Connacht’s winning streak ends as lowly Cardiff Blues take step up

Cardiff Blues 20 Connacht 16: Connacht’s poor record at the Arms Park continued last evening when they lost their grip on the lead of the Guinness Pro12 to a dogged Cardiff Blues.

Connacht had entered this fixture as favourites with a record of seven consecutive wins, in contrast to the Blues with a run of seven losses. But there ended the difference.

It was as combative as always and it quickly became apparent Connacht’s lofty lead of the Pro12 was not going to bother a side that has lost only twice at home to its Irish visitors. No surprise then that there was just three between the sides half-time, with Connacht edging ahead 13-10.