| Ospreys (17) 27 |
| Tries: Parry, Morris, Griffiths Cons: Myler 3 Pens: Myler 2 |
| Zebre (6) 22 |
| Tries: Mitchell Cons: Rizzi Pens: Rizzi 5 |
Ospreys moved up to sixth in the United Rugby Championship table after a hard-fought victory over Zebre.
The victory was sealed by the efforts of Sam Parry, Morgan Morris, and Will Griffiths as well as 12 points from Stephen Myler, fly-half.
Toby Booth’s team won their fourth consecutive home victory.
Zebre responded by scoring 17 points from flyhalf Antonio Rizzi, and a try by lock Liam Mitchell to secure a losing bonus point.
It is still looking for its first win of the season, and they have just two league points.
Dan Lydiate, the Wales flanker, was impressive in his 13-month-old debut. Morris Roots and Ethan Roots are back-row players who provide some dynamic ball-carrying for an otherwise unconvincing team performance.
After a year of being sidelined with a knee injury, Lydiate was back on the bench just two weeks ago.
His inclusion was one among two changes from the 29-7 defeat at LeinsterHarri Deaves dropped to the bench, and Rhys Davies returned instead of Griffiths.
Zebre was without six players while on Italy international duty, but welcomed back scrum half Nicolo Casilio after he sustained an injury.
Myler opened scoring. Ospreys’ indifference allowed Rizzi to score over two goals.
Hooker Parry was overthrown before Rizzi conceded a penalty that was unnecessary. This gave Morris the opportunity to power through the Zebre defense.
Ospreys lead 17-6 at halftime, but Zebre regained control of the game with a 13-point scoring spree.
Rizzi kicked two penalties, and converted a Mitchell breakaway try. It was created following a storming break of Asaeli Tuivuaka.
Myler restored the lead after Ospreys rung changes. He also made his first appearance as a Wales hooker since joining the region.
Full-back JacopoTrulla received a yellow for a deliberate knock on, but Andrew Brace didn’t award a penalty.
Ospreys capitalized on their numerical advantage when replacement Griffiths scored the hosts’ third try. This time, Myler converted.
Zebre was brought to within one point by Rizzi’s fifth penalty. Ospreys managed to win the victory, but missed out on a bonus.
Ospreys: Evans; Giles; Collins, Collins, K Williams; L Morgan; Myler; Webb (capt); Smith; Parry; Botha; R Davies; B Davies; Lydiate; M Morris, Roots.
Replacements:Baldwin, R Jones Henry, Griffiths Deaves Morgan-Williams Thomas-Wheeler Protheroe
Zebre: Trulla; D’Onofrio, Cronjé, Lucchin, Tuivuaka; Rizzi, Casilio; Buonfiglio, Ceciliani, Bello, Mitchell, Leavasa, Andreani, Bianchi, Giammarioli (capt).
Replacements: Ribaldi, Lovotti, Neculai, Stoian, Fox-Matamua, Palazzani, O’Malley, Laloifi.
Referee:Andy Brace (IRFU).
Assistants: Gwyn Morris & Wayne Davies (WRU)
TMO: Joy Neville (IRFU)