TWO TRIES FROM Fetu’u Vainikolo helped Connacht to secure an impressive 27-19 win in Wales tonight.

The home side, who boasted Welsh stars including Dan Lydiate and Toby Faletau in their starting line-up, kept in touch with their opponents throughout, thanks to four penalties from Lewis Robling.

Similarly, Miah Nikora was the visitors’ main point-scorer, registering 17 points in total.

And two tries either side of half-time from the Tongan wing rocked the hosts, while establishing a commanding lead for Connacht.

Faletau scored a try in response for the Dragons, however his effort ultimately turned out to be little more than a consolation for the Welsh side.

The win is only Connacht’s second league victory in Wales since 2004.

Teams:

Newport Gwent Dragons: Will Harries; Tonderai Chavanga, Andy Tuilagi, Ashley Smith, Aled Brew; Lewis Robling, Wayne Evans; Phil Price, Steve Jones, Nathan Buck, Luke Charteris (capt), Rob Sidoli, Dan Lydiate, Jevon Groves, Toby Faletau

Replacements: Sam Parry, Nathan Williams, Dan Way, Lewis Evans, Tom Brown, Joe Bedford, Adam Hughes, Steffan Jones

Connacht: Gavin Duffy; Fetu’u Vainikolo, Kyle Tonetti, Henry Fa’afili, Tiernan O’Halloran; Miah Nikora, Frank Murphy; Brett Wilkinson, Ethienne Reynecke, Ronan Loughney; Michael Swift, Mike McCarthy; Mick Kearney, Ray Ofisa, John Muldoon.

Replacements: Adrian Flavin, Finlay Bealham, Rodney Ah You, Eoin McKeon, Eoghan Grace, Paul O’Donohoe, Matthew Jarvis, Dave McSharry

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