Late score from Sullivan seals win for Connacht

Connacht ……..19

Stormers ……..17

CONNACHT came from behind to claim a second victory on the bounce.

Coach Andy Friend was particularly pleased with the impact of his bench.

“Last week we had to hang on for victory, this time we had to come from behind, so it's pleasing to get the win,” said Friend.

The Stormers' rolling maul laid the foundation for the opening try after 19 minutes when they marched Connacht back 20 metres before full-back Sergeal Petersen got over on after a few recycles.

Connacht levelled when Paul Boyle squeezed over after a couple of tapped penalties, with Conor Fitzgerald converting for 7-5.

Connacht failed to deal with a garryowen from out-half Mannie Libbok and Petersen set up Springbok Damian Willemse to put Stormers ahead 10-7 at the break.

It got worse for Connacht after the restart when Libbok pounced when Kieran Marmion knocked on and raced from inside his own half to score and convert to lead 17-7.

The Connacht bench made an immediate impact and with Petersen binned for a deliberate knock-on Fitzgerald broke through to set up Tom Daly for a converted try to cut the gap to 17-14.

Stormers centre Ruhan Nel was fortunate to escape with just a yellow card for a high tackle on Fitzgerald but Connacht made the extra man count and Peter Sullivan, back on for Fitzgerald, scored in the left corner for the winning score.

JOHN FALLON