Ex-Blitz Bok leads Benetton to Italian derby victory over Zebre

Rhyno Smith scored 29 points including a hat-trick of tries as Benetton claimed a 39-17 victory over Italian rivals Zebre in the United Rugby Championship.

The South African touched down in the opening moments of each half, added another try before the hour and landed four conversions and two penalties in an impressive individual display at the Monigo Stadium.

Two tries in reply from Jacopo Trulla gave bottom side Zebre hope but, with Edoardo Padovani also crossing, Benetton had too much and Mattia Bellini’s late score sealed the win.

Pita Pens & More French Wins | Le French Rugby Podcast | Episode 29

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Pita Pens & More French Wins | Le French Rugby Podcast | Episode 29

Toulouse centre Pita Ahki joins us to discuss the drama of the penalty shootout at the Aviva Stadium, whether he’d have fancied taking one, returning to Dublin to take on Leinster and much more. Plus, Benji reveals he was next in line to take a penalty when Leicester beat Cardiff in a shootout in 2009, we analyse all the European action, chat about the prospect of Eddie Jones moving to the Top 14 and pick our MEATER Moment of the Week…
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Head over to daysbrewing.com and use the code RUGBYPASS15 to get 15% off a case of their 0.0% beers

Smith’s first try came after just 49 seconds and Padovani followed him over to give the hosts a strong early advantage but they led only 14-11 at the break after Trulla led the Zebre response.

Benetton regained the initiative as Smith touched down from a kick in the opening minutes of the second period and he completed his hat-trick by jinking in from the left.

Trulla claimed a second after good work by Carlo Canna, who also notched seven points for the visitors, but Bellini wrapped up the win in the closing moments.