Treviso standing on the edge of history

AT the last count, Benetton Treviso had won 15 Italian Championships and, lest we forget, walked away with the hurriedly organised Rainbow Cup in the teeth of Covid disruption in 2021 but I would nonetheless suggest their European Challenge Cup semi-final at Toulon this afternoon represents the highwater mark in their history.

- BRENDAN GALLAGHER

Their game at Stade Felix Mayol – and whatever happened to neutral semi-final venues by the way? – is proper big boys big pants rugby, a showpiece occasion against one of the giants of the French game who have targeted the competition this year to kick start their regeneration after a few spluttering seasons.

Benetton Treviso – the Italian leisure wear giants have been uber loyal sponsors so we should not really cavil at mentioning their name – have fought like dogs to reach this stage, it hasn’t come easy. A double header with Stade Francais which resulted in a win apiece, an away win in Bayonne and home victories over Connacht and Cardiff. Their arrival in Toulon is no fluke.

Mind you, Treviso have always fought like dogs, against the odds and prejudice. A small passionate rugby community yes, but with precious little natural advantages other than that association with Benetton, by far the biggest employers in the small Veneto town, loosening their purse strings for over two decades now.