Connacht comeback strong to beat Bourgoin in Challenge Cup Quarter-final
Connacht progressed to the semi finals of the Amlin Challenge Cup this past weekend after they clinched a 23-20 win over Bourgoin in an intense battle at the Sportsground in Galway.
New Zealander Miah Nikora showed great temperament as he slotted two penalty kicks as well as the match-winning dropgoal with little time left after earlier missing an opportunity to take the lead.
Bourgoin had led 20-14 but aided by a yellow card for Benjamin Boyet, Connacht got back into the match as the forwards set up a great platform for Nekora to nail his kicks from.
The well struck dropgoal in the end proved the difference between the two sides, who were level with just a few minutes left in the match.
They will play Toulon in their home semi on April 30th, and have opted to host the match at their home ground in Galways rather than take up the more glamourous option of using the far larger Thomond Park.
Captain John Muldoon explained why the decision made sporting sense, despite the fact that some fans will most likely not get their hands on a match ticket.
"The game will be played here," he insisted. "We will sit on the field in protest if we have to. Nobody likes coming here, we know that. So why would we give them the advantage of a nice big ground, dressing rooms, all that?"
The Sportsground has a capacity of 6000, but temporary stands will be erected to squeeze more fans into the ground for what should be a great occasion.
Time: 07:21
New Zealander Miah Nikora showed great temperament as he slotted two penalty kicks as well as the match-winning dropgoal with little time left after earlier missing an opportunity to take the lead.
Bourgoin had led 20-14 but aided by a yellow card for Benjamin Boyet, Connacht got back into the match as the forwards set up a great platform for Nekora to nail his kicks from.
The well struck dropgoal in the end proved the difference between the two sides, who were level with just a few minutes left in the match.
They will play Toulon in their home semi on April 30th, and have opted to host the match at their home ground in Galways rather than take up the more glamourous option of using the far larger Thomond Park.
Captain John Muldoon explained why the decision made sporting sense, despite the fact that some fans will most likely not get their hands on a match ticket.
"The game will be played here," he insisted. "We will sit on the field in protest if we have to. Nobody likes coming here, we know that. So why would we give them the advantage of a nice big ground, dressing rooms, all that?"
The Sportsground has a capacity of 6000, but temporary stands will be erected to squeeze more fans into the ground for what should be a great occasion.
Time: 07:21
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24 Comments:
european cup games are probably the bye weeks for french teams except maybe for toulouse who allways have serious ambitions in every game
first
By sebastian, at April 14, 2010 12:58 pm
Toulon target to win the Amlin so it will be very difficult for connacht
But on a day, u never know
By Flooz, at April 14, 2010 1:14 pm
first
By Anonymous, at April 14, 2010 1:42 pm
the tries they let in were very soft but some of connachts attacking play was awesome. the interlinking down the left flank in the 78th minute was beautiful for a group of players who dont get the recognition or resources they deserve.would be a far greater addition to the heineken cup next season than some of the italian or scottish sides so heres hopin that they can win the amlin...get ahead of ulster in the magners or munster/leinster win the HC. fair play to them
By Anonymous, at April 14, 2010 2:20 pm
Super 14 game highlights please
By WayRight, at April 14, 2010 3:27 pm
UP THE WEST!!!!
By Anonymous, at April 14, 2010 3:38 pm
good luck connacht hope you win after coming last in the magners league for ages now
By Unknown, at April 14, 2010 4:26 pm
OSPREYS VS ULSTER APRIL 12th DARREN CAVE TACKLE ON SHANE WILLIAMS 14 mins in ! Get it on it was unreal
By matty10, at April 14, 2010 4:38 pm
Thanks for posting RD
By Westerner, at April 14, 2010 4:51 pm
european cup games are probably the bye weeks for french teams except maybe for toulouse who allways have serious ambitions in every game
Wow more positivity from sebastien;
Are you trying to say that Bourgoin didnt want to win this game and get a home semi-final in a European Cup!!!
Truth be told Burgoin pushed Connaught all the way but just werent good enough in the end
Bottom of the Magners League is just about better than bottom of the Top 14 based on this result.
Bourgoin can now concentrate on Top 14 games and staying up.
By Kenny, at April 14, 2010 5:04 pm
Up the West!!!
By paddy, at April 14, 2010 5:04 pm
wow... your first coverage of connacht. EVER :o
By bd, at April 14, 2010 5:57 pm
Connacht on RD.... Wait a minute?!! Yeah they are... Imagine what they'd be like if the IRFU actually gave a shit about them..
By Outside, at April 14, 2010 6:09 pm
No, they've definitely covered Connacht before...just, with so much rugby being played around the world, Connacht usually falls to the wayside.
By tripel, at April 14, 2010 7:16 pm
I think it has to do with the fact that Connacht usually play shit rugby unworthy of being shown on rugbydump
By Mr P, at April 14, 2010 10:04 pm
i am sayin kenny that it is way more important for bourgoin to stay in the top14 than to reach that semi-final, sad but true, go and ask any of their fans or players or staff
By sebastian, at April 14, 2010 10:08 pm
only ever showed being scored against, and the felipe kick being blown back over...
By B, at April 14, 2010 10:24 pm
^ and Connacht beating Leinster, with Rocky Elsom being sent off for a punch.
Stop feeling sorry for yourself maybe? I think Mr P summed it up anyway, although that wouldnt have been my choice of words.
By FrankyH, at April 14, 2010 11:37 pm
"The game will be played here," he insisted. "We will sit on the field in protest if we have to. Nobody likes coming here, we know that. So why would we give them the advantage of a nice big ground, dressing rooms, all that?"
Ha classic! Dressing room ,all that?!? Do they make the aways get changed in the bus in Connaught!?! If so, fair play that's one way to annoy the opposition.
Well done Connaught - Toulon will be an interesting day out for everyone.
By mise, at April 15, 2010 12:15 am
Holy shit!
Connacht get a nice write up on rugby dump! This is a great moment..at the match, fucking great game season finishing nicely. Hopefully nick munster on sunday and toulon in the semi's. Heineken Cup here we come!
Micheal Swift for president....
By Donkey Punch, at April 15, 2010 2:48 am
Up Connacht. Great win.
And you pissed off the french enough for them to make excuses so you must be doing something right!
By Third Centre, at April 15, 2010 10:49 am
Up Connacht!!!!!!!!! They deserve it after so puttin up with so much shit over the years,john muldoon,sean cronin and kieth matthews are 3 of the most underrated players in europe.
By Anonymous, at April 15, 2010 12:00 pm
were 13 for connacht and 9 for bourgoin from new zealand anyone
By rosh, at April 15, 2010 2:18 pm
Thanks for the post RD, great to see Connacht vids!:D
By Anonymous, at April 18, 2010 12:27 pm
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