Connacht dig deep to claim crucial win over Scarlets in BKT United Rugby Championship

Mack Hansen crossed for a try in each half as Connacht breathed new life into their season with a vital bonus-point victory over the Scarlets.

The Ireland international's 34th-minute effort ensured Connacht led 16-11 at the end of a frustrating first half where they led inside 27 seconds through Niall Murray’s charge-down try but squandered a number of other scoring chances.

However, the Westerners atoned with a dominant second-half display as replacement Jack Aungier barged over within a minute of his introduction before securing their second win of the season with a late penalty try and second from Hansen.

On another wet and windy night in Galway, Connacht's accuracy at key moments again threatened to cost them dearly, but a more direct approach in the second half paid dividends as the home pack outworked the visitors.

Conor Oliver, the returning Cian Prendergast and John Porch were among the standout performers for Andy Friend’s side and they will travel to face the Ospreys next weekend with renewed confidence.

The Scarlets were forced into a late change after Leigh Halfpenny was withdrawn with a tight hamstring. Fellow Wales international Johnny McNicholl switched to full-back with Corey Baldwin coming onto the right wing.

Connacht had won their last two matches against Welsh opposition, including a 29-23 victory at Parc y Scarlets last February, and they got off a dream start with a try inside 27 seconds.

Kieran Hardy dwelled far too long over a box-kick and was pounced upon by Murray, who charged down his clearance and then sprinted onto the loose ball to score. Jack Carty missed the conversion.

It marked the beginning of a difficult night for Hardy with a further two box-kicks going awry inside the opening six minutes.

Sam