Papers are saying Dillane and White on the bench for Ireland with Robbie starting. Reddan on the bench too so we could have Marmion available, I'd play him if he is.

Fair play to Dillane if true, well done to that man.

Fair enough, me no read so good

Awful pity for Dave, I can remember us being quite porous in midfield for a number of seasons before he came in and really helped lead the defense. Hopefully he comes back strong next year but if it's even a 50/50 call you'd hope he would retire; there's more to life than rugby and he'll be retired a long time, all the better if he can do it without any lasting damage.

Accidentally Onside wrote:
Edit: I'm sure the report initially said Dave was out of contract in the summer but doesn't now....maybe I can't read :dry:

Stats page has Dave Mc contracted until summer 2017, which was my recollection also.

McSharry: advised to "undertake a period of rest" after seeing a specialist for concussions. Only non contact training for the rest of the season, he is contracted to us for next season too.

Edit: I'm sure the report initially said Dave was out of contract in the summer but doesn't now....maybe I can't read :dry:[/quote]

I'm fairly certain that Dave signed a 2 year contract extension early last year.
Hopefully he can put this behind him and have a great season in 16/17, he's been so unlucky this season. He's a player I've always liked.

Not great news on the injury front:
Ronaldson, Heenan and McKeon all being "monitored closely" for the weekend so may or may not be available.
Masterson seeing surgeon tomorrow "after suffering significant injury to a number of ligaments in his knee", ruled out for the remainder of the season
Parata: injured knee cap at training, out for at least two weeks
McSharry: advised to "undertake a period of rest" after seeing a specialist for concussions. Only non contact training for the rest of the season, he is contracted to us for next season too.

Edit: I'm sure the report initially said Dave was out of contract in the summer but doesn't now....maybe I can't read :dry:

Diom wrote:

Evil_g wrote: Why is everyone so certain the Marmion isn't available?

Not certain... there a chance that he will be in the match squad for England though. There was an article out after the French match which said that the IRFU were more willing to experiment for the rest of the 6Ns now that we are basically out of the running.

In that case Blade + Porter I guess, but I haven't seen Porter in a while so wondering about his fitness...

seen Reddan on the IRFU page talking about the england game and playing for Joe.

I'm 80% convinced it will be Murray+Reddan which leaves Marmion available for our game.

Marmion is that important I don't care if he hasnt trained with the team this week

Evil_g wrote: Why is everyone so certain the Marmion isn't available?

Not certain... there a chance that he will be in the match squad for England though. There was an article out after the French match which said that the IRFU were more willing to experiment for the rest of the 6Ns now that we are basically out of the running.

In that case Blade + Porter I guess, but I haven't seen Porter in a while so wondering about his fitness...

pinky wrote: Reminder that this game is the second last chance for STHs to use your two free guest tickets if you haven't already. Many might be keeping them for the Glasgow game but sure we might have a home semi secured by then, so maybe drag a few newbies along.

I'm bringing two Munster supporters.

Reminder that this game is the second last chance for STHs to use your two free guest tickets if you haven't already. Many might be keeping them for the Glasgow game but sure we might have a home semi secured by then, so maybe drag a few newbies along.

Photo's from todays training

Roux back but right ankle seems heavily strapped so say it is week too soon
Romaine involved in training, could we see him on bench as George will probably be needed at 8 with Masterson out and doubt over McKeon?

So excited/nervous about this match. It's going to be epic.

I've been told there's some other match on that day, but honestly couldn't care.

Also:

Due to live General Election results coverage on its main TV channel on Saturday 27 February, TG4’s live coverage of Connacht v Ospreys will be available on the following alternative platforms:

- Live on the TG4 Player ( www.tg4.ie )
- Live on Saorview TG4 Channel (Red Button)
- Live on Virgin Channel 602

Pat Lam No. 1 i.imgur.com/BCl00fT.jpg

Why is everyone so certain the Marmion isn't available?

So nervous about this. I agree, need to try and work it tight a good bit. Basically the same game plan as we had against the Scarlets. With Marmion in the Irish squad and there being an apparent willingness to "experiment" it might be a repeat of the opening 6Nations match. With no Cooney, that means Blade to start... what's Porter's availability?
Could we end up with Healy at SH again??

Masterson out for the season

Marmion won't be available?

Banm wrote: Cooney had a small setback last week so if not fully fit for another few weeks.

Rats