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Connacht began their season with a 22-19 win over Benetton in Treviso, as Ciarán Frawley marked his debut with two tries, including the late winner.
Connacht began their United Rugby Championship season with a 22-19 win against Benetton in Treviso on Saturday, as debutant Ciarán Frawley scored two tries, including the winner three minutes from time. The victory gave head coach Stuart Lancaster his first win of the campaign after a 29-15 home loss to the Stormers on the opening weekend.
Frawley's Dream Debut
Frawley, Connacht's marquee summer signing, marked his first appearance with a try just before half-time and then struck for the decisive score in the closing minutes. The Irish international's late try came after Connacht had survived a sustained second-half barrage from Benetton.
Lancaster praised Frawley's immediate impact, saying he was really pleased for the boys and gave a big shout out to Ciarán Frawley for a great debut. He added that he was super delighted for him.
The coach also highlighted Frawley's growth since he began coaching him at 18 years old, noting that he had not played a huge amount of rugby and that his development was incredible to see. Lancaster said Frawley led the team well both on and off the field, in meetings and walkthroughs, and had bought into living in Galway. He mentioned that Frawley had his capping ceremony in the changing room and that the players love him.
Connacht Survive Benetton Barrage
Connacht looked set for a second defeat as Benetton dominated possession and enjoyed a 14-3 penalty count, going for the kill through a dominant scrum. A six-minute barrage, which included five scrums in front of the Connacht posts, was defended stoutly, and then Connacht broke in the dying moments to snatch the win with a bonus-point try from Frawley.
Lancaster said he was very pleased with the win because he thought they had about 40% possession. He added that the penalty count must have been 13 or 14 to 3, or maybe it felt like that. He praised the players' great mindset to come to Treviso and win, but acknowledged there was a lot to do to improve for next week.
The winning try came when Sam Gilbert, Shane Jennings and Eoin de Buitlear combined to send Frawley over in the left corner, securing all five points for the visitors.
Lancaster Looks Ahead
Lancaster said the win was huge because any away game is difficult. He noted that they missed getting a point last week, so to get off the mark away from home was really pleasing, and to get the bonus point as well was even more so.
He added that all roads now turn to Glasgow, where they play a champion team next week, and then into Europe.
Connacht's next match is against Glasgow Warriors, the reigning champions, followed by the start of their European campaign. The bonus-point win lifts Connacht after their opening-round defeat, while Benetton are left to rue their missed opportunities.
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