Benetton to unleash Rhyno on Stormers

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Paarl-born playmaker Rhyno Smith is set to make an impact for a settled Benetton lineup against the Stormers at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

Smith, who also played for the Cheetahs and Sharks, and Zimbabwean lock Eli Snyman have been named on the bench for the Vodacom URC round 16 clash in the Mother City.

Benetton head coach Marco Bortolami has opted for minimal changes to the team that beat the Lions at Ellis Park last week.

The Italians, who are fifth on the standings, seek to improve on their only previous visit to the Cape in 2023 when they lost to the Stormers at Danie Craven Stadium.

TEAM: Stormers tweak winning formula

In the starting XV for Benetton, the only change comes in the pack where captain Michele Lamaro returns at No 7, supporting Riccardo Favretto and Lorenzo Cannone in a formidable back row.

The backline remains unchanged with Leonardo Marin at fullback, Ignacio Mendy and Paolo Odogwu on the wings, while the midfield pairing features Ignacio Brex – set for his 100th club appearance – and Tommaso Menoncello. Alessandro Garbisi and Jacob Umaga continue their half-back partnership.

Photo: ©INPHO/SteveHaagSports/Darren Stewart

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