on the injury side of things all the provinces have been affected by injury crisis, our players have been injured outside of our competetive games, playing for the eagles and ireland, in training and even on waterslides. don't think we can blame the coaches for it

I doubt Aly will follow Pat, one thing I am critical of Pat for is how he singled out Aly for criticism. that didn't go unnoticed\unforgotten by him or his family and i'm fairly sure it was a factor in him leaving us

More like Bristol colours.

wonder if grenoble fall out of the Top14 this year could we see Muldowney back in Connacht colours next year?

You also have to remember that many of the players Connacht have signed were initially overlooked for academy contracts elsewhere because of injuries: McSharry, Ronaldson, Masterson at the very least, I'm sure there are others - Marshall and Roux were effectively released from Leinster due to injuries, Dillane was slight and injury prone as a youth. If cumulative injuries are an issue they will be a greater issue with players who become 'injury prone' at a young age. As a province with a smaller budget Connacht will tend to be buying in that pool of players that are on the periphery elsewhere, that's just economics.

columoc wrote: This is not Pat's first deep injury crisis where we are at bare bones, correct me if I am wrong, but it's the third major crisis since he came here. While many contributors have attributed this to impact or normal injuries, it seems as though crises follow Pat; googling back, Auckland had a crisis in 2006, Blues in 2009 and 2012. Bad luck or a consequence of the way we play, train or conditioning? I think there is merit in investigating the latter. Either way, it will be interesting to see if we have similar crisis next year, or if Bristol have one.

Bit unfair to be dropping this issue in Pat's lap as if it's something that only started when he arrived, given we historically had the same issue with Bradley & Eric before him - remember the 14 loss run precipitated by humongous injury list (well into double figures) that was only ended by the 9-8 win at SG against Quins..

all these injuries are certainly concerning. I wonder if it is related to the Connacht style of play. when you consider that players retain possession until the last moment to give the opportunity to release the next player in the line, the player releasing the possession is taking heavy knocks each time as the onrushing opponent is taking him out. It's along the line of the sacrificial lamb for the benefit of the team. In comparison other teams play the more methodical rugby of simply making gain bit by bit. In this case the hits are less severe as the players are not moving at such pace so the impact is less. just a thought as to why Connacht might be suffering more than others with injuries?

This is not Pat's first deep injury crisis where we are at bare bones, correct me if I am wrong, but it's the third major crisis since he came here. While many contributors have attributed this to impact or normal injuries, it seems as though crises follow Pat; googling back, Auckland had a crisis in 2006, Blues in 2009 and 2012. Bad luck or a consequence of the way we play, train or conditioning? I think there is merit in investigating the latter. Either way, it will be interesting to see if we have similar crisis next year, or if Bristol have one.

EvoGeo wrote:

phatguerilla wrote: www.connachtrugby.ie/squad-update-ahead-...game-8/#ConnachtNews

When you have so many injuries you need to list them by position.

We're well past the stage where it would be quicker to list who is available than who isn't.

Seriously lads is it just misfortune or is there some underlying reason for all these injuries. Is anyone here up to speed on sports science/physical conditioning?

Once you get past a point in numbers injured, there's always a risk you'll be adding more. Most mature Pro's play carrying some sort of chronic injury which is managed from week to week.
When injury lists escalate you risk having more players carrying knocks on the field, which leads to more acute longer term injuries and longer periods out. Sort of a self-fulfilling prophecy really...

I'd be hugely reluctant to see Robb or any player) come straight back from injury into an Interpro without any games under theior belt...

I'd also be very interested to see accurate lists for each province of fully contracted players, because between Pro12/EPRC & Wikipedia you get a very mixed up notion of what Squads have access to resource wise....(e.g. if you compare Leinster & OUr squads on Wikipedia then we have 3 more players listed than they do..?).

No return date, i highly doubt they will share Bent on loan
IMO the best solution would be Paddy Ryan, a real TH, and not a regular player on the teamsheet, so with his ex-club connexions from 20 years ago, Pat Lam may have him back from Newcastle...

When is Mike Ross due back for Leinster? I'd have Bent in a heartbeat. Can play both sides and in my opinion would be better than any of Loughney McCoy or Cooney.

Andress retired before the 15th of december, saying his body can't follow pro-rythm anymore. I doubt it has improved by miracle so that he can play saturday after a heavily-fed-non-playing-normal-Christmas, and 3 months without a Pro game...

salmson wrote: Before the Ulster match the injury update said Jake would be available next week i.e. for Munster, this week's seems to confirm that.

However even if Mul's out we're well covered in the back row, Bealham/Poolman/Robb's availability or otherwise is more important.

Saw multiple reports we're looking at Andress and others. Any idea whst the timescale is - will the new prop or props be in for Munster?

Yeah it was my exact analysis.
Poolman shouldn't play centre ever again anyway. I guess Robb can reasonnably take place on the bench as 23, in case of Dawai's first-half at 12 isn't good enough

Not too worried about Heenan but feel like we'll be asking a lot of Robb in terms of match fitness.

Before the Ulster match the injury update said Jake would be available next week i.e. for Munster, this week's seems to confirm that.

However even if Mul's out we're well covered in the back row, Bealham/Poolman/Robb's availability or otherwise is more important.

Saw multiple reports we're looking at Andress and others. Any idea whst the timescale is - will the new prop or props be in for Munster?

For me Top 6 is away from reach since Dragons defeat
But it's a massive game to be considered definitely as equals in Ireland, against Pro12 leaders

How do you guys read the update about Robb and Heenan?? IMO "training with the squad" means there is a chance they play on Saturday, don't they? (at least Robb as we desperately need a 12)