By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Irish side Connacht saw off the Hollywoodbets Sharks 29-12 on Friday night as they secure qualification for the final eight in the EPCR Challenge Cup.
The visitors dominated the opening 15 minutes of this round-of-16 playoff, but had only a penalty from flyhalf Jean Smith to show for it, as Connacht repelled two lineout mauls.
The hosts suffered a blow when flyhalf Josh Ioane left the field after a head knock, replaced by Sean Naughton.
Smith then doubled the Sharks’ lead before Connacht struck with their first real attacking opportunity, left wing Chay Mullins going over. Fullback Sam Gilbert converted from the touchline.
Smith added two more penalties – the second after a superb 50:22 – to give the Sharks a five-point half-time lead.
Seven minutes after the restart Cathal Forde barged over between the posts after a patient build-up from the Irish province, with Gilbert contributing the extras to make it 14-12.
Shamus Hurley-Langton was next to cross for the hosts, again rumbling over from close range to extend Stuart Lancaster’s team’s advantage, then Forde ran through to score his second of the game, again under the posts.
The centre took the ball in midfield, brushed off a tackle and showed good pace to race over the line, Gilbert kicking the additional two points.
The full-back split the posts again with a penalty soon after as Connacht secured a trip to France in the next knockout stage.
For the Sharks, it was another disappointing end to a campaign that never took shape and leaves them focusing all their attention on the Vodacom United Rugby Championship to try and qualify for next season’s Investec Champions Cup.
Scorers
Connacht – Tries: Chay Mullins, Cathal Forde (2), Shamus Hurley-Langton. Conversions: Sam Gilbert (3). Penalty: Gilbert.
Hollywoodbets Sharks – Penalties: Jean Smith (4).