Connacht 3 South Africa 18:South African preparations for the World Cup were stifled somewhat this evening, by a Connacht side whose dogged defence was the real winner in front of a packed house at the Sportgrounds. 

The second favourites for the France showpiece were thwarted at every turn in the first half, particularly by the ferocious tackling of Connacht lock David Gannon.

Butch James managed to knock over a penalty for a 3-0 halftime lead.

The Springboks increased that advantage four minutes into the second half when Ashwin Willemse touched down in the right corner.  James, however, was unable to add the conversion from a tight angle.

Hooker Bismarck du Plessis was lucky to get just a yellow card after he punched Connacht scrumhalf Conor McPhillips, as a frustrated Springboks side lost their discipline.

Connacht then reduced the deficit thanks to a penalty under the posts from Andy Dunne, but a try from Jack Cronje and some tagged on points from James and Andre Pretorious gave the visitors a flattering victory.