Sensational finish sees Connacht into last eight

La Rochelle 20

Connacht 30

THERE is no way of placing value on the mental element of the game of rugby. The know-how. The knack. The nous. You can stick computer chips in jerseys, place 15 cameras in every corner of the ground and read statistics until your eyes fall out. You can master all the data, safe in the knowledge that it will make a difference, but there will always be a part of the game that is unquantifiable.

On a cold, crisp January evening, one Atlantic coast team met another in La Rochelle and they played out an enthralling duel that defied the reality of this competition, which plays second fiddle to domestic fare for almost every entrant.

Sure, Connacht were carrying knocks, down key front liners, even forced to rest one or two players despite still being in contention for qualification. Sure, La Rochelle had kept up to 12 key players on the sidelines in anticipation of a big game next week, but once all that was put to one side, we got a contest to remember. A cup tie. A battle.

And so, the circumstances were right for more learning, for the accumulation of more experience, for solidifying an inner belief within this squad of players that despite the injuries, the size differentials and the low squad numbers, they now have the knack, the know how and the nous to get out of tricky corners, to negotiate choppy waters and to dig out results when the odds are stacked against them

The clock was ticking, 75 minutes had been played. Connacht trailed by 20-16 and while they had been more than competent in the second half, after an error-strewn first 40 minutes, the try scoring opportunities remained scarce. They needed a win first and foremost but a bonus point would guarantee a last eight spot. Two tries seemed highly unlikely, but even one was looking beyond them.

Up steps Niyi Adeolokun, just one appearance since October but an exciting talent, eager for another chance. He had six minutes to make a difference when he came on for Mils Muliaina. In the end, he just needed one touch and about six seconds to turn the game on its head with a swerving side step to the left to deceive a drifting defence and a searing burst of acceleration to pop through the gap and shoot clear.

Full report in this week’s Connacht Tribune.