Saumaki’s claws out for Tigers
Connacht Leicester
28 29
HOSEA SAUMAKI completed Leicester’s stunning fightback to edge out Connacht in a thriller.
And the Tigers’ third win from three sees them qualify for the last 16.
Both sides collected try-scoring bonus points and Connacht a losing bonus point from a pulsating encounter in Galway. With Leicester moving second in Pool B of the competition, level on points with leaders Harlequins.
“Really pleased with the players,” admitted Tigers coach Steve Borthwick. “We might not have scored at the end but either way, I would have been proud and I would have thanked the players for their efforts.
“I thought we started the game well and finished the game well.”
Leicester prop Joe Heyes rumbled over from a powerful maul for the opening try in the third minute and seven minutes later the visitors’ flowing move meant wing Kini Murimurivalu did not have to break stride to collect Burns’ cross-field kick.
But two quick-fire Connacht tries ensured they went into half-time up four points.
Tiernan O’Halloran skipped under the posts and the Irish province crossed again via Cian Prendergast after Bundee Aki’s offload to the flanker.
Connacht stayed on top after the break and just after Tommy Reffell got a yellow card for offside, Kieran Marmion found a gap in his rivals’ defence.
The home side’s bonus point was soon secured by full-back O’Halloran.
But the Premiership pacesetters would not fold. They fought back in the 55th minute as Murimurivalu finished.
Seven minutes from time Charlie Clare barged over at the back of a maul for his side’s fourth try.
And an ill-tmepered game ended as Saumaki went over for Leicester.