It was a night to remember at the Sportsground for the home fans; John O’Sullivan takes pleasure in reporting!
Connemara Whiskey is one of Connacht's main sponsors and Eric Elwood must have thought he took one sip too many as he watched his Connacht side dismantle Leinster 34-6 at the Sportsground.
Much of the pre game talk centred around Connacht debutant Dan Parks, and the naturalised Scot didn't disappoint with a composed performance, dictating Connacht's backs rampant play masterfully. His half back partner, Kieran Marmion was equally prominent, already showing signs of what could be a fruitful pairing with the former Scottish international.
There were some great subplots in the enthralling story of this game, including the return of ex players on both sides. Indeed, Leinster boated former Connacht players Jamie Hagan and Fionn Carr in their starting team, whilst Connacht had former Leinster academy player Dave McSharry former Leinster prop, and Connacht captain for the evening, Nathan White, as well as former Leinster hooker Jason Harris Wright who made an appearance from the bench.
Many questioned Leinster's decision to let Nathan White join Connacht, and the criticism seems justified as the Kiwi was imperious throughout, particularly in Connacht's dominant scrum.
Leinster actually started the game in the ascendancy, and took the lead through an Ian Madigan penalty as Connacht infringed at the breakdown.
Connacht rallied and were so close to taking the lead as Michael Swift, on his 150th appearance for Connacht, was a matter of inches away from scoring the nights opening try.
We didn't, however, have to wait long for their and the games opening try. After the scrum Connacht were awarded after Leinster held up Michael Swifts' try attempt, Connacht scored through centre Dave McSharry.
Connacht's scrum, as throughout the game, was solid and Marmion and Parks linked superbly before feeding Dave McSharry who had the momentum of the proverbial freight train as he crashed over the line under the posts. Parks added the conversion for 7-3 to Connacht.
Madigan added his second penalty after Connacht infringed again at the breakdown. There may have only been a point in the difference, 7-6, but Connacht were head and shoulders above Leinster on this occasion. A second Connacht try was soon to arrive , Fetu'u Vainikolo showed fine pace and finishing as he galloped onto Robbie Henshaw's inviting pass before stepping John Cooney and crossing the white wash. Parks was successful again with his conversion leaving the score at 14-6 to Connacht.
For want of a better term, Leinster were rattled by Connacht's tenacity and Brendan Macken epitomised Leinster's performance when he was sin binned for attempting to disrupt Kieran Marmion at a ruck.
The scent of blood was now in Connacht's nostrils and they added their third try soon after. I often praise Connacht's indigenous youngsters and Eoin Griffin and Tiernan O'Halloran combined wonderfully for Connacht's third try. Griffins pass released O'Halloran who evaded former team mate Fionn Carr’s attempted tackle to touch down in the corner. Connacht had a chance to extend their lead on the stroke of half time and Dan Parks obliged by slotting the penalty and ending a dream first half for Connacht.
The second half started in a familiar fashion for Connacht and despite Leinster sending on their international front row of Ross, Cronin and Healy, Connacht weren't to be denied as the impressive George Nau'opo crashed over the line after a rolling maul. Parks missed the resultant conversion but left the pitch to a rapturous reception as he was replaced by Miah Nikora. Nikora, like Parks, was given the chance to practice his conversions after Ronan Loughney scored Connacht's fifth try, which summed up Leinster’s day. A Leinster line out went awry and the ball inexplicably fell into the grasp of Ronan Loughney who had just to fall over the line for Connacht's fifth try. Nikora converted for 34-6 to Connacht.
The put the result into context, Connacht, full of young local players, thumped the back to back Euopean Chanpions without conceding a try. There hadn't and I suspect won't be many teams that could claim that.
I’m John O’Sullivan, 20. Part time student, full time sports nut. Love rugby and am currently the PRO of Connemara RFC. I also do some radio work for my local station. One day, I would love to be a Sports Journalist/Broadcaster. I would like to thank Jeff for giving me the chance to cover my beloved Connacht on ‘Harpin2’, looking forward to a great season!
Click here for a Leinster perspective on the main HarpinOnRugby site
