Lions crumble in Treviso

The Lions’ tour ended in embarrassment as Italian side Benetton thumped them 41–15 in Treviso. Winger Louis Lynagh ran in four tries in a record victory for the hosts, exposing the Lions’ frailties on both attack and defence. 

The defeat marked the Johannesburg side’s 13th consecutive away loss in the URC, leaving fans frustrated by the team’s lack of progress under long-serving coach Ivan van Rooyen.

Despite prioritising the Currie Cup earlier in the year, the Lions looked jaded and disjointed. Their defensive structure was pulled apart on the wings, with Argentina’s Ignacio Mendy and the former Cheetahs fullback Rhyno Smith instrumental in Benetton’s dominance. Tries from Asenathi Ntlabakanye and Beertjie van Vuuren were small consolations for a team now searching for confidence and direction.

Scorers:

Benetton: Tries – Louis Lynagh 4, Rhyno Smith, Simone Ferrari Conv. – Jacob Umaga 3, Smith Pen. – Umaga

Lions:  Tries – Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Beertjie van Vuuren Conv. – Chris Smith Pen. – Smith

Max Deegan of Leinster going in for his try against the Sharks. Photo: Leinster

Leinster too slick for Sharks

In Dublin, defending champions Leinster were at their ruthless best, beating the Sharks 31–5 at the Aviva Stadium. The Irish giants raced to a 21–0 lead inside the first half with tries from James Osbourne, Jimmy O’Brien, and Josh van der Flier, punishing every Sharks mistake.

Ethan Hooker’s intercept try provided a rare highlight for the visitors, but the Durban outfit struggled with handling errors, a shaky lineout, and the absence of key Springboks.

While Leinster’s precision and tempo were world-class, the Sharks’ lack of cohesion and discipline told a familiar story. With just a draw against the Dragons from their opening three games, they’ll be desperate for a reset at home when their injured stars return.

Scorers:

Leinster: Tries – James Osbourne, Jimmy O’Brien, Josh van der Flier, Max Deegan, Gus McCarthy Conv. – Harry Byrne 3

Sharks: Try – Ethan Hooker

Yellow card sinks Bulls in Belfast

The Bulls’ unbeaten run ended abruptly at Ravenhill, Belfast, where Ulster capitalised on Jeandré Rudolph’s costly yellow card to score three quick tries and secure a 28–7 win. Despite fielding eight Springboks, the Bulls produced a flat, error-strewn performance that lacked the physicality and composure needed away from home.

Coach Johan Ackermann’s gamble to reintroduce returning Boks backfired, as cohesion and game management were missing. Ulster’s rolling maul and clinical execution proved decisive, with Rob Herring and Cormac Izuchukwu among the scorers.

Scorers:

Ulster: Tries - Stuart McClosky, Juarno Augustus, Rob Herring, Cormac Izuchukwu Conv. – Nathan Doak 4

Bulls: Try – Wilco Louw Conv. – Handré Pollard

The only silver lining for the South African team was on Friday night when the former champions, the Stormers, claimed their second clean sheet of the year by thrashing the Scarlets 34-0 at Parc Y Scarlets in Llanelli. 

This big win for the Cape Town-based franchise moved them to the top of the log on 14 points, and a massive points difference of 85. 

The Irish giants, Munster, are on 14 points after three rounds as well, but have a points difference of 17. Ulster are also unbeaten have a game in hand after their match against Connacht was postponed earlier in the competition due to adverse weather conditions.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport