Connacht dig deep to edge out win in Durban

A determined Connacht came out the right side of game that hung in the balance in Durban to edge out the Sharks and make it four wins from five in the BKT United Rugby Championship.

The visitors were outscored two tries to one, but out-half JJ Hanrahan's second-half penalty – Connacht’s only score after the break – proved the difference as they held on 13-12 and condemn the South African side to a fifth successive defeat since the season kicked off.

The Sharks won nine of their 12 games in Durban last season in all competitions, but John Plumtree’s side find themselves bottom of the table after their ninth successive defeat to Irish opposition in the competition.

Connacht began brightly with forwards building an imposing platform, driving their opponents backwards from a close-range lineout before patient phase-play ended with backrower Sean O'Brien powering over and Hanrahan adding the extras.

A great start for Connacht as their early pressure is rewarded with Sean O'Brien’s first try for the province.