CONNACHT HAVE BEEN dealt a heavy blow ahead of their vital Guinness Pro12 encounter with the Dragons this weekend, with Kieran Marmion ruled out.
After a disappointing performance during last weekend’s 32-14 defeat away to Champions Cup qualification rivals the Scarlets, Pat Lam’s men are desperate to return to winning ways in Wales on Sunday [KO 16.00, S4C].
The task has been made more difficult with the loss of Ireland international Marmion, who sustained an AC joint sprain during the first half of the defeat to the Scarlets.
That the issue is only grade one in terms of severity means Marmion is likely to be available again for the home tie against Treviso on Sunday 1 March, but Lam would ideally have had the 23-year-old in his team to face the Dragons.
With John Cooney having returned to Leinster due to the eastern province’s shortage of scrum-halves, Ian Porter seems likely to wear nine for Connacht this weekend.
More positively, Lam will be able to select out-half/centre Craig Ronaldson against the Dragons, with the former Lansdowne FC man having fully recovered from a recent quadriceps injury.
Connacht remain sixth in the Pro12 table despite last weekend’s disappointment, although they lead the Scarlets only on account of having won seven league fixtures to the Welsh side’s six.
Edinburgh are just a single point further down the table in eighth, meaning the pressure is on Connacht to secure victory versus the Dragons, who beat Leinster last time out.
The Scarlets are at home to Munster this weekend, while Edinburgh host Ulster. Lam certainly would welcome a favour from two of his neighbours.
Delighted for him! Must feel on top of the world, with all the abuse he gets too
Brilliant from him, onwards and upwards
Bouncing back when down. That’s what it’s all about!!
Good player loads of movement
Congratulations Adam.
Well done.
Up Cork!
As an Everton fan, it’s another dreadful result, but delighted for Adam Idah. Hopefully this is the catalyst to more goals and the end of the loan move rumours.
Will Rafa still be in charge by Monday or will it be Big Dunc?
@Aidan Prior: rafa, like Mourinho is yesterdays man.
@Brian Dunne: yip. Only good thing he did was bring in two wingers with pace.
@Aidan Prior: He’s been sacked. Announcement tonight.
@Fergus O’Connor: where did you hear that?
Moshiri pays the wages so he can appoint who he wants, but obviously he doesn’t understand the fabric of the club when he appointed Benitez. I am all for supporting the manager, but some of his decisions lately have been baffling. Rondon is no better than Tosun, neither should be Everton players. Coleman has been struggling any game I have watched, he gave the ball away cheaply for Idah goal again today. Playing him left back and on right side of 3 centre backs was crazy by Rafa. Kenny/Paterson surely have to play. We need Pickford, Mina, Gomez, Townsend, Allen, Richie, etc to step up now and get out out of this hole, we need to get DCL fit and sharp, we need to stop conceding the bloody first goal all the time. If I could walk away I would but I can’t as I’m in love. Nil Satis Nil Optimum