connachta wrote: Why I'd prefer Robb as 12

cumulative tackling stats since Ulster game

Henshaw 19 missed 10
Aki 16 missed 2
Robb 31 missed 2

Jaysus but that's some stat. Maybe we should play TOH Niyi and Robb, and leave Elvis Henshaw on the bench.

Why I'd prefer Robb as 12

cumulative tackling stats since Ulster game

Henshaw 19 missed 10
Aki 16 missed 2
Robb 31 missed 2

McKeon for his big games experience...
Nobody agrees to drop Niyi rather than Robb?


Anyway mixed feelings. On one hand the scrum won't be a Connacht weapon for the first time since... I don't even know
On the other hand the backline will be a real advantage, full stenght with players at their best. It's also new
I think Dillane and Heenan are game-changers : if the 1st one carries strong, the 2nd one finds his turnover-abilities again, and both push behind our LH is the scrum, then Buckley's absence won't be too damaging.

Think we have to go with Tiernan at fullback. While he may not have covered himself in glory last week (it can be clearly seen on Against The Head he did put the Treviso player in touch) his ability to draw tackles and deliver incredibly quick offloads to open the space for Healy and Niyi will be crucial to providing the scoring opportunities we will need next weekend.

I think both Matt and Niyi provide the pace angle to use these fast offloads and deliver the scores.

I can't see Craig starting in such a huge game when he is just back from injury and the injury report would suggest he is simply in the process of coming upto speed. So then its Robbie or Peter and while Peter has done nothing wrong you would think Robbie has to be the call.

I really want it to be AJ purely in terms of style of play. It was Cooney/Blade who were the scrumhalves last weekend. It will be Kieran next weekend. I think AJ makes the opposing line more honest which provides the opportunity for Kieran to make his sizzling breaks. If its Jack then the opposing line will expect the ball to go across the line so will it will be up much tighter stopping the possibility of the Marmion breaks.

Front row is a conundrum. I think Finlay is best at tight head so we have to suck it up and decide at who goes loose head. The rest of the pack pretty picks themselves other than SOB/Mckeown. Both have been immense and I can't call that one.

ConnachtCows wrote: Pat doesn't seem to like to start players just back from injury, which means Craig will be on the bench. Bundee is a special case.

Agree injury update says Craig is back to full trainning, not available yet.

I know it won't happen but our best backline this saturday would be

11) Heals
12) Robb
13) Aki
14) TOH
15) Henshaw

23) Parata (covers more position than Niyi)

Robb
irreproachable on every game he's played, barely missed a tackle, I think it's very unfair to drop him

I reckon AJ won't be in the 23. Jack started last week (& isn't leaving), AJ wasn't great when he came in, and Ronaldson covers more positions from the bench.

ConnachtCows wrote: Hmmm, wonder what backline he's going to go for?

Marmion
MacGinty
Healy
Ronaldson
Aki
O'Halloran
Henshaw

Lots of options there really, so going to be hard to predict

Realistically though, I think Craig will start on the bench, with Henshaw in the center with Bundee. O'Halloran at fullback, and Niyi on the wing.
Pat doesn't seem to like to start players just back from injury, which means Craig will be on the bench. Bundee is a special case.

No offense to Jack, but I'd like to see AJ start as well. I just think he is more of a threat, and he can do most of the stuff Jack does just as well in my view.

Hmmm, wonder what backline he's going to go for?

Marmion
MacGinty
Healy
Ronaldson
Aki
O'Halloran
Henshaw

Lots of options there really, so going to be hard to predict

Realistically though, I think Craig will start on the bench, with Henshaw in the center with Bundee. O'Halloran at fullback, and Niyi on the wing.
Pat doesn't seem to like to start players just back from injury, which means Craig will be on the bench. Bundee is a special case.

Brilliant minds myself and Salmson. I can't see a delete option, so maybe a mod can delete on of the match threads?

Mixed news on the squad. The front row is going to be the main concern. Anyone care to get the ball running with a team/squad prediction?

Bundee Aki
Centre Bundee Aki has recovered from the knee injury sustained in last month’s win over Munster. The 26-year-old is now available for selection.

Matt Healy
Matt Healy was ruled out of the last round with a minor back injury. Having recovered, the league’s top try scorer is now available for selection.

Craig Ronaldson
The ankle injury sustained by Craig Ronaldson last month has now been resolved and the versatile back is he is due to train fully with the main squad later this week.

Danie Poolman
While Danie Poolman returns to light running this week, the 27-year-old wing continues to recover from his foot injury under the supervision of the medical and fitness teams.

Denis Buckley and Nathan White
Props Denis Buckley and Nathan White continue to rehab from their respective injuries and remain unavailable for selection.

Can't see a match thread.

Bundee, Matt, Craig available.

No Bucks, no Nathan White.

www.connachtrugby.ie/squad-update-ahead-...game-6/#ConnachtNews