sea_point wrote:
Really that's insane, I assume you're just being deliberately provocative to stir debate,

Healy is a definite starter. On form since he arrived at Connacht he would be in a starter in any Pro12 squad, and any Top14 squad.He has a higher points per game contribution (+25%) than even Craig Gilroy across all competitions

Even if you weren't to measure him on tries scored, his runs break up play and instigate moves leading to tries.
He has probably the most assists in the Connacht side in the last two seasons.

Poolman is a solid player but doesn't present half the challenges/threat to opposition defences that Healy does. And the notion that Healy is a bad defender is just that, a notion. There isn't one Conancht back that hasn't fecked up a couple of times defensively each season (remember Niyi's first season?), and Healy is no worse than the majority of our back three options.

As for Boshoff, he'll have to be managed into the squad. I certainly don't expect him to be a prominent player in his first season (even Bundee needed a season to really find his feet, although in fairness his average is everybody else's good). This is his first full season outside South Africa, and at sea level. He's going to have to re-learn his game for Irish conditions (away from the High Veldt). We could see something of him in the second half of the season, but frankly he's had so little rugby in the last season I'd be fairly surprised..

Just 100% agree about Boshoff, That's why I put him a 22 as a useful Outhalf/FB cover. Then between Ronaldson Carty and O'Leary, I'd choose the 1st one. Especially when he should be barred by talents like Robb/Aki/Griffin/McSharry for the 12 jersey, and it would be waste.

For healy we disagree, he has days-off and real weaknesses on European level. 1 great game/1 game he is nearly absent. Niyi was young and is improving his defence, and have more room for improvement too IMO. And Poolman was always hurted by injuries, we have not seen his real level on a 6 months-continuity yet.

I said this because I believe there is a debate. No provocation. No Healy bashing, as you said he has great qualities Just more of a 50/50 than most think.

connachta wrote: I know he'd be one of those who will make you react
Matt have one match he switches on and is brillant, then one match off, very weak especially in defence
Hard choice indeed but I'd trust Poolman as our most reliable winger as long as he stays fit (which could mean Healy would have a loooooot of gametime considering how injury prone Dannie was on the past 3 years)

Really that's insane, I assume you're just being deliberately provocative to stir debate,

Healy is a definite starter. On form since he arrived at Connacht he would be in a starter in any Pro12 squad, and any Top14 squad.He has a higher points per game contribution (+25%) than even Craig Gilroy across all competitions

Even if you weren't to measure him on tries scored, his runs break up play and instigate moves leading to tries.
He has probably the most assists in the Connacht side in the last two seasons.

Poolman is a solid player but doesn't present half the challenges/threat to opposition defences that Healy does. And the notion that Healy is a bad defender is just that, a notion. There isn't one Conancht back that hasn't fecked up a couple of times defensively each season (remember Niyi's first season?), and Healy is no worse than the majority of our back three options.

As for Boshoff, he'll have to be managed into the squad. I certainly don't expect him to be a prominent player in his first season (even Bundee needed a season to really find his feet, although in fairness his average is everybody else's good). This is his first full season outside South Africa, and at sea level. He's going to have to re-learn his game for Irish conditions (away from the High Veldt). We could see something of him in the second half of the season, but frankly he's had so little rugby in the last season I'd be fairly surprised..

1) Denis
2) Tom
3) Natahn - (I feel Finlay offers more off the bench 50-60 Min mark)
4) Dillane
5) Roux - ( Not counting my chickens in relation to NIQ and Rouxs scrummaging power important and cofidence should be high after selection in SA)
6) Nepia
7) Jake
8 )John - ( Just feel John is a man that needs to start if he is involved in the 23 which he will)
9) Kieran
10) Boshoff - ( Bought as a NIQ OH and I dont think Pat bought him to be on the bench big things expected of him)
11) Matt - ( Despite weaknesses his out and out speed trumps it and in ahead of Poolman who is a more rounded rugby player)
12) Bundee
13) Griffin ( Selection here as powerful as Robb is I dont feel he has the fineses and skill to get the best out of Bundee where I believe Bundee can get the best of Griffin)
14) Niyi
15) TOH

sligsup wrote: Whats your thought process re Boshoff at FB - when you have Leader and Kelleher, one of who I think will start at FB should TOH be rested at the start of the season. I doubt you will see CR much at 10 as I believe Pat sees him more as a 12.

I was talking about "best team when everyone available"
Boshoff played FB for Golden Lions, and I think it's good to have him to cover 10 and 15, and proven reliable players on a regular basis, including Griffin on the bench, and Craig as 10. Might not happen of course, but I'd like it

swift4prez wrote: Denis buckley should be dropped out of the 23. He did nothing for us in the final vs Leinster.

Would-be a handy water boy in warm weather games. He is a big strong guy who can carry alot of water to help our guys stay hydrated

I'm not sure he's tall enough

Denis buckley should be dropped out of the 23. He did nothing for us in the final vs Leinster.

Would-be a handy water boy in warm weather games. He is a big strong guy who can carry alot of water to help our guys stay hydrated

Whats your thought process re Boshoff at FB - when you have Leader and Kelleher, one of who I think will start at FB should TOH be rested at the start of the season. I doubt you will see CR much at 10 as I believe Pat sees him more as a 12.

swift4prez wrote: Don't feed . . .

That's for my team? or the punchline below,?

Don't feed . . .

I know he'd be one of those who will make you react
Matt have one match he switches on and is brillant, then one match off, very weak especially in defence
Hard choice indeed but I'd trust Poolman as our most reliable winger as long as he stays fit (which could mean Healy would have a loooooot of gametime considering how injury prone Dannie was on the past 3 years)

Matt Healy doesn't even get in the 23. Did he chat up your sister?

NB : If one of my starting wingers goes off, TOH would take the spot, Boshoff to come in as FB. If Ronaldson has to go off too, Boshoff to 10 and Griffin (exceptional situation) on the wing for a few minutes

s

dobby wrote:

connachta wrote: Buckley Tom Bealham Dillane Roux Heenan Marmion Aki TOH are 1st choices without any contest

So ? for next season

6) SOB vs Nepia vs Muldoon vs McKeon
8 ) SOB vs McKeon vs Muldonn vs Masterson
10) Boshoff vs Carty vs O'Leary vs Ronalsson
12) -when Aki plays 13- Ronaldson vs Robb vs McSharry
13) -when Aki plays 12- Griffin vs Parata
11) Healy vs Kelleher
14) Poolman vs Leader vs Niyi


16 Delahunt vs Heff
17 Sokora vs JP vs Loughney
18 Carey vs McCoy
19 Browne vs Marshall
21 Blade vs Cooney
23) Too many in contention

Your opinion for each "battle", assuming all the "1st choices" are fit at the same time

You make a really interesting and maybe worrying point, Carey vs MCoy? Now I am all for blooding new players but. Then Browne vs Marshall. Well Ben hasn't played a game in recent memory. You forgot about 22 which for me would be robb/parata for me (aki and Ronaldson a given at 12/13)).

My opinion about those choices (assuming the full-squad is available)

1) Buckley
2) Tom
3) Bealham
4) Dillane
5) Our last signing NIQ lock
6) Fox-Matamua
7) Heenan
8 ) Masterson (McKeon until December)
9) Marmion
10) Ronaldson
12) Robb
13) Aki
11) Poolman
14) Niyi
15) TOH

16) Delahunt
17) Carey
18) White
19) Roux
20) Muldoon
21) Cooney
22) Boshoff
23) Griffin

I know how harsh and unexpected this selection would be for major players, but that's the best one IMO.

Was thinking that too. Might not hear anything for a couple of weeks yet.

sligsup wrote: With no announcement on a signing this week would one suspect especially when we have an NIQ spot available since George is gone that if there is to be one that they are still actively involved in the Super Rugby championship and waiting for season their season 2 end before announcing it or am I in fantasy land ?

That's what I've been thinking/hoping. There are still 4 NZ team involved which is the country that Pat generally looks at in recruitment. The lack of second rows (or any announcements of a new one) is a bit disconcerting this close to the season

With no announcement on a signing this week would one suspect especially when we have an NIQ spot available since George is gone that if there is to be one that they are still actively involved in the Super Rugby championship and waiting for season their season 2 end before announcing it or am I in fantasy land ?