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Robert Sidoli is tackled by Fetu'u Vainikolo. INPHO/Huw Evans
Winning

Vainikolo double inspires Connacht to impressive victory

Eric Elwood’s side won in Wales for only the second time since 2004, largely thanks to two tries from Fetu’u Vainikolo.

TWO TRIES FROM Fetu’u Vainikolo helped Connacht to secure an impressive 27-19 win in Wales tonight.

The home side, who boasted Welsh stars including Dan Lydiate and Toby Faletau in their starting line-up, kept in touch with their opponents throughout, thanks to four penalties from Lewis Robling.

Similarly, Miah Nikora was the visitors’ main point-scorer, registering 17 points in total.

And two tries either side of half-time from the Tongan wing rocked the hosts, while establishing a commanding lead for Connacht.

Faletau scored a try in response for the Dragons, however his effort ultimately turned out to be little more than a consolation for the Welsh side.

The win is only Connacht’s second league victory in Wales since 2004.

Teams:

Newport Gwent Dragons: Will Harries; Tonderai Chavanga, Andy Tuilagi, Ashley Smith, Aled Brew; Lewis Robling, Wayne Evans; Phil Price, Steve Jones, Nathan Buck, Luke Charteris (capt), Rob Sidoli, Dan Lydiate, Jevon Groves, Toby Faletau

Replacements: Sam Parry, Nathan Williams, Dan Way, Lewis Evans, Tom Brown, Joe Bedford, Adam Hughes, Steffan Jones

Connacht: Gavin Duffy; Fetu’u Vainikolo, Kyle Tonetti, Henry Fa’afili, Tiernan O’Halloran; Miah Nikora, Frank Murphy; Brett Wilkinson, Ethienne Reynecke, Ronan Loughney; Michael Swift, Mike McCarthy; Mick Kearney, Ray Ofisa, John Muldoon.

Replacements: Adrian Flavin, Finlay Bealham, Rodney Ah You, Eoin McKeon, Eoghan Grace, Paul O’Donohoe, Matthew Jarvis, Dave McSharry

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