Connacht 29 - 12 Sharks

● full_time 80 minutes

03 Apr 2026

Stage: R16 Round 5

Dexcom Stadium

🎉 2

👏 2

Connacht Rugby secured a decisive 29-12 victory over the Sharks in the Challenge Cup at Dexcom Stadium. Jean Smith from the Sharks opened the scoring with an early penalty, but Connacht responded quickly with a try from Chay Mullins, followed by a conversion from Sam Gilbert. In the second half, Connacht extended their lead with two tries from Cathal Forde and Shamus Hurley-Langton, both converted by Gilbert. The Sharks struggled to find their rhythm, with Smith adding a few penalties but failing to capitalize on their opportunities. Connacht's dominant forward play and effective backline were pivotal in their commanding performance. The home side's defence held strong, limiting the Sharks' scoring chances significantly. Overall, it was a convincing display from Connacht, who continued their strong record against the Sharks.

Broadcasters

Highlights

Events

0' kickoff
5' penalty Jean Smith
17' substitution Josh Ioane
20' penalty Jean Smith
21' try Chay Mullins
22' conversion Sam Gilbert
31' penalty Jean Smith
33' penalty Jean Smith
40' half_time
40' second_half
46' try Cathal Forde
47' conversion Sam Gilbert
47' substitution Makazole Mapimpi
53' substitution Billy Bohan
53' substitution Sam Illo
54' try Shamus Hurley-Langton
55' substitution Ox Nche
55' substitution Vincent Koch
56' substitution Eben Etzebeth
56' substitution Jannes Potgieter
56' substitution Dave Heffernan
59' substitution Josh Murphy
62' try Cathal Forde
63' conversion Sam Gilbert
63' substitution Joe Joyce
63' substitution Eduan Swart
65' substitution Hakeem Kunene
69' penalty Sam Gilbert
69' substitution Ross Braude
69' substitution Sam Gilbert
69' substitution Matthew Devine
80' full_time