Benetton scored six tries in a dominant performance from the Italian hosts over Connacht, as they now move on to the Quarter Finals of the EPCR Challenge Cup.

Benetton had the lead at the break as they hit three late tries to pull in front after Connacht had a storming start, but three more tries and a Jacob Umaga penalty saw them home.

Connacht through Conor Oliver and John Porch started with intent but sadly they wilted as the game wore on, unable to really test the Italians in the second half, they had a try from Porch but just could not close the gap.

An energetic start to proceedings as Bundee Aki and Mack Hansen both looked to give Connacht an early chance but it came to nothing with Caolin Blade kicking to the corner to keep pressure on, that pressure remained but it took 14 minutes before we had a score.

John Porch with the little bit of creativity to produce a break, Connacht ran the phases and in the end Conor Oliver burst over for their opening try, David Hawkshaw saw his conversion tail wide, however Connacht were not done there, as they camped inside the Benetton 22, they ran the phases and quick passes from Tiernan O’Halloran, Blade and Porch saw the flanker notch their second which Hawkshaw converted for a 12-0 lead.

Benetton however would find a way back to lead at the break, Marcus Watson powered over in the corner for their opening try which Jacob Umaga converted, seven minutes later they were level as Rhyno Smith got over for try number two and Umaga added his second conversion for the lead.

Hawkshaw sent a penalty to touch as Connacht looked to find an answer to going behind, they had to go back to that drawing board minutes later however as after sustained pressure inside the 22m line, Edoardo Padovani carved an opening and dove over for their third try, Umaga again converting to make it 21-12, Connacht unable to change that scoreline as we headed for the interval.

Advantage Benetton as we kicked off for the second half, five minutes later they were further ahead, with Padovani getting in for his second try, conversion missed but Connacht still had their backs against the wall.

The lead was stretched further for the hosts as Watson spotted another gap and crossed the whitewash for his second, Umaga this time adding the extras, five conversions and the lead now 33-12.

Connacht had a glimmer of hope just after the hour mark as Porch crossed for his second try of the tie to make it 33-19 as Cathal Forde converted, but that hope was dashed as the hosts with one foot in the next round crossed for a sixth time as Federico Ruzza got over with Umaga unable to further their lead, a 19 point margin did have them in pole position.

Connacht were dealt a further blow late on as Oliver was sent to the bin, Umaga slotted a late penalty for a 22 point lead, Connacht outdone by the classy Italian side as they move on to the next stage.