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Connacht claimed a losing bonus point when they were defeated 26-22 by Racing 92 in their first Heineken Champions Cup match in Paris.
Attempts by Georges-Henri Colombe, Kurtley Beale, Sebastien Taofifenua and Dominic Bird, along with six points from the boots of Teddy Iribaren and Maxime Machenaud, ensured an extra points victory for last season’s defeated finalists.
Matt Healy, Alex Wootton and Conor Oliver claimed attempts by Andy Friend’s side, while Jack Carty and Tom Daly kicked seven points between them.
The hosts got off to a strong start with tight-headed pillar Colombe pushing her way over the line after five minutes after a powerful driving lineout with Iribaren converting.
Connacht enjoyed a period of pressure with Carty kicking his first points after Racing was penalized for failing to roll.
But the visitors struggled to cope with Racing’s firepower behind the scrum and the French giants soon celebrated their second attempt.
Racing extended the ball to the outside of center Virimi Vakatawa, who bounced off a tackle from Healy.
The French international ran clear at Connacht 22 before unloading the great Australian Beale to land Iribaren again adding the extras.
Connacht struggled to face Racing’s maul that put the French club on the front foot.
With numerous Connacht defenders sucked into the maul, the ball was deflected to Finn Russell, whose long pass released Vakatawa, who sent the ball to Taofifenua. The young winger claimed his third attempt with a sensational acrobatic shot in the far left corner.
Connacht besieged Racing’s try line in the final 15 minutes of the first half and came very close to crossing the mark when Ultan Dillane was put into space thanks to a timely pass from Paul Boyle.
The second row galloped towards the line, but was parried by a brave tackle from Iribaren that saved the attempt and forced the Irish international to spill the ball forward.
But Connacht was rewarded for his efforts late at the break when Healy beat Teddy Thomas in the air to score after a tremendous cross shot from Carty.
However, the outside half missed the conversion, meaning Connacht turned around 19-8 behind.
Racing reclaimed their attempt for bonus points with former second row Bird All Black landing from close range after another powerful driving lineout from the hosts. Iribaren kicked the touchdown conversion to push Racing to a 26-8 lead with half an hour to go.
Racing continued to apply pressure and it looked like they were done again, but Machenaud’s pass was intercepted by Wootton, who ran across the field to score with Carty converting.
Beale had a try disallowed after a pass from Thomas was deemed forward and Connacht secured a finish in the stands when Oliver crashed from close range, leaving the score at 26-22 with four minutes remaining.
Connacht pushed hard for a winner, but Racing’s defense held firm.
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