Dillane and his Connacht team-mates shine in international against Canada

WESTERN stars shone brightest at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening as Connacht men illuminated Ireland’s 31-points win over Canada in the Autumn International series.

Five Connacht players featured in the 52-21 victory, and they scored four of Ireland’s eight tries in what was a red-letter day for the province.

Wrecking ball Ultan Dillane was awarded official man-of-the-match for his outstanding, high-energy performance but Clifden native, Tiernan O’Halloran, ran his club colleague very close for the accolade.

Dillane, an impact substitute who made a big impression off the bench in Ireland’s historic win over New Zealand in Chicago the previous week, was chomping at the bit from the get-go against a plucky but limited Canadian outfit.

The 23-year-old, who recently committed his future to Connacht by extending his contract, capped a fantastic display with a try on the hour mark. The 6ft 6in lock will now be challenging for a place in the starting XV when Ireland face a rematch against the All Blacks on Saturday at Lansdowne Road.

O’Halloran is another Connacht man who has forced himself into contention for a starting berth after a flawless shift at full-back against Canada.

The 25-year-old, who has captained Connacht, scored two tries, one in each half, giving Ireland coach Joe Schmidt food for thought.

O’Halloran has been the in-form full-back during the past season but was getting a raw deal from Schmidt, who overlooked him initially for the summer tour of South Africa.

Injuries facilitated his late call-up to the squad, however, and O’Halloran earned his first test cap against the Springboks at Ellis Park in June.

Rob Kearney, who was impeccable against the All Blacks in the US, won’t be displaced this time, but O’Halloran did everything he possibly could on Saturday to make a positive impression. As well as scoring two tries, his defensive effort was solid.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.