Dragons fall to defeat as visitors shine
DRAGONS ....................... 25 BENETTON ..................... 37
DRAGONS suffered a 37-25 defeat to Benetton in the Guinness PRO14 lastnight, with the visitors running in four tries.
Wales and Dragons fly-half Sam Davies’ absence was felt, with the No. 10 having travelled to Twickenham after being officially called up to Wayne Pivac’s squad, with Jacob Botica deputising at No.10.
Luca Sperandio, Tomos Baravalle, Angelo Esposito and Haime Faiva all scored tries for the visitors, with Ian Keatley notching up 17 points with his boots.
The Welsh region’s tries came courtesy of Rhodri Williams, Will Talbot-Davies and Elliot Dee, who came on from the bench in the second half following calf and rib injuries.
The result represents the Dragons’ first home defeat since November.
Prior to the game, the Italian side provided league officials with written assurances that nobody in their travelling party has presented any symptoms associated with coronavirus.
The visitors also insisted none of their travelling party had “knowingly been in contact with any person with the virus or travelled to any of the so-called ‘lockdown’ areas in northern Italy since 19 February, 2020”.
■ Scotland Women’s Six Nations match with France at Glasgow’s Scotstoun Stadium today has been postponed after a home player contracted coronavirus.
The player is being treated in “a healthcare facility but is otherwise well”, says Scottish Rugby, while seven members of the Scotland playing and management staff are in self-isolation.
Scotland men v France at Murrayfield tomorrow “continues as scheduled”.
Scotland women’s last game, in Italy, was called off over coronavirus fears.
The squad were in Italy when the match was cancelled hours before kick-off on February 23.
Dr James Robson, Scottish Rugby’s chief medical officer, said: “We are pleased that our player is doing well and that all the correct medical procedures have been followed and continue to be followed.
“We are working with the Scottish government in continuing to observe and follow NHS advice.”