Connacht edge Benetton in thrilling 22-19 victory

Connacht secured a hard-fought 22-19 victory over Benetton in their United Rugby Championship Round 2 clash at Stadio Comunale di Monigo.

The visitors made a fast start, with Cian Prendergast crossing for an early try in the fourth minute. Benetton responded through Bautista Bernasconi's maul try before Sean O'Brien restored Connacht's lead. The hosts fought back, with Leonardo Marin scoring to level the match at 10-10, but Ciaran Frawley crossed just before half-time to give Connacht a 17-12 advantage.

Bernasconi scored his second try shortly after the break, with Jacob Umaga's conversion putting Benetton ahead 19-17. The hosts looked set to hold on, but Connacht produced a late surge, with Eoin de Buitlear and Frawley combining in the closing stages, culminating in Frawley scoring the decisive try in the 77th minute.

Despite Benetton's late efforts, Connacht held firm to claim a valuable away win.