By Brenden Nel.
The Emirates Lions crashed out of the EPCR Challenge Cup after going down 27-17 in another frustrating performance in Treviso on Saturday.
The Lions played against 14 men for much of the second half after Benetton received a red card for a poor cleanout and against 13 in the last 12 minutes but were never able to put together enough attacking prowess to break down Benetton’s defence.
In fact the Italian side only got stronger despite the numbers mismatch and were able to easily stop the Lions defence, something the Lions did themselves against Connacht a fortnight ago.
The Lions continual ability to be inconsistent has been their downfall all season and where they had more than enough parity with the Italian side, they were at times their own worst enemies in terms of handling and game management.
That isn’t new for Ivan van Rooyen’s side this season and it is not to wonder if the Lions problems aren’t deeper than just their game plan, as like last season they have promised so much, only to follow it up with disappointment a week later.
While it is understandable they had to rotate their squad after three weeks on tour, the team seems to be held back by their own demons more than opposition at times.
Even on Saturday evening, they started well, powering their way over the line for captain Jaco Visagie to score the first try early on.
But just as they looked to be establishing ascendancy, Benetton hit back through Thomas Gallo, who broke two tackles to go over from close range.
Then Rhyno Smith added another three for the home side with a long range drop goal.
They went further ahead when a turnover was sent wide to Onisi Ratave, who thundered down the touchline to give Benetton a solid lead.
Jordan Hendrikse reduced the lead by three with a late penalty goal to leave the Lions seven points adrift at the break.
Benetton’s big setback came four minutes into the second half when Giancomo Nicotera illegally cleaned out Darrien Landsberg at a ruck, connecting with force to the head and earning himself a red card.
Two minutes later, the Lions hit back hard as flyhalf Hendrikse did a trademark show and go and had enough power to go over.
Despite being a man down, Benetton showed exceptional resolve and were rewarded as their pack rumbled over from the lineout with Bautista Bernasconi claiming the try in the end.
Flyhalf Tomas Albanoz added three more points to extend the lead but Benetton were rocked again after a massive tackle by Malakai Fekitoa hit Erich Cronje high, but was adjudged to connect with the shoulder first and earned him a yellow card.
Still the Lions couldn’t capitalise against 13 men and as the clock ticked down, it became clear they wouldn’t be able to score the crucial points needed to stay in the competition.
And their EPCR Challenge Cup campaign came to an end with a whimper and not a bang.
Scorers
Benetton – tries: Thomas Gallo, Onisi Ratave,Bautista Bernasconi. Conversions: Jacob Umaga (3). Penalty: Umaga. Drop Goal: Rhyno Smith.
Emirates Lions – tries: Jaco Visagie, Jordan Hendrikse. Conversions: Hendrikse (2). Penalty: Hendrikse.
Meanwhile holders La Rochelle edged into the quarterfinals of the Champions Cup on Saturday, beating the Stormers 22-21 in Cape Town after Manie Libbok missed a last-gasp conversion for the South African side.
Elsewhere a late fightback from the Toyota Cheetahs fell just short as they were dumped out of the Challenge Cup by French side ASM Clermont 27-22 in their last 16 clash at the Stade Marcel Michelin on Saturday afternoon.