Impressive Benetton maintain unbeaten Rainbow Cup run

Benetton maintained their flawless tournament record with a 20-12 victory over 14-man Connacht in the PRO14 Rainbow Cup.

Unbeaten in the competition going into the game, Benetton extended their winning run with an impressive physical performance against Connacht, who finished with 14 men after Abraham Papali’i’s 73rd-minute red card.

Benetton’s dominance of the scrum limited Connacht’s chances throughout the game, especially in the second half, with the visitors unable to add to the scoreline after their 42nd-minute try.

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Paolo Garbisi, who made six kicks from six two weeks ago, also had a good game despite a slightly less impressive record with five successful penalty kicks.

Despite Connacht scoring two tries to Benetton’s one, it was not to be for the Irish side, with some resolute defending denying them just metres from the line just before the half-time break.

Following Munster’s triumph over Cardiff Blues on Friday, the Italians were knocked off the summit, but they regained their position at the top after this win.

It gives the surprise PRO14 Rainbow Cup pacesetters an excellent opportunity to qualify for the final of the competition, which will be held in Treviso.

They face the Ospreys away from home in their next game, with a win guaranteeing top spot and a match versus the winners of the South African tournament.

Glasgow keep themselves in the hunt

Glasgow Warriors came from behind to record a 27-16 Rainbow Cup victory over the Dragons at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Tries from Kyle Steyn, Ross Thompson, George Turner and Kiran McDonald were enough to get the Warriors over the line, while Thompson also contributed seven points from the kicking tee.

Aneurin Owen scored the Dragons’ only try with Sam Davies kicking 12 points.

The Warriors are now in third place in the table, three points behind Benetton, and will take on Leinster in their final match.