Control key as Connacht bring big guns to Benetton
The western province are riding high in Conference B and ought to have plenty in reserve in Treviso. By Sean Farrell Friday 26 Feb 2021, 7:00 AM Feb 26th 2021, 7:00 AM 3,342 Views 1 Comment
Image: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
THERE’S NO NEED to go making this interesting.
Benetton Rugby will kick off this evening’s Pro14 meeting against Connacht (kick-off 17.30, TG4) without a win to their name.
Connacht arrived in Italy last night with every right to feel they can still challenge Munster for top spot in Conference B. Yet the western province will be wary of opening up their stride too much lest this potential banana skin force them to look downward rather than up.
Bundee Aki s last minute try seals victory for Connacht in Treviso
Connacht beat Benetton Treviso 19-17 to keep the pressure on Munster in Conference B. By Garry Doyle Friday 26 Feb 2021, 7:42 PM Feb 26th 2021, 7:42 PM 12,867 Views 14 Comments
Bundee Aki is tackled by Luca Morisi.
Image: Elena Barbini/INPHO
Image: Elena Barbini/INPHO
Connacht 19
THEY ROLLED THE dice and their numbers didn’t come up. Then out of nowhere, the dealer gave them another try.
Two minutes were left on the clock. They were that close to a sickening defeat. Yet Connacht turned down a second chance to take a shot at goal that would have earned them a draw.
After weathering the storm, Munster made a rare foray into the Benetton 22 and after winning a penalty for another breakdown infringement, Healy took the three points on offer to extend the lead to four points.
Back came Benetton as second-rower Federico Ruzza broke from a ruck and flipped a pass to Callum Braley bearing down on the Munster line but the move was snuffed out as the Irish province got numbers back.
Benetton had a wonderful opportunity to take the lead for the first time 10 minutes from the end when a flipped pass found Tommaso Benvenuti in space on the left but a brilliant covering tackle from Haley prevented him from grounding the ball.