RABODIRECT PRO12 Cardiff 22 Connacht 26:For the first time in 12 years Connacht succeeded in taking the scalp of Cardiff Blues at the Arms Park, deservedly edging last evening's RaboDirect PRO12 fixture.

Coach Eric Elwood was the outhalf who kicked Connacht to a 6-3 win on that previous occasion, and last night 11 points from the boot of Miah Nikora, and three tries to two – with a brace from flanker Willie Faloon, ensured Connacht bagged a significant league win.

It was certainly not the most most exciting game, but Connacht looked well capable of breaking that 12-year duck when they led 15-8 at the interval, thanks to a two-try blitz in the opening six minutes from Danie Poolman and Faloon.

The Blues struck first in the second period with a Rhys Patchell penalty and not long after the same player slotted over another, but it was soon cancelled out by a similar effort from Nikora.

However, sleight-of-hand by debutant replacement Liam Davies allowed Copeland to gallop over just before the hour mark, putting the Blues ahead for the first time.

But their lead was not to last, with Faloon darting over from a scrum for his second try four minutes later.

Patchell’s fourth penalty cut the gap to a single point, but Connacht, sensing an upset, forced the Welsh region back into their own 22 and Nikora was able to add another three points following a Blues infringement.