The Southern Kings' disappointing start to the PRO14 season continued when they were beaten 28-5 by Italian side Treviso in driving wind and rain at the Stadio Monigo on Saturday.
Following a sun-drenched Saturday of action we now know the make-up of the playoff picture in France and the PRO14 and Aviva Premiership semifinal lineups.
The PRO14 playoffs are now confirmed and with the Aviva Premiership and French Top 14 facing a dramatic finish next weekend, there is still much to play for with playoff places up for grabs and team eager to book a place in next season's Champions Cup.
Zebre claimed a 22-17 victory over Benetton to seal their third straight win for the first time in the PRO14.
It is all about the playoffs as the Aviva Premiership, PRO14 and Top 14 edged even closer to the finish flag. The Champions Cup and Challenge Cup may take centre stage this week but there is still plenty at stake after the latest round of games.
Benetton stunned error-strewn Leinster as they made history by winning for the first time in Dublin, triumphing 17-15 at the RDS in the Guinness PRO14.
A last gasp Tito Tebaldi penalty handed Benneton Treviso the win against Newport Gwent Dragons.
Fly-half Marty Banks claimed 16 points as Benetton held off a second-half fightback from Southern Kings to edge a 36-35 PRO14 victory at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Centre Eoin Griffin rounded off a powerful second-half display as Connacht came from behind to defeat Benetton Treviso 22-19 in PRO14 action.
Treviso came from behind to clinch an 18-15 victory and inflict an 11th PRO14 Conference B defeat on the Dragons this season.
Monty Ioane scored a hat trick as Treviso stunned PRO14 champions Scarlets with a 22-12 victory in Italy.
A 31-point defeat by England on Sunday seems to mark yet another year of toil for Italy in the Six Nations. But behind the scorelines, coach Conor O'Shea is leading a quiet rugby revolution in a country that does not recognise the sport as professional.
European rugby is back as the quarterfinal line-ups are finalised. ESPN's experts predict which teams are set for a big weekend, which players will shine and where your attention should be trained across the two competitions.
European rugby is back for 2018 as the quarterfinal line-ups are finalised. ESPN's experts predict which teams are set for a big weekend, which players will shine and where your attention should be trained across the two competitions.
Epalahame Faiva scored a pair of tries to help Treviso to a 27-21 Guinness PRO14 win over Cheetahs at Stadio Monigo.
Dean Budd's try 11 minutes from time helped Treviso complete the double over Zebre with a 20-16 Guinness PRO14 victory at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.
Italy wing Angelo Esposito touched down in each half to help Benetton to a 27-14 victory over Zebre in the Guinness PRO14's Italian derby.
Scarlets drew level on points with Toulon atop Pool 5, momentarily at least, following a bonus-point 31-12 Champions Cup win at Treviso.
European rugby is back with another stacked fixture list. ESPN's experts predict which teams are set for a big weekend, which players will shine and where your attention should be trained across the two competitions.
Leinster secured a comfortable 36-10 Guinness PRO14 victory against Benetton in Treviso.
A last-gasp 77th minute try from replacement Andrew Trimble along with a critical conversion kicked by Christian Leali'ifano rescued Ulster from defeat as they beat Benetton Rugby 23-22.
Ian McKinley lost sight in his left eye playing for Leinster in 2010. Seven years on, the fly-half is in Italy's squad for the autumn internationals and on the verge of a Test debut.
Dougie Fife pounced for two second-half tries as Edinburgh came from behind to beat Italian hosts Treviso 24-13 and rack up a fourth straight win.
Italy have included five uncapped players in their squad for the autumn internationals including Irish-born Ian McKinley.
| United Rugby Championship | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R | Team | GP | PD | P |
| 1 | Leinster | 14 | +196 | 62 |
| 2 | Glasgow Warriors | 14 | +174 | 54 |
| 3 | Bulls | 14 | +107 | 50 |
| 4 | Sharks | 14 | +2 | 45 |
| 5 | Munster | 14 | -4 | 39 |
| 6 | Ulster | 14 | -17 | 37 |
| 7 | Benetton Treviso | 14 | -62 | 36 |
| 8 | Edinburgh | 14 | +25 | 36 |
| 9 | Cardiff Blues | 14 | -56 | 36 |
| 10 | Stormers | 14 | -13 | 35 |
| 11 | Scarlets | 14 | +20 | 33 |
| 12 | Ospreys | 14 | -13 | 33 |
| 13 | Connacht | 14 | -28 | 33 |
| 14 | Lions | 14 | -34 | 30 |
| 15 | Zebre | 14 | -112 | 27 |
| 16 | Dragons | 14 | -185 | 9 |
