Ospreys V Connacht 22 March @ 17.15.

Mark said in his post match presser that they put the guys through a bit of a ringer in training last week and that probably contributed to some of the defensive lapses.

I was very impressed by the Connacht attack and handling and some of their disguised passes were simply lovely but this Ospreys' side never knows when or how to give up and we still found the way to win.

We won’t win many games with a defensive performance as bad as last night but I imagine it will be heavily analysed in the week.

I also think the training load will not be any where near as heavy as last week so that should help.

Boycie said Reuben shoulder Botha knee on knee Kieran knee twist Fender HIA. Garyn looked a stinger as moving arm at end. Tips back spasm

Reuben did not come back on. Hardy came back on and Edwards went off.

I thought McGuigan stayed on once he came on?

I thought he finished on the flank?

He absolutely did. He started there and finished there.

Garyn - worst case scenario is a collarbone/arm injury, best case scenario is just a stinger

Tom B - looked like a bang on the hip. Likely taken off as a precaution.

Tips - had back trouble. Likely taken off as a precaution.

Keiran - worst case scenario is an ACL/MCL

Fender - looked like a HIA

Tristan - HIA but he passed

RMW - looked like a stinger

Those are my thoughts based on what I saw live. I haven't seen the post match presser.

Connacht has a fantastic attacking game that really finds the edge. Our starting pack with Parry Botha Beard and Morris meant a fair few slow footed players which they exposed brilliantly. We just kept producing moments of magic from our back three. Hardy’s box kicking and Kasende’s chasing was incredible. I thought Cokasinga gave a creditable performance. I would like to say Kieran was a sprain but I fear not. Botha looked worrying as well although he looked more comfortable walking off than Kieran did.

I think Ratti not coming back on means he picked up a knock and if so that's 7 forward injuries including two HIA's. No wonder defensive shapes became ragged especially as the last 14 minutes saw McGuigan play flanker, Kassende was hobbling into position as a speed bump and Parry was out on his feet.

Keiran's injury was similar to the U20 incident which saw a red card issued and Beirne get cited for. Beard looked as if he had a faceful of studs but I think all bar Keiran should be OK.

Their handling was very impressive and their little pop passes really caused us problems as you said. Kasende was brilliant.

That’s areal shame, particularly with Keefs injury looking bad today.

My immediate reaction was an ACL or MCL injury given how he was folded back over his knee but I have seen that happen before and there was no lasting damage. I am hoping that he will be okay.

Yeah, first impressions were a knee ligament. As you say, hopefully not.

McGuigan has been here for at least a week and we don't have another fit hooker since Lloyd got injured. Lake will be back next week I hope

Deaves and Spencer were not available this week don’t know about Lewis and Jones.

So all of the TW boys get the weekend off (GT DL & JM), Beard starts and Steffan Thomas is back on the bench.

It will be interesting to see how Cokanasiga goes off the bench as he could well be playing for a contract renewal.

Agreed on Cokasinga. He may have signed a two year contract rather than 12 months so perhaps even more important to see what he brings come game time.

With the trip to South Africa coming up they can't afford to take the URC games too lightly either and, apart from "normal" rotations I think Mark will be putting out the strongest possible 23 every time. He will be aiming for 16 to 20 points before South Africa.

Connacht is a huge game to win and win well and it is a shame Waisea is not available.

We need to bear in mind that our fijian could not crack the Sale starting line up and maybe is no longer the player he once was which may mean our strongest 15 has Boshoff at 13.

Possibly. He has only played two cup games this season but both as a starter and both in February so he should be fit enough.

From now they have 7 games in 8 weeks and he has to start somewhere. Better off the bench at home than at PyS next week? With Cardiff, Dragons, Sharks and Lions in quick succession they need to have as much match fitness depth as possible.

Dewi played 39 minutes and Gartom 28 against England so they may want a runout but Jac needs rehab/recuperation.

I guess a home bench appearance is better than an away one and then he will likely start 6 of the 7 games. Dewi and Gar Thom will definitely come off the bench but I agree that Jac should not be selected.

Not sure he is eligible to be tegistered reading the challenge cup rules as can only register new players during pool stages. Duncan’s answer on his future availability during the press conference was very guarded I thought and he point blanked refused to give a reason for it when asked.

I guess it all depends on how he has reacted after training with Gloucester yesterday.

Personally I would not risk him this week, not with the Scarlets double header coming up.

not sure I'd want to play him in those games with zero minutes under his belt though...

Even if he were ready, I would be inclined to keep him back for perhaps a bench appearance the following week against the Scarlets and definitely for the week after.

Is he staying with us?

There has been no official announcement but the French press were pretty definite in November he had signed a 3 year contract with Montpellier.