Scarlets too good for Zebre
URC REPORT: The Scarlets claimed their first away win of the season as they defeated United Rugby Championship opponents Zebre Parma 41-24 at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.
The Welsh side built a victory platform through first-half tries from Corey Baldwin, his fellow wing Ryan Conbeer and fullback Johnny McNicholl.
Lock Sam Lousi added a bonus-point score early in the second period, before flank Tomas Lezana and substitute Carwyn Tuipulotu also crossed, while flyhalf Rhys Patchell kicked a penalty and three conversions, and his replacement Sam Costelow added a two-pointer.
Zebre slumped to a 12th successive URC defeat this term, with their only highlights provided by fly-half Carlo Canna, full-back Michelangelo Biondelli and wing Giovanni D’Onofrio claiming tries. Canna landed a penalty and conversion, and Biondelli and Antonio Rizzi kicked two points apiece.
The Scarlets made a bright start in perfect conditions, with Conbeer almost squeezing over for a try after centre Joe Roberts’ well-placed kick caused problems for Zebre’s defence.
Patchell kicked the visitors into a 15th-minute lead through a short-range penalty, but there was little to choose between the sides following an error-strewn opening quarter.
Italy head coach Kieran Crowley, fresh from masterminding a stunning Guinness Six Nations victory over Wales last weekend, looked on, but Zebre were undone by an opening Scarlets try after 22 minutes.
Scrum-half Gareth Davies was the creator, delivering an exquisite inside pass to Baldwin, who rounded his opposite number Simone Gesi with ease and touched down, with Patchell converting.
Canna opened Zebre’s account when he landed a penalty, but the Scarlets stung their hosts by claiming two tries in five minutes before the interval.
Conbeer finished well under pressure from Zebre defenders, with Patchell adding a conversion from the touchline, then an attacking Scarlets line-out saw possession moved quickly and McNicholl crossed between the posts.
Patchell again slotted the extras as the Scarlets moved through the gears to secure a 24-3 lead at half-time.
Zebre dominated early territory in the second period, with number eight Renato Giammarioli prominent, but they could not make it count.
And from their first notable attack of the half, the Scarlets secured a bonus-point after number eight Sione Kalamafoni was tackled just short of the line and Zebre could not prevent a supporting Lousi from crossing.
Zebre at least gave their supporters something to shout about through quality tries in quick succession from Canna and Biondelli, but Lezana’s effort ensured that normal service was soon resumed as the Scarlets eased home during a flurry of second-half scoring.
Player of the match
Scarlets scrum-half Davies bounced back from the bitter disappointment of Wales’ shock Six Nations home defeat against Italy last weekend – a game that he started – to play a prompting and probing role as the Scarlets saw off Zebre with six tries.
Although Davies did not score, his creativity and line-breaking prowess was prominent throughout.
Play of the match
It was a 12th successive URC defeat of the season for Zebre, but they stuck bravely to their task in the Parma sunshine, scoring three tries.
The pick was flyhalf Carlo Canna’s solo effort, which highlighted the experienced Italy international’s attacking flair, as he beat four Scarlets defenders on a weaving run to the line, displaying outstanding footwork.
The scorers:
For Zebre:
Tries: Canna, Biondelli, D’Onofrio
Cons: Biondelli, Canna, Rizzi
Pen: Canna
For Scarlets:
Tries: Baldwin, Conbeer, McNicholl, Lousi, Lezana, Tuipulotu
Cons: Patchell 3, Costelow
Pen: Patchell
Teams:
Zebre: 15 Michelangelo Biondelli, 14 Giovanni D’Onofrio, 13 Giulio Bisegni, 12 Enrico Lucchin, 11 Simone Gesi, 10 Carlo Canna, 9 Alessandro Fusco, 8 Renato Giammarioli, 7 Iacopo Bianchi, 6 Luca Andreani, 5 Liam Mitchell, 4 David Sisi (captain), 3 Eduardo Bello, 2 Luca Bigi, 1 Paolo Buonfiglio.
Replacements: 16 Massimo Ceciliani, 17 Juan Pitinari, 18 Ion Neculai, 19 Andrea Zambonin, 20 Potu Junior Leavasa, 21 Guglielmo Palazzani, 22 Antonio Rizzi, 23 Junior Laloifi.
Scarlets: 15 Johnny McNicholl, 14 Corey Baldwin, 13 Joe Roberts, 12 Scott Williams (captain), 11 Ryan Conbeer, 10 Rhys Patchell, 9 Gareth Davies, 8 Sione Kalamafoni, 7 Tomas Lezana, 6 Blade Thomson, 5 Jac Price, 4 Sam Lousi, 3 Javan Sebastian, 2 Shaun Evans, 1 Kemsley Mathias.
Replacements: 16 Lewis Morgan, 17 Rob Evans, 18 Harri O’Connor, 19 Morgan Jones, 20 Carwyn Tuipulotu, 21 Dane Blacker, 22 Sam Costelow, 23 Johnny Williams.
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Clara Munarini, Riccardo Angelucci (both Italy)
TMO: Stefano Penne (Italy)
Additional source: @URCOfficial
