Connacht signed off a disappointing season with a 12-22 victory over Parma in their URC basement battle in Italy.
The win ensured Connacht overtook Ulster to finish in 13th place in what has been a difficult season, on and off the field.
Despite the bragging rights over Ulster, Connacht will not be singing from Dexcom’s rooftop - statistics reveal it was Connacht’s worst season since Pat Lam’s first year in charge in 2013/14. Connacht won only six matches and lost 16 in what was then the Rabo Direct PRO12.
Yet, there were several improvements in Connacht’s competitiveness - particularly around their attacking play. This season Connacht delivered 64 tries in the URC - the same number as Connacht’s championship winning season in 2016. Only once have they produced more and that was in 2022/23 with 69 tries.
The negative is the number Connacht leaked. This season they conceded 62 - the third worst record ever.
Interestingly during Pete Wilkins’ tenure, Connacht won 47 per cent of their fixtures; the same as Pat Lam who helped deliver Connacht’s PRO 12 trophy.
One of seven departing players, JJ Hanrahan, says the performance in Parma reflects Connacht’s season.
“We spoke a lot about having a fast start, and I think we did that - led particularly well from Cian Prendergast, and you could see his carrying and the intent was excellent. When you see your captain leading from the front like that, everyone rolls in behind.
“We had a plan and at least we put it on the park. Yes, there were inaccuracies, but I think that is probably the story of our season - maybe it’s a little bit of confidence, I’m not too sure.
“One thing I can say is in terms of trying to play into space, positive rugby and really trying to move the ball and exploit opportunities, we definitely stuck to that; we just didn’t execute it all.”
Hanrahan will head back to Munster, who, like Leinster, have qualified for the quarter-finals. He said, “hand on heart, this is one of the best changing rooms I've been involved in, in terms of coaching group as well. People care for each other in this group and in this club, and I'll be honest, it is very, very hard to leave. I genuinely feel in this club, I've made some friends for life.”
In Italy, Zebre Parma did their best to make life difficult for Connacht, particularly in the second half, but in the end, they came up short, dropping to 15th spot, with only Dragons beneath them.
Connacht led at half-time by 7-12, having dominated possession and territorial control, but both sides lacked clinical efficiency. Zebre spurned an early opportunity when Connacht’s defence repelled their maul, and a poor kick was swiftly followed by Connacht’s first try, Cian Prendergast backing himself as he broke down the left wing, pushing off tacklers in the process to score, with Hanrahan adding the extras.
In the 27th minute, from a penalty to touch, the Connacht pack delivered the necessary set-up before Santiago Cordero sent Shane Bolton through for a 0-12 lead.
The hosts replied just before the break. It started from a high kick from outhalf Giovanni Montemauri before fullback Jacopo Trulla kicked over the top, secured possession and then delivered to openside Bautista Stavile who ran in to score a deserved try. Montemauri’s conversion ensured the home side was just five points in arrears, despite Connacht enjoying most of the possession.
Both sides spurned early second-half chances until Shamus Hurley-Langton delivered the winner to stretch the lead to 12 points. It was needed after Connacht lost Matthew Devine to a yellow card, and the Italians took advantage through Trulla, giving them momentum heading into the final 10 minutes.
Connacht, however, maintained their composure, and a late penalty allowed man the match Hanrahan to stretch the lead, ensuring Connacht grabbed their sixth victory in what has been a difficult, but ultimately disappointing season.
