The URC match saw Connacht securing a closely contested victory over Scarlets in Llanelli yesterday. Despite making it challenging for themselves, Connacht successfully continued their impressive start to this season by securing a precious away win over the Welsh team, the Scarlets.
The resilient nature of Connacht was on show once again, following their comeback in the second half against the Sharks, as they snatched victory in the closing moments of this match. Despite leading 21-14 at halftime, Connacht almost lost their lead with just seven minutes left to play. However, Cathal Forde came to the rescue with a critical penalty kick, awarded after replacement hooker van de Merwe committed a late penalty, thus ensuring the victory for Connacht.
The away team worked hard for their win, taking effective control of the game early on. Despite squandering two potential opportunities to score the first try, Connacht had the momentum on their side. For instance, their swift reaction to a mistake from Scarlets resulted in the first try, with Piers O’Connor leading the charge.
The situation worsened for the home side when Tom Rogers was penalised for deliberately stopping Connacht’s quick throw-in. Yet, an earlier obstruction during a maul negated what seemed to be a certain try from Heffernan. Nevertheless, Connacht swiftly recovered and extended their early lead, thanks to Carty’s accurate cross-field kick and Mack Hansen’s alertness. This led to a comfortable 14-0 lead within 15 minutes.
The tide of the match turned when Bundee Aki received a yellow card for a high tackle. The Scarlets took advantage of the situation to score their first try, courtesy of Gareth Davies. From a penalty to a touch, the Scarlets passed the ball skillfully along the line, with their scrumhalf discovering a defensive hole and narrowing the score gap to seven. Sam Costelow completed the conversion at the 22 minute mark.
The Scarlets then seized control of the match, their back line started to operate efficiently to outmaneuver the Connacht defense. Costelow and Lousi played crucial roles in maintaining possession, before Gareth Davis scored the host team’s second try. Costelow’s conversion kept the momentum swinging towards the home team. Connacht’s defense, however, withstood the pressure shortly before the half-time whistle. The visitors also managed to make a significant breakthrough, scoring a try from their own half just before half-time. Aki played a key role in the score, supplying a crucial pass to Conor Oliver who then dashed powerfully down the pitch. Paul Boyle then passed the ball to Murphy to score his third try of the season. Carty’s conversion ensured the Pete Wilkins-led team entered half-time leading 21-14.
The second half started with Costelow minimizing the difference between the teams to four points via an early penalty, while a penalty awarded against Connacht in the scrum saw replacement Ioan Lloyd smoothly add three points to their score. Connacht regained some control of the game, thanks to Oliver, despite the home side’s persistent penalty concession. However, the home team’s defense forced a fumble just a few yards from the try line on a Connacht attempt to capitalize on the lineout and offensive drive.
Even as each side struggled to penetrate the other’s defense, Mack Hansen’s penalty for holding gave the home side an opportunity to claim the lead with just seven minutes left in the game. Costelow, who had just returned to play, flawlessly delivered the kick, pushing the home team into a 23-21 lead.
Now on the back foot, Connacht won a last minute penalty. Cathal Forde’s successful kick from the right sideline gave the visitors a narrow one point lead. Costelow’s fumble handed possession back to Wilkin’s team, allowing them to secure the match victory just in time.
In the Scarlets vs Connacht match, Tom Rogers of Scarlets and Bundee Aki of Connacht were handed yellow cards at the 12th and 19th minute respectively. The Scarlets team included I Nicolas, T Rogers, J Williams, E James, B Murray, S Costelow, G Davies, A Hepburn, R Elias, H Thomas, S Lousi, M Douglas, J McLeod who was captain, D Davis, and T Plumtree. Replacements during the match comprised A Craig taking over for Plumtree in the 35th minute, 20 K Matias for Hepburn at half-time, C Tuipolotu for Thomas in the 57th minute, I Lloyd for Nicolas in the 42nd minute, M Page for Costelow in the 45th minute, M Van der Merve for Elias in the 55th minute, and S Wainwright for Thomas in the 55th minute.
Connacht team included S Cordero, M Hansen, C Forde, B Aki, P O’Connor, j Carty, B Murphy, D Buckley, D Heffernan, F Bealham, N Murray, D O’Connor, J Murphy, C Prendergast, and C Oliver. The replaced players were P Boyle in for Prendergast at the 32nd minute, D Tierney Martin for Heffernan at the 52nd minute, P Dooley for Buckley also at the 52nd minute, Temi Lasisi for Bealham at the 63rd minute, O Dowling for Murray at the 57th minute, C Blade for Murphy at the 54th minute, and D Hawkshaw for Cordero at the 63rd minute. Marius van der Westhuizen was the referee for the game.