Connacht's hopes of reaching the Guinness Pro14 Rainbow Cup final were ended by a disappointing defeat in Treviso.
Benetton maintained their flawless tournament record with a deserved victory over the 14-man visitors and are now one win away from confirming their place in the final against the leading South African side.
The Italians made it four wins from four with an impressive physical performance against Connacht, who had Abraham Papali’i’ dismissed with seven minutes remaining.
Benetton’s dominance of the scrum limited Connacht’s chances throughout the game, especially in the second half, with the visitors unable to add to the scoreline after their 42nd-minute try.
Juan Ignacio Brex scored Benetton’s only try on five minutes while Italy team-mate Paolo Garbisi, who made six kicks from six two weeks ago, also had a good game despite a slightly less impressive record with five successful penalty kicks.
Despite Connacht scoring two tries to Benetton’s one, forwards Shane Delahunt and Paul Boyle crossing at the start of each half, it was not to be for the Irish province.
