Connacht's hopes of knockout place boosted with thumping win over Stade Francais

Andy Friend’s men laid the foundation for a deserved win in the opening half against the wind when tries from Caolin Blade, John Porch and Alex Wootton saw them build up a 19-6 lead

Connacht's Kieran Marmion breaks through the Stade Francais defence. Picture: Lorraine O'Sullivan

Connacht 36 Stade Francais 9

Connacht’s hopes of making the knockout stages of the Heineken Champions Cup for the first time got off to the perfect start in front of 5,277 at the Sportsground as they secured a bonus point win over Stade Francais.