Dragons v Connacht Match Report

The Dragons won their first match under Head Coach Bernard Jackman’s watch in the third round of the Guinness PRO14 this evening.

The stunning 21-8 victory took place at the Dragons’ home ground, Rodney Parade as they beat the 2016 PRO12 champions Connacht. 

It was the home side that opened their account inside the first two minutes, with a class display of teamwork seeing Zane Kirchner, Jack Dixon, Harrison Keddie and Elliot Dee all involved, to see Welsh International Hallam Amos to sprint to the finish line.  Gavin Henson failed to convert the try and shortly after Connacht’s fly-half slotted a penalty to see the scores at 5-3.

The Dragons kept up the fight, despite fullback Zane Kirchner being taken off due to a shoulder injury, seeing them remain dominant as the pack drove Man of the Match Elliot Dee over for the second try of the evening. Henson converted and kicked another two penalties for the home side seeing the lead extend to 18-3.

Despite a yellow card for the visitors, the Dragons were unable to take advantage of their extra man with another two injuries forcing Kirchner’s replacement Jared Rosser off as well as centre Tyler Morgan. However, the referee awarded the home side another penalty seeing the Dragons extend their lead before the half time whistle.

Half Time: Dragons 21 – Connacht 3

Connacht rang in the changes for the second half seeing a few of the pack refreshed for Quin Roux to go over for their first try form the driving lineout.

The conversion was missed and the remainder of the match saw the Dragons defence hold together well to hold off the Connacht attack.

Full Time: Dragons 21- Connacht 8

Referee: Quinton Immelman

Man of the Match: Elliot Dee

Attendance: 5069