Benetton: 'It was our last chance to show what we are'

Benetton’s raucous victory over Leinster at Stadio Monigo was built on the desire to prove themselves and a ferocious defence, claimed back-row Manuel Zuliani the aftermath of the 29-26 URC win.

Just a week earlier, the Italians were pummelled by fellow Irish side Munster 45-15, but, although the north Italian team remained largely unchanged, it was a very different performance against Leinster on Saturday evening.

The home side survived waves of pressure in a breathless match before Jacob Umaga’s last-gasp penalty sealed a famous URC win.

Speaking to BenTV following the Round 16 clash, the Italy loose forward described a contest that repeatedly tested Benetton’s resolve before finally tipping their way in dramatic fashion.

“It was a game of chasing the opponent, but we did well to take the blows and react, staying in the game until the 80th minute, when the referee rewarded us with a hold. Then we managed to bring it home.”

United Rugby Championship

P

W

L

D

PF

PA

PD

BP T

BP-7

BP

Total

1

Stormers

16

12

4

0

56

2

Glasgow

16

11

5

0

55

3

Lions

16

10

5

1

53

4

Leinster

16

10

6

0

53

5

Munster

16

10

6

0

51

6

Cardiff Rugby

16

10

6

0

50

7

Bulls

16

10

6

0

49

8

Ulster

16

9

7

0

47

9

Connacht

16

8

8

0

44

10

Sharks

16

6

9

1

36

11

Ospreys

16

6

8

2

35

12

Edinburgh

16

6

10

0

33

13

Benetton

16

6

8

2

33

14

Dragons RFC

16

3

10

3

25

15

Scarlets

16

4

11

1

24

16

Zebre

16

2

14

0

15

Against a Leinster side stacked with international quality, Zuliani made no secret of where the match was won.

“The defence, both in the first and second halves, was definitely crucial in this match. We gave it our all: for ourselves and to bounce back from this season, for the fans who always support us, and for the guys who will be leaving.

“It was our last chance to show what we are. I think we did it, against one of the best teams in the URC; we’re happy and we’re enjoying this victory.”

Up front, Benetton matched, and at times outworked, Leinster’s vaunted pack; a battle Zuliani acknowledged came at a significant physical cost.

“It was really tiring, but very important for this match. We managed to counter and at times even dominate their pack. We were able to apply pressure and recover from difficult situations. It was a major effort, to be able to hang on to the score and play the match until the end.

“This match can give us a lot of enthusiasm for the upcoming matches. But it can also be a wake-up call: this season has been up and down for us, so we need to keep our feet on the ground and focus on the long trip to South Africa. Let’s stay humble and work day by day.”