Shoguns Topple Connacht

15/08/2002.New signing Wawick Waugh made his debut for Connacht in the second half of last night’s friendly with Bristol Shoguns, a game the home side lost 24-33.

In the second match of their Irish tour Bristol Shoguns emerged deserving 33-24 winners in a game that Connacht coach Steph Nel used to blood several of his newcomers. Although Connacht conceded five tries, two of those were intercepts which ultimately cost them the match.

Connacht started with six players who were making their senior provincial debuts and naturally enough they struggled somewhat in the opening half. However, the introduction of Warwick Waugh and veteran Eric Elwood in the second half helped steady things and Connacht got themselves within striking distance of the lead before a late try from Jamie Williams – his third of the night – gave the visitors victory.

Connacht J Meagher; J Norton, D O’Sullivan (T Allnutt 70mn), M McPhail, T Robinson; S Moore (E Elwood 60mn), C Keane (M Walls 60mn); D McFarland capt, J Flannery (H Bourke 30mn), F Boiroux; A Maher (C Rigney ht), R Frost; M Swift (W Waugh 55mn), P Neville, J O’Sullivan