Umaga delivers at death as Benetton deal Leinster a big blow before Toulon test

GREEN MACHINES: Jacob Umaga of Benetton, second from left, celebrates with teammates after kicking the winning penalty during the United Rugby Championship match between Benetton and Leinster at Stadio Monigo in Treviso, Italy. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

URC: Benetton 29 Leinster 26

Leinster suffered a damaging 29-26 loss to Benetton in northern Italy a week before their Champions Cup semi-final against Toulon.

Jacob Umaga’s penalty at the death gave a Benetton side playing for pride their first win over Leinster at the Stadio Monigo since 2010, hitting not only preparations for next week but also Leinster’s hopes of home advantage in the URC knockout stages.

Leinster looked to be well on top when Jamison Gibson-Park touched down early in the second half, adding to first-half tries from Conor O’Tighearnaigh and Josh van der Flier, as the visitors took a 19-5 lead.

But Ignacio Mendy quickly replied for Benetton, with Umaga converting, and the scores were level after Nicholas Gasperini got the hosts’ third try just after the hour.

Ciaran Frawley crossed to put Leinster back in front but Gasperini’s second of the evening locked the scores up again before Umaga struck at the death.

PA