Cockerill: Errors let us down again at key times

BENETTON boosted their own play-off hopes and dealt Edinburgh’s a huge blow with a comeback win in Treviso.

Head coach Kieran Crowley said: “We did well to come back from 10-8 down, these guys are real battlers and don’t know when to give up.”

In a tight first half, standoffs Jaco van der Walt and Ian McKinley traded penalties but the first try didn’t arrive until five minutes into the second half when Benetton lock Niccolo Cannone battered his way over.

Impressive centre James Johnstone then sparked Edinburgh into life with a superb finish. Just outside the Benetton 22, he stepped inside his opposite number Marco Zanon to sprint through and touch down. Van der Walt converted to make it 10-8.

Benetton winger Monty Ioane then grubbered over the Edinburgh try line. He and along with replacement Antonio Rizzi and Edinburgh full-back Tom Brown all chased and dived towards the ball. After a TMO review a try was awarded to Rizzi despite the footage seeming inconclusive. He converted for 15-10 after 70 minutes. And in a frantic late spell a Rizzi penalty sealed the win.

Edinburgh now have no room for error in their final four games if they are to get into the play-offs for a second year running.

Head coach Richard Cockerill said: “The game was there for us to win, but once again basic errors let us down at key points.”