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

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.

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:

iTunes

Android

‘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