Connacht secured their spot in the EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-finals with a decisive 29-12 win against the Sharks on a brisk Friday night in Galway. After a sluggish start and a halftime deficit, the Irish squad turned the tables to prepare for their next clash against either Montpellier or Perpignan.
The Sharks, who kicked off their season in the prestigious Investec Champions Cup, now face the challenge of making it to the Vodacom URC playoffs to qualify for next year’s elite competition. The team from Durban, missing key players like André Esterhuizen, still saw the return of Springbok powerhouse Eben Etzebeth, boosting the lineup alongside front-rowers Ox Nché and Vincent Koch.
The match began with the Sharks asserting early dominance, backed by a favorable wind, yet only managed a meager three points from Jean Smith’s boot despite their efforts. Connacht, on the other hand, faced setbacks such as losing flyhalf Josh Ioane to injury early in the game. Nonetheless, they capitalized on their first significant offensive play with Chay Mullins touching down, followed by a stellar conversion from Sam Gilbert.
Despite trailing at the break, Connacht emerged reinvigorated, with Cathal Forde slicing through the defense to score beneath the posts. The introduction of Ethan Hooker on the Sharks' wing could not stem Connacht’s momentum, as Shamus Hurley-Langton powered over the line to push Connacht ahead. The home team’s dominance continued with Forde making another break to secure his second try, complemented by Gilbert’s boot sealing the deal.
"We regrouped at halftime and focused on our strengths, which really showed in the second half,"
Cathal Forde remarked on the turnaround.
With their European journey halted, the Sharks now look to regroup for their upcoming URC fixture against the Ospreys.
Connacht Team: Sam Gilbert, Shane Jennings, Cathal Forde, Bundee Aki, Chay Mullins, Josh Ioane, Matthew Devine, Cian Prendergast (c), Shamus Hurley-Langton, Josh Murphy, Darragh Murray, Joe Joyce, Sam Illo, Dave Heffernan, Billy Bohan. Bench: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Peter Dooley, Finlay Bealham, Niall Murray, Paul Boyle, Colm Reilly, Sean Naughton, John Devine.
Sharks Team: Hakeem Kunene, Edwill van der Merwe, Le Roux Malan, Marnus Potgieter, Makazole Mapimpi, Jean Smith, Ross Braude, Nick Hatton (c), Jannes Potgieter, Tino Mavesere, Deon Slabbert, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Eduan Swart, Ox Nché. Bench: Ethan Bester, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Mawande Mdanda, Corné Rahl, Vincent Tshituka, Ceano Everson, Siya Masuku, Ethan Hooker.
2,100 posts
Connacht secured their spot in the EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-finals with a decisive 29-12 win against the Sharks on a brisk Friday night in Galway. After a sluggish start and a halftime deficit, the Irish squad turned the tables to prepare for their next clash against either Montpellier or Perpignan.
The Sharks, who kicked off their season in the prestigious Investec Champions Cup, now face the challenge of making it to the Vodacom URC playoffs to qualify for next year’s elite competition. The team from Durban, missing key players like André Esterhuizen, still saw the return of Springbok powerhouse Eben Etzebeth, boosting the lineup alongside front-rowers Ox Nché and Vincent Koch.
The match began with the Sharks asserting early dominance, backed by a favorable wind, yet only managed a meager three points from Jean Smith’s boot despite their efforts. Connacht, on the other hand, faced setbacks such as losing flyhalf Josh Ioane to injury early in the game. Nonetheless, they capitalized on their first significant offensive play with Chay Mullins touching down, followed by a stellar conversion from Sam Gilbert.
Despite trailing at the break, Connacht emerged reinvigorated, with Cathal Forde slicing through the defense to score beneath the posts. The introduction of Ethan Hooker on the Sharks' wing could not stem Connacht’s momentum, as Shamus Hurley-Langton powered over the line to push Connacht ahead. The home team’s dominance continued with Forde making another break to secure his second try, complemented by Gilbert’s boot sealing the deal.
"We regrouped at halftime and focused on our strengths, which really showed in the second half,"
Cathal Forde remarked on the turnaround.With their European journey halted, the Sharks now look to regroup for their upcoming URC fixture against the Ospreys.
Connacht Team: Sam Gilbert, Shane Jennings, Cathal Forde, Bundee Aki, Chay Mullins, Josh Ioane, Matthew Devine, Cian Prendergast (c), Shamus Hurley-Langton, Josh Murphy, Darragh Murray, Joe Joyce, Sam Illo, Dave Heffernan, Billy Bohan. Bench: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Peter Dooley, Finlay Bealham, Niall Murray, Paul Boyle, Colm Reilly, Sean Naughton, John Devine.
Sharks Team: Hakeem Kunene, Edwill van der Merwe, Le Roux Malan, Marnus Potgieter, Makazole Mapimpi, Jean Smith, Ross Braude, Nick Hatton (c), Jannes Potgieter, Tino Mavesere, Deon Slabbert, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Eduan Swart, Ox Nché. Bench: Ethan Bester, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Mawande Mdanda, Corné Rahl, Vincent Tshituka, Ceano Everson, Siya Masuku, Ethan Hooker.