CONNACHT WERE CRUELLY denied a place in the second round of the Champions Cup play-offs with a 40-32 defeat to Gloucester at Kingsholm this afternoon.
Read our full match report here.
Romain Poite
Criticising referees is an easy, easy thing to do. Planted comfortably at home on the couch with the ability to review incidents from various angles and even slowed down, it’s possible to pick holes in any match official’s performance.
Refereeing a game of rugby at professional level is an exceptionally difficult job given the sheer amount of potential offences in every single phase of the game. But sometimes, referees deserve the ire they draw and Romain Poite was poor this afternoon.
It’s disappointing to have to discuss the referee after such an entertaining game, but Connacht might rightfully feel that Poite’s breakdown decision in those closing minutes of normal time cost them the win.
Despite Tom Palmer clearly not rolling away, Poite opted to award the penalty to Gloucester as Connacht’s ball carrier was deemed to be holding on post-tackle, a decision that was inconsistent with the Frenchman’s others in this same game.
Poite’s interventions had far too big a day in the outcome this afternoon, and generally his form has been poor for some time. His lack of clarity and consistency cost Connacht dearly in Kingsholm.
Carty’s class
This was a superb performance from Connacht’s out-half, who has attracted his fair share of negative assessment this season. Carty firmly underlined his rich potential with a classy and composed display at Kingsholm.
The 22-year-old took his try well, set up Matt Healy brilliantly for the wing’s first, kicked 12 points from the tee and generally led what was an excellent all-round performance from Pat Lam’s side.
The head coach looked entirely justified in his decision to consistently back Carty in the 10 shirt this season despite some inconsistent form. Even if his kicking from hand still has progress to make, this was a timely reminder that Carty can develop into an out-half of outstanding ability.
Healy in the limelight
Two tries for Matt Healy meant his excellent season ended with a bang, but it was his defensive work that was arguably most impressive in Kingsholm.
Time and again, he made sublime reads to shoot up and shut down Gloucester attacks, notably forcing Charlie Sharples to spill the ball and allow John Cooney to gather and race clear for a first-half try.
With ball in hand, Healy was as lethal as ever, bursting through the Gloucester defence for his second try after calmly taking Carty’s cross-field kick for his first.
There appears to be an odd inclination to discount Healy from discussions about the Ireland squad, possibly due to his club rugby background, but his form means he more than deserves a shot in the World Cup warm-up friendlies this summer.
The major issue is a build-up of talent in the wing positions for Joe Schmidt, but Connacht have a wide man of superb ability in 26-year-old Healy.
A familiar feeling
Despite all the undoubted positives from today’s performance, Connacht are left with a feeling of heartbreak that is all too familiar to their coaches, players and faithful supporters.
Poite’s refereeing, the attacking quality of Gloucester, errors at crucial moments and many other things contributed to the defeat, but a wider reflection will leave Connacht asking why they were even in the play-offs at all.
Their drive for the top six was unsuccessful due to costly defeats in the second half of the season after such a strong opening few months. Injuries didn’t help of course, but Lam will reflect on the need to remedy that issue for 2015/16.
Even with their clear progress, the campaign ends with Connacht suffering from a familiar feeling of disappointment.
