Sorry, it was longer than expected, it's done now, nobody has been forgotten in page 1, I think

Global List update page 1


Squad Update ahead of La Rochelle game

20th January 2015

With a quarter final spot still up for grabs in the European Challenge Cup, the Connacht squad were straight back to training in Galway today ahead of the away clash with La Rochelle on Saturday January 24th (kick off 6:30pm local time).

There were some injury concerns for the coaching staff following the bruising 24 – 33 defeat to Exeter Chiefs on Sunday afternoon. Centre Dave McSharry took a knock to the head shortly before half time and did not return to the field after failing to pass the pitch side concussion test. The 24-year-old centre will continue to observe the return-to-play protocols and will be monitored ahead of the team selection later in the week.

McSharry’s midfield partner Robbie Henshaw sustained a low-grade ankle sprain during the game. The Ireland international will not recover in time for this week’s game in France.

Meanwhile, outhalf Craig Ronaldson, who was forced to withdraw on Sunday just before kick off after straining his quad muscle in the warm up, is expected to be out of action for 2-3 weeks.

In better news, Tiernan O’Halloran and Jake Heenan have both returned to full training this week after recovering from long-term injuries. The duo are expected to be involved in the Connacht Eagles game with Germany at the Sportsground on Saturday (kick off 2:30pm).

Following his successful return to action for the Eagles last week, tighthead prop Nathan White is also fit and available to Pat Lam and the coaching staff this week.

Connacht Eagles v Germany
The Sportsground
Saturday 24th January
Kick off 2:30pm

Following an MRI examination and consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon, it has been confirmed that Connacht centre Bundee Aki sustained a ruptured syndesmosis towards the end of the game with Edinburgh last week. The 24-year-old will undergo surgery to the ankle next week and is likely to be sidelined for eight to 10 weeks.

Meaning at worse Munster away, at best Cardiff...

The only word I can think of begins with f!

We may talk about it there, to come back to the subject here, Aki Dineen and Dillane injured, White and Ronaldson back. Not the greatest week for squad update.

I've just made a little poll about the options we have on another topic.

I was just looking at Mils stats from playing with the all blacks and in 2006 he played as center in 6 games, it's an option anyway

Leader is more a 15/12, not enough pace to play outside
Finn was disappointing against Bayonne, but apparently returns to the fields ok, as he scored yesterday
Ronaldson has to play 10 now
If you're not keen on Poolman to 13 (after all he knew he had to play there 1/4 of an hour before K.O in England, this isn't the case, he could train differently here), I actually go with Ronaldson 10 Leader 12 McSharry 13

connachta wrote: So Aki does need surgery. I think Lam must move Poolman to 13, beside McSharry, for La rochelle, to help them finding each other before Scarlets

God no. Poolman played 13 against Exeter: he had an absolute disaster. Exeter targetted his channel and absolutely destroyed us.

There are plenty of other options to try in Henshaw's absence: Finn, Muliaina, Leader, Ronaldson at 12 with Dave Mc at 13.

So Aki does need surgery. I think Lam must move Poolman to 13, beside McSharry, for La rochelle, to help them finding each other before Scarlets

Aki went for a mri today, anyone know how long he will be out for?

connachta wrote:

connachta wrote: Let's face it : the 3 2nd rows on the field tomorrow are the only 3 we'll have next season. Desperately need to sign 2 guys.

Borders no.2 wrote: That leaves Muldowney, Roux and Dillane.

Yeah, 5 needed IMO, 3 on the list. But don't forget Poolman is becoming IQ, which means we can wisely enlist one of Flanagan/Sheriff/Denton + one NIQ à la Clarke

Bakkies Botha or Brad Thorn might be persuaded to dust off the boots for one more year.

connachta wrote: Let's face it : the 3 2nd rows on the field tomorrow are the only 3 we'll have next season. Desperately need to sign 2 guys.

Borders no.2 wrote: That leaves Muldowney, Roux and Dillane.

Yeah, 5 needed IMO, 3 on the list. But don't forget Poolman is becoming IQ, which means we can wisely enlist one of Flanagan/Sheriff/Denton + one NIQ à la Clarke

Dillane is a good prospect but we can't expect miracles off him straight away. He's only a handful of appearances yet so for me we can't afford to jettison Kearney for the league games at least. It isn't really an area we have hugh depth. Swifty is a legend but he's only played a couple of games this year. We'll get a couple of good games out of him before the season is up but his contract this year is basically a thanks for all you've done for Connacht over the years. That leaves Muldowney, Roux and Dillane.

Leinster aren't exactly flush with options in the 2nd row either and there may be an opening for Kearney. I think he should have waited another 2 years here, established himself as a key man at Connacht and then moved to Leinster when still 25 and plenty of years ahead of him but he's come from Leinster so it was inevitable that if we brought him through he'd want to go back and Leinster would want him so I'd hope he'll give us his best for the rest of the season and we can wish him the best in May.

Right, free hugs for everyone of the S&C team (hopefully I said "maybe girls" too :whistle: )

Was that so difficult?

We need to sign Roux and and make a strong case to Kearney about staying. It's all speculation and it's the Irish Indo after all that wrote the story.

connachta wrote:

galway_gas wrote:

connachta wrote: Let's face it : the 3 2nd rows on the field tomorrow are the only 3 we'll have next season. Desperately need to sign 2 guys

Wouldn't be surprised if Ulster came looking for Roux. Wouldn't be surprised if he said yes.

Hope this is pure speculation.

It is. mixed with a spoonful of paranoia