Challenge Cup: Connacht 29 Sharks 12Connacht’s seasonal ambitions took another step forward when they advanced to the Challenge Cup quarter-final. Connacht prevailed in Dexcom Stadium as they dominated the second half, scoring three tries and a Gilbert penalty to run salt into the visitors’ wounds. Scoring sequence: 6 mins: Smith penalty 0-3; 20: Smith pen 0-6; 21: C Mullins try, Gilbert con 7-6; 31: Smith pen 7-9, 33: Smith pen 7-12. 46: Forde try, Gilbert con 14-12; 51: Hurley Langton try, 19-12; 62: Forde try, Gilbert con 26-12; 69: Gilbert pen 29-12. CONNACHT: S Gilbert; S Jennings, C Forde, B Aki, C Mullins; J Ioane; M Devine; B Bohan, D Heffernan, S Illo; J Joyce, D Murray; J Murphy, S Hurley-Langton, C Prendergast (capt).

Source: The Irish Times April 03, 2026 22:49 UTC