Interesting to see Muldowney back. Thought when we got him that it was a good bit of business but after a couple of ropey displays including one in the back row he hasn't been seen since. He's here on a three year deal so needs to shape up, we can't afford to be carrying anyone two further seasons.

Good to see Eoin McKeown back, long term I probably wouldn't have him at 8 but good to see him back again anyway. Hopefully Poolman will get on at some stage to bring us that extra bit of class we need.

Last week was my first chance to watch Masterson play and have to say I was delighted with his showing for the first 50, I thought he made a very solid contribution for a young lad with not many starts behind him. Good to see Lam stick with him rather than have a bit of reshuffle with the older guys, interesting to note Gorgeous is not listed on the injured list.

Delighted to read Pat says Aly Muldowney has been training well the last few weeks but seriously where have you been up until now big man? Would be like a new signing if he could go out show some of the promise he had with Exeter.

Congratulations to Marmion too on hitting 50 caps, he'll have Swifty caught up in a couple of seasons if he keeps this up!!

www.benettonrugby.it/novita.aspx?idC=3174

Sixteenth day of RaboDirect PRO12 offering direct confrontation for the tenth position in the standings between Benetton Treviso and Connacht.

It is played at the Sportsground in Galway, Ireland, tomorrow night at Local 17. For the match is not provided television coverage, while the race direction is entrusted to the Welsh Leighton Hodges.

Marius Goosen finds seven players released this week by the National Major commitments, ie the third line of Robert Barbieri, the wing Angelo Esposito, the second line and captain Antonio Pavanello, prop Lorenzo Cittadini, the center Alberto Sgarbi and flanker Paul Derbyshire and Manoa Vosawai.

Besides them, also is back in stock scrum half Tobias Botes, not summoned by the Technical Commissioner Jacques Brunel for the last two days of the Six Nations tournament.

There remain the two permit player Petrarca Padova and Femi CZ Vea Rugby Rovigo, Romulo AWhat and Joe Van Niekerk.

They fielded:
15 Angelo Esposito
14 Ludovico Nitoglia
13 Alberto Sgarbi
12 Joe Van Niekerk
11 Andrea Pratichetti
10 Mat Berquist
9 Tobias Botes
8 Marco Filippucci
7 Paul Derbyshire
6 Manoa Vosawai
5 Corniel Van Zyl
4 Antonio Pavanello (captain)
3 Lorenzo Cittadini
2 John Maistri
1 Matthew Muccignat

Facilities:
16 Franco Sbaraglini
17 Romulo Acosta
18 Ignacio Fernandez-Rouyet
19 Marco Fuser
20 Valerio Bernabo
21 Robert Barbieri
22 Fabio Semenzato
23 Brendan Williams

Head Coach: Marius Goosen.

Team:

[15-9] Henshaw, O'Halloran, Griffin, McSharry, Carr, Parks, Marmion
[1-8] Buckley, Harris-Wright, Ah You, Muldowney, Kearney, Muldoon (C), Masterson, McKeon
[16-23] Heffernan, Bealham, White, Swift, Browne, Murphy, Nikora, Poolman.

2 changes in the pack due to the 6 day turnaround, Duffy is not on the injured list but doesn't make the 23.

Rabo Direct Pro 12 Round 16
Connacht v Benetton Treviso - Galway Sportsgrounds
Saturday 1st March 2014 Kick Off 17:00

After recording consecutive wins for the first time this season, Connacht will hope to continue their upward momentum when they host a struggling and understrength Treviso side on Saturday. Treviso have failed to build on their strong showing in 2012/13 and have endured a miserable season particularly on the road, having yet to record an away victory this season in 9 attempts.

Treviso Stats
Founded: 1932
Ground: Stadio Monigo
Capacity: 6,700
Captain: Antonio Pavanello
Coach: Franco Smith

Rabo Direct Pro12 League Position 2013/14: Position 11th Played: 14 Points:20
Rabo Direct Pro12 League Position 2012/13: 7th Points:50
Heineken Cup 2012/13: 4th in Pool 2 Points: 5

Previous Results
Treviso 12-14 Ulster
Ospreys 75-7 Treviso
Treviso 33-41 Scarlets

Next Fixture:
Saturday 22nd March 2014 19:15 Munster v Treviso @ Thomond Park

Heineken Cup (Pool 5)
Ulster 26
Leicester 21
Montpellier 11
Treviso 0

Previous Meetings

Friday 4th October 2013 Rabo Direct Pro 12 Treviso 23-3 Connacht

www.rabodirectpro12.com/matchcentre/13018.php

Friday 26th April 2013 Rabo Direct Pro 12 Treviso 23-23 Connacht

www.rabodirectpro12.com/matchcentre/12347.php

two fit hookers, it means Rael is off for now, and Heff isn't even used to the position.. very worried about the end of the season if JHW submits injury again...

I have been impressed by Henry's attitude since he came here. There's plenty of evidence that a good stint at hooker in Connacht can revitalise a career. Hopefully not out too long as we need experience to get us over the lines in the games we "should" be winning.

Sean to have surgery-neck out for season: Only two fit hookers atm.

That's tough on Henry but could be the making of Heffernan if he gets a run of games. It might also mean that Rael will get more gametime for the Eagles at least. He's a loss but not as bad as some other positions.

injury update

Dave Finn ‏@Furlo
#connachtrugby: Injury Update: POD-back out for Treviso: Sean to have surgery-neck out for season: Only two fit hookers atm.

Dave Finn ‏@Furlo
#connachtrugby Bit bullet & asked about Tonetti: Had ankle surgery 3 weeks ago: Before had ham tear: Pat's not seen him in a game live

Dave Finn ‏@Furlo
#connachtrugby Nathan back from suspension: McKeon back in squad: Brett, Locks, CraigR all back after break