Lancaster’s Connacht open with bonus-point victory

Connacht began a new era under head coach Stuart Lancaster with a 26-15 URC win over Benetton at the Dexcom Stadium.

Out-half Josh Ioane, who was replaced soon after with a head injury, and full-back Sean Naughton scored tries in a first half that saw yellow cards for Malakai Fekitoa and Chay Mullins.

Louis Lynagh got the visitors’ first try just after the break but Dylan Tierney-Martin scored Connacht’s third when Italy back row Michele Lamaro (below) was in the sin-bin.

Sean Jansen’s try in the 73rd minute secured a bonus point for the Westerners, who host the Scarlets next Saturday.

Connacht went ahead in the eighth minute when Josh Ioane crashed over in the corner, with Cathal Forde converting, before Benetton had Tonga centre Fekitoa sent to the sin bin for a high challenge.

Jacob Umaga got the Italians on the board with a penalty in the 16th minute, but Naughton – on his first start in senior colours – soon went over after a clever dummy from Ioane to restore Connacht’s advantage.

Mullins then spent the closing stages of the first half in the sin bin, with Benetton seeing a try from Onisi Ratave in the left corner after a crossfield move chalked off for the winger’s foot being in touch as Connacht went into the break 12-3 ahead.

Benetton – with attack coach Pete Wilkins taking on his former club, having left the head role at the province during April – made a fast start to the second half as Lynagh crashed over for a swift try, but back row Lamaro was then shown a yellow card.

Connacht took full advantage as Tierney-Martin added another try, diving under the posts in the 46th minute, with Forde again adding the extras.

With seven minutes left, Jansen grabbed Connacht’s fourth try to secure a bonus point, Forde making another successful conversion, before Alessandro Garbisi scored a late consolation for the Italians in added time.