Leinster are looking for a ninth title win, and, having suffered a 33-22 loss to leaders Munster, they will travel in more determined form. But Connacht, having taken Ulster’s scalp last weekend, will be eager to finish the campaign with a second victory.
Nothing comes easy against Leinster, but Connacht delivered a 2023 epic win over the Dubliners when they prevailed 18-17 at the Sportsground, having led 8-5 at half-time. Tries from Méabh Deely (2 ) and Orla Dixon, and a penalty from Nicole Fowley ensured a special win at the home venue on that occasion.
It will provide inspiration for Emer O’Dowd’s players ahead of Saturday’s fixture, coming on the back of a superb and deserved 12-7 victory over Ulster last weekend.
It was testament to the Connacht Women who put behind them a punishing 44-5 loss to Munster to deliver a performance and a victory in this second interprovincial of the season.
Despite losing two players with injury and falling behind 7-0 at the break, they produced a superior second-half display to ensure they came out with the win.
The visitors had enjoyed that one-score lead courtesy of a single try scored after nine minutes - their physicality making it count, having wrested control from Connacht’s early dominance.
With the score levelled 7-7 after 54 minutes, a scrum penalty provided the home side with another chance to copper fasten the win. From a kick to touch, they made it count - Oviawe helping prop Roisin Maher to push through for what would become the winning score - Nic Dhonnacha’s conversion inches wide of the posts.
Connacht, on the front foot and ahead by 12-7, carved another try scoring opportunity, but were held up by the Ulster pack. However, with the breeze behind them, the home side continued to dominate possession and territory, while also losing second player Emily Foley to another serious injury.
But Connacht held on for a well-deserved victory, and now take on Leinster in what is effectively a semi-final, while Ulster will face an unbeaten Munster side.
