Montpellier 33-31 Connacht: The Irish province wasted 17 points in the Challenge Cup

Montpellier scored three tries in the last 15 minutes to seal a thrilling 33-31 win over Connacht in Challenge Cup Group A.

Connacht blew a 17-point lead and Stuart Hogg converted Valentine Welsh’s effort in the 74th minute to book Montpellier’s place in the knockout stages.

Despite a fourth successive defeat in all competitions, Connacht can still reach the last 16 if they beat bottom side Montauban in their final pool match on Saturday.

Thomas Darmon’s converted try gave the home side an early lead at the Septio Stadium but Connacht hit back through scrum-half Ben Murphy.

Montpellier regained the lead when hooker Liam Akrab crossed from a rolling strike, but opposite number Dylan Tierney-Martin responded and Sam Gilbert’s second conversion leveled the game once again.

Finn Treacy’s try put the Irish province ahead for the first time, and a Gilbert conversion and penalty gave Connacht a deserved 24-14 lead at the break.

Gilbert’s impressive afternoon continued when he crossed and converted his own try, which secured the four-try bonus point and Connacht looked in a strong position going into the final quarter of the game.

However, a late flurry from Montpellier meant the home side would finish the game in style. Having been denied earlier by Gilbert’s attempted save, winger Melvin Rates’ attempt was converted by Hogg, but the former Scotland international missed the tee after Alexis Bernadette handled the ball wide with 11 minutes to play.

But there was late drama as substitute Welsh scored under the posts to level the game, and Hogg converted what would have been the winning kick.

Connacht still leave France with two points to spare, and Saturday’s win over American side Monatopan, who are without a win in three matches, will confirm their place in the knockout stages.