Connacht Secure Vital Win Over Scarlets to Boost Play-Off Hopes
Sean Jansen, who joined Connacht from Leicester in 2023, scored two tries as Connacht defeated Scarlets in Galway, enhancing their United Rugby Championship (URC) play-off prospects.
Tries for Connacht were scored by Jansen (2), Jack Aungier, Fiachna Barrett, and Eoin de Buitlear, with three conversions by Niall Naughton. Scarlets’ tries came from Joe Roberts and Ioan Jones, with Leggatt-Jones converting both.
Connacht’s victory followed wins against Zebre and Glasgow, moving them to ninth place in the URC table, level on points with the Bulls, who were set to play the Stormers in a derby on Saturday.
Number eight Sean Jansen crossed twice in the first half, bringing his season total to 10 tries and giving Connacht a 12-0 lead at halftime.
With a double-header remaining in South Africa, Connacht needed a bonus-point win to maintain their pursuit of a top-eight finish. They achieved this through tries by props Jack Aungier and Fiachna Barrett, and a further score by hooker Eoin de Buitlear.
Scarlets mounted a comeback attempt with tries from centre Joe Roberts and full-back Ioan Jones but failed to secure a match point for the first time in five games since Nigel Davies returned as interim director of rugby in January.
Scarlets remain above only Zebre in the standings and trail the Dragons by four points in the competition to avoid being Wales’ lowest-ranked team.
Fixture Rescheduled Due to Storm Amy
The match was originally scheduled for round two in October but was postponed when the Llanelli side could not travel to Galway due to Storm Amy. Both teams entered the game with numerous absentees due to Six Nations commitments and injuries.
In a test of squad depth, Connacht demonstrated greater clinical efficiency.
Connacht opened the scoring through Jansen’s powerful finish following a quick tap. Centre John Devine was denied a try on his first senior start after being penalised for obstruction in the build-up.
Scarlets nearly capitalised on this reprieve, but Munster-bound hooker Marnus van der Merwe was held up over the line after a quick tap.
Scarlets paid the price for failing to convert pressure into points when Connacht extended their lead in the 37th minute. Opting to forgo a shot at goal, Connacht pressed on and Jansen eventually scored again.
Fletcher Anderson captained Scarlets for the first time during this fixture.
At 19-0, it appeared the game was decided when Aungier powered over from close range. However, Scarlets responded with two outstanding tries. Centre Roberts scored from distance after a clever dummy, then offloaded to full-back Jones, who scored on his first start for Scarlets.
Connacht’s nerves were calmed when Barrett capitalised on a strong carry to score from close range, making the score 24-14 as the hour mark approached.
The victory was sealed when the energetic De Buitlear crossed after a series of powerful carries near the line.
Scarlets’ hopes of securing at least one bonus point were ended when Jac Davies’ try, scored with four minutes remaining, was disallowed due to a forward pass.
Upcoming Fixtures and Team Lineups
Both teams are scheduled to play next on Friday, 20 March. Connacht will face Ulster in Belfast, while Scarlets will host Zebre.
Connacht Starting XV: Gilbert; Jennings, Devine, Forde, Mullins; Ioane, Reilly; Dooley, Tierney-Martin, Aungier, O'Connor, Joyce, J Murphy, Boyle (capt), Jansen.
Replacements: de Buitlear, Duggan, Barrett, Murray, O'Brien, B Murphy, Naughton, McCormack.
Scarlets Starting XV: I Jones; J Davies, Roberts, Williams, Page; Leggatt-Jones, G Davies; Mathias, van der Merwe, Henry Thomas, Lousi, Ball, Douglas, Taylor, Anderson (capt).
Replacements: Harry Thomas, S O'Connor, H O'Connor, Price, Davis, A Hughes, McDonald, Lewis.
Match Officials: Referee: Ru Campbell (Scotland); Assistants: Padraic Reidy, Tomas O'Sullivan (Ireland); TMO: Andrew McMenemy (Scotland).
