Benetton 29 Leinster 26
Tommy O’Brien of Leinster is tackled by Lorenzo Cannone of Benetton at Stadio Monigo in Treviso, Italy. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Leinster’s Champions Cup semi-final preparations suffered a massive blow in northern Italy when a Benetton with nothing but pride to play for deservedly put them to the sword.
The loss, Leinster’s first at Stadio Monigo since 2010, also put a dent in Leinster’s home advantage hopes in the URC knockout stages, but they could have few complaints despite starting with 13 internationals.