Connacht's Challenge Cup hopes ended by Benetton Treviso

Connacht saw their Challenge Cup campaign come to an abrupt halt at the last-16 stage after a 41-19 defeat to Benetton Treviso at Stadio Comunale di Monigo.

The province made an ideal start in Italy with early converted tries from Conor Oliver and John Porch.

But Benetton took control thereafter with Marcus Watson, Rhyno Smith and Edoardo Padovani all weighing in with tries before half-time to leave the score at 21-12 to the Italians.

Padovani scored another try six minutes after the interval and Watson also helped himself to his second on 53 minutes as the game began to get further away from Connacht.

Porch responded with a third Connacht try four minutes later but Benetton extended their advantage again when Federico Ruzza scoring one of his own just after the hour mark as Jacob Umaga penalties kept the scoreboard ticking over.

A late yellow card for Conor Oliver added to Connacht's woes with the match already over as a contest.

Benetton advance to meet the winner of Saturday night's tie between Cardiff and Sale Sharks, while Connacht's focus will turn to the United Rugby Championship with Cardiff up next on Saturday, 15 April.

Benetton Treviso: Smith, Padovani, Brex, Menoncello, Watson, Umaga, Duvenage, Tetaz Chaparro, Nicotera, Pasquali, N. Cannone, Ruzza, Negri, Lamaro, Time-Stowers.

Connacht: O'Halloran, Porch, Farrell, Aki, Hansen, Hawkshaw, Blade, Dooley, Heffernan, Aungier, Fifita, N. Murray, Prendergast, Oliver, Boyle.

FULL MATCH DETAILS