Connacht make perfect start

Connacht made it two wins from two matches at the start of their Amlin Challenge Cup campaign by coming from behind to beat Montpellier 22-19 tonight.

Home side Montpellier, who beat Worcester in their Pool Two opener, led 16-10 at half-time after a try from Ollie Smith and 11 points from the boot of Federico Todeschini.

Fionn Carr had crossed for a Connacht try, which Miah Nikora converted. Nikora had earlier kicked a penalty.

Carr and Niva Ta’auso added further tries after the interval as Connacht bustled their way back into the match, with Ian Keatley converting Carr’s score.

Todeschini’s second-half penalty was all Montpellier could muster as Connacht successfully clung to their narrow lead in the closing stages.

Tonight’s other match, in Pool Five, saw Montauban defeat Petrarca 27-10, with tries from Silviu Florea, Jean-Emmanuel Cassin and Shannon Paku.