Montpellier (in blue) started slowly but hit back to see off Bristol

Bristol began their European Challenge Cup campaign with a disappointing 33-15 loss to Montpellier and remain without a win this season.

The English side, who had seven players making their European debuts, started well with tries from Lee Robinson and Iain Grieve in the first eight minutes.

But the hosts hit back with tries from Francois Trinh Duc and Thierry Brana.

Pieter Herman Van Niekerk scored late on to wrap up the victory with Federico Todeschini finishing with 18 points.

Irish province Connacht followed up their surprise Magners League win over Leinster with a fine 30-12 away victory against Dax.

The French side led 12-7 at half-time, but scores from flanker John Muldoon and Johnny O'Connor and the assured boot of fly-half Ian Keatley helped Connacht to a fine comeback.

606: DEBATE Congratulations Connacht - let's hope that this momentum can carry forward to next week for London Irish diom1982

Northampton, in the same pool as Bristol, played on Thursday in France and hammered an under-strength Toulon side 56-3 to also secure a bonus point away from home.

Sean Lamont scored the first of Saints' seven tries, with Joe Ansbro and Paul Diggin helping them to a 30-3 lead at the interval.

Chris Ashton, Ben Foden, Ansbro and Lee Dickson crossed in the second half to seal an easy win.

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