The Cardiff pack push forward before Liam Belcher pulls off the maul and is stopped inches short.

There's a knock on at the breakdown though and away number nine Andy Uren - well known in English rugby after a decade with Bristol - clears brilliantly.

Alex Cuthbert
Former Wales winger on BBC Radio Wales

I think you have to go for points whenever they're on offer. The weather conditions will make points really hard to come by.

That's poor from Cardiff. They set up camp in the Benetton 22 but fail to protect the ball and Nicolas Roger Farias nips in to win a turnover.

However, moments later the home side are awarded a penalty and Callum Sheedy kicks them within 10 metres of the line.

Big moment...

Conditions have really deteriorated here and suddenly, a six-point lead looks a significant one.

Inevitably, we are seeing more errors as Rhyno Smith knocks on.

Cardiff have won the kicking battle so far, and that department could now prove critical if Storm Ingrid remains hell-bent on spoiling the fun.

Alex Cuthbert
Former Wales winger on BBC Radio Wales

The rain is looking pretty heavy, this is becoming a tougher game.

Incidentally, the heavens have opened again here at the Arms Park.

Storm Ingrid seemingly isn't done yet.

A blow for Cardiff.

Winger Iwan Stephens limps off but then on comes Welsh international Mason Grady in his place.

Not the worst replacement.

Amusingly, the referee is now constantly reminding Aled Davies to 'use it'. I suspect the scrum-half won't be making the same mistake twice.

Ironic this. Number nines have gone 30 years without having to feed the ball in straight at scrums, and now they're being scrutinised for not passing quickly enough at rucks.

Rugby laws aren't always simple.

Oh dear.

From the scrum, Benetton are awarded a penalty and this time opt to run it.

However, number eight Lorenzo Cannone knocks on in the shadows of the posts and that's a chance wasted.

An interesting choice from the visitors there. And one which did not pay off.

Alex Cuthbert
Former Wales winger on BBC Radio Wales

Another really good defensive set from Cardiff, especially in the driving maul.

Benetton opt for a lineout but the home forwards hold out.

The Italian side now have a chance to pack down with the ball five metres out though - against a pack with seven men.

Paolo Odogwu comes off his wing with a big carry and suddenly, Cardiff are on the back foot.

Odogwu's fellow winger Ignacio Mendy is hauled down short but then Alex Mann is penalised for cynically slowing the ball down by his own line.

That will be a 10-minute rest for the flanker.

Image source, Rex Features

Cardiff live dangerously as they opt to run the ball from deep but when a turnover looked inevitable, James Botham cleans things up with a powerful carry.

Josh Adams then breaks out the 22, but the move is stalled when Aled Davies is penalised for taking too long to get the ball away.

No messing around from referee Sam Grove-White there and he was right. Davies was clearly ignoring the 'five-second rule'.

Rhyno Smith comes up short and Callum Sheedy safely gathers before clearing his lines.

From the lineout, the home pack stall the attempted drive to be awarded the scrum.

Superb work from Josh McNally in particular there. He's the definition of the term 'unit'.

A great take in the air from Rhyno Smith - a man armed with one of rugby union's most intriguing names - and it sets up a Benetton penalty inside the Cardiff half.

The full-back is having a go himself from here.

I'm sure working with him won't hurt Alex....

Alex Cuthbert
Former Wales winger on BBC Radio Wales

Callum Sheedy's kicking this season has really improved, out of his hands and at goal. Whether that's to do with Leigh Halfpenny or not I'm not sure.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

No problem for Callum Sheedy as he passes 50 points for the URC season.

More Cardiff pressure and after the visitors are pinged for offside, it's another chance for Callum Sheedy.

This time it's harder, around 40 metres out.

Alex Cuthbert
Former Wales winger on BBC Radio Wales

It's a good start from Cardiff, they were unlucky not to have scored earlier but they're deservedly ahead.

Their pack is so dominant, they'll reap the rewards later in the game.