Montpellier dump Connacht out of Challenge Cup

Tries: Penalty try, Tolofua, Haouas, Miotti, Cadot, Price, Welsch, Cons: Miotti (2), Vincent (2) Tries: Tierney-Martin, Naughton, Aungier Cons: Gilbert (2) Pens: Gilbert Montpellier ended Connacht's six-game winning run as they picked up a 45-22 victory at the Septeo Stadium to progress to the semi-finals of the European Challenge Cup. Stuart Lancaster's side trailed 26-8 at the break in France with ill-discipline contributing to the deficit as Connacht received three yellow cards in the first half. Montpellier capitalised by scoring four first-half tries and they added three in the second period to ease to victory.

They will now face the winner of the quarter-final between Zebre and Dragons in the last four in May. Connacht failed to recover after a tough first half in which they conceded four tries Sam Gilbert kicked an early penalty to put Connacht ahead on three minutes before Montpellier hit back when they were awarded a penalty try three minutes later following a five-metre maul. Things went from bad to worse to Connacht when they were reduced to 13 men for a spell as both Dylan Tierney-Martin and Shamus Hurley-Langton were shown yellow cards.

Montpellier took full advantage and added a second try on 14 minutes through Christopher Tolofua. Returning to full complement, Connacht battled back and reduced the deficit when Tierney-Martin finished off a free-flowing move in the corner. Mohamed Haouas and Domingo Miotti then crossed before the break with Shayne Bolton also shown a yellow card for Connacht, as Montpellier went in with a comfortable half-time lead.

Sean Naughton then cut the gap for Lancaster's side soon after the restart as he crossed under the posts, but again Montpellier responded to re-establish their healthy advantage. Auguste Cadot scored the pick of the tries for the hosts on 52 minutes as he weaved his way through a number of challenges before racing over with Ali Price adding a sixth by diving over the line from close range to all but secure the win. Jack Aungier scored a late consolation try for Connacht before Valentin Welsch rounded off the scoring with a last-minute score for Montpellier.