Cardiff Blues 18 -17 Connacht

Pat Lam’s Connacht were left stunned tonight when their opponents Cardiff Blues snatched an 88th minute converted try to win the game. A heroic defensive effort from Pat Lam’s men was ultimately stretched and the hosts pulled away for a dramatic one-point win.

Forwards Jake Heenan and Aly Muldowney scored a try in each half with outhalf Craig Ronaldson kicking seven points. But a brace from the Blues’ left wing Joaquel Tuculet and the eight points from fullback Rhys Patchell edged it for the Welsh side.

Half time: Cardiff Blues 3 – 10 Connacht

Full time: Cardiff Blues 18 – 17 Connacht

Connacht: 15-9: M Muliiana, T O’Halloran, D Poolman, D McSharry, M Healy, C Ronaldson, J Cooney
1-8 – D Buckley, T McCartney, R Ah You, M Kearney, A Muldowney, J Muldoon (c), J Heenan, G Naoupu

Replacements: S Delahunt, R Loughney (for Buckley, 66”), F Bealham (for Ah You, 54″), A Browne (for Heenan, 60”), E Masterson (for Naoupu, 48”), I Porter, J Carty (for McSharry, 67”), D Leader (for Muliaina, 58”)

Cardiff Blues: 15-9: R Patchell, A Cuthbert, C Allen, G Evans, J Tuculet, G Anscombe, L Williams
1-8:  S Hobbs, K Dacey, T Filise, J Hoeta, L Reed, J Turnbull, E Jenkins (c)

Replacements: R Williams, T Davies, S Andrews, F Paulo, M Cook, T Knoyle, G Davies, T Isaacs

Referee: Lloyd Linton (SRU)

Attendance: 5, 624

Man of the Match: Aly Muldowney