IT’S CARTY TIME
Ireland star Jack plays big role off Conn bench
JACK CARTY showed his class off the bench with a key 10-point contribution and a try assist as Connacht ended Benetton Treviso’s eight-match PRO14 unbeaten run at The Sportsground.
Two opportunist tries from Caolin Blade and Matt Healy gave the home side a 14-7 half-time lead after the Italians enjoyed purple patches at either end of the first half before opening their account thanks to replacement Antonio Rizzi’s third try in as many games.
Dewaldt Duvenage’s 55th-minute score drew the Italians level, only for Carty – who won his first three Ireland caps during the recent Six Nations – to seize the momentum with a brilliant 24-minute cameo.
He initially landed a difficult 63rd-minute penalty prior to two involvements in the build-up to Healy’s second try and then finished off a breakaway last-minute bonus point try.
It was Connacht who hit the front when an attack off a lineout swung back into midfield, with scrum-half Blade taking advantage of a missing pillar to break from a ruck and step inside last man Ian Mckinley. Kyle Godwin converted.
Despite the best efforts of Toa Halafihi at the breakdown, Treviso conceded a second try after Connacht wore them down through 27 phases.
Ultan Dillane and Finlay Bealham made crucial incisions and although Tiernan O’halloran lost the ball close to the line, James Cannon’s tackle on Duvenage forced possession loose for winger Healy to swoop and touch down.
After Godwin was successful with a difficult conversion from the right, the Italian pack was able to exert some pressure.
They were rewarded when Halahifi broke from a five-metre scrum, linking with Rizzi, who grounded under pressure from Darragh Leader, and then converted to halve the deficit.
Duvenage brought the visitors level, raiding in behind the posts after a poor kick from Godwin led to a tired chase.
Connacht were duly punished as Robert Barbieri charged into space, combining with Halahifi and Rizzi to release Duvenage.
A crisply-struck Carty penalty from just inside the Benetton half put Connacht back in front before Andy Friend’s men showed the greater accuracy and energy down the final stretch.