Zebre 7-31 Munster
A CLINICAL OPENING half set the tone for Munster’s comprehensive bonus point win away to Zebre this afternoon.
Three tries in the first forty put the visitors in a strong position and they were able to secure an important fifth point early in the second half.
Munster started well with centre Pat Howard putting in a big hit on fullback David Odiete, which won possession in the Zebre half. Moments later, flanker Filippo Cristiano was penalised for playing the ball on the ground and Ian Keatley kicked Munster into the lead.
Howard once again made a telling impact after 15 minutes, breaking the defensive line before offloading to Felix Jones for the first try of the game. Keatley added the extras to give Munster a double digit lead.
Munster had a couple of opportunities to extend their advantage but sloppy handling errors in the Zebre 22 prevented them from capitalising on their dominance.
However, CJ Stander crossed for the visitors’ second five-pointer ten minutes before half time. Munster had a scrum five metres from the Zebre line and the South African was able to touch down after his pack got a good shove on the opposition forwards.
Munster added their third try two minutes later, Conor Murray driving over from close-range following a break from Northampton-bound JJ Hanrahan.
The bonus point was wrapped up just after half time, with Simon Zebo latching onto a kick from fellow wing Ronan O’Mahony to score the all-important fourth try.
Zebre finally got on the score-sheet after replacement hooker Fabiani burrowed over with Luciano Orquera converting, but that was as good as it got for the home side.
Another big positive for Munster was the return of Keith Earls, who played the last ten minutes in the centre.
