Bundee Aki completed the perfect week as his try led Connacht to a 24-12 win over Kings in their Pro 14 meeting at the Sportsground on Saturday. The Irish centre this week confirmed a three year extension to his contract.
In an excellent first half Connacht had registered three tries, while the South African based side had two tries. It was 19-12 thanks to tries from Aki, Bealham and Porch. Eric Cronje and Scottie Van Breda got the visitors two tries.
Gluaiseacht álainn ó @connachtrugby i ndiaidh síneadh-amach glic. Úd #2 do @JohnPorch_ agus an pointe bónais sa mhála.
John Porch dives over for his second after a nice move off the back of a quick lineout.
Connacht 24 Southern Kings 12 @PRO14Official #pro14rugby #ConvKin pic.twitter.com/cXs9T9fojS
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) November 30, 2019
Aki got his try after 12 minutes. The Kings had the better of those 12 minutes but failed to turn territory into points. The try came after a lineout maul which he joined. Conor Fitzgerald kicked the resulting conversion. However, it was a quick response from the South Africans though. Cronje crossing over the whitewash. Connacht took control then from here. They got two tries in the space of three minutes. Next it was Finlay Bealham going over from yet another maul.However it was The Kings grabbed a try before the break. It was excellent hands from Ungerer and Fortuin which allowed the full back Van Breda to cross over from close range. Therefore it was 19-7 at the break but things were about to get better for Connacht who racked up 4 tries in the 24-12 win.
Guess who? 💪💪 Bundee can do it all!
Mál slachtmhar ag @connachtrugby agus úd ag cé eile ach @bundeeaki12. #ConvKin @PRO14Official pic.twitter.com/PirpSHQkYd
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) November 30, 2019
On the resumption Connacht got a try which put the game to bed. Firstly, Connacht won a lineout , before it was transferred all the way over to the other side of the field to Matt Healy who passed to Porch cross over the line. There wasn’t much to write home about in the final half an hour as the Kings probably new the game was up for them. Connacht won 24-12 in the end.
The Kings have no games now until the new year. Connacht coach Andy Friend will be looking for his side for further improvement. Moreover, they play Gallagher Premiership side Gloucester in back to back games in the Champions Cup.
