Connacht win Andy Friend's home hurrah to clinch URC play-off place

Connacht marked Andy Friend's final home game as their director of rugby with a 38-19 bonus-point win over Cardiff at the Sportsground.

They confirmed their place in the BKT United Rugby Championship play-offs and Champions Cup qualification with the victory.

Connacht led 26-7 at half-time thanks to tries from Diarmuid Kilgallen, Diarmuid Tierney-Martin, Conor Oliver and Mack Hansen.

Thomas Young doubled Cardiff's try tally in the 48th minute, adding to a Seb Davies effort, but a penalty try and a late score from Bristol-bound scrum-half Kieran Marmion wrapped up the result.

Despite flanker Young squeezing in a last-minute try, Cardiff fell short of a bonus point ahead of their crunch Judgement Day clash with Ospreys next weekend.

FULL MATCH DETAILS

Connacht hit the front in the 13th minute, Tom Farrell taking advantage of a mismatch in midfield to send winger Kilgallen over to the right of the posts. Jack Carty converted.

Connacht are up and running at the Sportsground, as Diarmuid Kilgallen runs in to score from Tom Farrell's break. #RTERugby