Benetton bow out despite big win in France

A PLACE in European history evaded Benetton as they were denied a place in the Challenge Cup quarterfinals despite breezing past

Grenoble 39-7. A late try elsewhere by Connacht scuppered Benetton’s hopes of becoming the first Italian club ever to progress to the knockout stages in Europe.

The visitors at Grenoble did everything in their power to finish as a bestplaced runner-up, as hooker Tomax Baravalle and wing duo Ratuva Tavuyara and Monty Ioane all scored in the first-half.

Centre Etienne Dussartre hit back before the break for Grenoble, but flanker Seb Negri clinched the try-bonus point in an easy win for Benetton.

Kiwi import Ihaia West’s contribution of 17 points stuck the boot into Zebre as La Rochelle ran out 2210 winners at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.

Lock George Biagi barged over for the hosts in the tenth minute but La Rochelle responded through winger Arthur Retiere.

Thereafter, La Rochelle took charge of the match as West, an arrival from Super Rugby outfit Hurricanes last summer, kicked four more penalties.

Though Zebre can find comfort in keeping La Rochelle at bay from their try-line, it is the French club who march on in the competition, finishing top of Pool 4.

A home quarter-final against Bristol Bears awaits La Rochelle on April 19, who are set to lose five players to the Six Nations due to France call-ups.