Replacement Matthew Devine’s last-minute intercept try topped off a comfortable 31-7 United Rugby Championship win for Connacht over Dragons.
Caelan Doris has been named Ireland captain for the Autumn Nations Series, taking over from Peter O'Mahony who has also been named in the squad.
Ulster returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 32-27 United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht at Kingspan Stadium.
Emerging Ireland have been dealt another injury blow with Connacht prop Jordan Duggan being replaced by Leinster's Alex Usanov the day before the squad embark for South Africa.
Ulster won the opening festive Irish interprovincial derby by the narrowest of margins over Connacht, triumphing 20-19 at a weather-hit Kingspan Stadium.
Connacht collected a valuable four points in their bid for a United Rugby Championship play-off spot over Dragons.
Connacht have confirmed the names of all twelve players leaving them at end of the current season, adding that a squad of 44 has so far been assembled for next season.
Connacht’s admirable sense of adventure at a wind and rain-lashed Sportsground was rewarded with a 46-18 bonus-point win over the Ospreys.
