Friend backs Connacht to make the next step as season hots up the42.ie - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from the42.ie Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Updated / Saturday, 20 Feb 2021
22:08
Alex Wootton scored two first half tries to set Connacht on the path to victory
A superb brace of first half tries from star man Alex Wootton set Connacht on the road to a bonus-point victory over Cardiff Blues at the Sportsground tonight.
The win, Connacht s second bonus-point triumph over Welsh opposition in the month of February, solidifies the westerners second place position in Pool B, seven points clear of Scarlets in third.
They fell behind early to a pushover try from Rhys Carre, Jack Carty responding with a couple of penalties before Jason Tovey kicked a goal to stretch the visitors lead to 10-6 by the half-hour mark.
Returning internationals can help Connacht put home struggles behind them
Andy Friend’s team have lost their last four home games in all competitions. By Ciarán Kennedy Saturday 20 Feb 2021, 7:30 AM Feb 20th 2021, 7:30 AM 4,834 Views 2 Comments
Bundee Aki makes his first start since December.
Image: James Crombie/INPHO
Image: James Crombie/INPHO
EVEN CONNACHT ARE finding the Sportsground a tough place to go recently. Andy Friend’s side have lost their last three on home soil in the Pro14 – four in all competitions – and defeat to Cardiff Blues tonight [7.35, TG4] would represent the first time they have lost four home Pro14 games in succession since 2013.
Wootton the hero as Connacht secure bonus point win over Cardiff the42.ie - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from the42.ie Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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Papali’i handed latest chance to prove his worth as Connacht look to find clinical edge
Andy Friend’s team are looking to get back to winning ways against Dragons following back-to-back defeats. By Ciarán Kennedy Friday 5 Feb 2021, 6:30 AM Feb 5th 2021, 6:30 AM 6,452 Views 5 Comments
Connacht s Abraham Papali’i.
Image: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO
Image: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO
THIS WAS ALWAYS the danger. Speaking in the minutes after Connacht beat Leinster at the turn of the year, captain Quinn Roux pointed out the province have previously produced big results and then failed to back them up.
The margins have been small. Against Munster they were let down by poor decision making as the clock wound down. The Ospreys trailed 17-5 at half-time in the Sportsground. On both occasions, Connacht lost by six points.