18 injuries mattered not a jot to Connacht’s rugby heroes

Connacht are riddled with injuries. Connacht keep winning rugby matches.

Pat Lam's men continue to rack up the wins despite the mounting injuries in their senior and academy squads. The westerners recorded their 10th win of the season, after 12 games, when they scalped Newcastle Falcons at The Sportsground. With 18 men out injured, Lam was forced to dip into his academy squad for the Challenge Cup fixture and, when he did, they did not let him down. Jack Carty was the man-of-the-match as he kicked 20 points from the tee in a 25-10 victory. Connacht were 12-3 up after 50 minutes when Falcons captain Richard Mayhew got over for a converted try. Carty answered with two tries before South African back Danie Poolman got over for a late try that gave the final scoreline a cosier look. Connacht have two ways to qualify for next season's Champions Cup - finishing top six in the league or winning the Challenge Cup. Both look extremely viable options at present.