Advertisement
John Muldoon led Connacht to their first win of the season last night. Dan Sheridan/INPHO

'I was really nervous before this game': Keane relieved to get first Connacht win

The new head coach says his side are making ‘small steps’ in the right direction.

CONNACHT COACH KIERAN Keane said he is pleased to have a first win in the bag but knows they will need to continue to improve after the 32-10 win over the Southern Kings.

Keane’s men led 24-5 at the break and eventually pushed on to secure the bonus point 10 minutes from time against the Port Elizabeth newcomers.

“We are making small steps, I don’t think we need to get ahead of ourselves,” said Keane afterwards.

“We are making gains and we are moving forward so, that’s a real plus for me and I was really nervous before today.

“There was better attack, a lot more polish around the handling and there were some better decisions. The workrate was good, the energy was good and the set-piece was good, particularly the scrum but those things can vary from week to week.

“It was generally a better step-up and we needed to do that and that is the real positive for me.”

Tries from Tom Farrell, Eoghan Masterson and Ultan Dillane helped Connacht lead 24-5 at the interval before Darragh Leader got over to secure the bonus point late in the game.

Kieran Keane Connacht travel to face the Dragons next week. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

Keane said that he knows there is room for improvement but also acknowledged that the Kings improved as the game went on.

“They have got some athletes there and some real firepower so we were being drained as well by looking after all that. It was messy in parts but it wasn’t all our own making,” he added.

Subscribe to The42 podcasts here:

‘I’m filling in for those guys but want to try and put as much pressure on them’

Connacht run four tries past the Kings in front of All-Ireland winning hurlers

Close
4 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute paul burch
    Favourite paul burch
    Report
    May 25th 2013, 1:05 PM

    If the semi’s are anything to go by, this should make it a cracking final.

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Steve Burton
    Favourite Steve Burton
    Report
    May 25th 2013, 12:56 PM

    It will be an amazing match and a night to remember!

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hilary McDuffy
    Favourite Hilary McDuffy
    Report
    May 25th 2013, 12:06 PM

    Is this the World Cup final If so it’s been very low key, Come on USA!!

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Good News Caravan
    Favourite Good News Caravan
    Report
    May 25th 2013, 1:05 PM

    Any chance of your number Hil? You sound exactly like my type

    37
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Scott Hughes
    Favourite Scott Hughes
    Report
    May 25th 2013, 12:45 PM

    The motivator (Klopp)
    vs.
    the tactician (heynckes)

    The tactician to to win in the end, Bayern 3-1 and muller (as always) first scorer.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ger Ball
    Favourite Ger Ball
    Report
    May 25th 2013, 1:49 PM

    Should be a great game, I hope Dortmund can do it!

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Good News Caravan
    Favourite Good News Caravan
    Report
    May 25th 2013, 1:13 PM

    Gundogen versus Schweiny. In already getting tent pants just thinking about it.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Declan
    Favourite Declan
    Report
    May 25th 2013, 12:37 PM

    Hillary if you keep going you might get that lovely arm of yours around your neck !!

    Only joking.

    Dortmund 7-2. I wonder hmmmm

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute PO
    Favourite PO
    Report
    May 25th 2013, 12:48 PM

    Think bayern will beat them 3-1 that’s my bet for the match

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave O'Hanlon
    Favourite Dave O'Hanlon
    Report
    May 25th 2013, 12:40 PM

    Those were two worthy winners up there, though both sides had aging players and disappeared off the radar after those successes. Great to see them back again.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brendan
    Favourite Brendan
    Report
    May 25th 2013, 8:41 PM

    @ Denis

    The Germans shouldn’t get too carried away.

    Meaning: Don’t start boasting, try to be modest. And they are fairly modest about it all.

    You took this in the wrong way and then went on from there.

    …There’s always one trying to rain on the parade.

    Who is trying to rain on the parade…..

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brendan
    Favourite Brendan
    Report
    May 25th 2013, 1:14 PM

    The Germans shouldn’t get too carried away.
    We’ve already had an all-Spanish, Italian and English final.
    Real Madrid vs. Valenica, AC Milan vs. Juventus, Man Utd vs. Chelsea.
    Barcelona, Man Utd and the other big boys will be back next year…..

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Denis O Donovan
    Favourite Denis O Donovan
    Report
    May 25th 2013, 2:33 PM

    Who’s getting carried away? All they said was its great to have an all German final!

    They didn’t declare they are the worlds greatest league like so many players and commentators in England do, nor did they mention anything about next year…

    There’s always one trying to rain on the parade, just enjoy the spectacle of two very attacking teams trying to dismantle each other!

    17
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel