The earliest kick-off on Saturday (at 3pm) brings with it a crucial clash in Conference B as Benetton and Cardiff Blues both look to make up ground on the four clubs above them. The Italian side have the advantage for the moment, sitting on 12 points in fifth with the Blues two points below. Benetton may also have the advantage in terms of squad this weekend with a settled looking 23, Jayden Hayward joined by Ratuva Tavuyara and Monty Ioane in the back three, Alberto Sgarbi and Ignacio Brex in the centres. Despite not getting a win, Benetton have gone well in the Champions Cup, meanwhile Blues picked up a victory at Calvisano in the Challenge Cup and have made eight changes to their team. Three changes are made along the backline, with Matthew Morgan returning to full-back and Hallam Amos making a switch to the wing, having been released from the Wales squad to face the Barbarians on Saturday. Following the acute knee injury to Willis Halaholo, Garyn Smith partners Rey Lee-Lo in midfield, while Jason Tovey slots in at outside half, replacing Jarrod Evans, who is also part of Wayne Pivac’s inaugural squad. Kick-off: 15:00 (UK) / 16:00 (ITA) – Stadio Monigo, Treviso How to watch: Live on Free Sports, eir sport 2, DAZN, PRO14.tv. Deferred: Saturday 17:00 S4C Players to watch out for: Ignacio Brex (Benetton) and Rey Lee-Lo (Cardiff Blues) We’re all set for a fascinating battle at outside centre at Stadio Monigo on Saturday, as Ignacio Brex comes up against Cardiff Blues’ Rey Lee-Lo. Both men are in-form, Brex tricked his way to a delightful try against Northampton Saints a week ago to add to his score against the Kings back in October, while Lee-Lo is the glue that holds the Blues together. That will be even more the case with the news of long-term injury to centre partner Halaholo, many eyes will be on Smith, who steps into Halaholo’s boots. Key stat: Benetton Rugby have won two of their last three Guinness PRO14 matches including their last two at Stadio Monigo in the Championship, against Southern Kings and Edinburgh. Benetton Rugby: Jayden Hayward, Ratuva Tavuyara, Ignacio Brex, Alberto Sgarbi (CAPT), Monty Ioane, Tommaso Allan, Dewaldt Duvenage; Nicola Quaglio, Hame Faiva, Marco Riccioni, Irné Herbst, Eli Snyman, Marco Lazzaroni, Abraham Steyn, Toa Halafihi Replacements: Federico Zani, Cherif Traoré, Tiziano Pasquali, Niccolò Cannone, Federico Ruzza, Tito Tebaldi, Ian Keatley, Luca Sperandio Cardiff Blues: Matthew Morgan; Aled Summerhill, Rey Lee-Lo, Garyn Smith, Hallam Amos; Jason Tovey, Lloyd Williams (CAPT); Brad Thyer, Kirby Myhill, Scott Andrews, James Ratti, Macauley Cook, Josh Turnbull, James Botham, Will Boyde Replacements: Liam Belcher, Rhys Gill, Keiron Assiratti, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Alun Lawrence, Lewis Jones, Ben Thomas, Jason Harries Cardiff City Stadium will play host to the 2020 Guinness PRO14 Final on June 20 as one of the most exciting days in the club rugby calendar comes to Wales! General sale tickets are available from http://bit.ly/PRO14Cardiff2020 and prices start at just£13 for concessions and£26 for adults (subject to booking fees), that’s a 15% early bird discount. Family ticket (2 adults / 2 children) prices begin at£64 and fans are encouraged to buy early to get the best value tickets.
