European Challenge Cup/Montpellier - 16 Connacht - 19: France once again proved a happy hunting ground for Connacht last night.
After their 10-try blitz of Catania last week, Connacht found Montpellier much stickier opponents, but superior discipline and control proved decisive.
Coach Michael Bradley had hoped this fixture would not descend into the bloodbath of last year, believing if both sides played rugby, Connacht would win. Montpellier had other ideas, but referee David Changleng maintained strict control and Connacht kept their extraordinary track record on French soil.
Montpellier, although struggling in 14th place in the French championship, wanted revenge for their exit at the hands of Connacht last year. And having lost to Worcester last weekend, they needed a victory here to keep their European dreams alive.
But they never really looked likely to succeed - that was until the dying minutes, when they struck for a try to come within three points.
Connacht were certainly the happier after a scrappy first half that finished 6-6. Not only had Montpellier enjoyed most of the possession, in the main through a solid lineout, but Connacht lost Paul Warwick to the sinbin for a late tackle. That the home team did not score during that period was testament to Connacht's defence, and indeed John Muldoon nearly struck for a try when following up his chargedown of Lespinas's clearance.
Both outhalves slotted early penalties before Montpellier edged in front after 13 minutes when Connacht conceded at the ruck. Although frequently forced to kick from defence, Connacht were always in contention, and Warwick potted a penalty just before the break to level matters.
Connacht controlled the second half for long periods, overcoming another erratic lineout performance, with a solid scrum and trojan work at the breakdown. The turning point came within six minutes of the restart when left wing Ted Robinson crossed in the corner after a sweeping backline move, Paul Warwick converting the difficult sideline kick.
That was the signal for Montpellier to spring their heavyweights from the bench, and while they did start to play rugby, Connacht's defence stood up.
Warwick was spot on from the 10-metre line, making it 6-16 after 56 minutes, but they could have paid for three successive missed lineouts in positions of attack.
Lespinas struck a penalty for offside to close the gap to 9-16, but Warwick posted a drop-goal eight minutes later and it was really all over for the home side.
They did maintain pressure, lock Samuel Nouchi getting the touchdown from a lineout and drive on 85 minutes.
MONTPELLIER: F Benazech; S Logerot, M Taele, A Stoica,S Kuzbik; R Lespinas, J Tomas; J Brugnaut, J Caudullo, N Descamps, M Gorgodze, S Nouchi, M Durand, V Bost, J Russell (capt). Replacements: O Diomande for Caudullo, C Baoicco for Descamps, M Bert for Bost, A Koko for Kuzbik (all 50 mins), D Aucagne for Stoica (55 mins), S Galtier for Durand (62 mins), Descamps for Brugnaut, S Bauda for Tomas (68 mins).
CONNACHT: M Mostyn; C McPhillips, J Hearty, D Yapp, T Robinson; P Warwick, C Keane; R Hogan, J Fogarty, S Knoop; C Short, A Farley (capt); J Muldoon, M Lacey, C Rigney. Replacements: D Riordan for Hearty (50 mins), J Merrgian for Fogarty (78 mins), D McFarland for Hogan, C O'Loughlin for Keane (both 87 mins).
Referee: D Changleng (Scotland).
