Connacht stage thrilling comeback to see off Ulster

For the first time in nine years Connacht have made it three wins from three to start the season, staging an incredible second half comeback to defeat Ulster 22-20 in a thrilling Interpro at the Sportsground.

Inconsistency has been a regular failing for the western province, and when they found themselves 20-3 behind against Ulster early in the second half, having dominated the first 40 minutes, it looked like their fine start to the season was going to be undone.

However, Pete Wilkins' side were ruthless in the final 35 minutes, with tries for Cathal Forde, Tom Farrell and Diarmuid Kilgallen seeing them hit Ulster for 19 unanswered points, and moving top of the BKT United Rugby Championship table.

The hosts played some thrilling rugby at times, and while they were wasteful in the opening half, they were inspired by captain and out-half Jack Carty in their comeback, with their record scorer leading the way with an aggressive and confident display.

Having got back into the game with Forde’s try on 45 minutes, Carty turned down easy shots at goal in favour of going for the jugular, and that approach was rewarded when they cut the gap even further with Farrell’s score on 53 minutes, before the out-half's beautiful crossfield kick to Diarmuid Kilgallen provided the winning score.

Ulster had been 20-3 in front early in the second half after Dave Shanahan ran in for their second try.

Dan McFarland’s side had been dealing with a lengthy injury list before the game, which Will Addison was added to just before kick-off, but they were composed and efficient when they had the ball in the opening half, with Jake Flannery scoring a try, a conversion and two penalties in the first 40, to give his side a 10-point half time cushion.

Ulster had