John Muldoon signs off Connacht career in style with comprehensive PRO14 win over Leinster

Sport360 staff 12:10 29/04/2018
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • John Muldoon’s 15-year career with Connacht ended in fitting fashion with a stunning 47-10 derby win over Leinster amid emotional scenes at the Sportsground.

    The popular captain, who is retiring after a record 327 appearances with his native Connacht, enjoyed one final PRO14 victory – even kicking a late conversion – before his summer move to Bristol as their new defence coach.

    Leinster fielded a shadow side in Galway, making 15 changes to their Champions Cup semi-final line-up, and trailed 21-3 at half-time through home tries by Niyi Adeolokun, Tiernan O’Halloran and Kieran Marmion.

    The sight of man-of-the-match Shane Delahunt setting up Adeolokun’s second try must have had Connacht supporters wondering why Kieran Keane’s men failed to regularly reach these heights during the season.

    Leinster were already assured of top spot in Conference B and a home semi-final thanks to a vastly superior scoring difference compared to Scarlets.

    Elsewhere, Ulster’s play-off hopes were dashed as they blew a 10-point half-time lead and a last-minute scoring opportunity in a 24-24 draw against Munster at Thomond Park.

    The northern province required a bonus-point win to potentially pip Edinburgh to third place in Conference B, but Munster lock Gerbrandt Grobler stole an 80th-minute lineout, five metres out from his own line, to knock the visitors out of title contention.

    Duncan Williams and Stuart McCloskey swapped early tries in this lively inter-provincial tie, Brian Scott following up with a second Munster score before Rory Best touched down twice from mauls while Robin Copeland was in the sin-bin.

    The Ireland captain’s brace opened up a 24-14 interval lead for Ulster, yet Munster, who were already assured of a home semi-final qualifier next Saturday, held the edge in the second period with Copeland touching down and JJ Hanrahan landing a levelling 68th-minute penalty.

    Recommended