Connacht secured the top seed in the Challenge Cup last-16 with a bonus point victory over Cardiff at the Cardiff Arms Park. Tries from Josh Murphy, Joe Joyce, Byron Ralston and Matthew Devine secured the win for the Irish province, despite a second-half yellow card for Conor Oliver and a strong Cardiff fightback.
CONNACHT SECURED THE top seed in the Challenge Cup last-16, and with it a home run to the competition’s semi-finals, thanks to a bonus point victory on their travels in Cardiff .
Those scores came at either end of a half in which both sides were guilty of coughing up possession. Cardiff were also a disruptive force at the breakdown, while their lone moment of attacking joy came when hooker Evan Lloyd finished off a break from fellow frontrow Rhys Barratt in between the Connacht scores.
Advertisement Connacht survived the rest of their time down a man thanks largely to a pair of botched Cardiff lineouts. Josh Ioane, a constant running threat behind Aki’s pull-backs, hit the post with a penalty just before Oliver returned. Cardiff spilled the rebound, offering Connacht a scrum five metres out. Back to 15 men, they used the platform well, Aki, Ioane and Santiago Cordero displaying beautiful hands to send Ralston over in the corner.
Challenge Cup Connacht Cardiff Rugby Bonus Point
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Connacht Make Four Changes for Cardiff Challenge Cup ClashConnacht Rugby head coach Pete Wilkins has announced four changes to the team for their final Challenge Cup pool game against Cardiff at the Cardiff Arms Park. Despite a home round of 16 tie already secured, a win could potentially earn a home semi-final. The changes see Byron Ralston start on the wing, while Josh Murphy, Conor Oliver, and Paul Boyle earn starts in the pack.
Read more »
Connacht Aim for Top-Two Seed with Crucial Challenge Cup Clash Against CardiffConnacht face Cardiff in a pivotal Challenge Cup match, with a top-two seeding and potential home semi-final on the line. The match holds significant implications for both teams' European ambitions.
Read more »
Ulster Hand Son Jack First Champions Cup Start, Connacht Make Four Changes for Cardiff ClashUlster head coach Richie Murphy gives his son Jack his first Champions Cup start at outhalf against Exeter Chiefs, while Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins makes four changes to the side for their Challenge Cup clash against Cardiff.
Read more »
Connacht Crush Lyon to Top European Challenge Cup PoolConnacht secured top spot in Pool 1 of the European Challenge Cup with a dominant 52-24 victory against Lyon. Ben Murphy scored a hat-trick for Connacht, who led from start to finish.
Read more »
Connacht consolidate pole position in Challenge Cup pool with win over LyonMan of the match Ben Murphy leads the way for the Irish province
Read more »
Connacht boss Wilkins prioritises Challenge Cup despite URC strugglesConnacht head coach Pete Wilkins remains focused on the Challenge Cup despite the team's recent URC form dip. He acknowledges the need to improve in the URC but sees the cup as a significant opportunity for silverware and a path to Champions Cup rugby next season. Wilkins highlights the importance of maintaining a high level of performance and application in upcoming matches, particularly against Cardiff in the Challenge Cup and Glasgow in the URC.
Read more »