A solid start for Connacht but improvement will be needed against Quins, writes John O’Sullivan…
A Dan Parks inspired Connacht picked up the provinces first ever Heineken Cup away win with a 19-10 victory over Zebre in Parma. The Australian born former Scottish international scored four penalties and converted John Muldoon's solitary try for the victorious yet profligate Westerners.
Indeed, its indicative of the progression that Connacht have made under Eric Elwood that fans, staff and players alike would find any faults with an away Heineken Cup victory. But there are some areas in which Connacht will need to improve on before they host Conor O'Shea's Harlequins next weekend, namely their profligacy. John Muldoon's try may have been enough for Connacht, but it could have been so much more as Connacht repeatedly botched try scoring opportunities.
Most frustratingly, Connacht failed to register whilst Mauro Bergamasco was in the sin bin-with both Willie Falloon and Tiernan O'Halloran inexplicably going for glory when the safer option would have been to feed a team mate for what would have been certain tries.
Connacht's try was made by the hard work and running of both Eoin Griffin and Mike McCarthy, who chased a Connacht kick and forced the Zebre catcher, Bergamasco, the concede a penalty near his own posts. John Muldoon's experienced showed as he took the resultant penalty quickly and, like the proverbial steam train, he ferociously burst over the line for Connacht's first try. Zebre scored a late try, but it was never going to be enough to stop Connacht.
Muldoon got his deserved kudos for his try and all round contribution, but it was a player at the different end of his career who stole the show-young full back Robbie Henshaw. The former Marist College full back grows in stature in each game he plays and again on Saturday he lived up to his billing as one of Ireland's brightest young players. A former Gaelic footballer for Westmeath, Henshaw is comfortable under the high ball, but he really excels in broken field running. Henshaw's elusive running style has been likened to that of Kiwi legend Christian Cullen-which is huge praise, indeed.
Kieran Marmion also impressed against Zebre, and praise must go to Eric Elwood for having the gumption to blood such young players and Connacht are and will reap the benefits of Elwood's bravery and the players quality. In Henshaw, O'Halloran, Griffin, McSharry and Marmion Connacht's backline is extremely young and under the tutelage of Eric Elwood, who won an Under 20 Grand Slam medal with Ireland in 2007, they should fulfil their rich potential, which is good for both Connacht and Ireland.
Connacht's next opponents, Harlequins, were impressive in their win over Biarritz but Connacht, in the knowledge they beat Harlequins in Galway and ran them close in London last season, will be confident that they can cause another shock against Conor O'Shea's 'Quins.
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.
