Connacht have been handed a lifeline, with the news their Pro12 match against Zebre will have to be replayed.
Thunder showers in Italy caused the match to be abandoned at half-time, with the Italians leading 22-10 at Stadio Lanfranchi.
Tiernan O'Halloran scored Connacht's only try of the half in testing conditions. Zebre, who lost their first two games by a combimed 60 points. Carlo Canna, Maxime Mbanda and Giovanbattista Venditti scored tries on the way to giving Zebre a comfortable lead.
Game has been called off due to storm in Parma and safety of players #CRLive #ZEBvCON
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) September 17, 2016
In a statement released by the Pro12, they announced the game will have to be replayed in full, with Zebre losing their 12-point advantage.
"Because the game was abandoned after only 40 minutes of play the result of the fixture is null and void. As such a replay of the fixture will be required and the date of the rearranged game, which will be played across the regulation period of 80 minutes, will be announced in due course."
Connacht return to league action next weekend with a game in Wales against Scarlets on Saturday evening.
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