O’Callaghan yellow costs Warriors

THE poor form continues for Connacht’s Challenge Cup rivals as Oyonnax, Brive and Worcester Warriors all lost out last weekend in their respective national leagues.

La Rochelle made home advantage pay as they ran in eight tries against Oyonnax on their way to a 57-12 victory. Oyonnax actually led this game 7-5 after 16 minutes when Viliami Maafu ran in a try for his side, but it was downhill all the way from there as they conceded three more tries before half-time and the home side didn’t let up with another four in the second half. A home clash with seventh-placed Bordeaux might provide some solace this week.

Elsewhere in the Top 14, Brive came close to recording a first win of the season, but Toulouse secured a rare away win with a 22-19 victory. The boot of Samuel Marques meant Brive remained in touch as Toulouse ran in tries from Leonardo Ghiraldini and Zack Holmes, but Maxime Medard’s try ensured Mike Tadjer’s late effort was not enough to give Brive the win. They travel to face leaders Montpellier this weekend, who lost for the first time this season last time out.

In the English Premiership, Worcester lost out 24-19 at Kingsholm, but an early yellow card for Donncha O’Callaghan cost his team dearly. Ollie Thorley ran in two tries with the former Munster man in the sin bin, which proved critical despite Perry Humphreys’ two tries for Warriors, who face Saracens tonight.