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Montpellier 19 Connacht 22 Connacht scored another famous victory on French soil when they came from ten points down to claim victory in Montpellier. In the process Michael Bradley’s men maintained their position at the top of Pool Two in the Amlin Challenge Cup. Winger Fionn Carr struck for a try in each half, while Niva Ta’auso put Connacht into a lead they never lost when he touched down on 59 minutes. Montpellier led 13-3 at one stage in the opening half as Ollie Smith crossed for a try and the boot of Argentinian international Frederico Todeschini put the home side into a significant lead. A Miah Nikora penalty and his conversion of Carr’s try after 35 minutes left it 16-10 at the break. Carr got his second try four minutes after the restart and while Todeschini restored Montpellier’s lead, Ta’auso put Connacht into the driving seat. They had to withstand enormous pressure from the French in the closing minutes but they held out for a great win.
MONTPELLIER: Tries: Smith Cons: Todeschini Pens: Todeschini (3) Drop goal: Todeschini
CONNACHT: Tries: Carr (2), Ta’auso Cons: Nikora, Keatley Pens: Nikora
Montpellier: B Thiery, J Schutte, O Smith, F Nicot, A Pratmarty, F Todeschini, A Tomas, E Van Staden, M Ladhuie, B Douglas, M Macurdy, M Gorgodze, J Vallée, M Giraud, S Matadigo. Replacements: V Bost for Vallee, 55 mins; J Caudullo for Ladhuie, 55 mins; D Hancke for Matadigo, 55 mins; K Kervarec for Douglas, 58 mins; N Leleimalefaga for Staden, 58 mins; B Paillaugue for Todeschini, 60 mins; G Doumayrou for Nicot, 68 mins; S Max for Schutte, 76 mins. Connacht: G Duffy, T Nathan, N Ta'auso, K Matthews, F Carr, M Nikora, F Murphy, B Wilkinson, A Flavin, J Hagan, M Swift, B Upton, M McCarthy, J O'Connor, J Muldoon. Replacements: I Keatley for Nikora, half-time; A Browne for Swift, 70 mins. Referee: C White (England).
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