Shock scoreline as Connacht put French opposition to sword in Galway

Paul Boyle and Cian Prendergast claimed two tries each as Connacht concluded the Challenge Cup pool stage by thrashing French club Montauban 75-14 in Galway.

Stuart Lancaster’s side, who were already assured of a place in the knockout stages, crossed twice in the opening 20 minutes of the Pool One fixture courtesy of flankers Boyle and Prendergast before Jean Seux went over for the visitors.

Full-back Sam Gilbert claimed the Irish province’s third score of the evening before Montauban’s replacement hooker Ru-Hann Greyling was red carded in the 29th minute.

A penalty try, which was followed by a yellow card for Montauban wing Gade Asaeli, and efforts from Harry West, Prendergast, Matthew Devine and Boyle stretched Connacht’s advantage to 56-7 going into half-time, with Gilbert landing all seven of his conversion attempts.

Number eight Sean Jansen registered the hosts’ ninth try early in the second period before wing Shane Jennings added another after prop Facundo Pomponio became the second visiting player sent to the sin bin.

Hooker Dylan Tierney-Martin scored Connacht’s 11th try in the final minute after wing Paul Vallee grabbed a consolation score for the Top 14 team with seven minutes remaining.