URC, Benetton sweeps away controversy and wins derby

URC, Benetton-Zebre 38-5

Filed the ugly incident reported by Cherif Traoré, closed by a joint statement by Benetton and Italrugby and an apology to the national team’s pylon, accepted by the latter, the Trevisans return to focus on the field and do so in the best way possible, beating Zebre 38-5 in the URC’s first Italian derby of the season.

Match never really in dispute, characterized by no less than six heavy goals by Benetton: scoring Albornoz in the 12th minute, Niccolò Cannone in the 30th minute, Lorenzo Cannone in the 38th minute, Smith in the 52nd minute, Nicotera in the 55th minute and Favretto in the 75th minute. Four were Smith’s transformations. For Traoré, start in the starting XV and 57′ on the field. Instead, the Parmesans’ only points were scored by hooker Luca Bigi, who scored in the 65th minute. The Zebras also played with a man down between 46′ and 56′ due to a yellow against Manfredi.

The success allows Benetton to remain anchored in the playoff zone of the tournament, which involves clubs from Wales, Ireland, Scotland and South Africa in addition to the two Italian franchises. Zebre, on the other hand, remain in last place, anzora without a success this season.