Connacht fightback just fails

Scarlets 32 Connacht 30

Guy Easterby’s returning internationals did just enough to secure a bonus-point win in an eight-try feast as Connacht showed great character to post four tries in the second-half to come within two points on two occasions.

In the end Connacht were denied a record fifth straight win but their display of real grit earned them two valuable points — a losing bonus and a four-try bonus point. It ensures both sides remain where they started, in seventh and sixth positions, but with the Scarlets having extended their lead over Connacht to seven points, and with Pat Lam’s charges facing a tough finish against Ulster, Munster, Cardiff and Ospreys, hopes of a top-six finish look improbable for Connacht.