Gloucester to face Sharks in Challenge Cup final on May 24 after beating Italian side Benetton
4 May 2024, 13:51 | Updated: 4 May 2024, 21:13
Gloucester are into the Challenge Cup final for a fifth time after beating Italian team Benetton 40-23 at Kingsholm.
The Cherry and Whites will face Sharks at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday May 24 following the South African side's nail-biting 32-31 win over French outfit Clermont in the first semi-final.
Gloucester won this competition in 2005/06 and 2014/15 and then finished runners-up in successive seasons in 2016/17 and 2017/18.
- How to book Fury vs Usyk on Sky Sports Box Office
- Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime
They have struggled in the Gallagher Premiership this term with 12 defeats and just four victories in 16 games to sit ahead of only winless Newcastle.
But they are now eyeing a second title of the campaign after scooping the Premiership Rugby Cup in March with a 23-13 triumph over Leicester Tigers.
Hastings stars as Gloucester beat Benetton
Fly-half Adam Hastings was the architect of Gloucester's triumph over Benetton, contributing 17 points through a try, three conversions and two penalties on his penultimate home appearance before rejoining Glasgow this summer.
Full-back Josh Hathaway, hooker Seb Blake, lock Freddie Clarke and wing Ollie Thorley also touched down, while scrum-half Caolan Englefield kicked a penalty 10 minutes from time.
Benetton, Challenge Cup semi-finalists last term, pushed Gloucester hard as hooker Gianmarco Lucchesi (2) and full-back Rhyno Smith scored tries.
Sharks earlier booked their place in the final after a superb late comeback against Clermont in a thriller at The Stoop.
The Sharks were 31-18 down heading into the final quarter, only for converted tries from Vincent Koch and Makazole Mapimpi to turn the game around, with fly-half Siya Masuku producing the decisive kick after Mapimpi's 71st-minute score.
Book Fury vs Usyk on Sky Sports Box Office
It's one of the biggest sporting events in a generation. Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk collide for the undisputed world heavyweight title on Saturday May 18, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Book now.
Ad content | Stream Sky Sports on NOW
Stream Sky Sports live with no contract on a Month or Day membership on NOW. Instant access to live action from the Premier League and EFL, plus darts, cricket, tennis, golf and so much more.
Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp
You can now receive messages and alerts for the latest breaking sports news, analysis, in-depth features and videos from our dedicated WhatsApp channel. Find out more here...
(c) Sky Sports 2024: Gloucester to face Sharks in Challenge Cup final on May 24 after beating Italian side Benetton
