Greatest rugby sides: Connacht 2016

We take a look at the best ever teams to have graced the sport from years gone by and today we delve into the Connacht side that claimed the PRO12 title.

This is a season that will go down in the annals of history as Ireland’s supposed minnows overcame the odds to shock their more illustrious opponents and take home the trophy.

It was a remarkable campaign led by the brilliant head coach Pat Lam, who guided the squad to their first ever league success, despite the obvious challenges a province of their stature has faced over the years.

Consistently underfunded by the Irish Rugby Football Union until 2014 and with a much smaller player base from which to choose from, everything was stacked against the Galway-based outfit, but Lam found the formula for success.

Although it didn’t happen immediately, with the former Samoa international’s first year in charge ending in a bottom half finish, his methods eventually paid dividends. The current Bristol boss set about changing the culture within the set-up, as well as the style of rugby – a move which saw them improve in 2014/15 as they ended the season in seventh position.

Then came the defining year when Connacht produced some scintillating rugby to finish second during the round-robin phase and defeat Leinster in the final with a stunning performance at Murrayfield.

What made them great

Connacht were quite simply outstanding to watch. Lam knew they didn’t have the power to match some of their competitors, but he immediately set about improving the players’ skill sets and rugby intellect. It took time but they yielded their rewards in 2016 as the Irish province put together a series of excellent displays.

Forwards and backs combined brilliantly as their attack continually caused opponents problems. The front five did an excellent job to create a stable platform but it was the team’s ability to change the point of contact which particularly stood out.

Up front, their tip-ons would keep defences guessing close to the ruck, while the backline was always a threat and accurate with their distribution, giving the speedsters out wide an opportunity to show their prowess in open spaces.

When you combine that with a back-row that was both athletic and an absolute nuisance at the breakdown, they had the makings of an impressive side. Connacht duly grew in confidence and the belief they had in their skills helped the squad in the critical moments.

There was enough experience in the Galway outfit, which was well led by provincial legend John Muldoon, but it was that lack of fear which was crucial in them taking the title.

Key players

Given their all-action style, Connacht had threats throughout the squad, but centre Bundee Aki had a particularly stunning season. His power, pace and assuredness in defence made him a crucial component to the XV, skills which would see him receive an Ireland call-up a year later.

Elsewhere in the backline, their back three was well-balanced and electric when given an inch of space. Tiernan O’Halloran provided the spark from full-back and he was ably supported by wings Matt Healy and Niyi Adeolokun.

Half-backs Kieran Marmion and Jack Carty were also impressive, but they were given front foot ball by a hard-working pack of forwards. It wasn’t a surprise to see Denis Buckley, Tom McCartney and Finlay Bealham named in the team of the season, and they were joined by second-row forward Ultan Dillane.

One player that did miss out on the PRO12 ‘Dream Team’ in 2016 was captain John Muldoon, but that wouldn’t have concerned the supporters, who knew and appreciated the influence he had in their league win. The number eight led the team impeccably and justifiably ended the year by lifting the trophy.

Landmark performance

Connacht have produced few better displays in their entire existence than the final against Leinster at Murrayfield. The Dubliners may not have been the team that won three Heineken Cups in 2009, 2010 and 2012 or the side that are now back at the top of the European game, but they were still an outstanding and experienced outfit.

It was packed with international quality and the Galway outfit were not given much hope in some quarters leading into the contest, but they completely dominated the encounter. Their bold, fast-paced style was in evidence and their opponents could not cope as Lam’s men scored three brilliantly worked tries.

Whereas big games often sees teams become inhibited by the occasion, the opposite was true for Connacht, who revelled in the opportunity to win their first major trophy. They were willing to chance their arm from deep and that resulted in their opening score as Healy broke through before O’Halloran crossed the whitewash.

Good hands then gave Adeolokun space out wide and the wing, who still had plenty to do, finished brilliantly by twice kicking ahead and touching down. It left Leinster with plenty to do and they had no answer to their provincial rivals when AJ MacGinty grubbered through for Healy to score and complete a remarkable triumph.