Connacht V Leinster Pro12 Final - Murrayfield

Just starting a match thread as all the others seem to be about tickets/accomodation/partying (which is fine obvs)

At BT Murrayfield, 5.30pm Live on Sky Sports and TG4
Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU, 136th competition game, 4th Final)
Assistant Referees: Ian Davies, Ben Whitehouse (WRU)
Officials: 4 Lloyd Linton; 5 Bob Nevins; 6 Tom Mc Nicol (all SRU)
Timekeeper; Paul Cyphus (SRU)
Citing Commissioner: Maurizio Vancini (FIR)
TMO: Jon Mason (WRU)
Read more at www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/19804.php#MiKOof7QWGiBClxC.99

On the eve of the first final in the province’s 131 year history, Pat Lam has declared no fresh injury concerns arising out of their semi-final win over Glasgow last Saturday in advance of Saturday’s Guinness Pro12 final against Leinster in Murrayfield.
“That’s the shortest, best squad update of the year,” said Lam, after revealing just the “normal bumps and bruises” from the semi-final, while declaring winger Danie Poolman is fully fit and available for selection, although realistically the South African is hardly likely to replace either of the in-form incumbents, Matt Healy and Niyi Adeolokun.
“Obviously, the big loss for us, particularly with the forward pack we’ve got to go up against, are the guys who started in the front-row the most, Nathan White and Denis Buckley, ” said Lam. “But in saying that Finlay Bealham, Ronan Loughney, JP Cooney and Rodney Ah You have all stepped up and come through.”

Backline and tight 5 picks itself
The lineup of backrow (McKeon or SOB ) and bench have few decisions
Roux or Browne as second row cover
Could we see Ronaldson (covers 10,12) and Poolman (covers 11, 13, 14&15) at 22 and 23
They haven't played much though so might be risky

I dont think there will be any changes either.

I'm a huge fan of Danie, but dont think he's good enough in center to take the spot from Robb

Tiernan can cover the wings
Robbie can cover full back

The only change I might consider is putting Ronaldson on the bench instead of O'Leary, which would be harsh on Shane

ConnachtCows wrote: I dont think there will be any changes either.

I'm a huge fan of Danie, but dont think he's good enough in center to take the spot from Robb

Tiernan can cover the wings
Robbie can cover full back

The only change I might consider is putting Ronaldson on the bench instead of O'Leary, which would be harsh on Shane

Ah ya I just figured if Ronaldson was at 22 then no real need for Robb at 23 as Craig can cover inside centre - allowing Danie to be an impact of the bench
It would be harsh on Robb, Browne and O'Leary to miss out though ofcourse

I can see Roux being on bench as only change alright

Surprised to see Ah You in the squad, was poor in first Glasgow game and a liability in the second one.

Rex wrote: Surprised to see Ah You in the squad, was poor in first Glasgow game and a liability in the second one.

We're not really spoilt for choice at prop at the minute.

Westie85 wrote:

Rex wrote: Surprised to see Ah You in the squad, was poor in first Glasgow game and a liability in the second one.

We're not really spoilt for choice at prop at the minute.

As Westie85 said not many options there. What I am surprised about is Pat naming him in the list of props that have "stepped up and come through." I keep hoping Rodney will put in a performance and prove us all wrong, but sure didn't he try to sabotage the whole season last time out with that lazy nonsensical high tackle?

Rex wrote: Surprised to see Ah You in the squad, was poor in first Glasgow game and a liability in the second one.

Was he really that poor in the first game? Maybe its victory tinted glasses but he came in early and gave a 60-70 minute performance that might not have blown us away but solidified teh scrum and did his job in the loose, I don't we expected or could ask for much more.

What I said about Owens before the semi final holds true for Leinster or even moreso - they've plenty of experience playing him and their rucking game should be well suited to his interpretation of the breakdown.

I thought Rodders was fantastic in that first game, he was in the form that got him capped. Some of his hits were earth-shattering. He is capable of excellence on his day

RAY will be up there with the worst Irish caps given away ever.

Jeez, the Craggy Island podcast was brilliant this week. I was nearly in tears listening to it.

It struck me how emotional "the West's Awake" was on Saturday - I have never been struck by it before but I found it an incredibly moving experience on this occasion. The singer adjusted the words slightly to figure in Connacht more into the words. Anyone got the amended words?

Also, what are the names of the people who do the podcast? Can't see it anywhere, but kudos to them on a great job. Loved the story about the cigar!

Call me crazy but would anyone else consider playing Peter Robb against Leinster?
Mainly because the last time we played them he basically made Ben Teo his b***h. Don't think he made yardage once, Robb smashed him everytime he touched the ball and once that go forward was stopped they had very little else to offer.

Only problem then is who to drop of Niyi, Matt, Robbie or Tiernan as none of then would deserve it