Benetton Treviso in URC playoffs
Benetton Treviso in the playoffs
Very heavy victory for Benetton Treviso, who imposed 31-6 at the home walls of Monigo on Edinburgh in Round 18 of the United Rugby Championship and thus qualified for the playoffs.
Ready, go and Izekor is immediately cautioned for not leaving ten meters to the Scots within a few steps of the goal. The Lions manage to defend and are charged up, also taking advantage of a sold-out Monigo. Soì the green-and-whites, despite the numerical inferiority go ahead: superb progression of Brex who off the line serves the run of Ignacio Mendy, good to fly in goal. Smith does not convert. Meanwhile, it is back to 15 vs 15 with the return of Izekor. The contest è electric and mistakes prevail over quality at some junctures. Edinburgh earns a penalty and Healy makes no mistake, giving his side their first three points. Two minutes pass and another free kick for the guests. Healy è on time and the Scots go ahead (5-6). Edinburgh loses a bloody ball, Onisi Ratave takes advantage of it and runs away and solo runs into the goal. Smith does not miss from the square. Meanwhile, here is the first change: Lucchesi in place of injured Nicotera. Thusì the first half ends 12-6 for the Lions.
The resumption begins and a goal is cancelled to Gallo for double movement from the ground before reaching the goal line. Room is made for Lorenzo Cannone for Halafihi, Iachizzi for Niccolò Cannone, Spagnolo for Gallo, and Zilocchi for Ferrari. The two teams feel the tension, until the stroke of genius: Tomas Albornoz splits the opponent’s defense with a serpentine of his own and gives; show by going in the goal. Monigo explodes and Smith converts. The guests are in black-out and give a platinum ball to Menoncello, formidable to power everything, so; Alessandro Izekor of power goes to crush the goal of the offensive bonus. Smith converts and the Lions take the lead (26-6). Edinburgh è with its head in the locker room, Mendy steals the aerial ball, serves it to Alessandro Izekor who places the double and Monigo goes into raptures. Smith does not convert. Garbisi, Zanon and Umaga take over for Uren, Brex and Ratave. By now the Lions can celebrate the win (31-6), the five points, the seventh place that means qualification to the next Champions and especially qualification to the URC playoffs for the first time.
