita

Replacements (from):

16 James Rael
17 Denis Buckley
18 JP Cooney
19 Danny Qualter
20 Paul O’Donohoe
21 Conor Finn (back from injury)
22 Shane Layden (back from injury)

Browser wrote: 23 James Connolly (Academy)

Have Ravens announced their squad?

thanks, no 23 on the connacht statement

The Ulster Ravens squad, sponsored by CD Group, has been named ahead of Friday’s fixture against Connacht Eagles at Deramore Park, Belfast (kick off 6.00pm).

Paul Marshall and Stuart Olding, both capped by Ireland earlier this year, will form a potent half back partnership for the hosts. The versatile Olding will have the opportunity to play at outhalf at his club ground after recent appearances at centre and fullback for the senior Ulster side.

Chris Farrell and Michael Allen form a dangerous midfield pairing, while Peter Nelson - who has been in excellent form for Dungannon - is joined in the back three by David McIlwaine and Ricky Andrew

The forwards will have the sizeable Nick Williams packing down at 8, with Sean Doyle and Mike McComish on either side of the scrum. Robbie Diack makes a rare start in the second row where he will partner captain Lewis Stevenson. Belfast Harlequins duo Ricky Lutton and Niall Annett are joined in the front row by talented loosehead prop Kyle McCall.

The bench also has a strong look about it; Callum Black, Adam Macklin, Conor Joyce and James McKinney having all represented the senior Ulster side. Dungannon hooker Paul Jackson, brother of Ireland outhalf Paddy, has been handed an opportunity to impress after a strong start to the season for the Stevenson Park outfit. Hughes Insuranace Academy players Stuart McCloskey (Dungannon), Lorcan Dow (Queen's University) and David Shanahan (Ballymena) are also included.

Commenting on selection, Ulster coach Neil Doak said: “With a few guys coming back from injury it’s a good opportunity for us to give them some game time to improve their match fitness. It’s a difficult period with the Autumn Internationals so it’s good to see guys in different positions as we might need them down the line in the senior team.”

He continued: “There’s no pressure on anyone to win the game and get league points so we’re looking to go out and play a bit. We’d like to hold onto the ball and, weather permitting, throw the shackles off.”

Doak feels that the club and Hughes Insurance Academy players will benefit from playing with so many professionals. He said: “The Ravens is always going to be a mixture of club, Academy, development and senior players so there’s a nice blend in there. Hopefully the experienced guys can help guide the younger ones through the game. It’s always good to play with more senior players and hopefully the younger guys can come in and learn from the experience and build their repertoire."

Tickets for the game are available from the gate at Deramore Park. The pricing structure is £8 for adults, £5 concession and £15 for a family of four. Kids under 12 years gain free admission.

Ulster Ravens XV & Replacements v Connacht Eagles, Deramore Park, Belfast, Friday 15th November (kick off 6.00pm):

(15-9): R Andrew;
D McIlwaine,
M Allen,
C Farrell,
P Nelson;
S Olding,
P Marshall;

(1-: K McCall,
N Annett,
R Lutton,
L Stevenson (capt),
R Diack,
M McComish,
S Doyle,
N Williams;

Replacements (16-23):
P Jackson,
C Black,
A Macklin,
L Dow,
C Joyce,
D Shanahan,
J McKinney,
S McCloskey.

whatttttt :ohmy: P Jackson gets dropped from the ireland match day squad and now he's sub hooker for ulster ravens. crazy stuff altogether. poor paddy :evil: :whistle: :silly: :blink: :lol: :huh: :dry: :ohmy:

23 James Connolly (Academy)

Have Ravens announced their squad?