Connacht fought off the battling 14 men of Newport Gwent Dragons to secure the 30-25 victory at Rodney Parade.
Pat Lam’s men roared out of the traps with tries from Craig Ronaldson and Eoghan Masterson coming on either end of a red card for Dragons’ captain Rynard Landman.
The South African lock was given his marching orders after elbowing Jack Carty and it looked like Connacht were home and hosed after just twenty minutes as they enjoyed a 17-3 lead.
But Hallam Amos kept Dragons in the tie after he went over before the break to set up an intriguing second half.
But Darragh Leader had his kicking boots on and a pair of penalties from the young Galwegians player put Pat Lam’s side in a promising position.
Mick Kearney responded to a Jack Dixon try with a score of his own before Amos scored his second try for the home side to give them a bonus point.
“There was some frustrating moments out there but overall we’re happy to get the win and 4 points,” Lam said after the game.
