After a month-long hiatus, Connacht have made a winning return to Ultimate Rugby Championship action with a 46-18 victory over Ospreys at the Showgrounds this evening.
The westerners had experienced a mixed start to the campaign prior to the international break, winning two of their opening five fixtures in the competition. However, their most recent game was a resounding win over an in-form Ulster side.
It didn't take them long to get back into the swing of things, with Mack Hansen scoring the opening try after only two minutes. It came after an assault on the Ospreys line, with Jack Carty defying the wet and windy conditions by throwing a gorgeous looping pass to find his winger out wide.
Connacht have made a brilliant start against Ospreys with Mack Hansen getting in for a very early try #rterugby #URC #CONvOSP
📺 Watch - https://t.co/fmFaytF5ov @RTE2 @RTEplayer pic.twitter.com/oYyMK8xNOR— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) November 26, 2021
The second try came ten minutes later, with the attack starting from much deeper on this occasion.
The home side would launch a devastating attack from deep inside their own half, playing some beautiful flowing rugby before the move was finished off by Shayne Bolton.
Connacht's good start got even better as Shayne Bolton scored their second try against Ospreys #rterugby #CONvOSP #URC
📺 Watch - https://t.co/yNtcPdR1Fh @RTE2 @RTEplayer pic.twitter.com/J0lqTYGgSM— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) November 26, 2021
They would have their third try just after the 20 minute mark, with Oran McNulty finishing off yet another excellent team move to extend Connacht's lead.
Oran McNulty went over for Connacht's third try after just 22 minutes against Ospreys #rterugby #CONvOSP #URC
📺 Watch - https://t.co/yNtcPdR1Fh @RTE2 @RTEplayer pic.twitter.com/QTr482MSFf— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) November 26, 2021
That would be their final try before the interval, with Connacht leading 18-11 at the break.
Interestingly, all three of their try scorers in that opening 40 minutes came via Irish-qualified players previously recruited from overseas.
All three of Connacht's tries so far scored by Irish-qualified recruits from overseas, Mack Hansen (Australia), Shayne Bolton (SA) and Oran McNulty (England). Kieran Marmion, Alex Wootton and Finlay Bealham make it six in their starting XV
— Rúaidhrí O'Connor (@RuaidhriOC) November 26, 2021
Connacht secured the bonus point just after halftime.
It was yet another excellent try, with Sam Arnold showing wonderful strength to bulldoze his way over the line.
Connacht have started the second half just as they did the first, with a try as Sam Arnold secured the bonus point after just three minutes of the second '40 against Ospreys #rterugby #CONvULS #URC
📺 Watch - https://t.co/yNtcPdR1Fh @RTE2 @RTEplayer pic.twitter.com/AMVXuoPx38— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) November 26, 2021
Ospreys continued to battle back with a try of their own a few minutes later, but a Connacht penalty try would then all but seal the one.
It came when Pete Robb was stopped from crossing the whitewash via a high tackle, with the tackler sent to the sin bin as a result.
Connacht extended their lead over Ospreys to 32-18 with a penalty try #rterugby #CONvULS #URC
📺 Watch - https://t.co/yNtcPdR1Fh @RTE2 @RTEplayer pic.twitter.com/6ClOX56K2f— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) November 26, 2021
Late tries from Caolin Blade and Conor Fitzgerald put a bit more emphasis on the scoreline, with the home side running out 46-18 winners.
This win meant Connacht have three victories from six games, moving them up the table and only one points behind tonight's opponents.
They are likely to face a much sterner test next week, with Andy Friend's side set to travel to the RDS to take on Leinster.
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