Twenty-year-old Patchell, who has already represented Wales twice this year, was nigh-on flawless with the boot, scoring six penalties and a first-half drop goal.

Connacht had a 10-9 lead at the interval thanks to wing Matt Healy’s try while former Blues fly-half Dan Parks, who is now player-coach with the Irish province, converted and added a penalty but they faded thereafter and Patchell scored 12 unanswered points to seal victory for Cardiff at Arms Park.