Edinburgh 5
Connacht 26
Connacht delivered the necessary win in Edinburgh in their efforts to break into the top eight in this final round of the BKT URC season.
It was a superb victory in in Scotland, which ensured the Irish province has now qualified in the top eight, make the quarter-finals, and also qualify for Champions Cup rugby next season.
It is a huge fillip for Stuart Lancaster’s side that knew anything but a win would not be enough.In that regard they did all they could in 80 minutes, and were dominant , scoring the four tries, dominating possession with a solid line-out and scrum.
Connacht captain Cian Prendergast, who was man of the match, epitomised the work ethic and ambition on the field.
“We worked so hard today, the group deserved it,” he says. “ And I don’t even think we were at our best tonight, but you can’t fault us for our endeavour, effort and our defence.
“We spent way too much time defending, so for us it’s about accuracy at the breakdown and clarity. We have a brilliant group of players and confidence in our group is building.”
Lancaster says although it was not their “greatest game by a long way”, Connacht hung in there, particularly in the second half.
“I think the foundations from last season were strong, but we moved the dial in terms of mindset in defence and attack, and it has paid off. The back-row was awesome.
“Relieved, says Stuart Lancaster after the victory.
”Tough game, “ he said. “They threw everything at us and it felt like we defended for 80 per cent of the game.
“We came with a late run, it’s always the best way, and we have momentum going into the play-offs, so game on.
Lancaster says the win is a result of all the work done pre-season as the team has evolved.
“We talk about training with intensity and that leads into performances, communicating well with each other, and building our defence. It’s a team effort - some 46 players, trength in depth with young players - it’s a whole cocktail isn’t it?”
The play-off will be an away fixture, which is yet to be determined, but last night the the question was would Edinburgh spoil the party. Despite having the momentum of three wins on the bounce, they still had no hopes of making Champions Cup qualification with a victory.
The did dominate the early minutes, but could not get over the line, helped by captain Prendergast who delivered a try-saving tackle on Patterson.
Instead Connacht produced breakaway try to open the scoring through Josh Ioane after 24 minutes which allowed them to take control against an Edinburgh outfit fighting for their lives.
The score enlivened Connacht, but Edinburgh, with a big carry from Thompson, were back in their opponents’ 22, and with a scrum penalty providing another opportunity, they were pushing hard to score. However, superb defence, particularly from Sean Neachtain kept them at bay.
It gave Connacht a huge fillip as they dominated possession and territory. Shamus-Hurley-Langton came close, before Eoin de Buitlear fed Hurling -Langton for the second try, Gilbert adding the extras to put Connacht in control.
Josh Ioane continued to be instrumental in attack as Connacht dominated with ball in hand, and before the half-time whistle Lancaster’s side was in control. When Darcy Graham was pinged for not releasing in the tackle, Ioane kicked for touch five metres out, and from the resulting maul led by Joyce, the home side conceded again. This time Connacht opted for a tap and go led by Jansen. Finlay Bealham was inches short, similarly Joe Joyce, before Jansen fed Hurley-Langton who claimed a second try, with Gilbert converting for a 19-0 Connacht lead at the break.
Glasgow could have scored, but for an interception from Sean Naughton, and with Glasgow clear of Ulster at the break, it gave Connacht a real fillip in their drive towards Champions Cup rugby. Ben Murphy scuppered a home side try as Edinburgh piled on the pressure in early in the second half, while Jansen and Billy Bohan both stymied Edinburgh tries.
Although the Scottish side continued to dominate possession, they were unable to make headway against a well-organised Connacht defence, and it was all over when replacement scrumhalf Matthew Devine was quick to react to an Edinburgh knock-on, kicking ahead and winning the race to the try line- claiming their fourth try and bonus point.
A 72nd minute try to the home side was of little consolation as Connacht celebrated a victory that ensures they march into the top eight.
