Benetton make fast start as Faiva sparkles

Kings ................ 19 Benetton ........ 22

THE Kings remain rooted to the bottom of Conference B after falling to Benetton on home soil.

The decision by Kings head coach Deon Davids to make ten changes to the line-up which lost 31-14 to Connacht last week failed to pay off, as his side were sent to their ninth defeat in ten matches at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

The hosts had no answer to the Italian side’s maul as a dominant set piece allowed Kiwi hooker Hame Faiva to dive over for three first-half tries.

Victory was not out of sight for the home side who had centre Tertius Kruger touch down after 11 minutes to leave the score 7-17 at the break.

But a moment of brilliance from wing Monty Ioane saw him skilfully collect a grubber kick to wrap up the bonus-point for Benetton and stretch the visitors’ lead.

The Kings fought back through tries by replacement prop Luvuyo Pupuma and Kruger bagging his second, but it came too late.

With 2018 set to be closed out by European Cup fixtures, the Kings now have time to regroup in South Africa before attempting to revive their season in the new year. REFEREE: Sean Gallagher ATTENDANCE: 1,500 Star man Hame Faiva - Benetton