CONNACHT HERO KIERAN Marmion found an apt way to describe how he got over for their decisive score in the shock win over Toulouse — he ‘ferreted’ over the line.
The man-of-the-match somehow spotted an opening in the mass of bodies on the line and didn’t need any further invitation.
His try pushed Connacht 16-7 in front at Stade Ernest Wallon and Pat Lam’s men then held on for their great ever win when they edged out the four-time Heineken Cup champions by 16-14.
Advertisement
But the 21-year old, born in Wales but with Galway and Irish lineage, said their remarkable success was down to the quality of their defence.
“The defence was a huge factor in the win. We really looked at that coming in and targeted the defence. I think it was huge in getting the win.
“We had a hard week coming in, we knew we had to really front up to get in with this one. I think we did that. Everyone is just really delighted. I think we showed a lot of heart out here.”
He said there had been a lot of soul-searching and tough words after the 43-10 debacle in Edinburgh the previous week and the one area they knew they had to sort out was defence or Toulouse would destroy them.
We only conceded one try close in. They didn’t exactly make too many linebreaks. I think we adapted well to what he wanted us to do. But the main thing was the heart we showed in the tackle.”
Robbie Henshaw exuded class in setting up Connacht’s only try, a superb one-hand lay-off putting Fionn Carr through but when he was stopped Marmion knew how to do the rest.
“I think Fionn got close enough and I just saw a little gap when I got to the line and just ferreted my way over.
“I was pretty confident that I got it down. I knew I had and I know it was a pretty tense few minutes, but I was pretty certain it was going to be a try,” he added.
Now he wants them to back up the victory when they face Toulouse next Saturday at a packed Sportsground.
“We have a big job to do to get the win next week as well which is huge. It’ll be great. Hopefully we’ll have a big crowd at the game after this result. It’ll be a great atmosphere and it’s exactly what we need.”
Try hero Marmion calls for back-to-back victories over Toulouse
CONNACHT HERO KIERAN Marmion found an apt way to describe how he got over for their decisive score in the shock win over Toulouse — he ‘ferreted’ over the line.
The man-of-the-match somehow spotted an opening in the mass of bodies on the line and didn’t need any further invitation.
His try pushed Connacht 16-7 in front at Stade Ernest Wallon and Pat Lam’s men then held on for their great ever win when they edged out the four-time Heineken Cup champions by 16-14.
But the 21-year old, born in Wales but with Galway and Irish lineage, said their remarkable success was down to the quality of their defence.
“The defence was a huge factor in the win. We really looked at that coming in and targeted the defence. I think it was huge in getting the win.
“We had a hard week coming in, we knew we had to really front up to get in with this one. I think we did that. Everyone is just really delighted. I think we showed a lot of heart out here.”
He said there had been a lot of soul-searching and tough words after the 43-10 debacle in Edinburgh the previous week and the one area they knew they had to sort out was defence or Toulouse would destroy them.
Robbie Henshaw exuded class in setting up Connacht’s only try, a superb one-hand lay-off putting Fionn Carr through but when he was stopped Marmion knew how to do the rest.
“I think Fionn got close enough and I just saw a little gap when I got to the line and just ferreted my way over.
“I was pretty confident that I got it down. I knew I had and I know it was a pretty tense few minutes, but I was pretty certain it was going to be a try,” he added.
Now he wants them to back up the victory when they face Toulouse next Saturday at a packed Sportsground.
“We have a big job to do to get the win next week as well which is huge. It’ll be great. Hopefully we’ll have a big crowd at the game after this result. It’ll be a great atmosphere and it’s exactly what we need.”
‘It’s amazing what sport can do’: Muller looks back on Mandela’s World Cup
Here’s our Irish XV of the Heineken Cup weekend
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
European Rugby Champions Cup Connacht HCup Kieran Mermion man of the match Toulouse