Scarlets claim courageous draw against Benetton in URC opener

United Rugby Championship: Benetton v Scarlets

Benetton (12) 20

Tries: Ratave 2, Smith Cons: Umaga Pen: Umaga

Scarlets (7) 20

Tries: Page, Taylor Cons: Lloyd 2 Pens: Lloyd 2

Scarlets claimed a courageous 20-20 draw out in Treviso after Benetton missed a last minute conversion.

Dwayne Peel's side had been hit by illness and injury in the build-up, but threatened to pull off a upset against a side which made last year’s United Rugby Championship (URC) play-offs.

Scarlets had led up until the 79th minute and despite a huge defensive effort, Onisi Ratave squeezed over to level the scores.

Jacob Umaga had the opportunity to win the match with the conversion, but he pulled his effort from the touchline.

The draw was nothing less than Scarlets deserved in what was a stern opening test away from home.

More to follow.

Benetton: Rhyno Smith; Louis Lynagh, Malakai Fekitoa, Marco Zanon, Onisi Ratave; Jacob Umaga, Andy Uren; Mirco Spagnolo, Siua Maile, Nahuel Tetaz, Scott Scrafton, Eli Snyman (capt), Alessandro Izekor, Manuel Zuliani, Toa Halafihi.

Replacements: Marco Manfredi, Destiny Aminu, Riccardo Genovese, Riccardo Favretto, Sebastian Negri, Alessandro Garbisi, Leonardo Marin, Paolo Odogwu.

Scarlets: Tom Rogers; Ellis Mee, Macs Page, Johnny Williams, Blair Murray; Ioan Lloyd, Gareth Davies (capt); Kemsley Mathias, Marnus van der Merwe, Sam Wainwright, Alex Craig, Max Douglas, Taine Plumtree, Jarrod Taylor, Vaea Fifita.

Replacements: Ryan Elias. Sam O’Connor, Gabe Hawley, Jac Price, Carwyn Tuipulotu, Efan Jones, Charlie Titcombe, Jac Davies.

Referee: Ian Kenny (SRU)

Assistant referees: Fillipo Russo (FIR), Franco Rosella (FIR)

TMO: Dave Sutherland (SRU).