Final score: Connacht 31 Enisei-STM 14
Connacht got their Challenge Cup adventure off to the perfect start with a bonus point win in freezing temperatures in an historic first European rugby game in Russia.
Sub-zero conditions ensured a difficult clash for the Westerners, but Rory Parata's late try sealed all five points before they jet out from Krasnoyarsk.
Parata's finish was preceded by trys from Niyi Adeolokun, John Muldoon and Darragh Leader with USA international AJ MacGinty kicking three penalties.
Tempatures dropped below -20 degrees Celsius during the game, and the snow covered pitch provided some spectacular shots for photographers, but a dominant Connacht struggled early on in the game, with a MacGinty penalty at the beginning and end of the half giving the visitors a 6-0 lead at the interval.
However, the hosts challenge faded and Connacht adapted in the second 40th minute - with their scrum becoming a particular source of joy - and after another MacGinty penalty, left wing Adeolokun managed to barge over.
It didn't take long for them to get their second, with Bundee Aki's break giving Connacht the field position before John Muldoon stretched over in the opposite corner.
The Western province were dominant at this point and made it count when the ever impressive Aki assisted for Leader's try.
Enisei managed a late fightback to add some respectability to the board, getting two late tries either side of Parata's brilliant bonus point score.
The result puts Connacht top of Pool 1, which also includes Brive and Newcastle.
Here are some of the best pictures from the game in snowy Siberia:
Denis Buckley is one of the lucky few to feel the heat
Who would want to play when you can be wrapped up in a blanket?
The teams come out for a first European game in Russia
Adeolokun dives over for number 1
AJ feeling the cold afterwards
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
