Cuthbert double downs Zebre

 

Victory for the Parma-based outfit and defeat for Italian compatriots Benetton Treviso against Scarlets was required on the final day of Pro12 action for Zebre to reach their goal.

 

But, despite frustrating their hosts Cardiff Blues for the opening half an hour, Andrea Cavinato's side succumbed.

 

This game took an age to get going with Zebre content to just keep in the game, while Cardiff seemingly lacked the nous or know-how to inflict damage at the top of the pitch.

 

The deadlock was finally broken though on 29 minutes, debutant Aled Summerhill feeding Alex Cuthbert to dive for the corner. Rhys Patchell, who had earlier seen his try chalked off by referee Gary Conway, missed his conversion.

 

Six minutes before the interval Zebre captain Marco Bortolami was sent to the sin bin and Cardiff immediately capitalised with their second try.

 

After a drive toward the line following a line-out, captain Gethin Jenkins peeled away and crossed. Patchell this time made no mistake from the tee to give Cardiff a 12-0 lead at the break.

 

Cuthbert scored again ten minutes after the restart, riding a challenge before touching down, though Patchell again missed his kick.

 

The flyhalf soon made amends though, touching down to seal a bonus point for Cardiff – only the third time this season they have scored four or more tries in a league match.

 

Patchell collected a pass from replacement Gareth Anscombe – introduced to the action only moments earlier – who had burst forwards in another supreme counter. Patchell kicked the extras.

 

The home fans were on their feet again on the hour mark, this time though it was to salute departing hero Adam Jones, as well as Jenkins and Wales captain Sam Warburton who were all replaced.

 

Ten minutes from time Zebre, the lowest try scorers in the Pro12 this season, got score number 27. Replacement Valerio Bernabo did the honours, but No.10 Luciano Orquera failed with his conversion attempt.

 

Yet it proved no more than a consolation as the Blues registered their first league win since March 6.

 

And they ensured the season would end on the ultimate high with a fifth try in the final seconds. Local boy Garyn Smith scored his first try for the club, before Samoan lock Filo Paulo missed his conversion.

 

 

Tries: Jenkins, Patchell, Cuthbert 2, Smith

Cons: Patchell 2

 

Try: Bernabo

 

Yellow Card: Marco Bortolomi (Zebre, 49)

 

Teams:

 

Cardiff Blues: 15 Aled Summerhill, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Tom Isaacs, 12 Gavin Evans, 11 Richard  Smith, 10 Rhys Patchell, 9 Tavis Knoyle, 8 Josh Navidi, 7 Sam Warburton, 6 Macauley Cook, 5 Lou Reed, 4 Filo Paulo, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Kristian Dacey, 1 Gethin Jenkins (captain).

Replacements: 16 Rhys Williams, 17 Thomas Davies, 18 Taufa'ao Filise, 19 Josh Turnbull, 20 Manoa Vosawai, 21 Lloyd Williams, 22 Garyn Smith, 23 Gareth Anscombe.

 

Zebre: 15 Dion Berryman, 14 Giulio Toniolatti, 13 Matteo Pratichetti, 12 Gonzalo Garcia, 11 David Odiete, 10 Luciano Orquera, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Samuela Vunisa, 7 Andries Van Schalkwyk, 6 Mauro Bergamasco, 5 Marco Bortolami (captain), 4 Quintin Geldenhuys, 3 Dario Chistolini, 2 Oliviero Fabiani, 1 Andrea De Marchi.

Replacements: 16 Tommaso D'Apice, 17 Andrea Lovotti, 18 Luca Redolfini, 19 Valerio Bernabò, 20 Filippo Ferrarini, 21 Guglielmo Palazzani, 22 Tommaso Iannone, 23 Filippo Cristiano.

 

Referee: Gary Conway (Ireland)

Assistant Referees: TBC

TMO: TBC

 

Source: @PRO12rugby