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Connacht knocked out of Challenge Cup by Benetton
By PA
Connacht’s involvement in the European Challenge Cup was ended by Benetton who ran out 39-24 winners in the quarter-finals in Treviso.
Dave Heffernan and Paul Boyle claimed first-half tries for the visitors but the Irish province still trailed 26-14 at the break following scores by Gianmarco Lucchesi, Tommaso Menoncello, Rhyno Smith and Tomas Albornoz.
A Bundee Aki try after the break gave Connacht hope as they closed the gap to 29-19, but a second try from Albornoz, who along with Jacob Umaga kicked two conversions, eased Benetton to victory and a place in the last four.
Connacht had the final word when Conor Oliver scored their fourth try of the match but it was not enough to deny the Italian side, who have never lost in the Challenge Cup at Stadio Monigo.
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Latest Comments
Always proud of the effort, Sam. The All blacks never stop fighting, never just roll over. He didn’t get anywhere near the respect he earned, but that’s due to results, not commitment to the cause. Have fun dominating in Japan!
Go to commentsNot sure why Papali’i thinks Scott Robertson needs his help to select the next All Black Captain. In my view, Papali’i would be well advised to have a good hard look at his own game, and to reflect on how fortunate he is to even wear the black jersey. Rather than shouting at his team mates at every set piece, standing in the mid-field pointing and holding his arms out and flopping to the ground at the back of every second or third ruck, may I suggest he would be far better employed actually doing something on the field. Seriously, watch him for 10 minutes during a game - not much happens. When was the last time he was first to a breakdown, or actually made a turnover? If Robertson is half the Coach I think he is, Papali’i will not be anywhere near the AB’s this season.
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