Connacht keep on Cup course

Connacht are one win away from a European Challenge Cup quarter-final after a narrow victory over Montpellier in France.

Connacht won a tense game 19-16 thanks to the boot of Australian outside-half Paul Warwick, who kicked three penalty goals, a dropped goal and the conversion of winger Ted Robinson’s second-half try.

The first half was a poor advertisement for rugby union, with neither side showing the flair and talent required to score a try.

Warwick banged over a penalty on either side of his yellow card for a late tackle, but he was cancelled out by two goals from opposite number Regis Lespinas.

Robinson dotted down early in the second half, and Connacht defended well against the home side, who scored their only try through lock Samuel Nouchi.

Presuming Worcester beat unfancied Italian side Catania tomorrow, they will play a winner-takes-all match against Connacht at Sixways Stadium on December 10.

In the other Challenge Cup match tonight, Narbonne can thank the weather gods for their 20-14 win over Italian club Viadana.

The Frenchmen were leading by that score as the second half started, but Irish referee David Keane called the match off because of fog, awarding the match to the home side.