URC 2025/26 · Round 14
Benetton
Ospreys
Stadio Monigo, Treviso
Championship Standings
Ospreys sit 9th on 29 points — right on the cusp of the top eight but with no margin for error. Benetton are 13th on 23 points, six behind the Ospreys, and need wins badly to avoid being dragged into a battle with Dragons and Zebre at the foot of the table.
| Pos | Team | P | W | L | PD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Glasgow Warriors | 12 | 9 | 3 | +150 | 45 |
| 2 |  Leinster | 12 | 8 | 4 | +67 | 41 |
| 3 |  Cardiff | 12 | 8 | 4 | +35 | 40 |
| 4 |  Munster | 12 | 8 | 4 | +15 | 39 |
| 5 |  Stormers | 10 | 8 | 2 | +113 | 36 |
| 6 |  Ulster | 11 | 7 | 4 | +83 | 36 |
| 7 |  Lions | 11 | 7 | 4 | −20 | 33 |
| 8 |  Bulls | 11 | 6 | 5 | +5 | 30 |
| 9 | Ospreys | 12 | 5 | 5 | −13 | 29 |
| 10 |  Connacht | 11 | 4 | 7 | −21 | 25 |
| 11 |  Sharks | 10 | 4 | 5 | −36 | 24 |
| 12 |  Edinburgh | 11 | 4 | 7 | +6 | 23 |
| 13 | Benetton | 12 | 4 | 7 | −65 | 23 |
| 14 |  Dragons | 12 | 3 | 7 | −50 | 20 |
| 15 |  Scarlets | 11 | 3 | 7 | −71 | 16 |
| 16 |  Zebre | 11 | 2 | 9 | −154 | 12 |
Benetton
W1, L4Benetton’s season has stalled badly — two draws and two defeats in their last four URC outings, with only a derby win over Zebre providing any relief. They drew 15–15 at Dragons and 20–20 with Scarlets at home, matches they really needed to win. At Stadio Monigo they’ve been competitive but not clinical — a recurring theme for Marco Bortolami’s side this season.
Ospreys
W3, L2The Ospreys have been genuinely impressive in recent weeks — three wins from five, including a thumping 33–14 derby victory over Dragons and a hard-fought win over Connacht. The 27–19 home win over Edinburgh was a statement of intent. The losses came away at Glasgow and Munster — no shame in either. Toby Booth’s side are finding form at exactly the right time in the playoff race.
Head-to-Head in Treviso
5 – 0 – 7
Benetton wins · Draws · Ospreys wins (12 meetings at this venue)
Benetton (5)The Ospreys have historically dominated this fixture, winning 7 of 12 meetings at Stadio Monigo. However, Benetton have been more competitive in recent seasons — they won this fixture 22–17 in Treviso last season and have split the last four meetings 2–2.
Recent Results
| Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 2025 | URC | Benetton 22–17 Ospreys |
| Oct 2024 | URC | Ospreys 31–19 Benetton |
| Apr 2024 | URC | Benetton 13–26 Ospreys |
| Nov 2023 | URC | Ospreys 15–20 Benetton |
| Apr 2023 | URC | Benetton 28–24 Ospreys |
| Nov 2022 | URC | Ospreys 24–10 Benetton |
Average score in the last 6 meetings: Benetton 20 – Ospreys 22 in the last six meetings. Series split 3–3.
Extended Form
Benetton4W, 7L
Wins: Zebre (31–17, URC), Lions (23–20, URC), Edinburgh (19–14, URC), Perpignan (34–21, CC). Losses: Cardiff (8–17, URC), Lyon (19–24, CC), Connacht (15–26, URC), Leinster (10–38, URC), Glasgow (14–31, URC), Munster (17–24, URC), Stormers (12–29, URC).
Benetton at Monigo have struggled against quality opposition. Wins have come against Zebre, Lions, Edinburgh, and Perpignan, but they’ve lost to every team in the top half of the URC table. The two draws in recent weeks are the most damning statistic — unable to close out matches they were in a position to win.
Ospreys5W, 7L
Wins: Edinburgh (27–19), Dragons (33–14), Connacht (24–21), Zebre (28–10), Cheetahs (38–17, CC). Losses: Munster (17–24), Glasgow (18–29), Leinster (14–42), Bulls (16–31), Ulster (12–28), Sharks (19–22), Cardiff (10–27).
The Ospreys’ away record is better than you’d expect for a mid-table side — five wins on the road. But the pattern is clear: they beat teams below them and lose to teams above. Treviso is a tricky away trip, but Benetton’s current form makes this a very winnable fixture for the visitors.
Benetton XV
Lineups not yet announced. Expect Marco Bortolami to recall key players after the Six Nations window, with Italian internationals potentially returning to bolster the pack.
Ospreys XV
Lineups not yet announced. Toby Booth may welcome back Welsh internationals. Key players such as Jac Morgan, Adam Beard, and Keiran Williams could be in contention if available.
Key Matchups
The underlying squad quality tilts this toward the Ospreys. Their backrow options are superior, their second-row depth is among the best in the Welsh regions, and their back three has more finishing quality. Benetton’s strength is in their set piece and home atmosphere at Monigo. The key question is how many internationals are released — if the Ospreys get Jac Morgan and Adam Beard back, they should have a clear forward advantage.
Match Forecast
Benetton’s form is a concern — two draws and two defeats in their last four URC games, and their inability to close out winnable matches has become a pattern. At Stadio Monigo they’ve beaten only Zebre and Lions from the URC this season, and the Ospreys are a clear step above both.
The Ospreys are building momentum at precisely the right moment. Three wins from five, and a playoff spot within touching distance. They’ve won away at Edinburgh and Connacht this season — Treviso should hold no fears. Ospreys to win by a converted try — not a blowout, but a professional away victory that keeps their top-eight ambitions alive.
Ospreys to grind out a crucial away win in Treviso — Benetton’s form offers no reason to back them against a side chasing a playoff spot.