Wilkins: Ulster Defeat Has Huge Implications for Connacht

Connacht’s head coach, Pete Wilkins, acknowledged that their recent defeat to Ulster in the BKT URC could have significant consequences for their season. The loss, marking their seventh consecutive defeat in Irish derbies and third straight in the URC, leaves Connacht in 13th place in the standings, having lost six out of nine matches.

Wilkins expressed his disappointment in the outcome, recognizing the impact it could have on their overall campaign. He emphasized that while any defeat is frustrating, the loss in the context of the season’s objectives made it even more difficult to accept. Despite the setback, Wilkins remained hopeful, noting that there were still plenty of games left to recover and make up for the lost ground.

Connacht struggled throughout the first half and trailed 10-7 at halftime. In the second half, Ulster added another try early on and prevented Connacht from scoring further, sealing the 17-7 win. Wilkins pointed to missed opportunities in the second half, where Connacht entered Ulster’s attacking 22 multiple times but failed to capitalize due to handling errors and ill-timed offloads. He stressed the need for greater composure and better execution in attack, while acknowledging Ulster’s superior performance in all areas of the game.

For Ulster, scrum-half Nathan Doak was pleased with the win, which ended a five-match losing streak. He expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance and said the victory provided a boost in confidence, adding that they would continue to work hard and look to improve as the season progresses.