Leinster Cruise to Victory Over Benetton in URC Clash

Leinster extended their perfect start to the United Rugby Championship season with a dominant 35-5 win over Benetton at Stadio di Monigo. The Irish side secured their third consecutive bonus-point victory, scoring five tries to maintain their unbeaten record.

Leinster’s first-half dominance saw them take a commanding 28-0 lead by the break, with the bonus point wrapped up before the half-hour mark. The visitors were awarded a penalty try after Mirco Spagnolo was yellow-carded for collapsing a maul, followed by three quick-fire tries from Conor Frawley, Jack Conan, and Caelan Doris. Frawley also contributed three conversions.

Despite a more competitive second half, Benetton struggled to capitalise on their opportunities. Marco Manfredi scored a consolation try from a driving maul in the 66th minute after Leinster’s Ryan Baird was sin-binned for a cynical foul. However, Leinster sealed the game late on with replacement hooker Lee Barron crossing the line for their fifth try, converted by Ross Byrne, restoring the 28-point margin.

Leinster now turn their attention to an interprovincial derby against Munster at Croke Park on 12 October, while Benetton will look to secure their first win of the season as they host the Sharks next.

Benetton 5:

• Tries: Manfredi

Leinster 35:

• Tries: Penalty try, Frawley, Conan, Doris, Barron
• Conversions: Frawley (3), R. Byrne

Team Line-Ups:

Benetton: Gallagher, Mendy, Menoncello, Fekitoa, Odogwu, Umaga, Garbisi, Spagnolo, Maile, Ferrari, N. Cannone, Favretto, Negri, Zuliani, Lamaro.
Replacements: Manfredi, Aminu, Avaca, Ruzza, Marini, L. Cannone, Uren, Marin.

Leinster: Keenan, J. O’Brien, Ringrose, J. Osborne, Lowe, Frawley, Gibson-Park, Porter, Kelleher, Furlong, J. McCarthy, Snyman, Conan, van der Flier, Doris.
Replacements: Barron, Milne, Clarkson, Baird, Deeny, Gunne, R. Byrne, Penny.