Ireland Wolfhounds V England Saxons 25TH JANUARY

I particularly dislike how Bent was talked up as a Super 15 prop by management and the press in the build up to the AIs, he was never more than cover at his Super 15 club, and it would have been fairer on everyone to admit he was an average ITM prop at best. That would have at least allowed everyone to accept him as a work in progress rather than the answer to our tighthead problems that he was portrayed as.

I agree regarding Jackson, he's been blessed to be playing behind one of the most dominant packs in Europe alongside one of the best scrum halves in the game, he might well become a super international in the future but he is well off the pace in my opinion, which is not an insult considering his youth. He just has to keep building and eventually he will be a well rounded player. I wonder does the substitutions we saw mean kidney sees Keatley and Madigan as 12 and 15 cover respectively? I think Keatley in particular could provide a lot at 12 but I'd prefer to see him play there a lot more at Munster first before throwing him into the Six nations. He does offer a good bench option however.

Very poor game and atmosphere, made worse by that mad bint at the bottom of the Clan. When I heard her first I thought it must be someone pissed and just having a laugh, but when I got a look at her, she looked like she was not playing with the full deck to be honest. I've a feeling that she's the type who'll only come out to stand up for her country against 'the English' so we're probably safe enough.

I though McSharry did fine. Henshaw was less consistent, but overall did ok. Like all the backs from 12 out, it is hard to be critical because they got so little ball. People criticise Connacht for kicking aimless ball, but that was a different level altogether. Game was played on Englands terms even when the scoreboard said otherwise. Coughlan did well and Marshall too. Luke Fitzgerald was busy defensively, but he seemed to kick everything regardless of the options. Barring that I don't think anyone did themselves any favours really.

I thought Madigan added something different when he came on and would have liked to see him at 10 for a few minutes. Apart from the score I think it can get considered a success. A way bigger crowd than any other A game. The local economy got a boost and the corporate hobnobs seemed to be happy. Plus it kept Rugby in the spotlight in Connacht keeping the awareness high and hopefully the momentum going in terms of popularity.

We were right beside her. Ruined the second half for some. Also got quite aggressive. Lots of kids around who looked a bit scared. Thankfully a rare occurrence at rugby games.

In this age of Smartphone did someone not think to record her to send to the Connacht Branch office. If her behaviour was as offensive as suggested then a steward should have been called at the very least, but if there's video evidence of her behaviour then send it to the Branch Office and get here banned from the ground...

There's usually a grumpy steward patrolling the dog track for Connacht game, but he was nowhere to be seen the last day unfortunately.

I'd say they could hear her. We weren't far from the end of the Clan stand. Question is, can you eject someone for shouting during penalty kicks/conversions?

Is going quiet a rule or a courtesy?

Very disappointing game, no need to restate what others have already said but I was very impressed by Coughlan. No-one else really stood out for me. Was brilliant to see Henshaw and McSharry out there, they looked comfortable. The smile on Robbie's face when he came off to rapturous applause said it all.

One thing that particularly stood out for me was the quality of offloading from some of the non-Connacht players. There were several times when lads were tackled going forward, and I'm so used to seeing a ruck formed and the ball recycled (or not) when Connacht play, then all of a sudden the ball had popped into a support runners arms and they were away. It's an area of the game I think we're really lacking.

Didn't hear that crazy lady ye're talking about above but there were some extremely obnoxious Canadians not far from us. I heard some lads near us discussing whether or not they should put some manners on them. Hopefully it's just because this was an International that these elements are attending. Would hate to see this sort of thing regularly at The Sportsground. It's rare in my experience. Last time I can remember anything like that would have been when we played London Welsh in a pre-season game a few years ago. There were only a few of their fans in attendance but they were the most ignorant 'supporters' I have ever come across.

Seapoint there were no anthems played pre-game so I'm sure you'll be glad to know I didn't have to compromise my position on Phil Coulter dittys.

Question is, can you eject someone for shouting during penalty kicks/conversions?

unaod wrote: We were right beside her. Ruined the second half for some. Also got quite aggressive. Lots of kids around who looked a bit scared. Thankfully a rare occurrence at rugby games.

Unfortunately there are always a few. I remember a few years ago a few of us were swung punches at by a few Sligo GAA supporters who we told to stop shouting racist abuse at Jason Sherlock.

The best way to deal with it is non-acceptance by those around them - like the smoking ban. I think the Sportsground is one of the most welcoming places for people to come and play rugby, passionate but respectful. Long may it stay that way.

Just realised I missed the earlier post. Didn't realise someone actually got punched. Even more disturbing. I suppose in future we must be more proactive. Sad development really.

Watched back the game yesterday and one thing i really noticed was McSharry shouting at the other players getting them into position i thought it was Dan parks on the pitch at one moment. Just shows how an influence he has on the lads this season.