European Challenge Cup: Exeter Chiefs reach quarter-finals with win at Connacht

Dean Mumm: Exeter lock's breakaway try put the Chiefs in front

Exeter produced a powerful second-half performance to win at Connacht and book their place in the European Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

The Irish side were beaten on their own ground for only the second time this season as the Chiefs picked up four points to qualify from Pool Two.

Connacht made an excellent start to the game when Matthew Healy finished off a flowing move to score in the corner after only five minutes.

Jack Carty’s conversion attempt fell wide of the posts and Exeter seized the initiative to attack, with Henry Slade looking for touch rather than kicking at goal with two penalties in quick succession.

The Chiefs then forced a series of scrums which were reset several times before a penalty try was awarded on the 20-minute mark and Slade added the conversion from in front of the posts.

Connacht responded well and flank forward Willie Faloon after a powerful driving maul after a lineout was collected on the left touchline.

Carty missed the conversion but Slade did likewise at the other end as the hosts’ lead remained intact.

Slade drew the scores level with a confident penalty after Connacht had been penalised for not releasing inside their own 22.

But parity was short lived as a Healy powered down the left side and a flowing midfield move saw the Irish side create an overlap on their right wing to score through winger Danie Poolman in the corner.

Carty struck the conversion well to re-establish Connacht’s seven-point lead at the halfway stage.

The second period began with the home side displaying the type of indiscipline that had blighted their first, with full-back Mils Muliaina penalised for holding on and Slade punishing Connacht with a well-struck shot at goal from the 10-metre line.

Exeter then took the lead when lock Dean Mumm cut off a pass and raced clear to score under the posts, Slade comfortably converting.

Slade nudged his side further ahead with a penalty from the left touchline after the visitors squeezed a penalty out of Connacht at a scrum.

Mumm’s second-row partner Damian Welch should have scored after he intercepted a pass on the halfway line but he stumbled to the ground in the 22 and the chance was lost.

But Exeter did not have to wait long for their next try, as a sustained bout of forward pressure told and Don Armand crashed over, Slade again converting for a 13-point lead.

Slade added another penalty before Healy cut inside off his wing to score his second try of the game to ensure a try bonus point for Connacht and reduce the deficit to nine points with five minutes to play.

But Darragh Leader missed a penalty and there was to be no grandstand finish as Exeter sealed their place in the final eight.