Connacht 5
Glasgow Warriors 41
Connacht's defence of their Pro12 title got off to the worst possible start as they were thrashed by 2014/2015 champions Glasgow Warriors at the Sportsground this evening.
The Scottish side ran in 6 tries in a devastating performance against a Connacht side who showed that their pre-season, or lack of, has left them far from match ready.
Tommy Seymour was the star of the first half as he touched down twice to put Glasgow into the driving seat.
Poor Connacht defending saw them lose a man on the outside early on and Seymour exploited the space to get over in the left corner, before Henry Pyrgos extended the lead with a penalty.
Connacht found themselves struggling to find any momentum and they failed to capitalise of breaks from Niyi Adeolokun and Bundee Aki.
They were then given the chance to seize control of the game when Ryan Wilson was somewhat fortunate to just see yellow for a late and dangerous tackle on Jack Carty, and it didn't take them long to cross the line after smart handling put Adeolokun away in the corner.
However, the reigning champions failed to kick-on and conceded a try while still having a man advantage just before the break with Stuart Hogg's wide pass finding Seymour who touched down in the opposite corner to his first.
The second half began in the same vein as Glasgow pressurised Connacht into multiple infringements inside their own half, before a well worked reverse move off the base of a scrum saw Hogg dart over.
It got worse for the hosts as Tim Swinson secured the try bonus point with a short range effort, before prop Sila Puafisi dived over with Hogg held up just short.
The visitors broke the 40 point barrier when Sean Lamont crashed over and Pyrgos converted, to bring his personal tally to 11 points.
Connacht v Glasgow
Connacht’s Cian Kelleher is tackled by Glasgow Warriors' Leonardo Sarto
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Glasgow’s Tommy Seymour scores his sides opening try despite Niyi Adeolokun of Connacht
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie
Connacht’s Bundee Aki makes a break
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie
Connacht’s Nepia Fox Matamua jumps for the ball
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Glasgow’s Ryan Wilson yellow carded by referee Ian Davies
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie
Connacht’s Niyi Adeolokun scores a try
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Connacht's Cian Kelleher is tackled by Leonardo Sarto of Glasgow Warriors
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
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