Strong bench as well so hopefully we get the job done early-ish and then we rest Aly and TOH and probably several others. Time for McGinty to step up and show his stuff. Robbie being back is also a huge boost.

I know Enisei are proving to be no push overs, but have to agree with Connachta on this selection, there were definitely players that could have been rested especially in the backs. I guess with some injuries still and there being a weekend off after the Scarlets Pat wants to secure a strong 5 pointer and have things rolling in the right direction for next week. As Accidentally Onside said let's hope they put it away early and clear the bench and keep the fingers crossed on the injury front..

A strong team, picked to keep us in the competition. Wise and only choice by Pat.

I just can't understand how TOH and Muldowney, out of breath against Scarlets away yet, could have played both Challenge games. it's crazy. If we lose Scarlets home, I'd take Lam for responsible, for the 1st time ever.

Browne, Roux, Marshall, Leader all injured, and still going on with TOH/Muldowney, whereas 2nd choices (Carr and Qualter) have enough qualities to play the Russian, and haven't for Scarlets decider though...

Connacht team to face Enisei-STM, Saturday, January 23rd, 3pm

15 Tiernan O’Halloran
14 Danie Poolman
13 Robbie Henshaw
12 Bundee Aki
11 Matt Healy
10 AJ MacGinty
9 Kieran Marmion

1 Denis Buckley
2 Dave Heffernan
3 Nathan White
4 Ultan Dillane
5 Aly Muldowney
6 John Muldoon (captain)
7 James Connolly
8 Eoghan Masterson

Replacements:
16 Tom McCartney
17 Finlay Bealham
18 Rodney Ah You
19 George Naoupu
20 Sean O’Brien
21 Caolin Blade
22 Jack Carty
23 Rory Parata

Mr Lam not pulling his punches, very strong team for the weekend:

Connacht team to face Enisei-STM, Saturday, January 23rd, 3pm

15 Tiernan O’Halloran
14 Danie Poolman
13 Robbie Henshaw
12 Bundee Aki
11 Matt Healy
10 AJ MacGinty
9 Kieran Marmion

1 Denis Buckley
2 Dave Heffernan
3 Nathan White
4 Ultan Dillane
5 Aly Muldowney
6 John Muldoon (captain)
7 James Connolly
8 Eoghan Masterson

Replacements:
16 Tom McCartney
17 Finlay Bealham
18 Rodney Ah You
19 George Naoupu
20 Sean O’Brien
21 Caolin Blade
22 Jack Carty
23 Rory Parata


Swap in Heenan and McCartney and that's our full team. Good to see so many coming back to fitness. Put the game away early, take a few guys off and NO INJURIES BEFORE SCARLETS and it will be a good weekend.

Is this game being televised? I live in London and would love to watch it. I hope that this is a big win and the 5 points, but I am wary of being too optimistic.

wp_rathead wrote:

Banm wrote: I'm still waiting for my discount from last season for referring a friend.....

Ya I never got that either now that you mention it

I was sent a cheque....which I forgot to cash :silly:

Banm wrote: I'm still waiting for my discount from last season for referring a friend.....

Ya I never got that either now that you mention it

So once again Pat says he is going with the "strongest team available".
Not necessarily what most of us would have gone with but I'm not a bit surprised.

Ok got an automated email last night with a link on it which worked out grand, cant understand why it took so long.

Banm and CONN8, thats your money and you should follow up on it, if only to show up cracks in their system. There have been a few changes in office personnel lately which may have resulted in the error.

I personally wouldnt let it go anyway. Id phone the office ,find out who is dealing with it and follow up in writing, you cant beat a paper trail.

I gave up waiting for that.

I'm still waiting for my discount from last season for referring a friend.....

Connacht Rugby have an offer to STH of half price tickets.

I emailed them this morning and still havent heard from them. Not much point having an offer if you dont follow through on it.

Match Officials
Referee Tom Foley (England)
Touch Judge 1 Greg Macdonald (England)
Touch Judge 2 Roger Baileff (England)
Citing Commissioner Jean-Claude Legendre (France)

Agreed it's very unlikely Joe will start him against Wales without serious game time between now and then