Connacht Rugby was dealt a devastating blow in the United Rugby Championship (URC) as they suffered a heart-wrenching defeat to Benetton. The Italian side emerged victorious with a last-minute try from Alessandro Izekor, leaving Connacht in a state of despair.
The game started with Benetton taking the lead, as Ignacio Mendy scored a try to put the hosts ahead at 10-7 by halftime. Although Niall Murray of Connacht managed to level the score with a try of his own, Cian Prendergast’s late try saw Connacht take the lead for the first time. However, it was Izekor’s vital intervention that secured the win for Benetton in the final moments of the match.
This victory was a much-needed boost for the Italian side, as they had suffered three consecutive URC defeats before this match. Conversely, Connacht was coming off a 38-14 defeat at the hands of the Lions in their previous game.
Both teams went into the match with 33 points from their first 12 matches, making it a crucial fixture for both sides. The game was played at the Stadio Comunale di Monigo, and the atmosphere was electric as the two teams battled it out on the field.
Benetton made a strong start, with Mendy scoring the opening try after a well-coordinated attacking scrum. The try was converted by Jacob Umaga, who then added a penalty to extend Benetton’s lead. Nevertheless, Connacht fought back, with Murray scoring a crucial try just before halftime to keep his team in the game.
The second half saw both teams engaged in a fierce battle, with Connacht’s Jack Carty missing a penalty early on. Despite intense pressure from the Italian opponents, the Irish province managed to keep Benetton at bay. However, it wasn’t until the 30th minute of the second half that Umaga added another penalty for Benetton, putting them ahead once again.
Connacht, however, staged a comeback with Prendergast’s try, followed by Carty’s successful conversion, giving them a slender lead. But it was not to be, as Izekor’s late try secured the win for Benetton.
The teams featured top players, with the likes of Rhyno Smith, Tommaso Menoncello, and Alessandro Garbisi representing Benetton, and Tiernan O’Halloran, Jack Carty, and Paul Boyle featuring for Connacht.
The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for Connacht, but they will be looking to bounce back in their next fixture. As for Benetton, the win has significantly boosted their hopes of making it to the end-of-season playoffs.
Overall, it was a thrilling match that had rugby fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle blew. Both teams showcased their skill and determination, making it a truly memorable encounter in the URC.