Connacht prepare to face Paris powerhouse Racing 92 in their next European Challenge Cup chapter, having prevailed in their round of 16 clash against familiar foes Cardiff.
Having targeted a European trophy, Connacht’s seasonal ambitions took a vital step closer to fruition with their 35-20 win over fellow URC hopefuls Cardiff in Dexcom Stadium, but they now face one of Europe’s elite - the three times Champions Cup finalists from France.
“An unbelievable team,” says Connacht coach Cullie Tucker, “so it's a huge challenge. People might write us off, but this is a great opportunity in this competition.
“More than anything, the star-studded names they have will make it very exciting next week. So it's a brilliant challenge.”
The availability of Connacht’s Ireland trio Bundee Aki, Finlay Bealham and Mack Hansen were integral in Connacht’s drive for the quarter-final, and delivered, so too did youngster Finn Treacy, the Wicklow-born 20-years-old Academy player who has now scored three tires in his five appearances.
“[It] shows the work done with Eric Elwood in our academy. But what does Finn have?`He’s got pace and there’s no answer for pace on a rugby pitch when you put it into space. A very tough and intelligent player with a big future.”
The home side produced the ideal start, and were on the scoreboard by the fourth minute when Mack Hansen found scrumhalf Matthew Devine, who took his chance to score within three minutes, JJ Hanrahan nailing the conversion.
However, it took until half-time before they were able to extend that score, despite having dominated possession. Left wing Finn Treacy did his best on a number of occasions to make an inroad into the Welsh side’s territory, but was denied by a previous forward pass, and the visitors similarly spurned an opportunity, spilling possession shy of the line.
However, Cardiff were more efficient in defence, and were able to stymie numerous Connacht attacks, and with the ball in hand, they also looked the more likely score, maintaining possession. Their try came after 37 minutes - a deserved reward for quick ruck ball. And with Hansen off the field with a yellow card, the visitors were able to exploit the gap in defence with Rey Lee-Lo scoring.
On the stroke of half time Connacht won two successive penalties, and although kickable, the home side opted for touch. Sean Jansen and Dowling came close, but when the Welsh outfit conceded another penalty, Dave Heffernan opted again to tap. This time, with the help of Josh Murphy and Shamus Hurley Langton, No 8 Sean Jansen was duly rewarded with Connacht’s second try, Hanrahan adding the extras for a 14-8 lead at the break.
The home side then produced the ideal start to the second half with Finn Treacy scoring within a minute - Finlay Bealham and Heffernan involved in the build-up - and Hanrahan’s conversion put the home side into a 21-8 lead.
The visitors, however, did take control, but struggled to find a way through the Connacht defence and Hugh Gavin did well to win a vital turnover. However, Gavin was unable to stop Ben Thomas from scoring for Cardiff after 54 minutes, and when Josh Adams raced in from 20 metres after a Harry Miller break, the gap was down to 21-20 after 62 minutes.
Connacht produced the necessary response with a super try - Mack Hansen finding Shane Bolton who scored, following a super pass between Caolin Blade and Bundee Aki in the build-up. Ioane kicked the sideline conversion to extend Connacht’s lead to 28-20 with some 15 minutes remaining.
However, Cardiff were not ready to relent, and were back on the offensive, pounding the line. Eventually, however, they were halted by Dylan Tierney Martin, helped by Bundee Aki - a huge moment that swung the game. With four minutes remaining and Connacht ahead by eight points, replacement Paul Boyle delivered the fifth try after Ben Thomas was yellow carded. Ioane added the extras to seal the victory and a meeting with Racing 92 in the quarter-final.
Yellow cards: J McNally (40 ), B Thomas (76 ).
Connacht: M Hansen, S Bolton, H Gavin, B Aki, F Treacy, JJ Hanrahan, M Devine, J Duggan, D Heffernan (c ), F Bealham, O Dowling, D Murray, J Murphy, S Hurley-Langton, S Jansen. Replacements: J Ioane for Bolton (41m ), D Tierney-Martin for Heffernan (43 ), D Buckley, J Aungier, N Murray, P Boyle, C Blade for Devine, D Buckley for Bealham
Cardiff Rugby: C Winnett; J Adams, R Lee-Lo, B Thomas, H Millard; C Sheedy, J Mulder; D Southworth, L Belcher, K Assiratti, J McNally, T Williams, A Lawrence, J Botham, T Faletau. Replacements: R Litterick for Assiratti (52 ), E Lloyd for Boucher (55 ), T Young for Botham, C Domachowski for Southworth, T Young for Botham and R Jennings for Sheedy (all 61 ), R Thornton for McNally (67 ).
Referee: Luc Ramos (France ).
