In their latest URC match, Connacht’s prospects for a quarter-final have become increasingly doubtful following a defeat to the DHL Stormers at Dexcom Stadium on Saturday evening. Given this situation, securing a place in the quarter-finals for Connacht is now reliant on other outcomes, despite the mathematical possibility.
The South African team clinched victory in this high-stakes match, largely as a result of the successful kicking performance by fly-half Manie Libbok, who achieved three penalties and a conversion. Connacht, although tallying two tries and dominating the game’s possession, failed to deliver when it mattered most.
Connacht’s head coach, Pete Wilkins, expressed not just disappointment over the team’s performance, but also frustration.
Wilkins regretfully commented on the team’s missed chance to celebrate the day with a victory for their fans and departing players. He conveyed frustration over the instances where they lost possession in the offensive third of the pitch, which were crucial moments considering the quality of the opposing team, the Stormers.
The match held particular emotional significance as it was the final appearance for several of Connacht’s players, including key home-grown player Tiernan O’Halloran and ex-captain Jarrad Butler. Additionally, this was the last game where Connacht’s fans would assemble in the Clan Stand, which is due for demolition to make way for a new stadium.
By half-time, the home side had secured a lead of 7-3, despite the visitors being awarded a penalty which was sent to touch. Notably, the Connacht pack led by Finlay Bealham successfully halted the South Africans’ progress, crucially securing the lead at the interval.
Connacht’s monumental defensive performance wasn’t enough to fend off the Stormers’ potent attack formation, who, following a 22-minute penalty, continually threatened the opposition’s defence. However, Connacht matched their adversaries with possession mastery and managed to yield results in the 31st minute by securing a penalty during a scrum engagement. Although Bealham was stalled during the initial advance, it was Caolin Blade who triumphed, crossing the try-line successfully due to his forwards’ considerable assistance. Jack Carty successfully converted the try.
An opportunity for another try was missed by Connacht shortly after the second half commenced, providing a gleam of hope for the Stormers. They capitalised on this by calling upon the exceptional Libbok, who set up Angelo Davids, the left-winger, for the try.
Instability among the visitors ultimately led to Connacht gaining territorial control through accumulated penalties. Niall Murray spearheaded an effective drive and replacement, Jack Aungier, managed to score shortly after entering the field, nudging Connacht into a 12-10 lead, despite Carty’s failed conversion.
The home team found themselves under severe pressure moments later, which was momentarily eased by Oisín Dowling’s penalty acquisition. Nevertheless, the breather was brief as the Stormers regained control, and their rise to the fifth position in the table was guaranteed by two Libbok penalties. The Stormers clinched the victory thanks to fullback Warrick Gelant’s crucial turnover, subsequently relegating Connacht to tenth place, and potentially eliminating their chance to reach the URC quarter-finals.
The Connacht squad included players such as T O’Halloran, J Porch, D Hawkshaw, B Aki, B Ralston, J Carty, C Blade, P Dooley, F Bealham, among others.
Substitutes included J Butler replacing Jansen (26-37 minutes) and Hurley-Langton (63 minutes); J Aungier took over from Bealham (51 minutes); S Cordero stepped in for O’Halloran and O Dowling succeeded Murray (both taking place at 61 minutes); J Duggan came on for Dooley (also at 63 minutes); C Reilly replaced Blade, and Murray took over from Joyce (both happened at 68 minutes); D Tierney-Martin took Heffernan’s place and C Forde succeeded Carty (operations both resulted at 70 minutes).
STORMERS consisted of W Gelant; S Hartzenberg, D du Plessis, D Willemse, A Davids; M Libbok, H Jantjies; B Harris, J Dweba, F Malherbe; S Moerat (captain), R van Heerden; E Roos, B Dixon, H Dayimani.
Substitutions included A Venter taking Dweba’s place, N Fouche replacing Malherbe (both at 51 minutes); S Feinberg-Mngomezulu came on for Davids, M Theunissen for Dayimani (both at 60 minutes); A Smith replaced van Heerden (65 minutes); S Ungerer took over from Jantjies (at 66 minutes); J du Plessis succeeded D du Plessis and K Blose took the baton from Harris (both changes were made at 76 minutes).
The match was officiated by Federico Vedovelli, who hails from Italy.