Connacht give Aironi first win of season

Aironi Rugby 25 Connacht 13

Connacht’s recent good run came to an end as Aironi claimed their first Magners League victory of the season at Stadio Luigi Zaffanella.

Eric Elwood's men had won six of their last seven matches in all competitions but they trailed 14-10 at the break thanks to tries from Italy winger Kaine Robertson and hooker Gareth Krause, both converted by Tito Tebaldi.

Connacht had crossed the whitewash through Ray Ofisa with fly-half Ian Keatley kicking five points, but a penalty from Tebaldi and a drop goal from James Marshall had the hosts out to a 20-10 lead.

Keatley responded with a penalty of his own but South African winger Danwel Demas crossed for the home side’s third try to seal just a second win in all competitions during Aironi’s inaugural season.