phatguerilla wrote: I don't want to be defeatist and I really hope we win this game but I would take a LBP if we see a big improvement in performance and defense.

We couldn't win away to Scarlets in the last two seasons even when we were in much better form (though Scarlets were also better) so if we lose I hope people don't start pressing the crisis button just yet.

To be fair scarlets are awful. If we lose this game it would not reflect well

Diabhal wrote: Good odds on Connacht +10 against Scarlets. Surely we're not that bad?

Seems even the bookies have issues with our 10-12-13 combination

I don't want to be defeatist and I really hope we win this game but I would take a LBP if we see a big improvement in performance and defense.

We couldn't win away to Scarlets in the last two seasons even when we were in much better form (though Scarlets were also better) so if we lose I hope people don't start pressing the crisis button just yet.

Good odds on Connacht +10 against Scarlets. Surely we're not that bad?

Surprised to see scarlets 4/11 to win this game and Connacht 9/4. While connacht have been no great shakes to date, scarlets have also been dreadful. Weather is promised to be atrocious. Expect our very strong Connacht pack to overwhelm scarlets. My money went on Heenan for a try on the logic that its going to be a pack dominated game

Massive game in the context of our season. Top 6 is looking very competitive this year. Scarlets are one of the teams we'll be battling against if we hope to squeeze into the Top 6 so early season 8 pointer imo.

Have only seen bits of Scarlets this season they haven't set the world alight either but have been competitive unlike us. Let's just hope we get the basics right, solid set pieces work our way into the game and build from there.

For some reason, all Dillane at 6 tells me, is how much SOB is being missed there.

It will be an interesting game for sure and a win would be wonderful for us.

Hopefully a really smart decision, has all the qualities to make a smashing six and won't be worn out scrummaging. Gets an experienced lineout operator on the field plus the power and grunt of Roux that we were missing. Great to see Heenan starting, a little harsh on some of the other six options perhaps but I'll get over it if we win.

Got to say Ultan at 6 threw me for a loop. I'm reading down the the team list 4,5 No Dillane, quickly to the reserves still no, then down to the injuries/unavailable. Why isn't he playing? Look up the list again, oh there he is, how'd I miss him? Because he's got a six next to his name and I never made it to the backrow.

Pat has named a handy enough team there, now the players need to do their jobs. Connacht need 10-12-13 to start clicking and after the first 2 1/2 games they need some early dominance and scoring. It will do their confidence a world of good. Mine as well. I'm starting to backslide and have begun to think moral victories and losing bonus points are acceptable results.

I just hope Roux and Heenan get through the game okay and have a solid enough performance.

It's hard to expect miracles from them on their first game back.

That said , Pat is getting more options week by week.

I have a good feeling about this game. I think we'll pick off tries on the counter.

Dillane "surprise" should not hide how great it is to have both Roux and Heenan back. Close to our best team I really think so. Scarlets too, sadly

I suggested they might want to play him at 5 . But Pat went one further. I for one can't wait to see how this one plays out. I think it's a great move, very positive which is a great sign.

sligsup wrote:

Evil_g wrote:

sligsup wrote: Ultan Dillane at 6 is a suprise ....did anyone see that coming

I saw someone suggest it during the week. Think it might have been on Boards. I thought they were nuts.

Be interesting to see the roles himself and Browne will have.

Browne is in charge of the line-out. Pat said preseason that was how it would work until Ultan developed more understanding of reading the opposition

Evil_g wrote:

sligsup wrote: Ultan Dillane at 6 is a suprise ....did anyone see that coming

I saw someone suggest it during the week. Think it might have been on Boards. I thought they were nuts.

Be interesting to see the roles himself and Browne will have.

sligsup wrote: Ultan Dillane at 6 is a suprise ....did anyone see that coming

I saw someone suggest it during the week. Think it might have been on Boards. I thought they were nuts.

Ultan Dillane at 6 is a suprise ....did anyone see that coming