Connacht made it four wins out of four over the new Italian club this season but none of them were easy, writes John O’Sullivan…
With regard to Zebre, given that the club is merely a year old, I struggle to use the term traditionally, but, in Connacht’s four fixtures against the Italians-despite the Sportsground men winning each of the game- victory has been hard earned.
Indeed, an aggregate score of 97-66 in favour of Connacht, illustrates the scrutiny which Zebre have put Eric Elwood’s men under this season.
Connacht, though, started Friday night’s game like a hour on fire-registering two quick tries in a tempo that more resembled basketball than rugby.
The impressive Jason Harris-Wright-who, in my opinion should tour with the Irish senior squad in their summer North American tour- was pivotal to Connacht’s opening try. The former Bath and Leinster hooker’s accurate dart was plucked from the evening sky by Mick Kearney who’s pass found Dan Parks; Parks’ pass found Gavin Duffy and the Mayo man’s incisive pass was with all the momentum of a freight train by Eoin McKeown. The Galway man’s speed and line of running saw him touch-down unscathed for a wonderful training ground forged try. Dan Parks had the simple task of converting, which he duly did making the score 7-0 to the hosts.
Zebre reacted well to going behind and, through Samoan winger Sinoti Sinoti, tested Connacht’s defensive resolve. Imperious in his two try haul away to Cardiff last time out, Willie Faloon was less impressive on this occasion-giving away several penalties, including a penalty for going in off his feet, which Zebre, through fly half Paolo Buso, opened their account from.
Shoehorned into the team at wing, in order to accommodate tyro Robbie Henshaw at full back, Gavin Duffy extended Connacht’s lead further with a try that owed to the former Harlequin’s attributes of pace and evasion. Parks, again, slotted the conversion to make the score 14-3 to Connacht.
In the last home game, Connacht’s scrum proved too much for the Ospreys-but, this time around the roles were reversed, and Zebre, with former Munster prop Dave Ryan to the fore, gave Connacht’s props, Nathan White and Brett Wilkinson, a torrid time. Indeed, Buso’s and Zebre’s next score was a penalty which was won at scrum time.
Zebre were gradually building up a head of steam and soon had a try of their own. The impressive Sinoti Sinoti was instrumental to the score-with his run leaving Connacht’s defensive structure in disarray, the Samoan’s pass then found the onrushing Gonzalo Sarto, who cantered over for a deserved five pointer. Buso made no mistake with the conversion and left Connacht’s lead at the bare minimum, 14-13.
With the possibility of losing eminent, Connacht upped their game and stretched their lead when Parks caressed a penalty over the bar, after Zebre were reprimanded for not releasing at the breakdown.
Connacht gave contracts to several former AIL players this season, and, though, he was impressive otherwise, former Galwegian Brian Murphy conceded a penalty for not releasing Paolo Buso in the tackle. Buso dusted himself down and slotted the resultant penalty to make it a one point game again; 17-16.
Ronan Loughney was brought on to try and rectify Connacht’s troubles at scrum time, but his introduction didn’t chequer Zebre’s scrumagging dominance. Another scrum, another penalty and-this time through Gonzalo Garcia- another score. The centre showed awesome accuracy and technique as his kick dissected the posts from just inside Connacht’s half. It was a fitting way for Zebre to seize the lead for the first time in the game.
Connacht began to turn the screw, and- as a consequence-Zebre’s discipline went out the window. Dan Parks assumed the role of judge, jury and executioner as he made Zebre pay the ultimate price with a drop goal and a penalty. Parks’ six points were enough to seal the game for the men in green, with a score of 23-19.
The final whistle blew to a collected sigh of relief from the Sportsground faithful. I think I speak for all of Connacht’s fans when I say, thank god were won’t play Zebre again this season.
Pat Lam’s reshaping of Connacht’s back room staff continues apace as it was announced that backs coach Billy Millard will leave the province at the end of the season. Formerly of Cardiff Blues, it is undeniable that the Kiwi added an extra dimension to Connacht’s back play since his appointment in 2011. The one time Australia 7’s coach leaves with the best wishes of everyone associated with Connacht rugby.
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.
