RECAP | Challenge Cup: Benetton 27-17 Lions

The Lions will have the URC to focus on after somewhat haplessly bowing out of the EPCR Challenge Cup with a 17-27 defeat to Benetton in Treviso on Saturday.

Despite a promising start and the advantage of home hooker Giacomo Nicotera being shown a red card for a high tackle early in the second half, Ivan van Rooyen's charges were unable to make a real fist.

To the cynics, the Lions were patently clueless in possession.

That said, the Italians have been outstanding this season on the continent and URC, meaning this victory perhaps wasn't exactly surprising.

Point scorers:

Benetton 27 (17)

Tries: Tomas Gallo, Onisi Ratave, Bautista Bernasconi

Conversions: Jacob Umaga (3)

Penalty: Tomas Albornoz

Lions 17 (10)

Tries: Jaco Visagie, Jordan Hendrikse

Conversions: Hendrikse (2)

Penalty: Hendrikse