Connacht cruised to a 44-17 bonus-point win against Durban Sharks, scoring five tries at the Dexcom Stadium in Galway to secure just their second win of the season.
After Sean Naughton's early penalty for Connacht, the Sharks mauled their way over for the first try, touched down by hooker Fez Mbatha and not converted before Connacht came storming back.
Back row Paul Boyle’s converted try and a second Naughton penalty put the home side 13-5 up before the Sharks were reduced to 14 men, with second row Jason Jenkins sent to the sin-bin in the 28th minute.
Wing Chay Mullins’ converted try and another Naughton penalty extended Connacht’s lead to 23-5 at half-time and the home side cruised further ahead through centre Hugh Gavin’s first try for the club, with Naughton adding the extras.
The Sharks reduced the deficit through through wing Makazole Mapimpi’s unconverted touch down, but Connacht responded with their fourth try of the match, with replacement scrum half Matthew Devine going over and Naughton landing his fourth conversion.
Sharks replacement Emile van Heerden touched down for the visitors’ second try, converted by Jordan Hendrikse, but Connacht had the final word as prop Sam Illo touched down for the bonus-point try and the faultless Naughton converted.
