Connacht 29 - 12 Sharks

Full time

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

Where to watch in: Ireland, United Kingdom

Highlights

Events

Kickoff
5'

Penalty

Jean Smith · Sharks

0 - 3
17'

Substitution

Sean Naughton on for Josh Ioane · Connacht
20'

Penalty

Jean Smith · Sharks

0 - 6
21'

Try

Chay Mullins · Connacht

5 - 6
22'

Conversion

Sam Gilbert · Connacht

7 - 6
31'

Penalty

Jean Smith · Sharks

7 - 9
33'

Penalty

Jean Smith · Sharks

7 - 12
Halftime 7 - 12
Second Half
46'

Try

Cathal Forde · Connacht

12 - 12
47'

Conversion

Sam Gilbert · Connacht

14 - 12
47'

Substitution

Ethan Hooker on for Makazole Mapimpi · Sharks
53'

Substitution

Peter Dooley on for Billy Bohan · Connacht
53'

Substitution

Finlay Bealham on for Sam Illo · Connacht
54'

Try

Shamus Hurley-Langton · Connacht

19 - 12
55'

Substitution

Lee-Marvin Mazibuko on for Ox Nche · Sharks
55'

Substitution

Mawande Mdanda on for Vincent Koch · Sharks
56'

Substitution

Corne Rahl on for Eben Etzebeth · Sharks
56'

Substitution

Vincent Tshituka on for Jannes Potgieter · Sharks
56'

Substitution

Dylan Tierney-Martin on for Dave Heffernan · Connacht
59'

Substitution

Paul Boyle on for Josh Murphy · Connacht
62'

Try

Cathal Forde · Connacht

24 - 12
63'

Conversion

Sam Gilbert · Connacht

26 - 12
63'

Substitution

Niall Murray on for Joe Joyce · Connacht
63'

Substitution

Ethan Bester on for Eduan Swart · Sharks
65'

Substitution

Siya Masuku on for Hakeem Kunene · Sharks
69'

Penalty

Sam Gilbert · Connacht

29 - 12
69'

Substitution

Ceano Everson on for Ross Braude · Sharks
69'

Substitution

John Devine on for Sam Gilbert · Connacht
69'

Substitution

Colm Reilly on for Matthew Devine · Connacht
Fulltime 29 - 12

Player ratings

Connacht

15 Sam Gilbert 5.9
14 Shane Jennings 7.3
13 Cathal Forde 9.8
12 Bundee Aki 7.3
11 Chay Mullins 8.0
10 Josh Ioane 6.4
9 Matthew Devine 6.9
1 Billy Bohan 7.5
2 Dave Heffernan 8.2
3 Sam Illo 7.4
4 Joe Joyce 6.5
5 Darragh Murray 7.4
6 Josh Murphy 7.2
7 Shamus Hurley-Langton 8.6
8 Cian Prendergast 7.4
16 Dylan Tierney-Martin 6.8
17 Peter Dooley 6.0
18 Finlay Bealham 6.4
19 Niall Murray 6.1
20 Paul Boyle 7.3
21 Colm Reilly 6.4
22 Sean Naughton 6.4
23 John Devine 6.2

Sharks

15 Hakeem Kunene 6.6
14 Edwill van der Merwe 6.5
13 Le Roux Malan 6.5
12 Marnus Potgieter 6.7
11 Makazole Mapimpi 5.2
10 Jean Smith 6.9
9 Ross Braude 6.3
1 Ox Nche 6.2
2 Eduan Swart 6.6
3 Vincent Koch 6.3
4 Eben Etzebeth 6.4
5 Deon Slabbert 6.3
6 Tinotenda Mavesere 7.6
7 Jannes Potgieter 6.8
8 Nick Hatton 5.8
16 Ethan Bester 6.0
17 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko 5.7
18 Mawande Mdanda 6.3
19 Corne Rahl 6.0
20 Vincent Tshituka 5.5
21 Ceano Everson 5.8
22 Siya Masuku 5.6
23 Ethan Hooker 5.8