DAN IN THE DUMPS
Below-par Connacht picked off at death by Evans and weakened Ospreys
DAN EVANS broke Connacht’s hearts with a last gasp try to snatch victory in Bridgend.
It’s a huge blow to Connacht’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions Cup next season against one of their main contenders for a spot in the premier competition.
Connacht had come back from 14 points down to draw level in the closing stages and just after squandering a chance to win it, they were stunned by a weakened Ospreys side in the final play.
Evans scored after it was judged that Cory Allen didn’t knock-on when the ball was spilled when he was tackled by Cian Kelleher and Kyle Godwin.
It was a cruel way to lose but Connacht can have few complaints. They fell 10-0 down after just nine minutes when winger Keelan Giles got over for two tries.
A fully-loaded Connacht side, with all four Irish inter- nationals available, were hot favourites against an Ospreys side minus eight Welsh stars, with only flanker Dan Lydiate released from camp by Warren Gatland.
But it was Ospreys who led 10-3 at the break and when Rob Mccusker was binned after the restart it was the Welsh who increased their lead from scrum-half Harri Morgan despite being down to 14 men.
The introduction of scrum-half Caolin Blade gave Connacht momentum and Bundee Aki and captain Jarrad Butler got over with Carty’s conversions tying the game at 17-17.
Connacht had one final chance to win it but had to settle for the draw when Carty’s drop goal effort was wide from just outside the 22 two minutes from time and they paid a heavy price.
OSPREYS: Tries: K Giles (2), H Morgan, D Evans. Con: S Davies
CONNACHT: Try: Aki (65). Con: Carty (65). Drop goal: Carty (13)