Connacht turn a corner with bonus-point win over Blues
Connacht 29
Cardiff 0
THE storms have passed and the damage is far from terminal. Connacht are starting to find their feet again after an overwhelming run of injuries and challenging fixtures had threatened to derail their season. A not far off full strength side took to the field at the Sportsground on Saturday and patiently took apart a patched up Cardiff Blues outfit to secure a bonus point victory and a first ever blank scoresheet at the venue in this competition.
At the helm were the brilliant half back pairing of Kieran Marmion and Jack Carty – the first time they had started a game together at the Sportsground since September 2018. A combination of regular international involvement and injuries at different junctures meant their paths rarely crossed in that period. On Saturday evening as the winds and rain eased for a few hours, they reminded everyone why they are both elite international players with a display of poise and class.
This was by far the best display of a difficult season so far for the men from the west. The run of 13 consecutive games in Europe and Inter-provincial between November and January had left Andy Friend’s side out of Europe and outside the play off positions in the PRO14 as well. Needing at least seven wins from their final 11 games, this contest – against a conference rival – was a must win and the attitude was right from the start.
Missing just Bundee Aki and Quinn Roux from what would be their full starting line up, they had the advantage. Cardiff had three involved with Wales the previous week in Dublin and four more key men out through injury, so down seven, but hardly devoid of serious talent either, they came to Galway needing a dogged defensive effort.
The Blues delivered in defence in that first quarter, with Olly Robinson twice turning over possession in his own 22 and their scrum winning two early penalties. Connacht came at them in waves but could only manage three points from the boot of Carty in the fifth minute. The patience and poise demonstrated, however, meant they didn’t lose their shape and kept plugging away, laying the groundwork for the four tries to follow.
For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.
Get the Connacht Tribune Live app The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.