Connacht 53-5 Treviso
MOST OF IRISH rugby’s eyes are focused on the Six Nations today but there is Pro12 action too and Connacht tried their best to grab some attention for themselves after a massive 53-5 win over Treviso at The Sportsgrounds.
The home side looked to run the ball as much as possible, which made for a highly entertaining late afternoon game that showcased some of the province’s talented young backs.
Pat Lam’s side’s ambition paid dividend early on as the home team scored within minutes of the first whistle. Matt Healy executed a lovely dummy-switch in the Treviso 22 to bamboozle a defender and his pop to the on-rushing Tiernan O’Halloran allowed the fullback to glide past the last defender to touch down.
Connacht continued to exert pressure in the visitors’ 22 throughout the opening 40 but had to settle for two three-pointers from the boot of Craig Ronaldson.
Treviso cleverly played territory towards the end of the half and after winning a 5m lineout inside centre Sam Christie crashed over to reduce the deficit.
Just like in the first half, Connacht crashed over minutes into the second 40 as Jake Heenan touched down from the back of a powerful maul.
The home side were over again five minutes later when Matt Healy had an easy run into the corner after a Danie Pooleman offload created space for Tiernan O’Halloran out wide to feed the wing.
The bonus point try followed from another maul with Denis Buckley grounding and second row Aly Muldowney powered over from close-range soon after.
There was still time for the backs to deservedly grab two more five-pointers as Healy and Poolman both crossed to ensure Connacht enjoy a six-point lead over their nearest rivals for that final automatic Champions Cup qualification place.
