Ospreys v connacht
epcr challenge cup
brewery field
7th december 2025
Ospreys try scorers: Harri Deaves, Phil Cokanasiga, Ryan Smith, Iestyn Hopkins
It was a wet and windy Brewery Field for Ospreys opening game of our 25/26 European campaign. The first half was a tough storm to weather as a clinical Connacht went three tries to the good. But, Harri Deaves crossed to end the first half with a glimmer of hope before the second half comeback began. Ospreys finally took the lead in the 74th minute thanks to Iestyn Hopkins and held strong to bag a bonus point win. What a finish!
The first opportunity of the game went to the visitors. With a lineout near the Ospreys’ 5 metre line they opted for the driving maul, but some quality defence from the pack forced Connacht to opt for a crossfield kick which was picked out of the air by Walshy for the mark.
Connacht came away with the first score of the game on their next trip inside the Ospreys 22. Some patient carrying from their pack was eventually rewarded as Finaly Bealham fought his was over. Conversion made. Ospreys 0 - 7 Connacht.
With Connacht asking questions of the Ospreys defence we were reduced to 14 for an intentional knock on.
Connacht made the extra man count almost instantly and powered over a phase after the initial tap and go on the 5. Conversion successful. Ospreys 0 - 14 Connacht.
Connacht continued to get the rub of the green, finding themselves on the right side of the penalty count and controlling possession and territory. Their their third try of the game soon followed as they once again carried patiently near the Ospreys line, eventually touching the ball down. Ospreys 0 - 21 Connacht.
Almost instantly after being restored to full strength, we were again reduced to 14 after conceding scrum penalties in succession. Connacht opted for another scrum, so Ross Moriarty gave way to Gareth Thomas for a defensive five metre effort. The replacement prop made an immediate impact as the scrum turned in Ospreys favour and we won the penalty.
With Connacht again going through the phases in Ospreys territory, Deavesy stepped up and came away with a huge turnover that allowed the boys to relieve the pressure. As the second half came to a close, Ospreys were beginning to turn the tide and driving possession into the Connacht half.
TRY FOR OSPREYS! The clock was in the red and the boys back to 15. After some powerful pressure from the pack, Deavesy finished it off with a dominant carry to score our first try of the game. Conversion unsuccessful. Ospreys 5 - 21 Connacht.
HALF TIME: OSPREYS 5 - 21 CONNACHT
Osprey came out swinging in the second half as the backs immediately put pressure on the Connacht defensive line. The closest attempt was after a cross-field kick recovered by Moriarty who popped it inside to Iestyn, but the winger was brought down metres from the line.
Despite having momentum in our favour, Connacht’s defensive line was making it difficult to convert the final move. But as the second half progressed, the Ospreys scrum began to grow in dominance, winning multiple penalties and gaining yards over a tiring Connacht front row.
TRY FOR OSPREYS! With Connacht conceding penalty after penalty, Reubs took it quickly and cut through multiple defenders to offload to Phil Cokanasiga who carried multiple Connacht players with him over the try line. Dan Edwards slotted the conversion, and the stirrings of a comeback began. Ospreys 12 - 21 Connacht.
Connacht continued to concede scrum penalties near their line. They finally saw a yellow for prop Buckley, and then went down to 13 as they were forced to opt for uncontested scrums. Ross Moriarty carried cleanly out the back and it went through the hands until Ryan Smith powered over for our third. Dan Eds converted with 12 minutes to go. Ospreys 19 - 21 Connacht.
Connacht got the next opportunity with a penalty just inside half way. They went for the sticks, but the ball fell short in the swirling wind and rain and and Ospreys ran it back. Connacht then stuck it out on the full, giving Ospreys a run of possession in the final minutes.
The ball went through the hands of the backs who were in full flow with the crowd behind them. Finally, finally, it found Iestyn Hopkins on the wing who dove over in the corner to put Ospreys in the lead for the first time at 74 minutes. Conversion missed. Ospreys 24 - 21 Connacht.
It was a tense final passage of play as Connacht hammered at the Ospreys line again and again. But, our opponents were tiring and the boys held firm until Connacht knocked it on on half way. What a come back!
FULL TIME - OSPREYS 24 - 21 CONNACHT
Next up at home, URC action returns for a festive bash vs Munster! Join us for top flight rugby action and a big Christmas party atmosphere in the fan zone.
