24 - 28

32 - 25

16 - 12

39 - 24

Friday

08:00

United Rugby Championship

Connacht claim season-ending win over Zebre

By PA

37 days ago

Shayne Bolton of Connacht celebrates after scoring his side's second try during the United Rugby Championship match between Connacht and Benetton at the Dexcom Stadium in Galway. (Photo By Tyler Miller/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Connacht concluded an underwhelming United Rugby Championship campaign with a 22-12 victory over Zebre in Parma.

Captain Cian Prendergast and wing Shayne Bolton claimed first-half tries to put the Irish province on course for a first win in six URC games.

Zebre flanker Bautista Stavile crossed and fly-half Giovanni Montemauri added the extras to leave the Italian hosts 12-7 down at the break.

Back-rower Shamus Hurley-Langton went over with an hour played to stretch Connacht’s lead, with JJ Hanrahan adding the second of his successful conversions.

A score from Zebre full-back Jacopo Trulla and a yellow card for Connacht’s replacement scrum-half Matthew Devine set up a tense finale.

Fly-half Hanrahan slotted a late penalty to help the visitors over the line and claim a 13th-placed finish.

Fixture

United Rugby Championship

Zebre

12 - 22

Full-time

Connacht

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Slow to turn is a downside

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Yeah I’d love for both these guys to really kick on. Finau had more metres per carry, higher post contact metres and more defenders beaten. Parker had more tackles per minute and higher tackle %. Finau had more dominant tackles.

Both have potential to be be absolute beasts.

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JW 2 hours ago

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he is now nailing his throw-ins better this year and seems more deserving this year than last.

That’s just how it goes, can say that for a few positions that have turned into strengths overnight.

Really looking forward to Barrett playing 6.

Lakai and Kirifi should move around once Lakai is available.

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JW 2 hours ago

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Hear Rieko might be more of a wing option, and Big Jim and Jordie might be covering the back three too, especially on team runs where it’s more important to have match ups (a full backline defending).

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MM 2 hours ago

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Exactly as Razor said. Slackbladder fails miserably in the dominant tackles and go forward stakes!

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JW 2 hours ago

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CLW isn’t above 1.9m I wouldn’t say (and Read was about 1.95) but he is a bruiser that can play 6 or 8 (about the same size as Sititi?) alright, could be a part of one of their more mobile trio options I reckon.

I think Blackadder played himself out of a spot in the finals, exemplifying what he doesn’t bring when I hear his games high carries and tackles (semi v Blues) resulted in not 1 meter gained nor dominant tackle/turnover made, respectively.

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dk 2 hours ago

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Mate I’m rooting for Finau to grow into that beast we need at #6. Unlike guys like Ethan, Dalton, Cullen, even Luke, who’ve likely hit their ceilings, Finau has loads to give. Jase Ryan rates Finau very highly, as do I. Now it’s up to him.

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Finau has the most potential to grow into the 6 jersey, just like Kaino, who took some time, and just as Frizzell was starting to do. All the others are journeymen, non-specialist 6s, and they don’t offer the extra height in the lineout. Simon Parker might have been close too, had he not been injured. Trio of Ardie at 7, Sititi at 8 and Finau at 6 works for me.

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Wiseguy 2 hours ago

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Finau definitely passes the eye test. Up to the coaches to coach him now.

I would have been more upset if Lio Willie missed out altogether.

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SadersMan 2 hours ago

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No, I get it. Jase Ryan, in his post selection individual interview, said the reason in selecting Finau is to build on the great work they began last year. At only 26, 193cms, & 115kgs this makes sense.

Blackadder is obviously still in the mix pending injury etc though I’m pretty rapt for Christian Lio-Willie too.

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Connacht claim season-ending win over Zebre

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