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Owen Farrell showcases good and bad in Lions audition in front of dad Andy
By Ian Cameron
Owen Farrell gave British & Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell plenty to think about in Galway, producing a mixed display as Racing 92 edged a chaotic 43–40 Challenge Cup quarter-final win over Connacht.
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With injury having interrupted his debut season in Paris and Racing struggling for consistency in the Top 14, the 32-year-old arrived at Dexcom Stadium under pressure to make a statement.
In front of his father and Lions selector, Farrell did just that — for better and worse.
Introduced in the second half with the game in the balance, Farrell contributed a calmly struck drop goal off the post and helped manage Racing’s lead as they pulled 15 points clear with a quarter of an hour to play. But his momentum was halted by a yellow card five minutes from time for a no-arms clearout on Shane Jennings, which helped Connacht back into the contest.
This was a match Connacht will look back on with deep regret.
With a man advantage for much of the contest and a 21-5 lead in the opening quarter, they appeared in control, only to be outscored and outmuscled by a Racing side that never panicked and showed real forward dominance despite being a man down.
Wame Naituvi’s try had briefly cancelled out Bundee Aki’s early effort, but his high tackle on Finn Treacy in the 13th minute saw referee Christophe Ridley award a penalty try and show a red card.
Connacht, through the outstanding Cian Prendergast, took their opportunities to build scoreboard pressure and went into the break ahead thanks two tries from Prendergast, although a composed finish from Racing centre Josua Tuisova clawed it back to 28–24 just before half-time.
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But the visitors, even scrummaging with just seven men, found momentum. Hooker Diego Escobar and scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec had both crossed in the first half, with Le Garrec adding a second after the interval to swing the game back in Racing’s favour.
Brought on in the 47th minute for Dan Lancaster, Farrell immediately helped to settle Racing’s attack. His drop goal clipped in off the right-hand post and pushed the French side into a 37–28 lead.
Le Garrec added two further penalties to extend the advantage to 43-28.
But Connacht kept swinging. Ben Murphy exploited a tired Racing defence to break clear for a try, which was followed by Farrell’s sin-binning in the 76th minute, a reminder that despite his storied career, discipline remains a weakness.
Paul Boyle and Cathal Forde then combined to set up a dramatic final play, with Forde crossing for a try in the 79th minute.
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Hanrahan converted to make it 43–40.
Racing, down to 13 thanks to Farrell, kept their nerve to close it out.
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Connacht squad depth is not strong enough to challenge for trophy’s. This is unfair to their supporters who turn out to see them on a regular basis. They could attract bigger crowds for big games, but they need a stronger squad. Hanging on to older players who don't contribute enough isn't going to get them on the podium. They should be able to contend for the challenge cup at least.