Connacht returned to winning ways in the United Rugby Championship with an eight-try 48-27 victory over Zebre at Dexcom Stadium. Stuart Lancaster's side produced an impressive attacking display in the first half and scored five tries to lead 33-17 at the break.
Zebre made a bright start when flanker Giacomo Ferrari crossed on five minutes, but Giovanni Montemauri could not add the extras. The home side responded emphatically with quick-fire tries from Finlay Bealham, Sean Jansen, Cathal Forde and Sam Gilbert within 15 minutes, putting them in control. The visitors kept pushing, with Jacopo Botturi crossing to briefly halt the home side's momentum. Prendergast restored Connacht's lead before Mirko Belloni finished off a flowing attack to secure the visitors' third try before the break.
The tempo dropped after the restart. Dave Heffernan, making his first start of the season since returning from injury, made an immediate impact and registered Connacht's sixth try on the hour mark. West followed shortly afterwards to strengthen the hosts' lead, as the Irish province looked to build on their Champions Cup win last weekend. Zebre secured a bonus point when Giampietro Ribaldi powered over, before Bautista Staville added a fifth try late on.
Connacht extended their lead in the closing seconds with Heffernan crossing from a close-range maul, although Sam Gilbert missed the conversion. The result moves Connacht up to sixth position in the URC, while Zebre remain bottom.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing