James Grennan at the Dexcom stadium
So we secured a vital, albeit controversial, 21-14 victory over the Ospreys at home in Dexcom Stadium.
A standout performance by Seamus Hurley Langton who, after a period on the sidelines due to a shoulder injury, produced a tireless MOTM performance. His physicality at the breakdown and explosive carries provided the spark Connacht needed to overcome a stubborn Ospreys defense, in a match with massive implications for the URC table.
The game was as tightly contested as I predicted on the Thursday night show and we appeared to have the upper hand as the clock ticked toward the 80-minute mark. Holding a seven-point lead and with the Ospreys down a man, we had a clear opportunity to push for a fourth try and a crucial 4 try bonus point.
However, to the utter disbelief of the home crowd, we opted for safety over ambition. As the clock hit 80 minutes, the ball was surprisingly kicked dead to end the game immediately. The decision left the Connacht fans in a state of shock, with audible confusion echoing from the stands. While the four points for the win were secured, the missed opportunity for a bonus point may haunt Connacht as they look at the narrow margins required to secure a top 8 finish.
Speaking at the post match Press Conference, head coach Stewart Lancaster said that he could understand the boys being tired but you could see he was doing his best to hide his frustration at the lack of ambition to go for the BP to take 5 points from the game .
Focus now turns to the challenge cup and another home game against South African opponents.
Connacht Abú