Connacht’s hopes of a quarter-final tie didn’t last long today, as despite a good showing early on, the western province eventually lost 64-6 to the Saracens.
After leading for the majority of the opening 25 minutes, Connacht’s resistance caved in the 25th minute as David Strettle ran over Saracens second try, and the first of his hat-trick. A late Charlie Hodgeson try just before the break was a turning point, as the home side returned in the second half with a cushion that gave them the freedom to open their play. The next 40 minutes were a mauling, as the Londoners ran over eight tries, which went unanswered by a bewildered Connacht attack.
An impressive European season from the team in the west, unfortunately it won’t end in an unlikely quarter-final tie, but the strides made this season will surely stand them in good stead for whatever form of European competition they will take part in next year.
