Frawley's debut try secures bonus-point victory for Connacht

Connacht achieved their first victory of the season with a thrilling 22-19 win against Benetton in Treviso, highlighted by a late try from debutant Ciaran Frawley. The match commenced with a flurry of attacking play, resulting in five tries during the first half. Connacht initially struggled in the second half against Benetton's strong forward pack, but a decisive late try by Frawley ensured a bonus-point victory for the visitors.

Cian Prendergast opened the scoring for Connacht within five minutes, capitalizing on a quick pass from Sean Jansen to cross the line for his first try of the season during his first start. Benetton responded quickly, however, with Bautista Bernasconi touching down shortly after following a successful maul. Connacht continued the fast-paced action with Sean O'Brien scoring a well-constructed try at the 17-minute mark, assisted by smart plays from Francois van Wyk and Frawley.

The first half saw an impressive level of scoring, with the game reportedly becoming tighter for the next twenty minutes as Connacht improved from their earlier scrum performance against the Stormers in their initial defeat. The half-time lead was narrowed to just five points when Leonardo Marin and Frawley exchanged converted tries, leaving the score at 17-12 in favor of Connacht.

The second half opened with Benetton making an early statement, as Bernasconi managed to score his second try after sustained efforts from the Italian forwards, giving the hosts a slim lead. However, desperation turned into reward for Connacht in the 77th minute, when Frawley located space down the left wing and crossed the try line, clinching the bonus-point win and marking an ideal debut for the Irish international.

Line-ups
Benetton: Gallagher; Ratave, Lynagh, Odogwu, Marin; Umaga, Garbisi; Medrano, Bernasconi, Ferrari; Cannone, Ruzza; Marini, Favretto, Lamaro
Replacements: Maile, Spagnolo, Pasquali, Fa'aso'o, Miranda, Uren, Smith, Mendy
Connacht: Gilbert; Hansen, Treacy, Devine, Forde; Frawley, Blade; van Wyk, Victory, Bealham; Murray, Murphy; Prendergast, Jansen, O'Brien
Replacements: de Buitlear, Bohan, Illo, Murray, Boyle, Reilly, Ioane, Jennings