Benetton 9-19 Glasgow: Battling win takes Scottish side briefly to top of URC

Stafford McDowall scored Glasgow's second try and set up the third in Treviso

Glasgow Warriors briefly went top of the United Rugby Championship with a hard-fought away win over Benetton in testing conditions.

First-half tries from Johnny Matthews and Stafford McDowall put Glasgow in control at half-time, before three Jacob Umaga penalties brought the Italians back into the contest.

Benetton pushed for a decisive score after Lucio Sordoni was sin-binned.

But Warriors held firm before Tom Jordan's late try ensured victory.

The win took Franco Smith's side one point clear at the top, only to be overhauled on points difference by Bulls after their 40-22 win over Stormers, with Leinster likely to go back clear on their own at the summit after their game in Cardiff later.

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With rain lashing down on a heavy pitch in Treviso, Glasgow played high-percentage rugby from the start, kicking in behind the Benetton defence and looking to force mistakes.

It was indeed a glaring error that brought about the opening score. Benetton hooker Siua Maile wildly overthrew a line-out, and Matthews was on hand to collect and dive over from close range. Ross Thompson's conversion attempt was dragged wide.

Both sides struggled to find fluency, as multiple handling errors resulted in a stop-start affair, but Glasgow went further in front after another Benetton mishap.

Umaga was unable to gather Jamie Dobie's kick through, and McDowall only had to dot down after Facundo Cordero hacked the ball towards the try line.

The hosts were much improved after the break, and when Glasgow's discipline went missing, Umaga took advantage off the tee to cut the lead to just three points.

However, Smith's side stood firm in defence before McDowall raced on to a Dobie chip kick and found Jordan in support, who raced under the posts to deliver the game's telling blow.

What they said

Glasgow head coach Franco Smith: "I think the conditions made it difficult. Despite that, for us to stick to what we do well - I'm very happy with that.

"I think we know it's better to play without the ball and give them the ball because errors will come. I'm happy with the all-round performance. It's always tough to win away from home.

"They [Benetton] are a proud team, they haven't lost here all season. We're happy with that and now we go on and look towards the next game."

Line-ups

Benetton: Umaga, Mendy, Fekitoa, Zanon, Ratave, Albornoz, Garbisi; Gallo, Maile, Ferrari, Kogelenberg, Snymen (C), Izekor, Pettinelli, Halafihi.

Replacements: Zani, Nemer, Pasquali, Farretto, Iachizzi, Stowers, Uren, Da Re.

Glasgow Warriors: McKay, Cancelliere, McDowall (C), Jordan, Cordero, Thompson, Dobie; McBeth, Matthews, Sordoni, Williamson, Samuel, Ferrie, Gordon, Venter.

Replacements: Hiddleston, Dell, Kebble, Manjezi, Miller, Fraser, Afshar, Weir.

Sin-bin: Sordoni

Match officials

Referee: Eoghan Cross

TMO: Olly Hodges

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