Benetton Rugby came from 14-0 down to record one of their greatest comeback wins in the Guinness PRO14 after defeating Edinburgh Rugby 20-17 at Myreside. Angelo Esposito scored a try in each half in an impressive rearguard from the Italian side, who at one stage registered 20 unanswered points to seal their first win this season. That was largely down to an impressive kicking night with ten points from Ian McKinley, all before delivering a mountainous rearguard to preserve the three-point win – their fifth in 15 encounters against the Scottish side. Chris Dean had earlier crossed twice for Edinburgh, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a first defeat under the tenure of Richard Cockerill. As has been a theme of their season, Edinburgh started on the front foot, though it took until the 18th minute for Dean to cross for the first time. A sumptuous inside line off Robbie Fruean saw him sprint to the line from 20 metres out, leaving Weir with no mistake from the tee. The same combination was to shine and double the lead just five minutes later, Dean this time cantering over after the home side had put plenty of pressure on the Benetton line. But from there the rest of the half belonged to the Italians with their own spell of form, Esposito the first to cross after some incisive work on the try line. McKinley’s 40th-minute penalty ensured the gap was narrowed to 14-10, but then it became just one soon after with another effort from the tee. And Benetton’s comeback was complete 12 minutes into the half, coming in similar style to their first as wing Esposito burrowed his way over after some strong pressure. That gave his side a six-point lead with McKinley’s conversion, the 20th unanswered point for the visitors until Weir’s first penalty of the night set up an enthralling last 20 minutes. Though the deficit was only three, Edinburgh elected to kick a brace of penalties into the corner, far from content to end their winning start to the Guinness PRO14 season with a draw. With just five minutes to go, Benetton saw Cherif Traore sent to the sin-bin, ensuring they would finish the game with 14 men under a wave of Scottish pressure. That ensured the last two minutes were to be spent in the visiting 22, and with scrum after scrum coming Edinburgh’s way, Alberto de Marchi was also sent to the touchline for ten minutes. But despite the numerical inferiority, Benetton held on to record their first Guinness PRO14 win of the year, ending their hosts’ four-game unbeaten run in the process. Guinness PRO14 Final 2018 Ticket Information: Fans can save up to 20% on selected tickets, and prices start at just €30 for adults and €5 for children, and be booked via www.ticketmaster.ie
