WOOTTON’S BRACE LIFTS CONNACHT

CONNACHT ended a run of four home defeats in all competitions with a 32-17 bonus-point win over Cardiff Blues at a windy Sportsground last night.

Former Munster winger Alex Wootton was the stand-out performer for the home side, looking sharp throughout and crossing for two tries.

And, while the out-half debate that is raging around the

Ireland senior team during their difficult Six Nations campaign has many calling for the reintroduction of Jack

Carty to the national set-up, this was a decent rather than a dramatic showing by the Connacht No10.

Rhys Carre’s first-ever try for Cardiff looked an important score, until a brace from Wootton (above) before halftime gave the hosts a 20-10 lead.

Corey Domachowski became the second Cardiff prop to touch down in the 64th minute, but Connacht captain Jarrad Butler and replacement Abraham Papali’i sewed up the result with final-quarter tries.

The bonus-point win was well achieved in difficult conditions and against opponents who brought plenty of commitment as they seek revitalisation under Dai Young, their former coach during the Welsh franchise’s most successful period during the 2000s. However, it still leaves Connacht too far off the Pro14 pace with only four regular season games left to play.

CONNACHT SCORERS - tries: Wootton (2), Butler, PAPALI’I. Cons: Carty (3). Pens: Carty (2). CARDIFF SCORERS - tries: Domachowski, Carre. Cons: Tovey, M Morgan. Pen: Tovey.