Connacht blitz Brive to book last-16 spot in Challenge Cup

Alex Wootton scored a hat-trick as Connacht booked their place in the last 16 of the Challenge Cup with a nine-try demolition of Brive.

The wing touched down twice in the first half as Connacht cantered into a 33-5 half-time lead, and he completed his treble on 52 minutes as the Westerners eased to a third win from three games in Europe this season.

John Porch, Finlay Bealham, Cathal Forde, Conor Oliver, Conor Fitzgerald and Kieran Marmion also bagged tries for Andy Friend's side, while Jack Carty kicked eight conversions to move within six points of Eric Elwood's club-record tally of 1,152. Kevin Fabien grabbed Brive's sole score.

The win moved Connacht top of Pool A ahead of their final match away to Newcastle Falcons next Saturday and on course for a home tie in the last 16.

Brive sent a weakened team to Galway as they prioritise avoiding relegation from the Top 14 and they conceded two tries inside the opening eight minutes.

Porch claimed Carty's crossfield kick to open the scoring, with Ireland tighthead Bealham crossing from close range.

Forde scored his third try in two games before a double from Wootton had Connacht cruising by half-time.

Wootton was over again early in the second period before Oliver, Fitzgerald and Marmion completed the rout.