Leinster continued their 100% start to the United Rugby Championship season after beating Benetton 35-5 at Stadio Monigo.
After seeing off Edinburgh and Dragons in the opening two rounds, Leinster had the bonus point secured inside 25 minutes against a Benetton team who had lost just once at this venue in any competition since March 2023.
The Irish side were awarded a penalty try in the ninth minute after Benetton pulled down a maul just short of their line, with Mirco Spagnolo receiving a yellow card as a result.
Leinster's stars to the fore as JGP sets up a moustachioed Jack Conan to get over the line
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) October 5, 2024
Frawley adds the extras
BEN 0-21 LEIN
📺 @rte2 & @rteplayer https://t.co/b2OI4OoWVJ pic.twitter.com/1aji3vw5f6
Ciaran Frawley, Jack Conan and Caelan Doris added further tries inside the next 16 minutes, the former converting all three.
Ryan Baird was then sin-binned for Leinster and Benetton, winless this season, took immediate advantage as Marco Manfredi went over, although Leonardo Marin missed the conversion.
Replacement Lee Barron added a fifth try, converted by Ross Byrne, with a minute left as Leinster made it eight matches unbeaten against Benetton.
Player of the Match Conan, felt that despite a strong first half, Leinster lacked a bit in the second, as he looked forward to next week's Croke Park showdown with Munster.
Player of the Match Jack Conan gives his reaction after a routine win for Leinster
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) October 5, 2024
📺 @rte2 & @rteplayer https://t.co/b2OI4OoWVJ pic.twitter.com/goSWx9B5HY
"Our next-moment focus was really good," said the Bray native after the game.
"We came out fast. It was a tough first few minutes. Having RG, Joe, Caelan and the lads carrying the ball, getting over the line was brilliant. They just gave us such momentum.
"A little bit sloppy in the second half, a bit of indiscipline but it's great to have all the boys back and now we're lifting it for the next few weeks.
"We couldn't ask for much more than 15 points. The performances have gradually been getting better. I thought the lads were incredible today.
"On to next week now, to Croke Park, it'll be something special. Hopefully bodies aren't too sore and lads freshen up and get ready to go again."
