Connacht Secures Play-Off Boost with 31-14 Victory Over Scarlets in Galway
Connacht strengthened their United Rugby Championship play-off aspirations with a decisive 31-14 victory against Scarlets in Galway. The win marked a significant achievement for Stuart Lancaster's side, who built on their previous successes against Zebre and Glasgow, climbing to ninth in the standings, now level with Bulls ahead of their derby clash with Stormers on Saturday. Sean Jansen, Connacht's number eight, was the standout performer, scoring twice and bringing his season tally to 10. The home team established a 12-0 lead by halftime, a result crucial for their hopes of securing a top-eight finish. Connacht's bonus-point victory was further solidified by tries from props Jack Aungier and Fiachna Barrett, along with a score from hooker Eoin de Buitlear. Although Scarlets threatened a comeback with tries from centre Joe Roberts and full-back Ioan Jones, they ultimately fell short, failing to earn a match point for the first time in five games since Nigel Davies took over as interim director of rugby in January. Scarlets currently sit at the bottom of the table, trailing behind Zebre and four points adrift of Dragons in the battle to avoid being Wales' bottom team. The match, originally scheduled for October, was postponed due to Storm Amy, resulting in both teams fielding squads affected by Six Nations duty and injuries. Connacht's depth proved superior as they exhibited a more clinical approach throughout the match, capitalizing on Scarlets' missed opportunities.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-03-13