Zebre Rugby’s hopes of playing in the European Rugby Champions Cup next season were ended with a 29-5 defeat at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park.

Victory for the Parma-based outfit and defeat for Italian compatriots Benetton Treviso against Scarlets was required on the final day of GUINNESS 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 knowhow 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 against ten minutes after the restart, riding a challenge before touching down, though Patchell again missed his kick.

The fly-half 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 GUINNESS PRO12 this season, got score number 27. Replacement Valerio Bernabo did the honours, but No10 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 19st Samoan lock Filo Paulo missed his conversion.

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