BBC SPORT | RUGBY UNION | Cardiff sunk in dire struggle

Cardiff 3-6 Connacht

Connacht completed a Celtic League Grand Slam for Ireland with a surprise victory over highly-touted Cardiff on a rainswept afternoon at the Arms Park.

While the visitors deserved their celebrations for their control of the set-piece, new Cardiff coach Rudi Joubert, forced by injuries to field a side including 11 players under 25, now knows that his young replacements are not up to the job.

Cardiff took a third-minute lead through the boot of 19-year-old fly-half Nick Robinson, which was cancelled out by a penalty from Irish international Eric Elwood.

Matt Allen and Peter Bracken clash for possession

But in a disappointing opening period, there were no further scores.

The only suggestion of a Cardiff try came when giant Kiwi wing Craig Hudson broke clear before being halted by South African opposite number Wayne Munn while, at the other end, Paul Jones chased back for a try-saving tackle on Connacht back row Des Dillon.

After sporadic punch-ups involving the front rows it was scrum halves Ryan Powell and Chris Keane who eventually saw the yellow card shortly before the interval, followed by Connacht prop Dan McFarland for stamping.

Gary Powell is tackled by Eric Elwood

Cardiff sent big guns Craig Quinnell, Peter Rogers and Kenneth Fourie into the fray early in the second half but it was Connacht who broke the deadlock with another Elwood penalty.

A breakaway move sparked by Rogers saw Hudson kick and chase to the Irish line, but full-back Gavin Duffy was able to get back and save the day.

Cardiff: Pen: N Robinson.

Connacht: Pens: E Elwood (2).

Cardiff: R Williams; C Hudson, J Robinson, M Allen, P Jones; N Robinson, R Powell; S John, G Woods, G Powell, A Jones, J Tait (capt), R Appleyard, M Griffin, R Sowden-Taylor.
Replacements: K Fourie, P Rogers, C Quinnell, D McShane, C Miller, P Muller, O Ashman.

Connacht: G Duffy; P Duignan, D Yapp, T Allnutt, W Munn; E Elwood, C Keane; D McFarland, M Uijs, P Bracken, M McConnell (capt), R Frost, M Swift, D Dillon, P Neville.
Replacements: R McCormack, T Kearns, C Rigney, J O'Connor, D Browne, E Reddan, M McHugh.

Referee: Rob Dickson (SRFU).


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