Clinical Edinburgh blitz Benetton

17 Oct 2025

Edinburgh Rugby delivered a dazzling performance under the Friday night lights, running in seven tries to secure a comprehensive 43-0 shutout against Benetton at Hive Stadium. The victory was highlighted by milestone first tries for new signings Piers O’Conor and Dylan Richardson, who starred on a dominant night for the capital side.

Edinburgh wasted no time in asserting their dominance. Just six minutes in, a powerful scrum set a platform for the backline, allowing the ball to be shipped wide to Lions winger Duhan van der Merwe, who charged over on the left wing. Cammy Scott slotted the difficult touchline conversion with precision.

The hosts doubled their lead swiftly. After winning a penalty deep in Benetton’s 22, the forwards went to work, and flanker Dylan Richardson powered over for his first try in Edinburgh colours. Scott was again clinical with the boot, making it 14-0.

The middle stages of the half saw both sides wrestle for possession, but Edinburgh’s clinical edge prevailed on the stroke of halftime. A sweeping, full-team effort saw the ball transition from touchline to touchline. A final pass from Liam McConnell put Darcy Graham into space, and the winger expertly weaved through the defence to dot down in the right corner. Scott maintained his perfect kicking record with a third successful touchline conversion.

The second half began with a crucial advantage for Edinburgh as Benetton centre Malakai Fekitoa was sent to the sin bin. The hosts immediately capitalised; Richardson completed his brace on his home debut, burrowing over from close range to secure the bonus point.

The floodgates then truly opened. Seven minutes later, centre Piers O’Conor marked his arrival with his first club try, finishing off an incredible, scorching breakaway move spearheaded by Wes Goosen. Thompson made amends for his earlier miss, successfully adding the extras.

Edinburgh’s forward dominance was epitomised by the performance of club captain Magnus Bradbury, who capped a powerful, Player-of-the-Match display by driving over for the sixth try.

The spectacular evening concluded in fitting fashion with the game’s best finish. From deep inside his own half, Darcy Graham launched a breathtaking breakaway run, leaving the Benetton defence trailing before crossing for Edinburgh’s seventh and final try, sealing a memorable 43-0 victory.