Menu

          ESPN

          • scores
          • NFL
          • NBA
          • MLB
          • NHL
          • Soccer
          • WNBA
          • Golf
          • More Sports
            • Boxing
            • NCAA
            • Cricket
            • F1
            • Gaming
            • Horse
            • LLWS
            • MMA
            • NASCAR
            • NLL
            • NBA G League
            • NBA Summer League
            • NCAAF
            • NCAAM
            • NCAAW
            • NWSL
            • Olympics
            • PLL
            • Racing
            • RN BB
            • RN FB
            • Rugby
            • Bananas
            • Sports Betting
            • Tennis
            • TGL
            • UFL
            • WWE
            • Professional Wrestling
          • Editions
          • Where to Watch
          • Fantasy
          • Watch
          • Rugby

          • Home
          • Scores
          • Tables
          • Tournaments
          • Countries
          United Rugby Championship 2017
          ConnachtConnachtCON
          11
          10/09FT
          32
          OspreysOspreysOSP
          • Eoin McKeon(57')
          • Jack Carty(20', 46')
          • Rhys Webb(29', 74')
          • Tyler Ardron(71')
          • Jeff Hassler(77')
          • Sam Davies(30', 75', 79')
          • Sam Davies(5', 63')
          • SummarySummary
          • ReportReport
          • CommentaryCommentary
          • Match StatsMatch Stats
          • Player StatsPlayer Stats
          • LineupsLineups
          • TableTable

          Ospreys down champions Connacht

          • PA Sport
          Multiple Authors
          Sep 11, 2016, 07:56 AM ET
          • Copy Link
          • Email
          • Print

          Ospreys condemned title holders Connacht to a second successive Guinness Pro 12 defeat as they triumphed 32-11 at the Sportsground.

          Steve Tandy's side followed up on last week's 59-5 home demolition of Zebre with another bonus-point win, aided by a run of late tries from Tyler Ardron, captain and man of the match Rhys Webb and Jeff Hassler.

          Webb's snappy try from a scrum was the difference between the sides at the break, the Ospreys leading 10-3 with Sam Davies and Jack Carty swapping penalties.

          Carty's second successful kick reduced the arrears for Connacht to four points and Eoin McKeon's 57th-minute touchdown - converted by Carty - came while Ospreys number eight Ardron was in the sin bin.

          However, the powerful Welsh side clinically saw out the result, stringing together 22 unanswered points to punish tiring Connacht and stay top of the PRO12 table.

          The Ospreys were the early aggressors and Davies' fifth-minute penalty opened the scoring in Galway, while the erratic Carty missed a gilt-edged chance to respond.

          James Connolly broke up a promising Ospreys spell by winning an important ruck penalty. Equally so, Niyi Adeolokun had to react sharply to tackle Olly Cracknell on a dangerous counter attack.

          Connacht ended the first quarter on level terms, a Matt Healy surge down the left wing securing territory and Carty was successful with a subsequent penalty.

          However, the home defence came under intense pressure as the Ospreys' share of possession rose to 72 per cent. And from a 29th-minute scrum, Ardron fed Webb who showed good strength to make it over despite the presence of Carty and Eoin Griffin. Davies converted for 10-3.

          The Connacht pack exerted pressure nearing the interval and the Ospreys were fortunate to avoid sanction for clearly collapsing a maul just metres from their line. Adeolokun also threatened with ball in hand, but the visitors held out.

          Carty punished a high tackle by Sam Davies with a 45th-minute penalty and Ardron's neck-high challenge on Finlay Bealham drew a yellow card six minutes later, following the input of TMO Alan Falzone.

          A crooked lineout thwarted Connacht's initial attack but they bided their time, ramping up the pressure and then setting flanker McKeon free for a simple finish off a Bundee Aki pass.

          Carty drew his left-sided conversion wide and it was his loose kick that was run back with interest by Dan Evans, the next scrum earning a penalty which Davies fired over for 13-11.

          From then on there was only one team in it. The gaps that Glasgow Warriors ruthlessly exploited against the champions last week were evident again as Ardron muscled over from close range and then Webb ran the ideal support line to turn Ben John's brilliant break and offload into a try.

          The bonus point arrived three minutes from time, industrious full-back Evans charging over halfway and sending Hassler over in the left corner, with Davies' final conversion completing his 12-point haul.

          • Terms of Use
          • Privacy Policy
          • Your US State Privacy Rights
          • Children's Online Privacy Policy
          • Interest-Based Ads
          • About Nielsen Measurement
          • Your Privacy Choices
          • Contact Us
          • Disney Ad Sales Site
          • Work for ESPN
          • Corrections
          GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/PR/WY). Void in ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. Terms: draftkings.com/sportsbook. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL.
          Copyright: © 2026 ESPN Enterprises, LLC. All rights reserved.

          Standings

          United Rugby Championship
          RTeamGPPDP
          1GLA18+14165
          2LEI18+14563
          3STO18+16060
          4BUL18+16059
          5MUN18+2055
          6CAR18-1955
          7LIO18+5954
          8CON18+4754
          9ULS18+7452
          10SHA18+3946
          11OSP18-7839
          12EDI18-7738
          13BEN18-16633
          14SCA18-9928
          15DRA18-13128
          16ZEB18-27515
          Full Table