phatguerilla wrote: Agree that I also have concerns but its the formation that they have played most together I think, and hopefully allows them to play to their strengths. Both are obviously strong in contact and make metres wherever but Bundee possibly slightly better at passing defenders in the 12 channel, Henshaw better jackalling at the ruck and obviously a very strong option to receive an offload and break the next tackle, loves to cut off the space out wide and go hunting the big hit which possibly suits 13 better especially against a team that are very good at spreading the ball wide? As Salmson says though they will rotate in attack.

If you play a mental game you need the players on the same 'mental' wavelength. The team pat selected would have been the team I would have selected all year (Denis missing is the only disappointment). Everybody on that team (OK Ronan needs to step up) plays a game plan that every other player understands. It is the best selection pat has put out all year. I trust it and really believe it will deliver.

Agree that I also have concerns but its the formation that they have played most together I think, and hopefully allows them to play to their strengths. Both are obviously strong in contact and make metres wherever but Bundee possibly slightly better at passing defenders in the 12 channel, Henshaw better jackalling at the ruck and obviously a very strong option to receive an offload and break the next tackle, loves to cut off the space out wide and go hunting the big hit which possibly suits 13 better especially against a team that are very good at spreading the ball wide? As Salmson says though they will rotate in attack.

connachta wrote: Am I the only one to wonder if Henshaw/Bundee instead of Bundee/Henshaw would be the right choice? 50/50 really...

I had staked a pair of Dubarry Deck Shoes on that very proposition.

connachta wrote: Am I the only one to wonder if Henshaw/Bundee instead of Bundee/Henshaw would be the right choice? 50/50 really...

I imagine they'll swap in and out at first centre, but no, you're not the only one to wonder that: Henshaw has played more at 12 than 13/15 this season due to injury and international commitments, and Bundee has been used mostly at 13 to great effect.

Am I the only one to wonder if Henshaw/Bundee instead of Bundee/Henshaw would be the right choice? 50/50 really...

"Minutes played by Glasgow’s starting props before they were substituted after a fairly torrid first half. Connacht may be missing the powerful presence of loosehead Dennis Buckley but this is still an area of the game they pride themselves on and they will be looking to use it to dominate field position and prevent the Warriors’ pack providing good quality ball for the backs."


That's really good news!! And I do think Connacht back-three can hold the comparison. So now, main problem is their locks. Dillane is the key!

Afternoon all. Glasgow fan looking forward to what should be a cracking game between the 2 sides who play the best rugby in the Pro 12!

I've done a wee match preview - it is Glasgow focused but hopefully you might find it interesting

Connacht v Glasgow match preview

Oranmoron wrote: Given the forecast, is anyone else worried that Dan's in depth knowledge of our scrum/ pack and all things Connacht could play a significant role?

Not really. No disrespect to Dan whatsoever, he's a Connacht legend and is clearly doing very well with Glasgow, but I think Jimmy Duffy has taken our forward play to another level and its better now than when Dan was here. Pat and Dave Ellis would have had an effect too obviously.

Given the forecast, is anyone else worried that Dan's in depth knowledge of our scrum/ pack and all things Connacht could play a significant role?

eezipc wrote:

RonanL wrote: I wouldn't be too confident of great weather. The forecasts I've seen are poor, with talk of heavy rain (albeit slightly warmer rain). That's not what anyone wants, but it might come down to who plays the conditions better, and I don't think I fancy our chances in a war of attrition.

Amazing what a bit of sunshine can do to ya. Walked around Eyre Square today and it was lovely.You just assume it's going to last forever.

Especially when the forecast for Sunday is good. I mean, it doesn't make sense that tomorrow would be bad. Fingers crossed the forecasts are wrong. Wouldn't be the first time.

RonanL wrote: I wouldn't be too confident of great weather. The forecasts I've seen are poor, with talk of heavy rain (albeit slightly warmer rain). That's not what anyone wants, but it might come down to who plays the conditions better, and I don't think I fancy our chances in a war of attrition.

Oh yeah, you're right. I heard there was good weather on the way, opened the curtains, saw good weather and naively thought "ah, the anticipated good weather is starting", but apparently we have to get over a bout of crappy weather tomorrow before the real good weather starts.
I'll get on to Danny Healy-Rae and see if he can put in a good word with himself above.

RonanL wrote: I wouldn't be too confident of great weather. The forecasts I've seen are poor, with talk of heavy rain (albeit slightly warmer rain). That's not what anyone wants, but it might come down to who plays the conditions better, and I don't think I fancy our chances in a war of attrition.

Amazing what a bit of sunshine can do to ya. Walked around Eyre Square today and it was lovely.You just assume it's going to last forever.

I wouldn't be too confident of great weather. The forecasts I've seen are poor, with talk of heavy rain (albeit slightly warmer rain). That's not what anyone wants, but it might come down to who plays the conditions better, and I don't think I fancy our chances in a war of attrition.

ConnachtCows wrote: So, in the interest of fairness, do you think we should maybe given Glasgow a 10 point head start?
Maybe let them go up 13-3 within 20 minutes before our players start doing some damage?

I hope the crowd are loud tomorrow. 3 o'clock is never a great time for a game needing an atmosphere. Well, except for the Scarlets game. The place was rocking for that match. Hopefully we can have something similar tomorrow.

We got to remember as well, that if we lose, tomorrow is a few players last game/match for Connacht in the Sportsground
So in the worst case scenario, and we lose tomorrow, hopefully players like George, Fionn, Robbie, etc. get to do a lap of honour in front of their fans.

Doesn't matter too much anyway. We're going to win 35-20
Tries scored by
Heenan x2
Marmion x1
Healy x1

I reckon tomorrow could be the best atmosphere of the season. Weather is going to be great. Win/Lose/Draw Connacht are in the semi final.
Also, for the first time this season, I'll be staying in town so I'll be well schmozzled by 3pm. :silly:

So, in the interest of fairness, do you think we should maybe given Glasgow a 10 point head start?
Maybe let them go up 13-3 within 20 minutes before our players start doing some damage?

I hope the crowd are loud tomorrow. 3 o'clock is never a great time for a game needing an atmosphere. Well, except for the Scarlets game. The place was rocking for that match. Hopefully we can have something similar tomorrow.

We got to remember as well, that if we lose, tomorrow is a few players last game/match for Connacht in the Sportsground
So in the worst case scenario, and we lose tomorrow, hopefully players like George, Fionn, Robbie, etc. get to do a lap of honour in front of their fans.

Doesn't matter too much anyway. We're going to win 35-20
Tries scored by
Heenan x2
Marmion x1
Healy x1

eezipc wrote: Didn't take Marmion long to hit 100 caps did it?

When you're good you're good