Connacht squeeze past Samoa

CONNACHT’S young guns denied Manu Samoa a first win on their Northern Hemisphere tour at the Galway Sportsground last evening.

Samoa, ranked 11th in the world, had looked to exploit their renowned Sevens prowess, but came up against a determined, if experimental, Connacht outfit who gave their opponents every bit as good as they got in the physical exchanges.

The victory, before 2,300 spectators, was a huge fillip for Connacht’s future stars, several of whom were starting their first match of the season, and coach Eric Elwood, who gave eight graduates of the Connacht Academy their opportunity, was delighted.