The playmaker was pivotal, scoring 11 points during a stylish super-sub display in his first game back in England for 15 months, with the Italian side dominating the second half to score eight tries and effectively seal a home round of 16 tie.
Newcastle's 14th defeat in a row the club's second-ever longest losing streak knocks them out of the cup and means next weekend's clash away at Perpignan decides Pool 2's wooden spoon.
Benetton centre Tommaso Menoncello, who scored two tries on his injury return, said: "I'm very happy, it's my first 80 minutes for some time, so I'm very proud of mine and the team's game.
"I'm confident with Ignacio Brex at centre, over the last year I've played a lot with him and he helps me play very well.
"It was our mission to leave Newcastle with five points, it feels very good and it was a tough game. We've now got a lot of work to do before Montpellier next week."
This story is from the January 14, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 14, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
YOUNG GUNS
SEANKERR HARLEQUINS & ENGLAND U20 CENTRE
PGP deal is nothing but a waste of time
I CAN’T help thinking that the new Professional Game Partnership (PGP) is nothing but a waste of time as I can’t see how it is going to make any difference to how the game operates or how it will actually help clubs keep players and reduce the financial strain they are under.
Tries galore as Jake leads the Crusaders title party
WITH Dings stalwarts Charlie Taylor and Jake Holcombe reaching the milestones of 250 and 200 appearances respectively, the massive win over Camborne was a fitting end to the season.
It's title delight for the Titans!
ROTHERHAM Titans are the champions!
Lions survive as Patrick heroics seal late glory
THE final throws of the 2023-24 season saw Sale take on Leicester Lions at Heywood Road, with the visitors looking for a victory to ensure their survival.
35 years on and Tim's charity still full of hope
IF YOU believe rugby is the ultimate team sport – which I still do – it is tempting to superimpose all its many fine qualities into other team environments.
'Ireland in blue' will provide stiffest test
PHIL Dowson and Leo Cullen first crossed paths in European action 10 seasons ago when Northampton did something they had never done before nor since: beating Leinster in Dublin.
Cardiff left in a mess by lively Edinburgh
CARDIFF’S last appearance at the Arms Park this season ended miserably as Edinburgh picked up a valuable four points in their quest for an end of season playoff spot.
RED ROSES
MADDIE FEAUNATI EXETER CHIEFS BACK ROW
Sharks look to have edge in Diamond derby
SALE boss Alex Sanderson has thanked Steve Diamond, his opposite number at Newcastle, for giving him extra motivation to win what has been dubbed ‘the Diamond derby’.
