Match Centre: United Rugby Championship: Dragons 21-31 Benetton

Dragons 21-31 Benetton, Rodney Parade

Benetton claimed a 31-21 victory over the Dragons in the BKT United Rugby Championship at Rodney Parade securing their second win of the season.

Despite first tries for Joe Westwood, Lloyd Evans, and Shane Lewis-Hughes, the Dragons could not overcome a streetwise and powerful Benetton side.

The Dragons started strong, with Westwood scoring an impressive intercept try in the first half, giving the home side an early boost. Playmaker Lloyd Evans added another in the second half, while Lewis-Hughes powered over late on to keep the Dragons within reach.

However, it was Benetton’s clinical play, bolstered by 13 internationals, that ultimately sealed the victory.

The Italian visitors snatched the lead just before halftime, with Bautista Bernasconi finishing a driving maul to put them ahead 10-7. They built on this momentum in the second half, scoring three more tries, including efforts from Enzo Avaca and Lorenzo Cannone, to secure the try bonus point.

The Dragons dominated phases of the first half but failed to capitalize on several clear chances, including a lost lineout deep in Benetton territory. Missed tackles and handling errors further contributed to their struggles, allowing Benetton to extend their lead.

While Evans and Lewis-Hughes added late tries, it wasn’t enough to secure a bonus point for the Dragons, as Benetton’s relentless attack ensured the Italian side pulled clear.

The game also saw Steve Cummins make his debut for the Dragons, while Dan Lydiate and Cam Jones were introduced in the second half. Despite their best efforts, the Dragons could not overcome Benetton's power and precision.

Dai Flanagan’s Dragons now look ahead to regroup as they reflect on missed opportunities, while Benetton will celebrate their hard-fought victory, propelling them further up the URC standings.

Team line up:

Dragons: Angus O’Brien; Rio Dyer, Joe Westwood, Aneurin Owen, Jared Rosser; Lloyd Evans, Rhodri Williams; Rodrigo Martinez, Brodie Coghlan, Leon Brown, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Ben Carter, Ryan Woodman, Harri Keddie, Taine Basham.

Reserves: Oli Burrows, Cameron Jones, Chris Coleman, Steve Cummins, Dan Lydiate, Dane Blacker, Steff Hughes, Ewan Rosser.

Benetton: Matt Gallagher; Ignacio Mendy, Tommaso Menoncello, Ignacio Brex, Louis Lynagh; Jacob Umaga, Andy Uren; Thomas Gallo, Bautista Bernasconi, Enzo Avaca, Niccolo Cannone, Federico Ruzza, Alessandro Izekor, Michele Lamaro, Lorenzo Cannone.

Reserves: Marco Manfredi, Destiny Aminu, Riccardo Genovese, Eli Snyman, Manuel Zuliani, Alessandro Garbisi, Tomas Albornoz, Malakai Fekitoa.