Benetton Target Vital URC Points Against Scarlets at Monigo

After the setback in Cardiff, Benetton Rugby return to their home ground with a clear هدف: to respond immediately and secure vital points in the race for the playoffs. On Friday, January 30, at 8:45 pm, the Lions will host the Scarlets at Stadio Monigo in Treviso for Round 11 of the United Rugby Championship. More than just league positions are at stake — this is a match that could shape the direction of Benetton’s season.

Two teams arrive with very different motivations. Benetton, currently tenth with 19 points, are determined to get their campaign back on track and remain firmly in the playoff hunt. The Scarlets, second from bottom on 13 points, come into the match with renewed confidence after last weekend’s home victory over Ulster. For the Lions, home advantage will be crucial: they must rediscover accuracy, intensity, and discipline, and turn their desire for redemption into a convincing performance. The Monigo crowd is ready to play its part — now it is up to Benetton to deliver on the field.

Match Officials

The match will be refereed by Irish official Andrew Brace, assisted by Italy’s Clara Munarini and Luca Bisetto. The TMO will be Irishman Olly Hodges.

Previous Meetings

The two teams have met 24 times. Benetton have recorded 6 wins, 1 draw, and 17 defeats against the Scarlets.

Benetton Rugby Team News

Head coach Calum MacRae and his staff will be without several internationals who are currently with Italy ahead of the Six Nations. As a result, Rhyno Smith continues at fullback. On the wings, Onisi Ratave returns on the left, with Ignacio Mendy on the right. In the centres, Paolo Odogwu is partnered by Malakai Fekitoa. The half-back pairing from Cardiff is confirmed once again, with Nicolas Roger Farias making his second consecutive start at fly-half and captain Andy Uren at scrum-half.

In the pack, there are several changes. Thomas Gallo starts at loosehead prop, with Siua Maile at hooker and Marcos Gallorini at tighthead. The second row sees Giulio Marini partnered by Eli Snyman. In the back row, Alessandro Izekor and Jadin Kingi line up on the flanks, with So’otala Fa’aso’o starting at number eight.

Starting XV

15 Rhyno Smith (84)
14 Ignacio Mendy (51)
13 Paolo Odogwu (29)
12 Malakai Fekitoa (41)
11 Onisi Ratave (38)
10 Nicolas Roger Farias (1)
9 Andy Uren (C) (54)
8 So'otala Fa'aso'o (12)
7 Jadin Kingi (5)
6 Alessandro Izekor (63)
5 Eli Snyman (71)
4 Giulio Marini (11)
3 Marcos Gallorini (3)
2 Siua Maile (44)
1 Thomas Gallo (84)

Replacements:
16 Bautista Bernasconi (52)
17 Destiny Aminu (12)
18 Tiziano Pasquali (146)
19 Scott Scrafton (26)
20 Nelson Casartelli*
21 Alessandro Garbisi (80)
22 Matt Gallagher (17)
23 Filippo Drago (25)

(Appearances in green and white in brackets)
Debutant

Head Coach: Calum MacRae

Unavailable: Sebastian Negri, Ivan Nemer, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Jacob Umaga, Federico Zanandrea

Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU)
Assistants: Clara Munarini (FIR), Luca Bisetto (FIR)
TMO: Olly Hodges (IRFU)