Connacht have taken another step toward qualification for next season's Heineken Champions Cup with a last-gasp 19-17 win at Benetton.
Ireland centre Bundee Aki grabbed an 80th minute try in Treviso as Andy Friend's registered a club record fifth consecutive away win in the Guinness PRO14.
Prop Finlay Bealham crossed the whitewash in 17th minute for the Westerners but they trailed 14-7 at the break.
With Connacht hooker Shane Delahunt in the sin bin, Davide Ruggeri and Italy winger Leonardo Sarto got tries for the hosts in the closing six minutes of the first-half with Edoardo Padovani converting both.
Bundee Aki comes up clutch to score the match-winning try for @connachtrugby to deny @BenettonRugby a first championship win of the season 🔑
🌍 @SportTG4 @DAZN_IT
💻 https://t.co/CeNCIlfD9i
#️⃣ #BENvCON
🏆 #GuinnessPRO14 pic.twitter.com/V0BWoXaCgY— PRO14 RUGBY (@PRO14Official) February 26, 2021
Still a man down, Connacht got themselves level when Paddy McAllister powered over following good work from Paul Boyle - with Conor Fitzgerald converting to equalise.
Padovani slotted over a penalty to put Benetton back ahead with five minutes to go but Aki grabbed a game clinching try off the back of a rolling mail.
The win moves Connacht within five points of Guinness PRO14 Conference B leaders Munster and 11 ahead of third place Scarlets after 13 games.
FACT| Tonight’s victory means we have set a club record for consecutive league away wins with five W’s on the spin. 🎉#BENvCON #GuinnessPRO14 pic.twitter.com/vCFMDVZ2tt
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) February 26, 2021
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