Connacht v Benetton Treviso ended day nine of the United Rugby Championship in Galway. Bortolami’s team are not giving up on the ban against the Irish.

A difficult start for Benetton Treviso, calling after less than three minutes of play Murray goes further and scores the first try for the Irish who lead 7-0. Marco Bortolami’s side try to respond, still chasing their first win, after some good work and a cleverly recovered ball. Scott Crafton freed Marcus Watson at 7-7.

Connacht push again, Benetton struggle to defend Treviso, a brilliant pass by in the 23rd minute Bundy cleared Aki Boyle for Galway Boys’ second try, making the score 14-7.. Treviso suffer and Connacht continue in the attacking zone, but the green-and-white defense holds and denies the Irish attack several times. Another foul by Treviso in the 36th minute Connacht choose to pitch with Carty at 17-7 going into the breakBenetton lost Rino Smith and Filippo Alongi to injuries in the first half.

Connacht start strongly, looking to run away early in the second half. She defends Treviso as best she can, denying two goals, but it’s a foul By the 43rd minute Belham were ahead 24-7 Irish exodus. An angry response from Benetton Treviso who go further forward with a beautiful long action by Watson, Umaga and Menoncello as the physicality of the defense increases and the ball is won, but they return to advantage without breaking. A lunge, a foul, Sanon’s try in the 55th minute made it 24-14 with a new advantage..

The game now breaks down and Connacht are very imprecise but Treviso are not taking advantage. Minutes ticked away and despite the Galway XV growing and struggling, Marco Bortolami’s side were unable to break it open again. To make matters worse, in the 66th minute, Scott Crafton headed an opponent for a tackle and a red card. For the second green and white line. It comes right up there Bonus goal for Connacht with the Blades at 31-14. Try closing the Benetton Treviso forward with pride Menoncello made it 31-19 in the 79th minute. However, before the final whistle, Try Tierney-Martin, who ends the debate 38-19.

Photo: Alfio Guarise – LPS