Matthew Morgan starred as Cardiff Blues secured their first Guinness PRO12 victory since Boxing Day with a handsome 57-20 win against Benetton Treviso.

An early Nick Williams try gave Cardiff control but Treviso impressed in the first half and even led when Ian McKinley scored, before the Blues ran riot after the break.

Three quick-fire tries killed off any hope of a Treviso shock, with Morgan playing a pivotal role in tries for Steven Shingler and Kristian Dacey.

And further scores for Willis Halaholo, Morgan and Alex Cuthbert completed a perfect response to three consecutive league defeats.

TRY! To say he deserved that would be an understatement pic.twitter.com/JqhzOo1lNw

— Cardiff Blues (@cardiff_blues) February 18, 2017

Cardiff made several changes to their side from their 19-13 loss at Connacht last weekend, with winger Cuthbert back after returning from international duty with Wales, and Steven Shingler, who scored 19 points in the Blues 34-28 win earlier this season, in at centre.

And Danny Wilson’s men got off to a flying start as Lloyd Williams made ground and No.8 Nick Williams burst through a gaping hole in Treviso’s defence to power over from 30 metres.

However, the Italian side refused to roll over despite that early set-back and responded through two Tito Tebaldi penalties.

Treviso improved as the half went on, remaining strong in defence and showing variety in attack but Shingler extended the Blues’ lead with a calm penalty.

However, Treviso’s pressure soon told as scrum-half Tebaldi took a quick free-kick and fed Irish fly-half McKinley to dot down.

Cardiff hit back just before the break though as Gareth Anscombe showed nice hands as he drew in two defenders and released Blaine Scully for a try just a minute before the break.

Good 2nd half from @cardiff_blues today giving the 🏉some air. Pleased for @acuthbert11 top try & workrate after over top criticism #Blues

— Mark Davies (@MarkRobDavies) February 18, 2017

And just a minute into the second period Cardiff pulled clear as Morgan made a break from inside his own half and fed Lloyd Williams, who then released Shingler to score.

Cardiff were clearly playing with an added purpose and Treviso struggled to live with their pace and relentless aggression, as Sion Bennett confirmed a bonus point on his first start for the club with a simple finish after Shingler cut through Treviso’s backline.

But it was Morgan who wreaked the most havoc in the loose and the inspired full-back set off on another surging run before slipping a perfect pass for hooker Kristian Dacey to go over under the posts.

Treviso, shell-shocked after enjoying themselves in the first half, took a while to hit back but Angelo Esposito crossed in the corner to cut the deficit.

But Blues supporters were cheering again shortly after as Cuthbert burst impressively down the right and set up Halaholo to score, and Morgan scored a well-deserved try of his own just before the hour mark.

And the biggest shout of the afternoon followed minutes before the end as Cuthbert scored Cardiff’s eighth try to round off a perfect afternoon.

Guinness PRO12 Final 2017, 27^th May, Aviva Stadium, Dublin.
Ticket Information: Fans can still avail of an exclusive number of €30 tickets. Book via www.ticketmaster.ie. Further information: www.pro12rugby.com/final