Connacht have defeated Munster on a 22-9 scoreline at a rain-soaked Sportsground this afternoon, although one of their players has come in for some heavy criticism for his actions during the URC clash.
Connacht entered this game in poor form, having suffered defeat in six of their last seven fixtures in all competitions. That made a victory against their provincial rivals a must on this occasion.
The spectacle on show was certainly not helped by the conditions, with the rain and wind in Galway combining to make this a very tricky game for the players on the pitch. Free-flowing rugby was hard to come by, with the match largely being decided off the tee.
The home side's first 15 points came via the boot of JJ Hanrahan, with Jack Aungier then scoring a try in the final few minutes to make sure of the victory.
77 nóim #CONvMUN
@connachtrugby 20@Munsterrugby 9
Jack Aungier leis an úd seo ag an deireadh!
Aungier with the first and only try of the game 👏@IrishRugby @URCOfficial#BKTURC #Rugby pic.twitter.com/lkAt38W7ot— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 1, 2024
Having suffered a defeat to Ulster on St Stephen's day, Connacht will now be hoping this win can lead to better things in 2024.
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Connacht player criticised for incident in Munster win
Connacht's victory in this game was made all the more impressive when you consider the circumstances they started the second half in. Not only did they trail Munster 6-3 at the start of the second half, but they were also down to 14 men for the opening period of the half due to a poor piece of play from one of their players just before the interval.
The moment in question came in the closing moments in the first half.
After a ruck formed when Bundee Aki was tackled to the ground, Munster's Jack O'Donoghue engaged with the Connacht man in an attempt to overturn possession. However, he would be on the receiving end of a very dangerous clearout from Byron Ralston, who made heavy contact with his knee. The Australian would be sent to the sin bin as a result.
Absolute scummy clearout.
The officials are meant to be there to protect players. pic.twitter.com/3PpLiL2U3M— Jim Demps (@jim_demps) January 1, 2024
Unfortunately for O'Donoghue, the hit took quite a toll on him.
He looked to suffer a potentially serious injury on the back of it, being carted off the field soon after.
1 January 2024; Jack O'Donoghue of Munster leaves the field to receive medical attention for an injury during the match between Connacht and Munster at The Sportsground in Galway. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
While Ralston was punished for this incident, some feel he got off rather lightly by only receiving a yellow card. He would go on to play the remainder of the game and helped his team to a 12-9 victory.
Some feel the punishment certainly was not befitting of the offence, one that could see Jack O'Donoghue ruled out for a significant period of time.
Since I’ve no skin in this, maybe I can get away with this… Ralston has potentially ended O’Donoghue’s season by doing something illegal. It is wholly insufficient that this only makes yellow threshold. Just gives all the wrong incentives to players and coaches #BKTURC #CONvMUN
— Neil Pferd (@DasNeilpferd) January 1, 2024
Ralston should be banned for a lot of games there. Disgusting clean out and it's cost O'Donoghue his season.
— Conor Counihan (@ConorCounihan) January 1, 2024
Thats poor from Ralston. Jesus fucking christ. Was that just a shoulder charge to the knee?#CONvMUN
— Ah It's Kenny! (@UghEffortOfThis) January 1, 2024
He can certainly count himself fortunate not to have been sent off, although he could yet be cited for the incident.
From a Munster perspective, this Jack O'Donoghue problem adds to what is already an incredibly lengthy injury list.
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