A Shocking Start: Benetton's Dominance Leaves Lions Reeling
In a stunning display of rugby prowess, Benetton handed the Lions their third straight defeat in the United Rugby Championship, leaving the visitors shell-shocked and winless after three rounds.
The Italians' Attacking Mastery
Benetton's performance was nothing short of scintillating. Building on their victory over Glasgow Warriors, they put on an attacking clinic, showcasing their skill and precision.
Click here to relive the action!
The hosts ran riot, scoring six tries. Wing Louis Lynagh stole the show, crossing the line an incredible four times. Rhyno Smith and Simone Ferrari also contributed to the try-fest.
Lions' Struggles and Setbacks
In contrast, the Lions struggled to find their footing. Despite early promise, they couldn't maintain their lead. Asenathi Ntlabakanye and Conraad van Vuuren managed to score tries, but it was a tough battle against the dominant Benetton side.
To add to their woes, the Lions lost Springbok scrumhalf Morne van den Berg early in the game, a significant blow to their lineup.
A Promising Start, But Benetton Takes Control
The Lions started strongly, taking an early 3-0 lead through a Chris Smit penalty. However, Benetton quickly asserted their dominance. The Italian side controlled possession and soon opened their account with a try from fullback Rhyno Smith, though the conversion was missed.
Lynagh soon followed suit, finishing a brilliant counter-attack to extend Benetton's lead. The hosts were relentless, and within minutes, they had their third try, with prop Simone Ferrari powering over. The Lions thought they had responded through Angelo Davids, but the try was disallowed due to a forward pass.
The Lions finally got on the scoreboard through Ntlabakanye's try, but Lynagh struck back with his second, giving Benetton a comfortable lead.
A Tale of Two Halves
In the second half, Benetton continued their dominance, extending their lead with a penalty. The Lions, despite being reduced to 14 men, found some rhythm and kept Benetton pinned in their own half. However, they couldn't convert their chances.
With time running out, Lynagh completed his hat-trick, and Benetton maintained their 17-point advantage. The Lions fought valiantly in the closing stages, with van Vuuren scoring a try, but it was too little, too late.
A Comprehensive Victory
The final minutes saw more drama, with both teams down to 14 men. Benetton secured a scrum penalty and kept the Lions at bay. Smith and Lynagh combined for the latter's fourth try, and Smith's conversion sealed a resounding 41-15 victory.
Man of the Match
While Rhyno Smith put in a stellar performance, it was Louis Lynagh's four-try haul that earned him the Man of the Match award.
Scorers
For Benetton:
Tries: R. Smith, Lynagh (4), Ferrari
Cons: Umaga (3), R. Smith
Pen: Umaga
For Lions:
Tries: Ntlabakanye, Van Vuuren
Con: C. Smith
Pen: Smith
Yellow Cards: Thomas Gallo (Benetton), Rynardt Jonker (Lions), Giuliano Avaca (Benetton), Quan Horn (Lions)
Teams:
Benetton: 15 R. Smith, 14 Lynagh, 13 Menoncello, 12 Fekitoa, 11 Mendy, 10 Umaga, 9 Werchon, 8 Cannone, 7 Lamaro (c), 6 Izekor, 5 Snyman, 4 N. Cannone, 3 Ferrari, 2 Maile, 1 Spagnolo
Replacements: Bernasconi, Gallo, Zilocchi, Favretto, Bryant, Uren, Avaca, Drago
Lions: 15 Horn, 14 Keyter, 13 van Wyk, 12 Kriel, 11 Davids, 10 C. Smith, 9 van den Berg, 8 F. Horn (c), 7 Venter, 6 Pretorius, 5 Delport, 4 Oosthuizen, 3 Ntlabakanye, 2 Marais, 1 Kotze
Replacements: Brandon, Schoeman, van Vuuren, Landsberg, Cairns, Steyn, Francis, Rass
Officials:
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Assistant Referees: Russo, Bisetto (both Italy)
TMO: Olly Hodges (Ireland)
