Rhyno Smith slotted a drop goal towards the end of the first half to help Benetton hand the DHL Stormers a second tour loss in Treviso on Saturday.
Three points was all that separated the two sides as Benetton fought to claim a 20-17 victory, condemning the Stormers to a second consecutive defeat.
A drop goal from South African fullback Smith put the hosts into a 13-10 lead at the break.
The Stormers were never out of the contest, thanks to tries from Warrick Gelant and Courtnall Skosan, and had a late opportunity to potentially seal a draw with a penalty on the 22-metre line in the 74th minute.
Right place, right time 🙌
Warrick Gelant is keeping the DHL @TheStormers right in it 💪@Vodacom #URC | #BENvSTO pic.twitter.com/Kf0lSoxZTQ
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) November 11, 2023
Silky smooth Skosan ⛈
DHL @TheStormers steal the lead with the winger’s try after break 👊@Vodacom #URC | #BENvSTO pic.twitter.com/wCO17AqcB4
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) November 11, 2023
However, the visitors went for an attacking lineout and, after being held out by a strong Benetton defence, ended up back in their own 22, after conceding a penalty.
From there, Benetton were able to close out the game, despite losing the ball forward over the tryline after a late onslaught.
The result pushed Benetton temporarily up to third on the log, while the Stormers could fall out of the top eight, depending on other results.
Photo: Alfio Guarise/INPHO/ShutterstockÂ