Connacht scrape through to Challenge Cup knockouts with Stade Rochelais win

Connacht secured the last quarter-final place in the European Rugby Challenge Cup with a late comeback against Stade Rochelais this evening.

The visitors' scrum-half Kieran Marmion gave them an early lead with a second-minute try, but Connacht trailed 20-11 at the interval after two Jean-Pascal Barraque penalties, a penalty try and an Albain Meron try from Rochelais.

Connacht were facing an early exit, but then delivered a 19-0 second half to claim the third and final best runners-up spot in the last eight.

Eoin McKeon pulled them within four points at the start of the half before two converted tries in the final 10 minutes from substitute Niyi Adeolokun and winger Matt Healy saw them record a 30-20 success for a bonus point.

Rochelais finish the group stage bottom of Pool 2, with just one win to their name.