Hayward helps Treviso beat Cardiff

New Zealand fullback Jayden Hayward helped himself to 20 points, as Benetton Treviso sealed just their third Pro12 victory of the season at the expense of Cardiff Blues.

The hosts had already sealed a bonus point in the first half with Mat Luamanu, Angelo Esposito, Enrico Bacchin and the impressive Hayward all going over.

And, despite tries from Blues' Lloyd Williams and Josh Navidi, the Italians claimed their first league victory since January 3 with a famous 40-24 success.

Cardiff were forced into a late reshuffle when Gareth Anscombe was ruled out with a shoulder problem. Rhys Patchell moved to flyhalf with Joaquin Tuculet taking the fullback jersey while Owen Jenkins came in on the wing – and it seem to affect the visitors who were behind after just four minutes.

A good break by Marco Barbini allowed the rampaging flank to supply No.8 Luamanu who was left with the easy task of running into the right corner unchallenged.

Hayward missed a tough conversion from out wide but the pressure continued from the Italians.

Fullback Hayward quickly made amends for his earlier conversion miss by firing over a penalty from closer in to make it 8-0 to Treviso after just 10 minutes.

And the hosts went further head moments later when another well-worked try was finished off by wing Esposito – centre Bacchin the architect.

Hayward's conversion made it 15-0 after just 12 minutes, but almost immediately Patchell kicked his first penalty to reduce the arrears for the shell-shocked Blues.

Cardiff scrumhalf Williams then capitalised on counterpart Alberto Lucchese's charged-down kick to notch the Blues' first try, with Patchell's conversion making it 15-10 after a pulsating opening 20 minutes.

Surprisingly it took 10 minutes for the next score, and it went to Treviso after Bacchin bundled his way over in the left corner. Hayward brilliantly kicked the conversion in off the post for a 22-10 lead.

However, the Blues bounced back again with Patchell once more involved. This time it was his fortuitous loose pass which fell kindly for No.8 Navidi to finish, and Patchell added the extras.

But the impressive Hayward had the final say of a fantastic first half. The Kiwi beat three Cardiff defenders on his way to capping a stunning bonus-point try in the corner on 38 minutes, but subsequently missed a tough conversion attempt.

Treviso began the half 27-17 in front, but that was quickly added to by replacement Henry Seniloli who dotted down under the posts – and Hayward made no mistake from the tee.

He added another three points with a penalty on 46 minutes but Cardiff centre Adam Thomas got the visitors back into the contest two minutes later – his try and Patchell's conversion making it 37-24.

The Blues tried desperately to get back into the game but Treviso held firm as the game turned scrappy in the final 20 minutes.

And, rather appropriately, Hayward had the last word with a late penalty to condemn Cardiff to their third successive Pro12 defeat

The scorers:

For Benetton Treviso:

Tries: Hayward, Esposito, Bacchin, Luamanu, Seniloli

Cons: Hayward 3

Pens: Hayward 3

For Cardiff Blues:

Tries: Thomas, Williams, Navidi

Cons: Patchell 3

Pen: Patchell

Teams:

Benetton Treviso: 15 Jayden Hayward, 14 Angelo Esposito, 13 Enrico Bacchin, 12 Sam Christie, 11 Simone Ragusi, 10 James Ambrosini, 9 Alberto Lucchese, 8 Mat Luamanu, 7 Dean Budd, 6 Marco Barbini, 5 Marco Fuser, 4 Antonio Pavanello (captain), 3 Rupert Harden, 2 Davide Giazzon, 1 Matteo Zanusso.

Replacements: 16 Albert Anae, 17 Romulo Acosta, 18 Salesi Manu, 19 Tomas Vallejos, 20 Meyer Swanepoel, 21 Andrea Pratichetti, 22 Joe Carlisle, 23 Henry Seniloli.

Cardiff: 15 Rhys Patchell, 14 Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino, 13 Tom Isaacs, 12 Adam Thomas, 11 Joaquin Tuculet, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Lloyd Williams, 8 Josh Navidi, 7 Ellis Jenkins, 6 Josh Turnbull, 5 Filo Paulo, 4 Macauley Cook, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Kristian Dacey, 1 Tau Filise.

Replacements: 16 Rhys Williams, 17 Thomas Davies, 18 Scott Andrews, 19 Miles Normandale, 20 Manoa Vosawai, 21 Tavis Knoyle, 22 Gareth Davies, 23 Owen Jenkins.

Referee: Gary Conway (Ireland)

Assistant referees: Marius Mitrea (Italy), Gregorio Piran (Italy)

TMO: Carlo Damasco (Italy)