Connacht's disappointing result away to Lyon means that Pete Wilkin's side will not progress to the knockout rounds of the Champions Cup after their third defeat in Pool A. Furthermore, chances of Challenge Cup progression are similarly slim going into Friday's game against Pat Lam's Bristol Bears.
Whilst wins against Bordeaux-Bègles and Saracens may have proven too far-fetched from the outset of this Champions Cup campaign, results against Lyon and Bristol were a must. Connacht were without their international trio of Hansen, Aki and Bealham for this third round tie, making the prospect of victory even less likely.
The away side began the game in electric fashion, as a simple pop pass from Tom Daly off a lineout move sent New Zealander Sean Jansen racing through a gap. The number 8 was not to be stopped as he showed excellent pace to finish a move from his own half, scoring one of the tries of Connacht's season thus far.
In the 14th minute, and after some sloppy play by Connacht, Thaakir Abrahams pounced on a loose ball to dot down for Lyon. Paddy Jackson added the extras to leave the score-line reading 7-5.
Lyon scored again in the 21st minute after the impressive Alexander Tchaptchet took a quick tap from a penalty near to the Connacht line. The fullback was too quick for the retreating cover as he dived under three players to extend the lead to 14-5. Paddy Jackson then added two penalties to bolster the score-line for the home side. Connacht were left with some hope at the interval, as a basketball-style pass from Jack Carty somehow found Cian Prendergast with enough space to gleefully score in the corner.
Connacht left themselves in a credible position to cause an upset after a powerful maul effort allowed Tadhg McElroy to fall over the line in the 44th minute. This left just three points between the sides. However, it would be as good as things got for the men from the west, as their inability to capitalise on momentum was to the fore yet again.
Lyon number 8 Guillaud touched down next for Lyon all too easily to leave the score at 27-17. Connacht would add on another three points but failed to threaten the lead beyond that.
In the 75th minute, Abrahams scored his second of the game to kill off any chance of a Connacht revival. It came after some good play down the left wing by inside centre Thibaud Regard, who got his hands free to set loose the flying winger for an easy finish.
The Sportsground this coming Friday will see the return of Kieran Marmion as well as former head coach Lam. It will be a poignant game for Joe Joyce also, as he will do battle against his former club. Connacht will need to secure a bonus point win and hope that Bristol gain no losing or try bonus point to have any chance of salvaging a Challenge Cup place.
