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Play-off chasing Treviso hit by Benvenuti's ban

Italy's Tommaso Benvenuti will miss Treviso's PRO14 run-in (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Treviso’s charge towards a first ever PRO14 play-off qualification has been hit by a two-week suspension for Tommaso Benvenuti which rules them out of their crucial April 27 showdown at Italian rivals Zebre. 

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A disciplinary committee met in Edinburgh to consider the citing against Benvenuti which occurred as a result of the round 20 Guinness PRO14 fixture with Munster last Friday.

The player was reported by the match citing commissioner for an infringement of Law 9.20 – A player must not make contact with an opponent above the line of the shoulders. The player was shown a yellow card at the time by referee Ben Whitehouse.

The disciplinary committee comprising of Rory Bannerman (chair), Frank Hadden and Jennifer Rae (all Scotland) concluded that the player had committed an act of foul play.

In upholding the citing complaint, the disciplinary committee deemed that the offence merited a red card with a mid-range entry point of four weeks. 

The panel did not find any aggravating factors and applied 50 percent mitigation (two weeks) in respect of the player’s admission of facts, his previously clean disciplinary record across his career and his conduct both after the game and during the hearing.

As a result, Benvenuti is banned for a period of two weeks and will be free to play from midnight on May 5, provided Treviso reach the knockout stages of the PRO14.

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Should Treviso play only one more game this season, then Benvenuti’s ban will extend to August 11 to ensure the ban covers two meaningful matches – this would cover the Italy versus Ireland fixture on August 10 in Dublin.

Treviso head into their derby showdown in third place of Conference B ahead of Edinburgh and know that a result will secure them a play-off eliminator against either Glasgow or Munster. A third place finish would also secure them automatic qualification for next season’s Champions Cup.  

WATCH: The RugbyPass fly-on-the-wall look at the 2018 PRO14 final

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TI 25 minutes ago
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy | Autumn Nations Series

Rieko took literally years to turn from a defensive liability at 13 into a guy, who’s defensively sound as it befits the position. And it all came at the cost of him being much less of an offensive threat, than what he used to be. Proctor is a natural 13, he handles, passes, and kicks way better than Rieko ever will, he just isn’t as fast.


It’s unfair to judge Tupaea on the handful of games he’s had in 2022 before he got nearly crippled by a Wallaby lock. What could Tupaea/Proctor pairing be, if they got the same amount of chances as Jordie/Rieko?


Because no matter how you spin it, playing a player outside of his natural position is a poor asset management. No matter how talented he is, he still competes against players who had years and years of practice at the position. And if said guy is so talented that he actually CAN compete against specialists, imagine how much better still he could have been, if he had all those years to iron the toothing issues at the position. It just drives me mad.


Two things I hate in rugby union beyond description: aping after league, and playing players outside of their natural position. Especially considering, that they all admit they hate it, when they’re allowed to speak freely. Owen Farrell spent 80% of his international career at 12, saying every time when asked, that he is a 10 and prefers to play at 10. Those players are literally held at a gunpoint: play out of position, or no national jersey for you.

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Hellhound 1 hour ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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