Can the Scarlets Overcome Chaos to Secure a Draw Against Benetton?

The Scarlets faced off against Benetton in a tightly contested match that ended in a dramatic draw during the United Rugby Championship on 22nd October 2025. Despite a challenging fog in Treviso, both teams showcased resilience, with the Scarlets unable to secure back-to-back wins this season. The final score was 20-20, with crucial misses on late kicks impacting the outcome for both sides.

Last updated: 22 October 2025 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Scarlets and Benetton shared the points in a gripping match that tested both teams' resolve and highlighted the unpredictable nature of the United Rugby Championship. The draw leaves the Scarlets still looking for their first back-to-back victory in the 2025-26 season after a series of inconsistent performances. With a postponed game against Connacht still looming, the team is under pressure to find rhythm and form as they head into the heart of the season.

Key takeaways

The Scarlets and Benetton ended in a 20-20 draw, both teams missing late opportunities to secure a win.
Scarlets' teenage fly-half, Carwyn Leggatt-Jones, had a crucial missed conversion that could have changed the outcome.
Benetton's last victory over Welsh teams at home was in October 2021, showcasing their strong home advantage.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the start of the 2025-26 season, the Scarlets have faced various challenges, including injuries and inconsistent form. Key dates include:

1st September 2025: The season kicks off with the Scarlets struggling to find their footing.
22nd October 2025: The draw against Benetton, marking another missed opportunity for consecutive wins.
Upcoming: The Scarlets are set to play Connacht in a postponed fixture, which could be crucial for their season.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

This week’s match highlighted the Scarlets' ongoing struggle to secure back-to-back victories. The draw against Benetton signifies continued issues with closing out tight games, especially under pressure.

What was already established

Prior to this match, the Scarlets had shown glimpses of their potential but lacked consistency. The need for tactical adjustments and better execution in critical moments has been a recurring theme this season.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The draw means the Scarlets continue to seek stability as a professional rugby team, which can affect local fan engagement and economic activities surrounding match days. Consistent performances are essential for maintaining fan interest and local business support.

Businesses and jobs

For the Scarlets and their associated businesses, ongoing struggles could impact sponsorship deals and revenue. The club’s ability to attract and retain talent might also be influenced by their performance in the league.

Policy and regulation

As the United Rugby Championship continues, clubs like the Scarlets must navigate player health regulations and financial sustainability amidst performance pressures. Upcoming discussions on league structure and funding could also affect the Scarlets’ future strategies.

Numbers that matter

20: Total points scored by each team in the match.
3: Number of tries scored by the Scarlets, showcasing their offensive potential.
2: Missed late kicks from both sides that could have changed the outcome.
13: Points led by Benetton at one stage, indicating their strong start.
8: Points scored by Rhyno Smith for Benetton through penalties.

Definitions and jargon buster

United Rugby Championship (URC): A professional rugby union league that features teams from across the UK and Ireland.
Try: A way of scoring points in rugby by grounding the ball in the opponent's in-goal area.
Conversion: A kick at goal following a try, worth two extra points.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

The Scarlets need to focus on their upcoming match against Connacht, which could be pivotal for building momentum. Training sessions should emphasise closing out games and tactical execution under pressure.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, the Scarlets must maintain squad health and adapt their strategies to improve their standings in the league. Building consistency will be crucial for their playoff ambitions.

Signals to watch

Performance in the next match against Connacht.
Injury updates on key players like Gareth Davies and Fletcher Anderson.
Changes in squad selection that may impact team dynamics.

Practical guidance

Do

Support local businesses around match days to boost community morale.
Engage with fan forums to share insights and strategies for improvement.

Don’t

Dismiss the importance of tactical training and player fitness.
Overlook the value of fan support during tough times.

Checklist

Review match footage to identify areas for improvement.
Ensure players are maintaining fitness standards.
Communicate effectively with fans about team performance and strategies.
Plan for potential injuries and how to address squad depth.
Stay engaged with community initiatives to bolster support.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the Scarlets have shown flashes of brilliance, their inconsistency poses a significant risk to their season objectives. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding player fitness and team dynamics adds to the challenge, making it difficult to predict their immediate future. Additionally, external factors such as fan engagement and economic conditions may also impact the club’s performance and financial stability.

Bottom line

The Scarlets remain on the hunt for their first consecutive victories of the season after a hard-fought draw against Benetton. As they prepare for a crucial match against Connacht, focusing on tactical execution and maintaining squad morale will be essential for their success in the remainder of the United Rugby Championship.

FAQs

Why was the Scarlets vs Benetton match significant?

The match was significant as it showcased the Scarlets' ongoing struggle for consistency in the United Rugby Championship, with both teams missing late opportunities to secure a win.

What are the implications of the draw for the Scarlets?

The draw leaves the Scarlets still searching for back-to-back wins, impacting their confidence and standings in the league as they aim for a stronger performance in upcoming matches.

How does the fog affect rugby matches?

Fog can significantly reduce visibility on the pitch, making it challenging for players to execute plays effectively and for referees to make accurate decisions, as seen in the Scarlets vs Benetton match.