THREE HIGHS IN 2017/18

OYONNAX 15 CONNACHT 43 (Challenge Cup, October 14)

CONNACHT made no secret of their ambition to go far in the Challenge Cup, and got their European campaign off to a perfect start with this comprehensive defeat of Oyonnax in Geneva. The province produced some wonderful attacking play to run in five tries, with Keane afterwards admitting it was the type of big win that could help kick-start their season.

CONNACHT 44 ULSTER 16 (Pro 14, December 23)

ON the back of Pro14 defeats to Zebre and Cardiff, Connacht delivered their best performance of the season to date with a six-try demolition of Ulster at the Sportsground. Eoghan Masterson took just three minutes to cross for the hosts and they never looked back, keeping a remarkable level of intensity throughout the 80 minutes which suggested there was plenty of fight left in this team after a frustrating string of results. Joy: John Muldoon after Kieran Marmion’s try

CONNACHT 47 LEINSTER 10 (Pro 14, April 28)

A CONVINCING 47-10 thrashing of Leinster, who arrived with a host of front-line players despite resting key men such as Johnny Sexton and James Ryan. Connacht’s performance was a reminder of what this team are capable of, full of slick passingand desire to get over the gain line in a seven-try rout.