Connacht took a battling victory in France on Friday night, beating Montpellier by 22-19 to stay on top in Amlin Challenge Cup Pool 2.
Wing Fionn Carr scored a try in both halves with centre Niva Ta’auso scoring the other five pointer for the men in green.
Montpellier got off to the stronger start, racing to a 10 point lead in the first half thanks to an Ollie Smith try and eight points from the boot of Frederico Todeschini, who got a penalty, a drop goal and a conversion.
Miah Nikora’s penalty in the sixth minute after a lengthy spell in possession kept Connacht in touch.
Connacht got off to a great start in the second half, putting Carr through for a try during the opening exchanges. Keith Matthews made the initial break and Ian Keatley, who replaced Nikosa at half-time, passed to put the speedy winger over. Keatley then converted from the touchline to put Connacht ahead, though Montpellier responded quickly with a Todeschini penalty to retake the lead.
But Connacht kept the pressure on and Keatley again provided the key pass to put Ta’auso through for the try that was to prove the winning score.
Michael Bradley’s men had to withstand ferocious pressure in the closing minutes but the French side couldn’t find a way to breach their defensive line and Connacht held out for a magnificent victory.
