Connacht Get Dose Of The Blues At Rodney Parade

Connacht fell to a disappointing 29-7 defeat at the hands of Cardiff Blues in their first away game of the new Guinness PRO14 campaign.

Despite Conor Oliver’s try closing the gap to 10-7 near the hour mark, the hosts – thanks to a brace of tries from Hallam Amos, a penalty try, and a Kristian Dacey touchdown – ended the game strongly and sealed a well-merited bonus point victory.

From the beginning of this round two tussle in Newport, it was clear that the Blues, who won their opening game away to Zebre, were keen to show their attacking intent.

Connacht, though, with Gavin Thornbury, John Porch and Alex Wootton especially impressive in their defensive duties, held firm and the Welshmen could not turn their territory and possession into a try.

Seeking their first win over Irish opposition since January 2019, Cardiff did manage to get on the scoreboard when Jarrod Evans fired over a fifth-minute penalty after some enterprising attack deep in the visitors’ half.

The Blues flexed their attacking muscles further when Amos – with the first of his two tries – showed a great turn of pace to touch down in the right corner following good work by Matthew Morgan and Josh Adams. Evans expertly converted for a 10-0 lead at the break.

Connacht, whose best chance up to that point had been sparked by a quick tap from Kieran Marmion, began the second half in strong fashion and launched wave after wave of attacks, following a series of lineouts deep in Cardiff territory.

The pressure finally paid dividends when Oliver, after collecting Sam Arnold’s excellent offload, powered his way over from five metres out. The openside’s first try in Connacht was comfortably converted by Jack Carty to leave just three points between the sides.

With the wind in their sails, the visitors continued to attack, but the Blues defence – especially at the breakdown, an area that Connacht attack coach Nigel Carolan highlighted as being a crucial area in the build-up – remained steadfast and each Connacht attack was met with the same resistance.

Cardiff, with speedy full-back Morgan a constant threat in broken play, showed their ability to counter when winger and eventual man-of-the-match Adams made significant headway with a break from deep. Porch, however, was once again sharp in defence and saved a certain try with a brilliant tackle.

The westerners could not hold out on the next attack, thought, as Amos, following up on some brilliant work from Rey Lee-Lo, crossed for his second try in the left corner. Evans’ conversion was wide but the hosts had a 15-7 lead with 15 minutes remaining.

Connacht continued to attack in search of scores, but Cardiff strengthened their hand with a penalty try, awarded after Peter Sullivan was adjudged to have deliberately knocked on a Dacey pass with Morgan lining up to score.

Hard-working hooker Dacey registered the bonus point in the 73rd minute, getting over from close range at the end of some hard carries. Replacement Jason Tovey converted to confirm a 22-point winning margin for the Blues.