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Ian Keatley boots Benetton to victory over Zebre
By Online Editors
Ian Keatley booted eight points as Benetton claimed a battling 13-8 win over Italian rivals Zebre in their Pro14 clash in Parma.
Both sides fought through difficult conditions at the Stadio Sergio Lanfrachi with Keatley’s accuracy and a second-half try from Epalahame Faive proving decisive.
In a gruelling first period Zebre’s Marco Riccioni missed his first three penalties before finally scoring with his fourth to give his side a 3-0 half-time lead.
Faiva capitalised on a sustained period of pressure to score the first try of the game for Benetton on 53 minutes.
A conversion from Keatley and a subsequent penalty put Benetton in full control but Marco Manfredi bundled over for Zebre to set up an exciting finish.
The home side pushed hard but ultimately a further Keatley penalty proved enough for Benetton to maintain their dominant record over their rivals.
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Latest Comments
The winner breaks into the (key) top 6 in the World rankings and locks the other out (Australia will lead Scot by 1.6 points if they win). Australia won't get a chance to improve until next years RC so this match is vital. Scotland must hold the line for their part.
Australia are obviously well capable of beating Ireland but with accumulating fatigue becoming a factor I expect an all out performance from Australia tomorrow with Ireland viewed as a bonus.
It will be hopefully a cracker but this is the type of match that Scotland must start winning to take that step up that they crave.
Go to commentsAgree.
Ireland are off their feet at the majority of their attacking rucks. Its so common that commentators don't even notice it. We hear about "clear outs" and "clean outs", which don't exist in the Laws (the correct word is "binding"), and the obligation to "endeavour to stay on your feet" is nowhere to be seen.
Ireland is not the only team to adopt this coached flopping and diving at attacking rucks, but its clearly part of their quick ruck ball strategy.
No need for law changes here. We just need refs to award penalties when players don't endeavour to stay on their feet.
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