Connacht ultimately emerging victorious, defeating Ospreys 34-26. Let’s dive into the action-packed highlights of this intense rugby showdown.

Caolin Blade’s Hat-Trick Sets the Tone

The game began with Caolin Blade’s phenomenal performance in the first half. Blade secured a remarkable hat-trick of tries, contributing significantly to Connacht’s 27-5 lead as the teams headed into the halftime break.

Ospreys’ Second-Half Fightback

Ospreys launched an impressive second-half comeback, showing great determination. Keelan Giles, Reuben Morgan-Williams, James Ratti, and Rhys Davies scored tries for Ospreys, securing a valuable bonus point. Their spirited display reduced Connacht’s lead to just eight points.

Is é Joe Joyce Loach na hImeartha.

“I feel like I’ve had to wait forever, I think I signed 14 months ago so it’s been a long time in the making.”

Taispeántas den scoth aige!@IrishRugby @URCOfficial @connachtrugby #BKTURC pic.twitter.com/DeEYtIbJj6

— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 21, 2023

JJ Hanrahan’s Precision

JJ Hanrahan played a crucial role for Connacht, providing precise kicks and scoring points with two early penalties. Hanrahan’s performance was pivotal in setting the tone for Connacht’s dominance.

Connacht’s offensive prowess was on full display. The team’s ability to exploit gaps and create opportunities was evident when Tom Farrell fed the ball inside for Blade’s first try. Connacht continued to dazzle with their agile and inventive gameplay throughout the match.

Ospreys’ Resilience and Youthful Energy

Despite a challenging first half, Ospreys showcased resilience in the second half. Coach Toby Booth praised the younger players for injecting energy and self-belief into the team. Ospreys managed to secure a bonus point, providing a silver lining to their commendable second-half performance.

Conclusion:
In a gripping United Rugby Championship clash, Connacht ultimately triumphed over Ospreys in a high-scoring contest. Caolin Blade’s hat-trick of tries, JJ Hanrahan’s precision, and Ospreys’ second-half fightback were the defining moments of this thrilling encounter. The match displayed the essence of rugby’s unpredictability and excitement.

The post Video – Exciting Clash in United Rugby Championship: Connacht Prevail Against Ospreys – Match Highlights appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Lowe scored tries against Japan and New Zealand, the country of his birth, as he got himself an iron grip on Ireland’s number 11 shirt with all 240 minutes of the games under his belt.

The 29-year-old led the side in metres made throughout the November internationals, with 266 to his name from 37 carries – an average of seven metres per carry – as well as nine offloads, more than any other player (equalled only by Stuart Hogg).

What was most impressive across the three games, however, was the improvement of his defence.

Lowe made eight tackles in the Autumn Internationals and managed five defensive catches in his backfield role.

He had previously been criticised for his defending in his first year as an Irish international and had this to say after the win over New Zealand.

“You bollockses always talk about my [defence], and I got up and I worked Rieko (Ioane), and we got the turnover from it.

“I don’t care about that first try, I don’t care about anything. It was that moment, to do everything I’ve been doing in the last six or seven months in the 70 minutes, that’s what I’m happy about.”

Lowe returns to the starting lineup for his club, Leinster on Friday night after the successful international break.

He will wear number 11 for the province and share the backline with Ireland full-back Hugo Keenan once again as the team take on Connacht in the United Rugby Championship in their second interprovincial clash at the RDS Arena in as many weeks.

Leinster Head Coach Leo Cullen noted that he understands that the criticisms players have to deal with can be hard and that it’s good to see a “larger than life character” like James Lowe enjoying his rugby.

“I don’t know what else was going on inside his mind at that exact moment (the interview) – I’m not so sure,” Cullen said. “But yeah, look, what players have to deal with, criticism and rejection and all the rest, it can be hard, you know, they wanna go out and prove a point…

“…the big thing is [that] it’s good to see James playing with a smile on his face so hopefully he can deliver something for us [Friday] night.”

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Ala’alatoa is set to make his fourth start for the club in seven games since arriving from Crusaders in New Zealand – he has racked up 51 minutes as a substitute in two other games also.

The Samoan international was unavailable for selection against Ulster last weekend as he was with the national side, who were meant to play the Barbarians in an ill-fated fixture.

He will make his return to the side on Friday night when they face Connacht in their second interprovincial fixture in as many weeks.

Head Coach Leo Cullen has praised his new tighthead ahead of his sixth appearance for the reigning domestic champions.

“[Ala’alatoa] has been a great character within the group – very, very popular with the lads,” Cullen noted. “In terms of his performance on the field, he’s coming from a very good environment (Crusaders) so he’s added lots of little bits there as well.”

Ala’alatoa joined the side after five years with the Crusaders and was regarded as a “world-class prop” over there by his coach Scott Roberson.

Naturally, he slots into second in the tighthead pecking order at the club, behind Tadhg Furlong and ahead of Vakh Abdeladze and Thomas Clarkson.

His presence in their scrum and in the defensive line has been something that Leinster cherished in the opening weeks, with Furlong resting after being on Lions duty.

On top of this, the 30-year-old has yet to taste defeat playing for Leinster, with a perfect record attached to his name so far.

Cullen is hoping that the Samoan will continue to perform for the side and further prove his worth in the weeks ahead, starting with the United Rugby Championship clash against Connacht.

“So yeah, hopefully, he just goes from strength to strength – that’s the plan. He’s settled in well which is great to see, which is what you want from guys coming in on the outside.”

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Leinster were dominated by Ulster last Friday night at the same venue, losing to Dan McFarland and his squad for the first time since April 2019.

Connacht come into the tie riding a two-game wave, including a win over Ulster, and will be hoping to stretch it out to three with a second win at the RDS in 2021.

Fly-half Jack Carty and winger Mack Hansen have been standouts in the URC so far this season and their connection gets better every week.

Leinster struggled to deal with Ulster’s manipulation of space last weekend so improvement will be needed if they are to deter the threats of Carty and Hansen.

Nine internationals return to the starting lineup for Leinster after joining up with their national teams during the November international window.

Two of those, Hugo Keenan and James Lowe, will line out in the back three where they are joined by Jordan Larmour.

Robbie Henshaw swaps from outside centre to inside while Garry Ringrose returns to don the number 13 shirt.

In the pack, Cian Healy, newly-capped international Dan Sheehan and Samoan star Michael Ala’alatoa make up the front row with Ryan Baird and Devin Toner slotting in behind them.

Autumn Nations Player of the Series Caelan Doris starts at No 8 where he is flanked by the familiar presence of Rhys Ruddock and Josh van der Flier.

Connacht have made three changes to the side that thrashed Osprey at the Sportsgrounds last week.

Oisín Dowling, Eoghan Masterson and Peter Robb are named to start in the second row, blindside flanker and inside centre respectively after getting minutes from the bench last week.

Teams

Leinster

15. Hugo Keenan (34)
14. Jordan Larmour (65)
13. Garry Ringrose (90)
12. Robbie Henshaw (58)
11. James Lowe (55)
10. Harry Byrne (26)
9. Luke McGrath (156) CAPTAIN

1. Cian Healy (236)
2. Dan Sheehan (17)
3. Michael Alaalatoa (5)
4. Ryan Baird (32)
5. Devin Toner (269)
6. Rhys Ruddock (194)
7. Josh van der Flier (102)
8. Caelan Doris (43)

Replacements:

16. Rónan Kelleher (28)
17. Andrew Porter (80)
18. Vakh Abdaladze (13)
19. Josh Murphy (49)
20. Max Deegan (69)
21. Nick McCarthy (39)
22. Ross Byrne (109)
23. Tommy O’Brien (11)

Connacht

15. Oran McNulty (3)
14. Alex Wootton (23)
13. Sammy Arnold (21)
12. Peter Robb (48)
11. Mack Hansen (6)
10. Jack Carty (165) (C)
9. Kieran Marmion (192)
1. Matthew Burke (29)
2. Dave Heffernan (150)
3. Finlay Bealham (165)
4. Oisín Dowling (12)
5. Ultan Dillane (120)
6. Eoghan Masterson (114)
7. Conor Oliver (26)
8. Jarrad Butler (79)

Replacements

16. Shane Delahunt (106)
17. Jordan Duggan (18)
18. Jack Aungier (19)
19. Leva Fifita (2)
20. Cian Prendergast (14)
21. Caolin Blade (136)
22. Conor Fitzgerald (40)
23. Tom Farrell (65)

Odds

Leinster 1/10

Draw 33/1

Connacht 6/1

Where To Watch

The match will be available to watch on TG4, Premier Sports 2 and URC TV.

The post Leinster v Connacht – Preview, Teams, Odds, Where To Watch appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Cullen has been able to call on a selection of internationals that were involved in the November window.

Two of those, Hugo Keenan and James Lowe, will line out in the back three where they are joined by Jordan Larmour.

Robbie Henshaw swaps from outside centre to inside while Garry Ringrose returns to don the number 13 shirt.

Luke McGrath will lead the side out as captain and he is partnered in the half-backs by Harry Byrne, who made a late cameo against Ulster last week.

In the pack, Cian Healy, newly-capped international Dan Sheehan and Samoan star Michael Ala’alatoa make up the front row with Ryan Baird and Devin Toner slotting in behind them.

Autumn Nations Player of the Series Caelan Doris starts at No 8 where he is flanked by the familiar presence of Rhys Ruddock and Josh van der Flier.

Josh Murphy will reach a half-century of appearances for the province if he is introduced from the bench.

He’s joined in the replacements by Rónan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Vakh Abdaladze, Max Deegan, Nick McCarthy, Ross Byrne, and Tommy O’Brien.

Leinster Team v Connacht

15. Hugo Keenan (34)
14. Jordan Larmour (65)
13. Garry Ringrose (90)
12. Robbie Henshaw (58)
11. James Lowe (55)
10. Harry Byrne (26)
9. Luke McGrath (156) CAPTAIN

1. Cian Healy (236)
2. Dan Sheehan (17)
3. Michael Alaalatoa (5)
4. Ryan Baird (32)
5. Devin Toner (269)
6. Rhys Ruddock (194)
7. Josh van der Flier (102)
8. Caelan Doris (43)

Replacements:

16. Rónan Kelleher (28)
17. Andrew Porter (80)
18. Vakh Abdaladze (13)
19. Josh Murphy (49)
20. Max Deegan (69)
21. Nick McCarthy (39)
22. Ross Byrne (109)
23. Tommy O’Brien (11)

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Oisín Dowling, Eoghan Masterson and Peter Robb are named to start in the second row, blindside flanker and inside centre respectively after getting minutes from the bench last week,

The rest of the team is unchanged from the one that ran in seven tries against Ospreys, meaning Robb is partnered by Sammy Arnold with a back three of wingers Mack Hansen and Alex Wootton and full-back Oran McNulty.

Kieran Marmion and captain Jack Carty continue at 9 and 10 respectively.

The front row of Matthew Burke, Dave Heffernan and Finlay Bealham makes its fifth straight start, while Ultan Dillane partners Dowling in the second row.

Masterson’s inclusion means Jarrad Butler moves to number 8 while Conor Oliver completes the line-up from openside.

The replacements include Cian Prendergast and Tom Farrell who both return to the matchday 23 having recovered from injuries.

Head Coach Andy Friend says: “Last week was pleasing not just to pick up 5 points but to continue our recent level of performances, even with a substantial break in the middle. The challenge for all of us now is to raise our game even more, away to one of the best sides in Europe.

We’ll take confidence from our win at the RDS last January, and our travelling supporters will be a big help as always. This game will tell a lot about where we are right now so we’re really looking forward to it.”

Connacht Team V Leinster Rugby

15. Oran McNulty (3)
14. Alex Wootton (23)
13. Sammy Arnold (21)
12. Peter Robb (48)
11. Mack Hansen (6)
10. Jack Carty (165) (C)
9. Kieran Marmion (192)
1. Matthew Burke (29)
2. Dave Heffernan (150)
3. Finlay Bealham (165)
4. Oisín Dowling (12)
5. Ultan Dillane (120)
6. Eoghan Masterson (114)
7. Conor Oliver (26)
8. Jarrad Butler (79)

16. Shane Delahunt (106)
17. Jordan Duggan (18)
18. Jack Aungier (19)
19. Leva Fifita (2)
20. Cian Prendergast (14)
21. Caolin Blade (136)
22. Conor Fitzgerald (40)
23. Tom Farrell (65)

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The 28-year-old joined up with the boys in green ahead of their final game of the Autumn Nations Series.

Gibson-Park had orchestrated the Ireland attack alongside Johnny Sexton in victories over Japan and New Zealand before being ruled out.

McGrath did not get back onto the pitch in green but noted that the time he spent with the squad was valuable.

“It was great,” McGrath exclaimed. “It’s obviously been a long time since I was in but it was nice to go in after they beat New Zealand, you know, they were in great spirits.

“To be there for the rest of the Argentina week was great, even to be an extra just on game day kinda – you know, there was a while where I was very far away from that so it’s nice to be back in the mix and, like I say, hopefully, I’ll be able to get a couple odd more Irish caps in the future.

“But the only way I can do that is by playing well with Leinster, so that’s kinda where my focus is at the minute but it was a great experience.”

McGrath has appeared five times for Leinster this season, with four starts to his name and captained the side in their interprovincial clash with Ulster.

Their rivals got the upper hand on them at the RDS on the day as Dan McFarland’s men registered their first win over the boys in blue since April 2019.

Leinster were dominated for the majority of the game and were unable to deal with their linespeed and quality in the breakdown.

Ulster manipulated space against the Pro 14 champions really well, especially at the start of the game.

McGrath’s opposite number, John Cooney called three-man pods often to bring Leinster’s concentration towards the ball and not the wide men, leading to some enticing chances when the number nine chose to go down that avenue.

Connacht star Jack Carty is known to use space to his advantage and has thrived this season with Mack Hansen and him forming a dynamic duo.

Hansen has started life in the West of Ireland like a house on fire and his energy and speed caused lots of problems for the Ospreys defence last week at the Sportsground.

“We did watch a bit of the Ospreys game [Monday] morning and Jack used his kicking game really well.

“You know, Ulster, like you say, were very effective against us around the ruck, they tightened us up very well and, like you say, took the edges so maybe Connacht might use a bit more of that template this week – again, it’s kind of hard to know.

“But, like you say, Jack’s playing really well at the minute. His kicking game is so effective – it was definitely very effective against us in the RDS last year when they beat us.

“Connacht have a load of threats – Hansen’s playing really well as well so, you know, it’s gonna be a massive defensive effort from us but, yeah look, we’re really looking forward to the challenge.”

The post Luke McGrath: ‘It’s nice to be back in the mix’ appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Connacht earned their second win of the season before proceedings were paused for the Autumn international break but will feel like they could be in a better spot after five games – the road to correcting that starts now.

Their opponents, Ospreys, have had a strong start to life in this new league and are aiming for a third victory in a row.

Gareth Anscombe and Rhys Webb have endured fruitful spells of form as they lead their side’s charge up the table.

Anscombe is rested this weekend with Stephen Myler taking this place – a man also worthy of the 10 shirt at the club.

Anscombe and fellow Wales international Alex Cuthbert will not feature as boss Toby Booth looks to manage their reintegration.

Ireland inside centre Bundee Aki is rested for the home side, with Sammy Arnold moving to 12 and debutant Shayne Bolton donning number 13 for the night.

Hooker Dave Heffernan will earn his 150th cap for the province – the starting XV includes three other players with over a century and a half worth of caps for the Westerners.

Finlay Bealham, Ultan Dillane, Mack Hansen and Jack Carty all start for the side after being involved with the Irish national side in the past month.

Teams

Connacht

15. Oran McNulty (2)
14. Alex Wootton (22)
13. Shayne Bolton *
12. Sammy Arnold (21)
11. Mack Hansen (5)
10. Jack Carty (164) (C)
9. Kieran Marmion (191)
1. Matthew Burke (28)
2. Dave Heffernan (149)
3. Finlay Bealham (164)
4. Niall Murray (21)
5. Ultan Dillane (119)
6. Jarrad Butler (78)
7. Conor Oliver (25)
8. Paul Boyle (62)

16. Shane Delahunt (105)
17. Jordan Duggan (17)
18. Jack Aungier (18)
19. Oisín Dowling (11)
20. Eoghan Masterson (113)
21. Caolin Blade (135)
22. Conor Fitzgerald (39)
23. Peter Robb (47)

Ospreys

15. Dan Evans

14. Max Nagy

13. Owen Watkin

12. Joe Hawkins

11. Luke Morgan

10. Stephen Myler

9. Rhys Webb ©

1.Nicky Smith

2. Elvis Taione

3. Tom Botha

4. Bradley Davies

5. Rhys Davies

6. Sam Cross

7. Jac Morgan

8. Ethan Roots

16. Sam Parry

17. Gareth Thomas

18. Rhys Henry

19. Will Griffiths

20. Morgan Morris

21. Reuben Morgan- Williams

22. Josh Thomas

23. Cai Evans

Odds

Connacht 3/10

Draw 20/1

Ospreys 11/4

Where To Watch

The game will be shown live on RTÉ Two with coverage beginning at 7 pm. URC TV will also show the clash.

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O’Brien took charge of the club in 2016 after previously working under Stephen Rochford as a selector and became one of the most decorated club managers in the sport.

The esteemed club manager then took the reins and built on Rochford’s three Galway titles in a row, extending the streak to seven in his time, and led them to an unprecedented three All-Ireland titles in three seasons.

The club also won four Connacht Senior Football Championships in his time with them.

“It’s been a phenomenal journey and a great period of success for the club,” O’Brien told Galway Bay FM yesterday.

Rival club Mountbellew-Moylough proved to be their kryptonite and the last two years have yielded no titles as a result, with the team’s two losses in the Galway Senior Football Championship since O’Brien took charge coming at the hands of the current county champions.

Mountbellew-Moylough also drew with Corofin in the 2018 county final but lost the replay in what was to be the first of three All-Ireland triumphs for O’Brien’s team.

However, Corofin’s almost-spotless record under O’Brien remains a fantastic feat – the side won 51 of their 56 Championship games with their former selector holding the reins.

“I think you have to be very grateful. There were days on the sideline where games were gone from us, and we got the luck that day. Teams evolve as well, and last Sunday was the pinnacle of that with Mountbellew’s success – and fair play to them.

“I’ve been very proud, in winning three All-Irelands, everybody in that dressing-room was from Corofin and that really, really shows the success we have within the club and the calibre of people.

“I’ve no doubt the position will be filled, and I certainly will be there to support them in whatever way I can.”

The post Kevin O’Brien leaves Corofin after decorated reign appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The partnership has previously been synonymous with the group’s flagship property The Connacht Hotel but as the group has grown over the last few years the time is now right to expand the partnership.

The Hospitality Group is widely regarded as one of Galway’s leading hospitality groups.

They operate three hotels in Galway City, The Residence Hotel, The Forster Court Hotel.

They also operate a 24-hour Active Fitness Leisure Club as well as three leading licence premises including An Pucan, 1520 Bar, HYDE Bar & Gin Parlour and most recently we took over the operations of Galway Bay Golf Resort with future plans to build a luxury 4-star hotel & spa on the resort.

Wayne Neilon, Group General Manager said: “Our partnership with Connacht Rugby has always been a natural fit and we are excited to be able to extend this out to our wider Connacht Hospitality Group.

“The last 18 months have been challenging for both Connacht Rugby and our own teams but our shared values of hard work, resilience and teamwork have carried us through and we are very hopeful for our partnership into the future.

Philip Patterson, Head of Commercial & Marketing with the provincial outfit said: “It was a no-brainer to renew our agreement with Connacht Hospitality Group.

“They have been a huge supporter of ours down the years and provide wonderful services and facilities to both people living in Galway and visitors to the city.

“We look forward to continue to grow our relationship in the years ahead.”

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