We won’t take a step back now say Ospreys

OSPREYS displayed the new expansive template they will need to get back to winning ways according to interim coach Allen Clarke.

However Clarke rued indiscipline at crucial stages which undermined their performance and cost a bonus point.

He said: “Anyone could see that the intent we came with was to own possession of the ball and territory. But there’s huge frustration that we weren’t able to capitalise and that was down to our errors and discipline.

“There is a huge amount of honesty in the changing room about what we can do better, we recognise that is one that got away from us.

“We have three big games now and that is the type of rugby we are going to go in with; we are not going to take a step back. I don’t want us to be conservative.”

Centre Tom Farrell and fly-half Craig Ronaldson did most of the damage to Ospreys. Ronaldson’s sixth successful kick of the night in the closing stages ensured that Ospreys left Galway empty-handed.

Connacht led 13-5 at the break thanks to a converted try just before the interval when a series of drives from a penalty to the right corner yielded a try for flanker Eoghan Masterson.

Earlier two penalties from Ronaldson saw Connacht lead 6-5 approaching the break after Ospreys left winger Daf Howells got in for a try after 16 minutes.

Ronaldson increased the lead to 16-5 from a penalty from 40 metres after Ospreys winger Hanno Dirksen was binned for a late tackle on Connacnt scrum-half Caolan Blade.

Sam Davies pulled back a penalty for Ospreys going into the final quarter but Connacht hit back and Tom Farrell got in for a fine try to make it 23-8.

Replacement No.9 Reuben MorganWilliams hit back with a converted try to ensure a nervous finish but Ronaldson ensured they left empty-handed with another penalty.

Connacht coach Kieran Keane hopes this win ignites a good spell in the PRO14.

He said: “I’m thrilled with the result but it was a bit of a scratchy performance. We are a work in progress.”