Not really as they keep extending the capacity, going to be near 8000 at the game which is far from disappointing

A bit concerned their power will be too much for us. How is the weather lookingredients for the match?

It seems there's still tickets available for this, which is disappointing. Everyone should encourage friends/family to get down and support the team.

pinky wrote: Stacey named at 13 for the Eagles next day as well. Not sure what to read in to that.

I guess injury excepted the outside backs are expected to play the full 80 or damn near.

Stacey named at 13 for the Eagles next day as well. Not sure what to read in to that.

14 senior players out of 45 unavailable (Denis, Robertson-McCoy, Soroka, Tom, Marshall, Fox-Matamua, Masterson, Dawia, Cooney, Boshoff, Robb, Matt. Rowland, Leader) and we can name 3 internationals on the bench. Not too shabby.

connachta wrote:
The one I think we will see : Unchanged from Ulster XV except SOB and Marmion on the bench for Lewis and Kerrins

Well, not far, I'm starting to get Lam "conservatism"
happy enough, Blade/O'Leary/Carey/JP must play 110% of their level though
2nd and back-row isn't a bad mix between handling, physicality and impact players

He'd be chomping at the bit to play against a French club , expect a big impact from him off the bench. Connacht will move that big front five of Toulouse's around the pitch like they haven't seen in a long while. This game will be won in the last 20 mins and It will be won by Connacht I believe.

Amsterdamage wrote: Like the look of that team, Dillane to bench as predicted, wonder is there something in that.

Roux is needed to stabilise the scrum, Browne is needed to run the lineout and fill the "heavy playmaker" role (not my phrase, but hat tip to whoever thought of it). So the choice is use Dillane out of position or as an impact sub, a role he excels in. Wouldn't say there's anything more to it.

Like the look of that team, Dillane to bench as predicted, wonder is there something in that.

Pat looks like he holds Stacey in high regard if he's benching him for such a game and he's only in the door 5 minutes.

2 absentees for Toulouse could be significant also.

Connacht Abu!

Connacht team to face Toulouse
14th October 2016

The Connacht team to face Toulouse at the Sportsground in round 1 of the 2016/17 European Champions Cup has been named. Pat Lam has made just one change from the side that registered a bonus point win over Ulster in the Guinness PRO12 seven days ago.

Second row Quinn Roux returns for his third start this season while his Ireland teammate Ultan Dillane moves to the bench.

Also among the replacements is Galway man Sean O’Brien who makes a welcome return from injury to be included in his first match day squad of the season.

Kieran Marmion, try scorer in Connacht’s 2013/14 win over Toulouse, has recovered from injury to take his place among the replacement backs.

Commenting on the upcoming game, Pat Lam said:

“Tomorrow is a big occasion for Connacht Rugby with Champions Cup returning to the Sportsground. While we’re aware of the excitement surrounding the fixture, our focus has been on ensuring our week’s preparation has followed our normal routine of getting better every day. With Toulouse having a squad full of quality internationals, it’s vital we bring our team structures and systems to give us a chance of winning.

“It is important to start well in Europe and the fact that we are at home gives us a massive boost. Hopefully as many of our supporters as possible from Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo and Galway can get to the game to create that special Connacht atmosphere. I know it will mean a lot to the boys and it will play a big part in getting us over the line.”

Connacht team to face Toulouse, Sat 15th October, kick off 17:35, the Sportsground


15 Tiernan O’Halloran (106)
14 Niyi Adeolokun (37)
13 Bundee Aki (46)
12 Craig Ronaldson (52)
11 Cian Kelleher (4)
10 Jack Carty (59)
9 Caolin Blade (25)

1 Finlay Bealham (62)
2 Dave Heffernan (62)
3 Conor Carey (2)
4 Quinn Roux (35)
5 Andrew Browne (145)
6 Eoin McKeon (90)
7 Jake Heenan (37)
8 John Muldoon (captain) (280)

Replacements:

16 Shane Delahunt (18)
17 Ronan Loughney (188)
18 JP Cooney (32)
19 Ultan Dillane (32)
20 Sean O’Brien (20)
21 Kieran Marmion (106)
22 Shane O’Leary (19)
23 Stacey Ili (1)

ConnachtCows wrote: Toulouse Team named:

Johnston
Tolofua
Baille
Tekori
Gray
Faasalele
Axtens
Cros
Doussain
Bezy
Huget
Frits
David
Perez
Medard

No Galan, no Fickou. Still a massive pack and tasty backline, but delighted those two aren't playing.

Murtys for grub

What's the plan for After? Reason I am asking is that I am on Studio Duty til FT

Toulouse Team named:

Johnston
Tolofua
Baille
Tekori
Gray
Faasalele
Axtens
Cros
Doussain
Bezy
Huget
Frits
David
Perez
Medard

A huge game. I think Connacht will win it too.

A lot of old heads in that squad, need to hit them at pace and spread them around.