Connacht Dominate Montauban, Advance to Challenge Cup Last 16
Connacht secured their place in the last 16 of the European Rugby Challenge Cup with a resounding 75-14 victory over Montauban at the Dexcom Stadium. The Irish province delivered a dominant performance, scoring 11 tries and overwhelming the understrength French side.
Despite a promising start from Montauban, connacht quickly took control of the match. Paul Boyle opened the scoring in the eighth minute, initiating a relentless attacking display. Cian Prendergast extended the lead with a try in the 19th minute, and despite a swift response from Jean Seux for Montauban, Connacht secured a bonus point before the half-hour mark with tries from Sam gilbert and a penalty try.
A red card issued to Ru-Hann greyling for a perilous tackle on Cathal Forde further compounded Montauban’s woes. Connacht capitalized on their numerical advantage, adding further tries through Harry West, Cian Prendergast, Matthew Devine, and another from Paul Boyle, establishing a commanding 56-7 lead at halftime.
the second half saw Connacht continue to apply pressure, with Sean Jansen, Shane Jennings, and Dylan Tierney-Martin adding their names to the scoresheet. Montauban managed a late consolation try through Paul Valle,but the result was already beyond doubt. Connacht’s complete victory ensures their progression to the knockout stages of the challenge Cup,demonstrating their strength and ambition in the competition.