Match Report: Benetton secure qualification with comfortable win
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Benetton Rugby ensured their qualification for the knockout stage of the EPCR Challenge Cup on Saturday with a comfortable 26-7 home victory over rock-bottom Aviron Bayonnais in Pool B.
The Italian side jumped into second place thanks to three tries in seven first-half minutes, including a double from lock Niccolò Cannone, to open up a 19-7 half-time lead before taking their foot off the pedal in the second period.
Bayonne, without a point at the bottom of Pool B before the match and four points adrift, took a shock lead in the 17th minute with a try from full-back Yohan Orabe, which was converted by captain Maxime Machenaud.
However, Benetton then took command with those three tries, the last two of which were converted by Tomas Albornoz.
0️⃣ - 7️⃣
ᴛᴇɴ ᴍɪɴᴜᴛᴇꜱ ʟᴀᴛᴇʀ…
1️⃣9️⃣ - 7️⃣@BenettonRugby have come back in STYLE 🔥#ChallengeCupRugby pic.twitter.com/NJz9N2FZEh
— EPCR Challenge Cup (@ChallengeCup_) January 14, 2023
Wing Ignacio Mendy struck first on the half hour and his effort was followed rapidly by Cannone’s brace in the 33rd and 37th minutes.
The second half was pointless, until wing Onisi Ratave scored a 77th minute try, which was converted by replacement Jacob Umaga.
Benetton now host Stade Français Paris in their final pool match next Saturday, while Bayonne entertain leaders Scarlets.
