Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Tom O’Hanlon
James Grennan at the Dexcom
So Connacht secured an epic 29-12 victory over the Sharks Dexcom Stadium. The first half was a grind against the elements and the Sharks who welcomed back their international Springboks players,including eye gouging expert Eben Etzebeth.
The lads were forced to defend like dogs against a fully loaded Sharks team and driving wind and lashing rain in the second 20 minutes of the first half.Despite Connacht’s defensive excellence, the Sharks’ fly-half, Jean Smith, accounted for all his side’s points by slotting four penalties to steer the South Africans to a 12-7 lead at the break. Chay Mullins crossed the whitewash in the corner and Sam Gilly Gilbert nailed the conversion from the touchline despite the wind .
The young props Billy Bohan and Sam Illo faced a daunting “baptism of fire” against a highly experienced Springbok front row. In a performance that defied their years, the pair stood their ground heroically, conceding only a single penalty at scrum time throughout the match. Their ability to neutralise the Sharks’ primary weapon allowed us to stay in the fight when the conditions were at their most unforgiving.
Turning to play with the wind at their backs in the second half, Connacht clinically dismantled the visitors. Shamus Hurley-Langton was once again the heartbeat of the side, earning a well-deserved Player of the Match award for his tireless work rate and a key try. He was joined in the list of standouts by Cathal Forde, who produced an outstanding performance by crossing for two crucial second-half scores. Bundee Aki was also at his vintage best, cutting through the midfield with trademark power, while Chay Mullins—who scored Connacht’s only first-half try—was excellent under the high ball and secured two massive turnovers at the ruck showing his sevens experience.
This monumental result officially books Connacht’s place in the next round of the competition. As the Clan Stand erupted with deafening chants of “Connacht, Connacht” and a spine-tingling rendition of “The Fields of Athenry,” fans were left looking ahead to the rest of the weekend’s action. The squad now faces an anxious wait until later today to discover their next opponents and, crucially, whether they will enjoy the advantage of another home tie v Perpignan at the Dexcom or be forced to travel away to Montpelier .
Bring it on .!!!! Connacht Abú