Connacht advance to the European Challenge Cup semi-final after an impressive win over Grenoble at the Sportsground in Galway.

The home side led 13-3 at half time thanks to two tries from Matt Lacey and Michael Swift and Paul Warwick’s drop goal. The second half was a lesson in control as Connacht showed strength in defence, some outstanding positional kicking from Paul Warwick and some excellent ball retention.

Connacht faced a spell of pressure after the talismanic fly half Eric Elwood left the field with a dead leg. but once they had repelled Grenoble’s goal line attack they went about building on the lead.

After 20 minutes Matt Lacey took a long skip pass from Paul Warwick on the 22 and after appearing to be taken down managed to stay on his feet and set in motion the maul that led to his sides opening try. The conversion was missed but Connacht now led by 13 overall 8-0 on the day.

Chris Keane’s scintillating half break led to try number two on 35 minutes with Michael Swift crashing over showing some tremendous power to do so. Even with the missed conversion Connacht fans were justifiably dreaming of another semi final.

David Aucagne’s late fist half penalty reduced the overall lead to 15, 13-3 on the day.


Connacht started the second half well and controlled proceedings brilliantly. Warwick looked to the corners when needed but they also looked solid in possession. Warwick’s penalty in the early stages stretched the lead to 18, and earned their place in the final four.