Pat Lam's side ran in seven tries in a clinical performance in Galway, with Robbie Henshaw (two), Jack Carty, Kieran Marmion, Ronan Loughney, Danie Poolman and Matt Healy all crossing the whitewash during the Pool 2 encounter.

Craig Ronaldson and Ian Porter combined to convert five of Connacht’s tries while Ronaldson also slotted a penalty.

Damien Cler and replacement Charles Lagarde scored consolation tries for La Rochelle.