URC: Dragons 7, Connacht 31
In the recent match against Dragons at Dexcom Stadium, Connacht brought home a victory with a crucial five-try bonus-point, driving them into the top eight of the BKT United Rugby Championship. While the performance may not have lived up to the expectations of Connacht supporters given their underdog Welsh opponents, the win ultimately sustained their upward journey in the standings.
Pete Wilkins, the head coach, acknowledged some impressive play, though was critical of areas that needed improvement. He mentioned the challenge of maintaining continuity in phases due to the chaotic breakdown and deficient kicking game. Despite these shortcomings, he appreciated the intercept try that provided a satisfying conclusion.
Connacht got off to a flying start, leading 19-0 by halftime. Within the first six minutes, a scrum penalty awarded them the opportunity to open their scoring account. Engaging in an effective line attack, their number 8, Paul Boyle, made the finishing touch, with Cathal Forde, the designated kicker, completing the additional points to make it 7-0.
While Dragons demonstrated some territorial dominance, it largely stemmed from mistakes from Connacht. Their offensive efforts, however, lacked depth against the resilient defence of the home team. This allowed Connacht to turn the tide in their favour.
Taking charge of a brilliant attack initiated from their own half, it was Piers O’Connor who made a deep darting run. Assisting contributions from Shayne Bolton and Caolin Blade brought Connacht into an advantageous position, with Joe Joyce, Cathal Forde and Bundee Aki adding momentum. Blade made the breakthrough for the second try at the 20-minute mark, with Forde successfully converting it.
The Dragons had their moments of territorial command but were repeatedly thwarted by a decisive Joyce. Should another scoring opportunity have been converted, when a Dylan Tierney Martin’s goal-bound kick hit the frame, the victory for Connacht could have been even more decisive.
The home team managed to maintain possession but struggled to capitalise on opportunities, frequently playing within the 22s. They crafted another score right before half-time, with Forde managing to convert a penalty into a touch. The home side led 19-0 at the break, largely due to fantastic play from Cian Prendergast in the lineout, who, with support from Blade, Aki, and Joe Joyce, secured the third try.
In the second half, the visitors initially took control, winning a penalty from a series of powerful drives to the line. Their attack was bolstered by efforts from Wainwright and some added momentum from Shane Lewis-Hughes. Despite these efforts, Aki managed to quell the Dragons’ advances, taking back possession and easing the pressure.
The visitors’ lack of attacking variations made for a disappointingly bland second half, with Connacht seemingly content to repel the Dragons’ pressure. Despite the need for a bonus-point try, Connacht lacked the necessary momentum to gain the upper hand.
The home team finally struck with seven minutes left in the game, thanks to substitute outhalf Matthew Devine’s nimble footwork and sprinting, leading to a try which Forde assisted and converted; this brought some relief to an otherwise tough night in Galway.
Scoring proceeded as follows: Boyle scored a try at 5 minutes, converted by Forde for a 7-0 lead; at 19 minutes, Blade scored a try, converted by Forde for a 14-0 lead; at 38 minutes, Prendergast scored for a 19-0 lead at the half-time; at 73 minutes, Forde scored and converted for a 26-0 lead; at 77 minutes, Basham scored, with a conversion by O’Brien making it 26-7; and at 80 minutes, Devine scored a try, converted by Forde for a final score of 31-7.
The Connacht team consisted of P O’Conor, S Bolton, C Forde, B Aki, S Cordero, J Ioane, C Blade, P Dooley, D Tierney-Martin, F Bealham, J Joyce, N Murray, C Prendergast (captain), S O’Brien, and P Boyle.
Alterations: Bolton was switched with H Gavin after 20 minutes, E Buitlear came in for Tierney-Martin, D Buckley covered for Dooley, J. Aungier replaced Bealham, O’Brien was relieved by S Jansen, and Blade was substituted with M Devine. Additionally, at 59 minutes, Gavin was replaced by B Ralston and Joyce was exchanged for D Murray at 67.
The DRAGONS team lineup included: C Evans, R Dyer, J Westwood, A Owen, E Rosser, A O’Brien, D Blacker, C Jones, O Burrows, C Coleman, B Carter as captain, M Screech, S Lewis-Hughes, H Keddie, and A Wainwright. Changes were made at 41 minutes with A Seiuli stepping in for Jones and R Williams replacing Blacker, followed by B Coghlan for Burrows at 52. L Yendle and S Cummins came in place of Screech at 65 along with T Basham and R Williams for Westwood. L Evans and H Wilson were also substitutions.
The match was supervised by referee Gianluca Gnecchi from FIR.