Rhyno Smith’s penalty three minutes from time proved decisive as Ulster suffered a disappointing 31-29 away to Italian side Benetton Treviso in the United Rugby Championship.
Eric O’Sullivan converted try on eight minutes gave Ulster an early lead before two quick-fire tries from Tomas Albornoz and Onisi Ratave saw the hosts lead 17-10 at half-time.
Rob Herring’s try on 54 minutes made it a five-point game before a Smith penalty and a Juan Ingnacio Brex try pushed Benetton 13 points clear on 63 minutes.
Ulster Michael Lowry touched down 12 minutes from time and six minutes later, a penalty try gave the visitors a one-point lead.
Benetton didn’t give in though and Smith’s late penalty resulted in a last-gasp defeat. Ulster have now recorded five losses in six games.
