Taulagi’s red card opens door for Benetton

BENETTON continued their impesive home form to see off Top 14 whipping boys Agen at the Stadio Comunale di Monigo.

Dewaldt Duvenage, Monty Ioane, Ignacio Brex and Eduardo Padovani all scored for the hosts – the latter two tries scored after the dismissal of Agen’s Jamie-Jerry Taulagi.

Agen had made an electric start to the contest with a try after just two minutes, Dylan Hayes converting from close range. However, that was their only venture over the try line in the entire contest.

Three penalties from Paolo Garbisi completed the scoring for the Italians while Hugo Verdu contributed 11 points for the visiting French outfit.

Hayes rumbled over from close range as the French outfit dominated up front.

After exchanged penalties from Garbisi and Verdu, the hosts reduced arrears with their opening try. Scrum-half Duvenage carried an offload from Ioane all the way from midfield to the try line. Garbisi added two further penalties before the break to give the Italians a 14-10 lead.

Ioane’s marauding run and finish in the corner opened the scoring in the second period.

Agen were then reduced to 14-men when Taulagi was sent off for a high and dangerous tackle on Marco Zanon. Minutes later centre Ignacio Brex finished off a fast flowing passing move.

Replacement Padavoni scampered home for the final try as the extra-man advantage took its toll on the visitors as they chased the game. The result ensures a quarter-final date with Montpellier.