Bundee Aki’s reckless red card was among several points of poor discipline for Connacht as they suffered a 38-15 defeat to reigning champions the Stormers in South Africa.
In their opening game of the season, the Stormers came flying out of the blocks and scored a superb early try from Evan Ross, running over Mack Hansen in the process.
The 22-year-old is a player to watch this season, causing Connacht problems all game with his strong carries, as South Africa look to have produced another top talent in the back row.
Evan Roos' superb early try has the Stormers ahead against Connacht #URC
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📱 Updates https://t.co/eV4vydsSAq pic.twitter.com/UwCywmXjq8— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) September 24, 2022
Despite a number of errors and indiscipline, Connacht stayed in the game and had their first try through Dylan Tierney-Martin from a maul, going in 13-8 behind at half time.
A serious injury to Caolin Blade will concern both Ireland and Connacht, with the scrum-half scheduled to travel with the emerging Ireland squad to South Africa.
Bundee Aki red card
A fired up Bundee Aki entered the game, but immediately gave away a penalty as the Stormers extended their lead to 19-8.
Just as they had gained momentum, Connacht thought they were in touching distance of the Stormers when Tom Farrell went over for a try, but it was ruled out for a dangerous clear out by Aki, who received a red card.
Aki’s reckless play at the ruck will see him suspended at a crucial time for Connacht, with his aggressive behaviour towards the referee disappointing to see.
Bundee Aki's red card proved costly for Connacht in Cape Town #URC https://t.co/eV4vydsSAq pic.twitter.com/8eiWi9jVVj
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) September 24, 2022
Speaking on RTÉ after the game Bernard Jackman was hugely critical of Bundee Aki's actions.
“It’s a bad message in a team that need him to stand up.”
The RTÉ Rugby panel discuss Bundee Aki’s dismissal against the Stormers and his “confrontational” behaviour towards the match officials. #RTERugby #URC pic.twitter.com/rrwSfNjvWj— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) September 24, 2022
"Jared Butler was shocked by his reaction. He's technically wrong, 'where do you want me? It's was actually harder to hit his head, his head was a smaller target than all his jersey and his back.
I know he wants to lay down a marker, he wants quick ball, but just with the focus on player safety and head height, shoulder contact to the head, you have got to do better then that.
His reaction and body language, it's a bad message in a team that needs him to stand up."
The Stormers took full advantage of their extra man advantage, with an early contender for try of the season from hooker Andre-Hugo Venter.
A @TheStormers try for the ages 🤩#BKTURC #URC | #STOvCON pic.twitter.com/axdVOgfQs5
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) September 24, 2022
While Connacht scored a consolation through prop Jack Aungier, further Stormers try from Hacjivah Dayimani and Marcel Theunissen secured the bonus point for the Stormers.
It’s a similar story for Connacht, who were right in the game up until the Aki red card, conceding over 30 points for the second game in a row.
With players away from with Ireland, Bundee Aki suspended and captain Jack Carty injured, life doesn’t get easier for Andy Friend’s side as they face the Bulls next week.
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