Mon 17 Oct 2016 | 11:04
Connacht score brilliant length of the field try as they upset Toulouse

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Connacht scored one of the tries of the weekend as they upset Toulouse 23-21 at the Sportsground in the opening round of this season's European Champions Cup. The hosts were trailing 21-11 at halftime but played some stunning rugby to pick up another famous victory.

The try of the match came in the first half, as a lineout steal set up a superb counter attack.

Bundee Aki was at the heart of it and by the time winger Niyi Adeolokun had crossed, there were multiple hands on the ball as they travelled a full 80 metres from the initial lineout steal.

The Nigerian born winger was called up by Ireland coach Joe Schmidt last week.

"A couple of years ago I’d never imagined I’d play for Connacht or play professional rugby let alone being called up for my country with the Irish guys. I was absolutely chuffed with that."

In the end it came down to a match-winning conversion from Craig Ronaldson, the man who played such a key part in this try, after Aki crossed in the 67th minute.

Ronaldson duly slotted the kick and Connacht had another famous win over Toulouse.

Skip to 3:13 in the video below to see the try, or you can just watch the full highlights

Head coach Pat Lam reflected on the win, praising his side's character.

"It shows how far we have come as a team since the last time we played them three years ago, and we expect to win as a team based on the work we do.

"We are a representation of the west of Ireland, and people deal with adversity all of the time. This is just a proud day for us and our supporters. We are all about inspiring our community, that is the purpose of Connacht Rugby and there was more great inspiration tonight.

"The biggest thing is the character of these guys," said Lam.

3 Comments

  • dancarter
    8:54 PM 18/10/2016

    I saw them at the pro12 final and they played some breathtaking stuff, particularly Aki and Adeolokun. I was pretty gutted to see them lose Ah You, Henshaw, Muldowney and MacGinty. I'm a Falcons fan so repeatedly losing talent we have developed to sides with greater spending power is a constant source of frustration.

  • hedderball
    9:57 PM 17/10/2016

    Actually, I think the O'Halloran try was way better. Brilliant line break from Bealham to begin it and then finishes on the 11th phase. Connacht play rugby like a NZ team - all about going through phases and keeping the ball with high skill levels. They're aren't going to win the HC or even the Pro12 this season but when they get going they're brilliant to watch. Wasps will probably be too much for them but they won't be sleeping easy after that.

  • mastersa
    6:37 PM 17/10/2016

    Connacht show what won the the Pro 12 last year despite the yearly depletion of squad. Deserved win.