In their pursuit of a position in the URC playoffs, Connacht gained a significant triumph against visiting team Zebre at the Dexcom Stadium. This commanding eight-try victory, the best of their season so far, occurred as pivotal front row player Finlay Bealham marked his 200th cap. With only four matches left and three to be played away, Connacht continues their drive for a place among the top eight.
The halftime score stood at 21-11 in Connacht’s favour, after Zebre took an early lead with a drop goal by Geronimo Prisciantelli 13 minutes into the game. This advantage didn’t last long, as Connacht bounced back with their initial try following the restart. This major play involved key members Bundee Aki and Sean O’Brien, leading to scrumhalf Matthew Devine’s decision to take a quick penalty tap. He then found a break in the defence to score his inaugural senior try.
Despite this, Zebre managed to surge ahead when Shane Jennings failed to control a rolling grubber kick. Capitalising on this opportunity, their pack along with outhalf Prisciantelli set the stage for right wing Jacopo Trulla to score an unconverted try.
It didn’t take long for man of the match, Devine, to enhance his noteworthy senior debut by adding another try. Despite some territorial dominance from the visitors, Devine, in collaboration with Aki, exploited a gap from within their own half, outmaneuvering three potential interceptors to land his second try. Hanrahan secured the conversion.
Despite Zebre’s best efforts, Connacht’s Aki and Dave Heffernan deterred another attempt on goal. Zebre’s left-wing player Simone Gesi scored three points with a penalty, keeping his team in contention midway through the match. Nevertheless, Connacht completed the first half with a third try, when Hanrahan spotted Niall Murray alone on the left wing and sent a brilliant crossfield kick in his direction. This enabled the 24-year-old to trot in, giving Connacht a healthy 21-11 lead at halftime.
In the crucial minutes following the restart, the fourth try and a bonus point was added following a comprehensive move involving the backline, concluded by the centre player Tom Farrell, who gained from Andrew Smith’s powerful carry through the cover defence. Shortly, a fifth score was delivered by the home side, thanks to Sean O’Brien, with Smith playing a pivotal role in its creation. Despite the Italians continuing to give a hearty performance, they only managed a try after 66 minutes by substitute player Enrico Lucchin. Bundee Aki and JJ Hanrahan of Connacht also contributed with tries, before a penalty try took the tally to eight.
Consequently, Zebre Parma’s players, Fettle Paea and Danilo Fischetti, were given yellow cards at the 6th and 67th minutes respectively.
Connacht’s team included S Jennings, T Farrell, B Aki, and A Smith among others with replacements made throughout the game starting from the 48th minute with P Dooley substituting Duggan.
Zebre Parma’s squad featured Lorenzo Pani, Jacopo Trulla, Scott Gregory, Fetuli Paea, and Simone Gesi, with several substitutions made from the 49th minute, including Danilo Fischetti replacing Casa. Paea and Fischetti received yellow cards at the 6th and 67th minutes respectively.
Officiating this match will be Aimee Barrett-Theron from the South African Rugby Union.