URC: Edinburgh 5 Connacht 26
Harry West makes a break for Connacht during their URC victory over Edinburgh
Connacht produced a stunning first-half performance at Hive Stadium to defeat Edinburgh and secure the final URC playoff place, while also booking their return to the Champions Cup next season. The victory, coupled with Ulster’s agonising last-gasp defeat to Glasgow at Ravenhill Stadium and Cardiff’s win over the Stormers at Arms Park, ensured Connacht extended their campaign. Their playoff place could potentially come at the expense of their Belfast rivals, who will have to wait on the outcome of Munster’s game against the Lions.
Stuart Lancaster’s side arrived in Edinburgh in excellent form, having won seven of their previous eight URC matches since January, but Scotland has rarely been a happy hunting ground for the western province. Connacht had managed just one victory in their previous nine trips there before this encounter, yet they produced one of their most composed displays of the season when it mattered most to overturn that record and keep their season alive.