Connacht back on top of Pro 12

A four-try defeat of Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade last night saw Connacht return to top of the Guinness PRO12 table ahead of the weekend of round 14 games.

Winger Matt Healy and fullback Tiernan O’Halloran scored in the first half with Man of the Match Craig Ronaldson kicking the two conversions. But Newport Gwent Dragons led 15-14 at half-time as tries by centre Adam Hughes and wing Ashton Hewitt were added to by Jason Tovey (penalty) and Angus O’Brien (conversion).

Replacement outhalf O’Brien was on target for a further two penalties after the break but Eoghan Masterson and Bundee Aki both crossed and Ronaldson converted the last try to put Connacht into a 5-point lead with 10 minutes remaining. An impressive defensive display from Pat Lam’s men prevented a dogged Dragons side from clinching the win at the death.

That is three out of three bonus point wins for Connacht since their win over Enesei in the Challenge Cup and places them well to take maximum advantage of the Six Nations.