Looks like Thornley has been ousted so. No Marmion. Of our lads just Bundee at 12.

www.the42.ie/sean-masterson-connacht-eog...61-Feb2018/#comments

Good luck to him. I think it’s very disappointing that we only have one player in the squad, who’s only been in our system for one year, but he’s obviously saying what he has to say. I had big hopes for the whole grassroots to green shirts initiative.

Gerry says Marmion, Murray says McGrath.
This isn't just about who is the reserve scrumhalf anymore, the role of IRFU confidential recipient is on the line ... I back Gerry to retain the role.
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/internati...nst-france-1.3375668

I'll wait and see the official team announcement tbh. McGrath has been predicted to be ahead of Marmion in almost every possibles team for the past 18 months to 2 years and it has been incorrect almost every time. I'm not saying it won't happen this time but there's definitely a boy who cried wolf element to how I look at it at this stage.

I don't really have any qualms about Luke McGrath tbh. Would love Marmion to be there and he hasn't been slacking in recent weeks but I just think McGrath, if he gets any gametime on Saturday could do more damage finding space. Dillane was probably our best chance for a bench spot too but seems like a rest day before the announcement tomorrow means selection is done.

That said, will still be bringing my Connacht flag to throw to the welcoming arms of Bundee Aki after his hat-trick.

we'll have to wait and see Jirry's expected team for the proper leak, but I would be very surprised at Ryan starting ahead of Toner unless the latter is carrying something? And even so I would have expected Roux in ahead of Ryan. Will be very disappointed if this is the case.

the 42.ie have the expected Ireland team up and it has just Aki for us involved, with Marmion being dropped for McGrath. Also James Ryan looks like starting, I think he's another overhyped leinster lad that has been given every advantage possible. I know I'm in the minority with this opinion but still I think both Roux and Dillane are hard done by to be overtaken by him.
15. Rob Kearney
14. Keith Earls
13. Robbie Henshaw
12. Bundee Aki
11. Jacob Stockdale
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Conor Murray

1. Cian Healy
2. Rory Best (captain)
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. James Ryan
5. Iain Henderson
6. Peter O’Mahony
7. Josh van der Flier
8. CJ Stander

Replacements:

16. Sean Cronin
17. Jack McGrath
18. John Ryan
19. Devin Toner
20. Dan Leavy
21. Luke McGrath
22. Joey Carbery
23. Fergus McFadden
www.the42.ie/ireland-france-possible-tea...ons-3825796-Jan2018/

James Cronin added into the Ireland squad for Kilcoyne, you'd think if Buckley was fit he'd surely have been in there this time, but alas his luck of being injured at the wrong time continues.

Sean Masterson the only Connacht player to make the u20 squad...

Yato's on the bench, he's a monster from what I've seen. Very disappointed Tuisova isn't playing but I doubt Dave Kearney feels the same way.

Embarrassment of riches.

Just in reply regarding Dawai, he wasn't selected for their squad for the Autumn internationals as far as I know so he's been dropped since the summer where he started a game and was on the bench for a couple more. In fairness they have some class back row players, I see Peceli Yato might not even be on the bench for them at the weekend and he's a quality player for Clermont

Since I can find no such blasphemy on the IT website, I fear you have fallen victim to Mr Murdoch's imposter publication.

Ladies and gentlemen

If anyone has a spare ticket for tomorrow could you let me know as I've a mate looking for one.

Thanks!

That's shocking, but to be fair to the Times certain writers have numbered among our bigger allies over the years.

The Times has Dillane as a Leinster player. This “paper” is sloppy beyond belief. Or do they know something we don’t :ohmy: