Connacht Dominate as Sharks Fall Short in Galway

November 30, 2025
645
Ultimate Rugby

The Sharks were unable to carry forward the momentum from their previous victory and suffered a 44 17 defeat to Connacht in Round 6 of the United Rugby Championship on Saturday evening in Galway.

Both sides entered the contest positioned in the lower section of the table with Connacht sitting just above the Sharks before kickoff. Earlier results on the day saw the Sharks slip to 14th while Connacht’s bonus point win allowed them to climb further with the added advantage of a match in hand.

First Half

Connacht applied pressure early and took the lead in the eighth minute through a Sean Naughton penalty. The Sharks then struck with their first meaningful attacking opportunity as hooker Fez Mbatha finished from a driving maul to record the opening try. The conversion was unsuccessful but the visitors briefly moved ahead 5 3.

The response from Connacht was swift. Flyhalf Josh Ioane exploited space with a dummy run in the build up to a try finished in the corner by captain Paul Boyle. With momentum turning in the home side's favour Connacht began to assert control at the breakdown where the Sharks conceded several penalties.

Another Naughton penalty stretched the lead to 13 5 and the Sharks' task became more difficult when Jason Jenkins was sent to the sin bin. Connacht made full use of their numerical advantage and after an extended attacking sequence Chay Mullins crossed on the left wing for their second try. A further penalty on the stroke of halftime saw Connacht take a commanding 23 5 advantage into the break.

Halftime: Connacht 23 5 Sharks

Second Half

The Sharks returned to the field with a more direct approach and greater tempo but Connacht’s defensive structure held firm. The hosts then increased the gap when centre Hugh Gavin finished a set piece move from a lineout to extend the lead to 30 5 entering the closing stages.

Makazole Mapimpi delivered a sharp finish for the Sharks to reduce the deficit but Connacht responded quickly through Matthew Devine who secured the bonus point try. A late score from replacement lock Emile van Heerden briefly narrowed the margin before Sam Illo added Connacht’s final try of the evening.

Full Time: Connacht 44 17 Sharks

The result leaves the Sharks with significant improvements to make ahead of a challenging run of fixtures. With several Springbok players unavailable and a demanding European schedule ahead the squad will be aiming to regroup quickly.