Connacht leave it late to battle past Benetton in United Rugby Championship

Tietie Tuimauga rescued a vital win for Connacht after they looked to have thrown away victory against Benetton.

The Westerners led 14-3 at the end of the first quarter but fell 17-14 behind with 11 minutes to play.

However, Tuimauga forced his way over under the posts in the 75th minute for a win that preserves Connacht's playoff hopes.

Connacht snatch victory away to Benetton thanks to a late try from Tietie Tuimauga. #RTERugby #URC #BENvCON pic.twitter.com/YkoScqfDFa

Andy Friend's men came into the weekend trailing the top eight by nine points and having played a game more than all of their playoff rivals.

They got off to a dream start when Cian Prendergast touched down in the first minute and Niall Murray also went over before half-time.

However, Edoardo Padovani hauled Benetton back into the contest early in the second period and Toa Halafihi put the home side in front for the first time before Tuimauga settled matters in Connacht’s favour, with Jack Carty converting all three of the visitors’ tries.

Connacht had the lead after only 52 seconds, with Prendergast finding a gap and then evading Dewaldt Duvenage’s attempted tackle with a neat step to go over next to the posts, affording Carty a straightforward kick.

Giacomo Da Re got Benetton off the mark with a ninth-minute penalty but Murray then crossed from close range and Carty added the extras.

Cian Prendergast gets Connacht off to a dream start in their must-win match against Benetton. #RTERugby #URC #BENvCON