Muliaina makes immediate impact

In an error strewn match, not helped by the incessant rain, Muliaina was able to demonstrate his class, particularly in the counter-attack, to be given a rousing ovation from the 5486 crowd — one of the biggest for this visiting Italian side which props up the bottom of the Guinness Pro 12 table.

Connacht were clearly the superior side and their scrum once again provided the platform for this success as Italian indiscipline resulted in three sin-binnings as Connacht grabbed their fourth try bonus point by the 65th minute.