Connacht secured a huge win last night, defeating Ulster in their URC quarter-final clash at Kingspan Stadium on a scoreline of 15-10.
It was a game that many expected the home side to win, with the advantage of playing the game in Belfast a potentially decisive factor. However, there is no doubt that The Westerners were deserving of the victory.
They were the better side for the vast majority of the contest, with Jack Carty kicking five penalties to lead his team to victory.
75 nóim #ULSvCON@UlsterRugby - 10@connachtrugby - 15
An scór méadaithe idir na foirne le Jack Carty ag aimsiú a cúigú cic éirice
Connacht extend their lead in the last few minutes of the game as Jack Carty kicks over @IrishRugby @URCOfficial #BKTURC #Rugby pic.twitter.com/htnY5er04A— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) May 5, 2023
Ulster pushed hard for a try in the final moments of the game, although Connacht defended brilliantly to step them from getting it.
There was quite an outpouring of emotion as they survived a final assault on their try line.
Let's relive that incredibly tense last 1️⃣ minute & 3️⃣3️⃣ seconds... Who's bitten all their nails off? 🥶
A fantastic show gifted to us by @UlsterRugby & @ConnachtRugby 🙏#BKTURC #URC | #UnitedWeRise | #ULSvCON pic.twitter.com/dtrM4SqQRa— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) May 5, 2023
They will now get ready for a semi-final in South Africa next weekend.
Bundee Aki sent message to Ulster fans after Connacht win
Bundee Aki played a huge part in last night's victory, especially in terms of his defensive performance. He was key to keeping Ulster at bay, most notably with an exceptional turnover early in the second half.
It's also fair that he skirted close to the edge of the rules at times, especially in the breakdown. That annoyed certain sections of the home support, who gave the centre plenty of grief over the course of the game.
Never one to forget such things, he was quick to send a message of his own to the Belfast crowd after the final whistle.
@edjenx this is definetly bigger than tunnelgate pic.twitter.com/2uRIPMDTMg
— Fionn (@Fionngoc) May 6, 2023
Bundee Aki haciendo amigos en el Kingspan... pic.twitter.com/XAuPB2dSxC
— Javier Señarís Senra (@RutgerBlume) May 5, 2023
For those of you who may not know, the 'night night' celebration was made famous by NBA superstar Steph Curry during the Golden State Warrior's run to a championship last season.
A few occasions, he pulled it out after killing off games down the stretch.
You'd imagine that Bundee definitely enjoyed that one.
He will be hoping that he is able to pull it out once again next week after Connacht's URC semi-final.
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