Connacht v Scarlets

[An Tarbh]

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Connacht v Scarlets</div>

Connacht host Scarlets this evening in what should be another chance for the Western province to prove that their recent form isn't just a question of raising their game for the interpros.

The Scarlets had a reasonable Christmas period but that defeat against the Ospreys will have hurt their pride. Question is which Scarlets side will show up at the Sportsground, the side so capable of destroying any team in Europe on their day or the side that has spluttered and faltered so often this season.

Both sides with plenty to prove in what should be an interesting clash in Galway.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

With the Blues and Dragons both playing away from home, this represents a huge chance for Connacht to claw their way back into contention for a Heineken Cup playoff spot.

Scarlets haven't won away in the league since early September. Connacht are showing some decent home form. The Irish province, bouyed by the return to fitness of Duffy, Wilkinson and recall of Ofisa, will win a low scoring arm wrestle and continue their recent upswing in form. They're far from pretty to watch but can be quite effective at their brand of 10 man rugby.

 

[munross]

Teams:

Connacht Rugby: 15. Gavin Duffy 14. Fionn Carr 13. Niva Ta'auso 12. Keith Matthews 11. Liam Bibo 10. Ian Keatley 9. Frank Murphy 1. Brett Wilkinson 2. Sean Cronin 3. Robbie Morris 4. Mike McCarthy 5. Andrew Farley 6. John Muldoon 7. Ray Ofisa Treviranus 8. Colm Rigney
Replacements: 16. Adrian Flavin 17. Ronan Loughney 18. Michael Swift 19. Andrew Browne 20. Kieran Campbell 21. Andy Dunne 22. Mel Deane

Scarlets: 15. Morgan Stoddart 14. Darren Daniel 13. Regan King 12. Jonathan Davies 11. Gareth Morris 10. Rhys Priestland 9. Martin Roberts 1. Phil John 2. Matthew Rees 3. Deacon Manu 4. Dominic Day 5. Vernon Cooper 6. Simon Easterby 7. Johnathan Edwards 8. David Lyons
Replacements: 16. Iestyn Thomas 17. Ken Owens 18. Lou Reed 19. Dafydd Jones 20. Gavin Cattle 21. Stephen Jones 22. Yannick Ngog

Rhys Priestland puts Scarlets in the lead with a penalty in the 5th minute

 

[Sir Speedy]

Apparently 6 - 3 at HT...
What a game.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Two Ian Keatley penalties to one by Rhys Priestland. Sounds like another cracking game out west!

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

11-3 Connacht now. Keatley with a try.

 

[munross]

Try by Deacon Manu and a conversion by Jones makes it 14 - 10 now to Connacht

 

[munross]

Try and conversion by Stephen Jones puts Scarlets in the lead 17 - 14

 

[munross]

Full Time: Scarlets 17 - 14 Connacht

 

[Sir Speedy]

Oh thank Jesus for that...