Preview: Benetton v Ulster

Benetton

• Frederico Ruzza was the only player to score a hattrick in Round 11. He is the first forward to do so for Benetton since Hame Faiva scored three tries against the Ospreys in November 2020
• Settling into his role in the centre, 20-year-old Tommaso Menoncello made as many clean breaks (three) and beat as many defenders (six) as any other player in Round 11
• Looking for safe territory, Benetton have kicked the ball into touch on a league-high 15 occasions. They have also found grass with their kicks more than any team bar Leinster (105) and have had the benefit of Dewaldt Duvenage, who has kicked more kicks that have been retained than any other player (14)

Ulster

• Ulster’s defensive effort against Munster last weekend was astounding. They made a total of 286 tackles, 53 more than any team’s total in a single match this season or last. All five of Round 11’s top tacklers were Ulster players, including Sean Reffell who made an extraordinary 43 tackles
• Central to Ulster’s game, John Cooney has not only made the most passes in the league (477) but also the most box kicks (63)
• Trusting their process, Ulster have scored more tries after six or more phases than any other team (16)

Did You Know?

Benetton have not defeated Ulster since October 2011. Since then, they’ve had two draws and 15 losses.

Benetton have only lost one of their six home matches this season, against the Vodacom Bulls in Round 6.

Off the back of a four-match winning streak, Ulster have lost two of their last three matches.