Montpellier 19 Connacht 22:Connacht recorded one of their finest European victories ever when they maintained their position at the top of Pool Two in the Amlin Challenge Cup with a magnificent victory in France.
Connacht were forced to defend a three points lead during a seven minute siege on their line in the closing stages.
But the Connacht defence remained intact as Montpellier piled on the pressure and in the end Michael Bradley’s men held out for a deserved victory.
Two tries from Fionn Carr — he also got a brace in the 46-6 win over Olympus Madrid last week — were instrumental in the victory with Niva Ta’auso getting the third as Connacht outscored the home side by three tries to one.
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.
