Connacht displayed remarkable second-half resilience at their home ground
United Rugby Championship – Connacht vs Ulster
Connacht (3) 22
Tries: Forde, Farrell, Kilgallen; Cons: Carty (2); Pen: Carty
Ulster (13) 20
Tries: Flannery, Shanahan; Cons: Flannery (2); Pens: Flannery (2)
Mounting an impressive second-half surge, Connacht overturned a deficit to seize a 22-20 victory over Ulster at the Sportsground, ascending to the pinnacle of the United Rugby Championship standings.
Ulster’s Jake Flannery was a key player, amassing 13 points in the initial half, including a try that was a result of Harry Sheridan’s dynamic break.
Entering the 42nd minute, Dave Shanahan propelled Ulster forward with a try, but Connacht’s Cathal Forde and Tom Farrell rallied with scores of their own.
The clincher came when Diarmuid Kilgallen crossed the line with a mere five minutes left, securing a dramatic win for the home side.
The In-Game Dynamics: Connacht vs Ulster
Heading into the Galway clash, both teams boasted undefeated records. Yet, Ulster’s coach Dan McFarland faced a challenge, rotating 11 players on an already injury-stricken team. The pre-match developments took another hit with Will Addison withdrawing during warm-ups, prompting Ben Moxham’s inclusion and the promotion of the untested Ben Carson to the bench. This adjustment reduced the average age of Ulster’s squad to 25 years.
The match turned even more daunting for Ulster when Reuben Crothers’ much-anticipated debut was cut short, only two minutes in, due to a head injury, calling David McCann off the bench.
Despite losing two line-outs, Connacht nearly reached the try line first, thanks to a daring sprint from Tiernan O’Halloran and Jarrad Butler through Ulster’s defense. Yet, Ulster’s rapid defensive regrouping led to a crucial turnover.
Jack Carty notched the game’s first points 20 minutes in, only for Flannery to equalize shortly after. Ulster then made a break for it with Aaron Sexton charging for the corner, but Connacht’s defense held strong, pushing him out of bounds.
The breakthrough came as Sheridan made a remarkable dash and found a supporting Flannery who not only completed the try but also added the extra points. Flannery’s subsequent long-distance penalty set the halftime score at 13-3 in Ulster’s favor.
Connacht’s Second-Half Resurgence
The second half saw Ulster come out with guns blazing as Shanahan quickly landed a try. James Hume’s offload to Sexton, who sprinted ahead and located the scrum-half, led to a dazzling score inside the field.
Connacht’s response was swift and fierce with Forde piercing through Ulster’s defense to score. Carty’s successful conversion narrowed the gap.
The tide truly turned for Connacht with Farrell’s touchdown off Carty’s pass and another successful conversion by the Connacht captain, shaving the deficit to three points.
A penalty miss by Flannery gave Connacht the opening they needed. They opted for a bold tap-and-go instead of a kick at goal, almost resulting in a score by Cian Prendergast, who was halted right over the line.
While Carty’s next penalty attempt went awry, his remarkable cross-field kick later found Kilgallen, who secured the lead for Connacht. Even without the conversion, Connacht managed to maintain their narrow lead for a triumphant conclusion.
After notable victories against Ospreys and Zebre, Pete Wilkins’ Connacht team has soared to the championship lead with a perfect record of three wins, while Ulster has stumbled to the sixth position following their inaugural season loss.
The Team Sheets
Connacht fielded a lineup of reliable and emergent talents, with the likes of Tiernan O’Halloran and Jack Carty playing pivotal roles. The bench featured the likes of Tadgh McElroy and Andrew Smith, poised to bring fresh energy onto the pitch.
Ulster’s starting XV and bench echoed a balance of experience and youth, with players like Stewart Moore and the captain Alan O’Connor steering the team, while Ben Carson awaited his chance to make an impact from the reserves.
This match, emblematic of the competitive spirit of the United Rugby Championship, was not just a test of skill but also of strategy and adaptability, with Connacht showcasing their championship credentials and Ulster facing a reality check early in the season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Connacht Ulster Comeback
Who secured the winning try for Connacht against Ulster?
Diarmuid Kilgallen was the player who secured the winning try for Connacht in the last five minutes of the game, clinching a 22-20 victory over Ulster.
What was the score at halftime during the Connacht vs Ulster match?
At halftime, Ulster was leading with a score of 13-3 against Connacht.
How did Connacht’s Jack Carty contribute to the win against Ulster?
Jack Carty contributed significantly by converting two tries and scoring a penalty. His strategic cross-field kick led to Diarmuid Kilgallen’s match-winning try.
What impact did the match have on the United Rugby Championship standings?
The win propelled Connacht to the top of the United Rugby Championship table, while Ulster slipped to sixth place after their first defeat of the season.
Were there any significant injuries during the Connacht vs Ulster match?
Yes, Ulster’s flanker Reuben Crothers suffered a head injury two minutes into his debut and was replaced by David McCann. Additionally, Will Addison was forced to withdraw from the Ulster team after the warm-up.
More about Connacht Ulster Comeback
- United Rugby Championship Standings
- Connacht Rugby Official Site
- Ulster Rugby Team News
- Match Highlights: Connacht vs Ulster
- Injury Updates in Rugby
5 comments
Seriously tough break for Crothers, only 2 mins in and out with a head injury, rugby can be brutal, hope the lads okay, head injuries are no joke
wow just saw the game and Connacht really pulled through at the end Kilgallen is a beast, didn’t expect them to topple Ulster but here we are top of the table baby!
did anyone else notice how the game’s tempo changed after halftime? Connacht came back like they had rockets in their boots. Carty’s kicking game was on fire except that one slice, kinda funny though 😀
the sportsground is becoming a fortress isn’t it, Connachts home record is stellar this season, who’s betting they make it all the way? i might put a tenner on it next time
Ulster’s lineup was a bit young, wasn’t it? Carson’s barely got his boots wet and they’ve got him on the bench already mcFarland’s got guts giving the young guns a go but it did cost em this time.