URC: Sharks struggle as Benetton claim bonus-point win in Italy

First-half tries from Paolo Odogwu, Rhyno Smith and Ignacio Mendy saw the Italians open up a 24-3 lead at half-time, with flyhalf Jacob Umaga converting all three and adding a penalty.

The Sharks would have been hoping to bounce back in the second, but instead it was Smith who went over for Benetton's bonus-point score after 68 minutes.

And there was more misery to come for the men from Durban as Leonardo Marin crossed for the home side's fifth try with five minutes to play, with Umaga converting both to take his personal haul to 13 points.

Ntuthuko Mchunu scored a late consolation try for the visitors, but it would have been scant consolation for disappointed Sharks fans.

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