Pro12: Treviso vs Connacht, Sat 3 Sep, 3PM

jacothelad

PhatPiggins wrote: »

We're not allowed to call them that! Apparently it infringes on their true cultural identity

"West and up a bities"

CIARAN_BOYLE

Well done Connacht. Great to get a win on the board on day 1. I have to be slightly concerned about the kicker missing three kicks but I understand he was good around the park so we have to hope he will setle into the role.

jacothelad

Great win. The first of many I hope.

Rickwellwood

Great stuff Connacht - from the GBFM commentary sounds like standout performances from Macca, Swifty, TOH, Dave, Jarvis, Mul.

Sweltering heat (32C) and still came out with the win. Gutsy all round.

Well done lads.

seanin4711

hats off to all the squad everyone did their bit!
onwards and upwards!
delighted as these sort of results will push season ticket sales further!
Brilliant start

evil_seed

was that our 1st ever win in italy? mighty win against a team who will be trouble for every team over there.

Connacht Abú!

Shelflife

Good result today,

was that the same c willis that came on for leinster that played for connacht last year? i thought he had retired.

CIARAN_BOYLE

Shelflife wrote: »

Good result today,

was that the same c willis that came on for leinster that played for connacht last year? i thought he had retired.

He retired because he has had a couple of injuries and felt that the long term damage to his body of continuing to play professionally wasn't worth it. Someone in Leinster said hey man could you do a favor for us and play for 2 months since Redden will be at the WC and we think Boss will. He agreed a short term deal as WC cover. Is probably getting more per week than he was before since Leinster are pretty stuck at SH at the moment.

evil_seed

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Willem De Waal's early Treviso penalty was cancelled out by a Matthew Jarvis kick before Rodney Ah You's try helped Connacht lead 8-3 at the interval.

Another Jarvis penalty extended Connacht's lead to eight before De Waal responded with two Treviso penalties but despite an avalanche of late pressure - Elwood's men stood firm.

The Italian side were decimated by a host of World Cup call-ups - but after watching his side's gutsy away-day win - Elwood believes they're a match for any side in the RaboDirect Pro12.

"We have changed our whole approach," said Elwood. "We firmly believe on our day we are capable of challenging anybody.

"I think we have proved that home and away. The challenge this year now is can we do it again?

"Can we back it up again? Fifteen new players and that is their challenge."

Seven victories and a draw in 22 league matches last season saw Connacht finish above Aironi, Glasgow Warriors and Benetton Treviso in the table.

And Elwood is hoping for a repeat performance this time around.

"It is the start of the three-year programme," added Elwood.

"I'd like to think the work the lads did last year in the league didn't go unnoticed.

"We have 15 news guys coming in; the key for those players is to take up the mantle and build on the work that was done last year. The key word is improvement."

cuculainn

Hi

I just want to add my congrats to connacht on getting off to a winning start

I think it was vital that we perform early on in the pro 12.....There are alot of new season ticket holders and they may be a little fickle when it comes to supporting connacht through thick and thin.......a few wins early on will hopefully cement the attendances at the sportsground and make for a sucessful season

Losty Dublin

Given that they have a virtually 100% squad while most other teams will be weakened with World Cup call ups over the next few weeks, September is a good chance for Connaught to make a strong start to the season. 18 points will see them well on the way, not to mention giving them continuity going into the Heinekin Cup games in November.