Bundee Aki sees red as Connacht blown away by Stormers in BKT United Rugby Championship

Bundee Aki was sent off as Connacht were beaten by defending United Rugby Championship winners the Stormers in Stellenbosch.

Ireland international Aki was penalised for a dangerous clear-out midway through the second half, extinguishing any hope of a fightback from the Irish province.

Evan Roos touched down early for the hosts and, though they could not add another try before the break, they took a 13-8 lead into half-time thanks to the kicking of Manie Libbok, with Dylan Tierney-Martin going over for the visitors.

"It's a bad message in a team that need him to stand up." The RTÉ Rugby panel discuss Bundee Aki’s dismissal against the Stormers and his "confrontational" behaviour towards the match officials. #RTERugby #URC pic.twitter.com/rrwSfNjvWj

Connacht were 19-8 down when Aki was given his marching orders and quickfire tries from Andre-Hugo Venter and Hacjivah Dayimani put the result beyond doubt, with Jack Aungier crossing for a late consolation.

Marcel Theunissen wrapped up the bonus point after the hooter.

Roos dominated the end-of-season awards last term and took only three minutes to make an impact this time around.

Evan Roos' superb early try has the Stormers ahead against Connacht #URC