diff --git a/maxscale-system-test/mxs1743_rconn_bitmask.cpp b/maxscale-system-test/mxs1743_rconn_bitmask.cpp
index 949783662..4543e37cd 100644
--- a/maxscale-system-test/mxs1743_rconn_bitmask.cpp
+++ b/maxscale-system-test/mxs1743_rconn_bitmask.cpp
@@ -44,9 +44,11 @@ int main(int argc, char** argv)
 
     for (int i = 0; i < 20; i++)
     {
-        connections.push_back(open_conn(test.maxscales->readconn_master_port[0],
-                                        test.maxscales->IP[0], "mxs1743",
-                                        "mxs1743", false));
+        // Open a connection and make sure it works
+        MYSQL* conn = open_conn(test.maxscales->readconn_master_port[0], test.maxscales->IP[0],
+                                "mxs1743", "mxs1743", false);
+        test.try_query(conn, "SELECT 1");
+        connections.push_back(conn);
     }
 
     // Give the connections a few seconds to establish
diff --git a/server/modules/routing/readconnroute/readconnroute.c b/server/modules/routing/readconnroute/readconnroute.c
index 278c65d24..1987fb38e 100644
--- a/server/modules/routing/readconnroute/readconnroute.c
+++ b/server/modules/routing/readconnroute/readconnroute.c
@@ -344,7 +344,7 @@ newSession(MXS_ROUTER *instance, MXS_SESSION *session)
 
                     continue;
                 }
-                if (ref == master_host && (inst->bitvalue & SERVER_MASTER))
+                if (ref == master_host && inst->bitvalue == SERVER_MASTER)
                 {
                     /* If option is "master" return only the root Master as there could be
                      * intermediate masters (Relay Servers) and they must not be selected.