Rob instead of TOH is disgraceful IMO. I don't see what Porter has done to be ahead of Finlay. And I personally would always select Buckley ahead of Kilcoyne the penalty machine ( but I know that's green tinted glasses)

Outside of Connacht. Cronin not playing his best so giving Herring the shirt makes sense looking forward and happy McCloskeys form is being rewarded

Very upsetting to see that Joe has been smoking from the crackpipe again. Some truly bizarre choices across the squad. Herring ahead of Cronin is a bit of a shock from a non-Connacht perspective although Herring has been playing well, I would have thought Tom has been stronger than him but that may be biased. I think TOD can count himself lucky to make the squad, he definitely would not have had JVDF been fit. Also can't see what Porter has shown to warrant his inclusion. Conway ahead of TOH I can just about let go, but the Kearney's I can't, maybe Dave who's back fit can still can get back to somewhere where he can offer something, but if we are going to persist with Rob Kearney then it really is a shame we're losing Zebo for Ireland. I'm not surprised to see Finlay dropped although it does seem to be easier to drop a Connacht player who's playing okay within a poorly performing team than to drop a Kearney who's not playing at all for a Leinster team.

Edit: I also felt John Cooney was playing well enough to be included ahead of Luke McGrath and could have been ahead of Marmion based off his performances for Ulster (but I'm not sure how severe Cooney's injury is and maybe that's a factor). Also just noticed the lack of Rory Scannell who has been better than Farrell so some really strange calls.

pinky wrote:

salmson wrote: except the bizarre omission of TOH, unless that's injury related

You reckon they've an injury planned for him tomorrow?

You must be very excited about the JFK file release, my tinfoil hatted friend.

I'm sure O'Halloran is pleased to shafted in favour of a player who has not only been on a noticeable decline for the past couple years but has basically not played any rugby in 7 months.

salmson wrote: except the bizarre omission of TOH, unless that's injury related

You reckon they've an injury planned for him tomorrow?

Just 3 Connacht players in the Ireland squad. Not too much to argue except the bizarre omission of TOH, unless that's injury related. 2012's Rob and Dave Kearney included, in fairness the 10 minutes of rugby they've each played this season were top notch.

I know it's unlikely anyone here thought it but I've heard so often that Buckley is "too small" for international rugby. Next time someone says it to one of ye don't be afraid to point out that Kane Hames who has been starting for the All Blacks with their loosehead injuries is virtually identical in height & weight to him, and has been dominant in his scrummaging against teams like South Africa and Australia.

Cathalsmart wrote: J.Ryan wasn't in the Ireland camps yet was named in JS autumn squad and overtook Bealham when the 6n came around, but I agree does look ominous for Tom.

At provincial level, Ryan was probably the standout Irish front-row last year. It'll take a hell of a season from Tom to force his way into the international reckoning (Edit: I'm biased but I'd start him for Ireland).

J.Ryan wasn't in the Ireland camps yet was named in JS autumn squad and overtook Bealham when the 6n came around, but I agree does look ominous for Tom.

KK mentioned in his pre-match interview (see Connacht facebook page) that he's short a few who are away at the Ireland training camp.

We know Aki is up there. The only senior IQ players missing from the match squad & not named in the injury update are Heff, Finlay, Ultan, Kieran and JP. I'm presuming the first four are with Ireland. I think we can deduce that Tom won't be turning out for Ireland any time soon.

connachta wrote: Is it real? Great sign!

Peter Robb has to step up before November on Connacht perspective

www.sportsjoe.ie/rugby/irish-rugby-suppo...training-camp-134517

Is it real? Great sign!

Peter Robb has to step up before November on Connacht perspective

Bundee looking well in his Ireland gear

Maybe Marmion needs to keep his eye on Peter. Hearing that the Corkman is stuck on 98 caps makes me feel like he might be interested in adding to them.

After the End Times, Peter Stringer will still be playing professional rugby. Fair play to him.

In the meantime...
www.the42.ie/peter-stringer-40-contract-3505444-Jul2017/