Zebre 16 Ospreys 34
Match Reports,
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24 points from Dan Biggar helped Ospreys to a victory in Italy that ensures Zebre's tough start to life in the Pro 12 continues.
The Italian side headed into the match on the back of four consecutive defeats to open their first ever campaign in the RaboDirect Pro12. Ospreys, meanwhile, made the trip to Parma in search of their third consecutive victory in the competition following positive results against Munster and Scarlets. The opening 20 minutes were nip and tuck, with three Dan Biggar penalties getting the visitors off the mark, while Gonzalo Garcia added one of his own for Zebre. However two tries before the interval from Ospreys ensured the Welsh outfit held a comfortable lead at the half-way point. Following the sin-binning of Albert Chillon, Richard Fussell crossed for the game's first try and, following Biggar's conversion, Jonathan Thomas struck for a second to make it 21-3. Daniel Halangahu's penalty on 40 minutes reduced the arrears slightly, and Luca Redolfini's converted try minutes into the second period gave the hosts genuine hope, but Ospreys were able to find another gear and seal the victory in the final 30 minutes. After a Halangahu penalty had taken Zebre to within five points of their opponents, two Biggar penalties put further daylight between the two teams, before the prolific goal-kicker got in on the try-scoring act himself, before converting, to seal a comfortable win. The result means Zebre's hunt for their first ever win continues, while Ospreys continue to climb the table following an indifferent start to the campaign.


