DISCUSSION POINTS

It was quite a turnaround for the team from Treviso last term. They more than doubled their win tally from five in 2016-17 to 11 in 2017-18 and won five successive league matches for the first time. They collected six try bonus points in contrast to a single one the year before and, significantly, tightened up their defence, conceding 55 tries rather than 92. They even beat eventual champions Leinster in Dublin – a confidence-boosting

result even though it was a much-changed Irish side.

Coach Kieran Crowley has maintained the team’s set-piece focus but encouraged more running rugby and the statistics show this is reaping dividends.

There have also been marked improvements in fitness, no doubt linked to the Italian union bringing in a strength and conditioning programme across elite teams.

Teams will be more wary of them this season but they should continue to make strides.