The Benetton team to face Exeter Chiefs in the quarter finals - Challenge Cup.

On Sunday, April 12th, at 1:30 PM , the Monigo stadium prepares for another high-intensity European afternoon. Benetton Rugby hosts the English side Exeter Chiefs in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals , a match that promises to be a thrilling and evenly matched affair with a chance to reach the semifinals.

The Lions arrive at the match full of enthusiasm after their round of 16 victory over Cardiff, a hard-fought 38-35 victory that confirmed the character and quality of the green-and-white team. Furthermore, their cup campaign boasts five consecutive victories, a record that attests to the seasonal consistency of coach Calum MacRae's team in European competition.

On the other side will be Exeter Chiefs, a solid team accustomed to international competition. Currently fourth in the English Premiership, the Chiefs earned a place in the quarterfinals by defeating Munster a week ago at home with a convincing 31-21 victory, demonstrating top-notch organization and rugby.

A clash made even more interesting by the presence, among the English ranks, of three players from the Italian national team: Andrea Zambonin, Ross Vincent, and Stephen Varney. The various Lions who play for Italy thus cross paths with three familiar faces. In a Monigo that promises to be heated and engaged, Benetton will be called upon to demonstrate their maturity against a top-tier opponent.

Benetton Rugby and Exeter  Chiefs have never faced each other in the Challenge Cup before , making this a  first  for the European cup.

Coach Calum MacRae has decided which lineup he will field on Sunday, knowing he won't be able to count on several players who are sidelined. The Lions coach has opted to field almost the same lineup as last week, with a couple of tweaks. Rhyno Smith remains at fullback . Completing the extended triangle are the confirmed wingers: Onisi  Ratave on the right wing, while  Ignacio Mendy is on the left wing . The only change in the attacking midfield is Tommaso Menoncello , alongside the returning Malakai Fekitoa . Further confirmations are in midfield: Jacob Umaga will be the number 10 , while Andy Uren will direct the scrum .

The green and white pack remains unchanged: the front row will be led by Thomas Gallo as left prop, with Bautista Bernasconi still close behind, while  Giosué Zilocchi will be the right prop . The second row will feature the duo of Niccolò Cannone  and  Federico Ruzza . The third row will feature  Manuel Zuliani as flanker , supported by captain Michele Lamaro . Number 8 Lorenzo Cannone will seal the scrum .

15 Rhyno Smith (89)
14 Onisi Ratave (43)
13 Tommaso Menoncello (72)
12 Malakai Fekitoa (43)
11 Ignacio Mendy (55)
10 Jacob Umaga (73)
9 Andy Uren (59)
8 Lorenzo Cannone (66)
7 Michele Lamaro (C) (95)
6 Manuel Zuliani (81)
5 Federico Ruzza (144)
4 Niccolò Cannone (103)
3 Giosué Zilocchi (45)
2 Bautista Bernasconi (56)
1 Thomas Gallo (89)

Available: 16 Siua Maile (48), 17 Destiny Aminu (17), 18 Tiziano Pasquali (150), 19 Riccardo Favretto (72), 20 So'otala Fa'aso'o (16), 21 Sebastian Negri (98), 22 Alessandro Garbisi (84), 23 Leonardo Marin (51).

Unavailable : Simone Ferrari, Louis Lynagh, Giulio Marini, Nicolas Roger Farias, Eli Snyman, Mirco Spagnolo, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Federico Zanandrea.