Munster have pretty much their first choice backline out against us.

Munster: Simon Zebo; Andrew Conway, Chris Farrell, Rory Scannell, Keith Earls; Ian Keatley, Conor Murray; Dave Kilcoyne, Rhys Marshall, John Ryan; Jean Kleyn, Darren O’Shea; Jack O’Donoghue, Conor Oliver, CJ Stander (C).

Replacements: Mike Sherry, James Cronin, Stephen Archer, Robin Copeland, Peter O’Mahony, Duncan Williams, Bill Johnston, Darren Sweetnam.

Team as follows;

(15-9) Tiernan O’Halloran, Niyi Adeolokun, Eoin Griffin, Pita Ahki, Matt Healy, Jack Carty, Caolin Blade,
(1- 8 ) Peter McCabe, Tom McCartney, Conor Carey, Quinn Roux, James Cannon, Cillian Gallagher, Jarrad Butler, John Muldoon (Capt)

Replacements (16-23): Shane Delahunt, Conan O’Donnell, Finlay Bealham, Gavin Thornbury, Paul Boyle, James Mitchell, Craig Ronaldson, Darragh Leader

sea_point wrote:

Tall Paul wrote:

sea_point wrote:

Mark Mostyn wrote: I wonder is Thornbury taking a bit of time out to bulk up, like Leinster did with Molony I think it was last year.

Wouldn't think so, over 18st / 117kg already.
He's like Dillane, a mobile unit so can't see him sticking much more timber on...

It will all depend on what the management team are looking for.

He does need to put on kg but how much?

He is 3kg heavier than ultane but 5kg lighter than Quinn. But he is taller than both.
In old money out use to be a stone an inch

He is 1cm taller than Cannon but 3kg lighter.
So he's needs to put on somewhere between 3kg and 5kg depending on power or speed.

I'm old school, I love power so would be looking for 5kg. I think a second row should be a enforcer around the park. Let 6 to 15 have the speed. This is why I love to see Quinn playing.
It's harder to loose power than speed which will extend his career.

Nope he doesn't, you can be 6'8" and mobile with hands and play as a loose head lock (Ultan/Browner when fit/available provide cover that side). Height isn't the determining factor

We have Cannon and Quinn covering the tight head side as first choices. As he is, Gav is big enough unit to cover both sides if required witbout compromising on his mobility.

You maybe right, doctors differ patients die.

I'm 6ft 8 and played national league basketball at 19 stone.
Nothing wrong with my mobility, I would say my acceleration was poor.
I sprinted 60m 100 plus times in 40 mins.

Played Rugby with a 6ft 6 17 stone second row
The front row said there was a massive difference in our push.
Both examples are at amateur level, but both at the top end. We were one step away from being paid. So I think Gavin could see easily put on 3kg and it would not effect his mobility.

I suppose time will tell, and find out what the management are looking for. With Gavin stats next year

chops123 wrote: Personally, in terms of curveballs at 10. I would say Deegan at 10 with Mitchell beside him
and Ronaldson at 22 to cover 10/12/13 more than likely Blade at 21 ( would be seen as "more experienced" than McKeon based on Pro caps at 9) although would personally like to see McKeon get more gametime at 9.
then a back 3 can take number 23.

Also could Stacey be involved? Played with Eagles lately so injury surely is not a factor

I feel give the opportunity that Munster' s injuries predicament presents, KK will be smart enough to make as few changes as possible. Taking a win in Thomond and confirming a very decent Interpro Series on to Worcester would be a massive boost (for the rest of the campaign really).

Tall Paul wrote:

sea_point wrote:

Mark Mostyn wrote: I wonder is Thornbury taking a bit of time out to bulk up, like Leinster did with Molony I think it was last year.

Wouldn't think so, over 18st / 117kg already.
He's like Dillane, a mobile unit so can't see him sticking much more timber on...

It will all depend on what the management team are looking for.

He does need to put on kg but how much?

He is 3kg heavier than ultane but 5kg lighter than Quinn. But he is taller than both.
In old money out use to be a stone an inch

He is 1cm taller than Cannon but 3kg lighter.
So he's needs to put on somewhere between 3kg and 5kg depending on power or speed.

I'm old school, I love power so would be looking for 5kg. I think a second row should be a enforcer around the park. Let 6 to 15 have the speed. This is why I love to see Quinn playing.
It's harder to loose power than speed which will extend his career.

Nope he doesn't, you can be 6'8" and mobile with hands and play as a loose head lock (Ultan/Browner when fit/available provide cover that side). Height isn't the determining factor

We have Cannon and Quinn covering the tight head side as first choices. As he is, Gav is big enough unit to cover both sides if required witbout compromising on his mobility.

sea_point wrote:

Mark Mostyn wrote: I wonder is Thornbury taking a bit of time out to bulk up, like Leinster did with Molony I think it was last year.

Wouldn't think so, over 18st / 117kg already.
He's like Dillane, a mobile unit so can't see him sticking much more timber on...

It will all depend on what the management team are looking for.

He does need to put on kg but how much?

He is 3kg heavier than ultane but 5kg lighter than Quinn. But he is taller than both.
In old money out use to be a stone an inch

He is 1cm taller than Cannon but 3kg lighter.
So he's needs to put on somewhere between 3kg and 5kg depending on power or speed.

I'm old school, I love power so would be looking for 5kg. I think a second row should be a enforcer around the park. Let 6 to 15 have the speed. This is why I love to see Quinn playing.
It's harder to loose power than speed which will extend his career.

Personally, in terms of curveballs at 10. I would say Deegan at 10 with Mitchell beside him
and Ronaldson at 22 to cover 10/12/13 more than likely Blade at 21 ( would be seen as "more experienced" than McKeon based on Pro caps at 9) although would personally like to see McKeon get more gametime at 9.
then a back 3 can take number 23.

Also could Stacey be involved? Played with Eagles lately so injury surely is not a factor

Mark Mostyn wrote: I wonder is Thornbury taking a bit of time out to bulk up, like Leinster did with Molony I think it was last year.

Wouldn't think so, over 18st / 117kg already.
He's like Dillane, a mobile unit so can't see him sticking much more timber on...

Wasrednowgreen wrote: Quick question - any particular area of the ground for Connacht supporters to gather or is it a free for all?

East Stand Terrace is where Clan are headed...

I wonder is Thornbury taking a bit of time out to bulk up, like Leinster did with Molony I think it was last year.

connachta wrote: That'd be my surprise call too, but he's so discreet, and doesn't appear often on the training pics..

It would be nice to strenghten midfield/defence too, as Farrell/Ahki are light compared to Scannell/other Farrell (if he plays just back from long-term injury)

Ronaldson/Farrell/Akhi would probably out-bosh whoever/Scannell/Farrell in fairness. And while I'm not a huge fan of Ronaldson at 10 he was superb a couple years ago when he played against Munster at the Sportsground. He's been unlucky with game time with injury, Tom Farrell's emergence, and Jack's form; he deserves a start in a big game.

salmson wrote:

Mark Mostyn wrote:

connachta wrote: So Mitchell Blade or McKeon for SH

I know it won't happen but Carty would focus on his great open-play with the latter, and not kicks

He would also benefit from Mitchell’s sharper service so it’s a bit of a toss up.

I'm fairly sure Mitchell kicks too, but regardless wouldn't be surprised if Ronaldson starts based on last week's midweek Craggy interview with Carolan. Also Jack has almost 1000 minutes played already.

That'd be my surprise call too, but he's so discreet, and doesn't appear often on the training pics..

It would be nice to strenghten midfield/defence too, as Farrell/Ahki are light compared to Scannell/other Farrell (if he plays just back from long-term injury)

Mark Mostyn wrote:

connachta wrote: So Mitchell Blade or McKeon for SH

I know it won't happen but Carty would focus on his great open-play with the latter, and not kicks

He would also benefit from Mitchell’s sharper service so it’s a bit of a toss up.

I'm fairly sure Mitchell kicks too, but regardless wouldn't be surprised if Ronaldson starts based on last week's midweek Craggy interview with Carolan. Also Jack has almost 1000 minutes played already.

connachta wrote: So Mitchell Blade or McKeon for SH

I know it won't happen but Carty would focus on his great open-play with the latter, and not kicks

He would also benefit from Mitchell’s sharper service so it’s a bit of a toss up.

Quick question - any particular area of the ground for Connacht supporters to gather or is it a free for all?

So Mitchell Blade or McKeon for SH

I know it won't happen but Carty would focus on his great open-play with the latter, and not kicks