The win means Richie Murphy's side have four wins from their opening five fixtures.
A late change during the warm-up saw Iain Henderson, who was set to return from Irish international duties, replaced by Matty Dalton in the second row. However, Dalton’s evening sadly didn’t last long as he hobbled off the pitch just nine minutes in. Charlie Irvine was brought on as a replacement.
Ulster made a strong start to the match and scored their first try of the evening on the 10 minute mark, with Robert Baloucoune crossing the line. After a television match official (TMO) review, the try set up by Nathan Doak’s stunning cross field kick to Baloucoune was awarded. Doak missed the conversion.
After some pressure from the Italian visitors, Benetton received a penalty for an offside. Jacob Umaga’s kick from the tee brought the score to 5-3.
At the 20-minute mark, Ulster’s hooker, Tom Stewart, looked to get over the Benetton line after stealing a loose ball, but was held up. However, Ulster had the momentum, and the explosive pace of Jude Postlethwaite saw him break the visitors’ line.
The inside centre popped the ball off to Werner Kok who scored Ulster’s second try of the evening, with Nathan Doak adding the extra two points.
Five minutes out from half time, an Ulster lineout followed by strong maul saw the team drive towards the line. However, a knock on by Tom Stewart meant the ball returned to Benetton.
It was then pick and go after pick and go for the Italian side, but Ulster’s defence seemed to initially hold firm. After a TMO check, it was decided that Benetton’s hooker, Bautista Bernasconi, was in possession of the ball when it was grounded, and they were awarded a try. A successful conversion was kicked by Umaga.
Right before the break, Benetton’s number 10 added a further three points off the tee, meaning the visitors went into the changing room a point ahead.
Half-time: Ulster 12 – 13 Benetton
Changes came for Ulster ten minutes into the second half, with Callum Reid and Rob Herring replacing Sam Crean and Tom Stewart. Shortly after, James Hume went flying over the try line for Ulster’s third try of the night.
The conversion was slotted perfectly over the post by Nathan Doak, bringing the score to 19-13 and reclaiming the lead for Ulster.
Richie Murphy’s side found their momentum in the second half and Postlethwaite was back for more. The centre found Werner Kok on the support line, and the left wing ran in for his second try of the evening.
Right down the middle of the posts, Doak kicked the conversion successfully and the score was 26-13, with 20 minutes to go.
Minutes later, it was a penalty try for Ulster, as a yellow card for a deliberate knock on was shown to Onisi Ratave, Benetton’s right winger.
With the bonus point secured, the province showed great fortitude to grind out the match with a clear plan in place.
David Shanahan came off the bench with 15 minutes left on the clock and won his 100th cap in an Ulster jersey.
It was also a return to action for Stewart Moore, after being recalled from his short loan spell at Newcastle Red Bulls. He replaced Jude Postlethwaite.
Bryn Ward came on for Juarno Augustus and Jake Flannery for Jack Murphy.
With just over 10 minutes to go, second row, Harry Sheridan powered over from close range, and Jake Flannery delivered the conversion, bringing the score to 40-13.
Shortly after, Baloucoune was back on the score sheet with his second try of the game, cementing a very strong win for Ulster. Flannery kicked the conversion.
The clock struck 80 minutes at Affidea Stadium, the final whistle was blown, and Ulster celebrated a thrilling bonus-point win in front of the loud home support.
This win sets Richie Murphy’s side up nicely and consolidates what has been a strong start to the reason. Ulster will now be ready to face Racing 92 in the opening round of the European Challenge Cup at home next Friday night.
Full-time: Ulster 47 – 13 Benetton
Player of the Match - Jude Postlethwaite
A thrilling display from the talented centre, who showcased his physicality, awareness of space and his ever-improving reading of the game. Involved heavily in some of Ulster's best attacks with his offloading game and was a huge line breaking threat against the Italians.
Scorers
Ulster:
TRY: Baloucoune x2, Kok x2, Hume, Penalty try, Sheridan
CON: Doak x3, Flannery x2
Benetton:
TRY: Bernasconi
CON: Umaga
PEN: Umaga x2
Teams
Ulster: Sam Crean, Tom Stewart, Scott Wilson, Matty Dalton, David McCann, Nick Timoney (Capt), Juarno Augustus, Nathan Doak, Jack Murphy, Werner Kok, Jude Postlethwaite, James Hume, Robert Baloucoune, Jacob Stockdale
Replacements: Robert Herring, Callum Reid, Tom O’Toole, Charlie Irvine, Bryn Ward, David Shanahan, Jake Flannery, Stewart Moore
Benetton: Destiny Aminu, Bautista Bernasconi, Giosué Zilocchi, Federico Ruzza, Eli Snyman, Jadin Kingi, Michele Lamaro (Capt), So’otala Fa’aso’o, Andy Uren, Jacob Umaga, Ignacio Mendy, Filippo Drago, Paolo Odogwu, Onisi Ratave, Rhyno Smith
Replacements: Nicholas Gasperini, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Marco Gallorini, Giulio Marini, Alessandro Izekor, John Bryant, Louis Werchon, Leonardo Marin
Attendance: 11,517
Referee: Sam Grove-White (SRU)
Assistant Referees: Robbie Jenkinson (IRFU) and Max Weston (IRFU)
TMO: David Sutherland (SRU)
