European Challenge Cup: Connacht defeated 39-24 by Benetton in quarter-final

Delight for Tomas Albornoz as he goes over for Bennetton's fourth try

Connacht's bid to win the European Challenge Cup has ended with a 39-24 quarter-final defeat by an impressive Benetton side in the Treviso sunshine.

Dave Heffernan and Paul Boyle went over for Connacht but Gianmarco Lucchesi, Tommaso Menoncello, Rhyno Smith and Tomas Albornoz scored Benetton tries.

The hosts led 26-14 at the break before Bundee Aki and Conor Oliver notched further Connacht tries.

However, a second try from Albornoz helped Benetton to victory.

Benetton continue their record of having never lost a Challenge Cup knockout fixture at their Stadio Monigo ground.

Indeed, Pete Wilkin's side went into the game as underdogs away from home, and having lost 18-14 against the Italian side just over two weeks ago in the United Rugby Championship.

Connacht got off to the perfect start, with hooker Heffernan steering an early lineout maul over the line before crashing over the line to get his side off the mark.

However, the hosts responded with a lineout maul try of their own, with Lucchesi burrowing over to level the scores.

Marco Bortolami's side capitalised on a spell of territory and possession with Menoncello applying the finishing touches to a strong carry from second-row Federico Ruzza, who was stopped just short of the try-line.

An error from Connacht's Caolin Blade when dealing with a high kick cost his side, with full-back Smith putting his boot to the loose ball before winning the foot race to touch down for his side's third try.

Dave Heffernan failed to deal with a similar kick, with fly-half Albornoz taking advantage of a fortunate bounce to sprint over for an opportunistic try.

The visitors continued to battle in the heat, with Boyle crashing over just before the break to give his side a lifeline.

Jacob Umaga fired over a penalty but Aki reduced the deficit minutes later when he powered his way over the line from close distance following a tap penalty.

A well-taken second try from Albornoz resulting from a kick and chase and seemed to seal the game for his side, with Umaga adding the extras.

Connacht could not build on Oliver's consolation try with just over 10 minutes to go and the hosts held on to see out the game and will progress to the semi-finals.

Benetton: R Smith, I Mendy, T Menoncello, N Brex, O Ratave, T Albornoz, A Garbisi, T Gallo, G Lucchesi, S Ferrari, N Cannone, F Ruzza, S Negri da Ollegio, M Lamaro (capt), T Halafihi.

Replacements: B Bernasconi, M Spagnolo, G Zilocchi, E Snyman, A Izekor, L Cannone, A Uren, J Umaga.

Connacht: T O'Halloran, A Smith, D Hawkshaw, B Aki, S Jennings, JJ Hanrahan, C Blade (capt), D Buckley, D Heffernan, F Bealham, J Joyce, D Murray, C Prendergast, S Hurley-Langton, P Boyle.

Replacements: E de Buitlear, P Dooley, S Illo, N Murray, C Oliver, M Devine, C Forde, T Farrell.