Bayonne 27
Connacht 29
CONNACHT PULLED OFF another superb win with a hard-fought, confidence-filled win away to Bayonne.
Despite Par Lam naming a brand new starting line-up for the fixture, the men of the west battled to victory over the Top 14 side.
20-year-old scrum-half Caoilin blade comes away the hero as the second of his two tries arrived in the 77th minute with Miah Nikora’s resulting conversion giving the visitors a slender two-point margin of victory.
The hosts took an early lead through a thrilling breakaway try from Saimoni Vaka on the back on a fifth minute turnover.
Nikora narrowed the gap with a penalty minutes later, but Bayonne reached the 14-point mark as Mathieu Ugalde caused havoc in the Connacht defence with a grubber in the 22 that he was able to sneak through and ground himself.
After 28 minutes, Blade put Connacht right back into the game. The young scrum-half storming in for the score after Darragh leader found the gap.
The sides would trade penalties before the going in at the interval with Connacht trailing 17 – 16. After the break, Bayonne flew out of the traps ominously. The new look XV could have been forgiven for accepting their fate after Pierre Sayerse’s try put the home side eight points to the good after 42 minutes. However, even after Christophe Loustalot stretched that gap to 11, Lam’s side kept chiselling away.
On 57 minutes Nikora reduced the arrears and 10 minutes later he kicked Connacht within a score. And on the back of a maul (a theme carrying over from last week’s encounter) Blade pounced.
The hands would be required at the pump again as Bayonne pushed back in an attempt to avoid a home defeat, and they had an opportunity to steal the lead back. However, Ugalde’s last gasp kick was not as cleverly judged as his early grubber. The flags stayed down and Connacht keep winning.
He’s a machine. Barely any mistakes
Even his mistakes are not bad. This looks like its over before the back 9.
After 10, Its all over now.
Back to 3 shots the gap now, should still be enough. I expect him to burn up the back 9
Ya would not want to talk too soon
Poll on sky sports over 40% thought rose would win .
Dreamers, although I wouldn’t begrudge another South African winner.
Most overrated game on the planet
Has shown great composure for a 21year old,deserves to win.
Made for life now I would imagine with all that money in top golf
tournaments,the 2nd gets over a million dollars.
Congratulations to Justin as well for been 2nd.
Spieth was simply brilliant for 72 holes, thoroughly deserved and I can see that being the first of many green jackets he dons. If he carries on playing like that we should get some brilliant battles between himself and Rory over the next 10 years.