Alex Wootton crossed for a double as Munster were made to fight hard against Zebre before claiming a first win of Johan van Graan’s reign.

Rory Scannell and James Hart both crossed in the first half for Munster as they appeared to be cruising to a Guinness PRO14 victory that would help them keep pace with Glasgow Warriors in Conference A.

But after both Robin Copeland and Sam Arnold were sent to the sin bin, Zebre – who beat Ulster in round five – came roaring back as Giulio Bisegni and skipper Jacopo Sarto both crossed.

However, after the break Munster dominated and when restored to their full complement put the game to bed when Wootton sped clear for two tries.

That takes the young winger to seven tries for the Guinness PRO14 season already, only behind Cheetahs flyer Makazole Mapimpi at the top of the charts.

A beautifully floated pass from @SimonZebo to @alexanderwotton 👌!
Watch @ZebreRugby v @Munsterrugby live on @Eurosport_IT & @SkySports ! pic.twitter.com/EOtiGNln0t

— PRO14 RUGBY (@PRO14Official) November 26, 2017

That secured the bonus point for van Graan – who only arrived in Limerick this week to take over from Rassie Erasmus meaning coaches Felix Jones and Jerry Flannery took charge of most of the preparations.

Simon Zebo laid on the second for Wootton with a fantastic break and pass that hit his winger in stride but the Ireland star then went off with what looked like a shoulder injury.

Giovanbattista Venditti did cross late on for the Italians but they could not secure a losing bonus point as it ended 36-19 to the Irish province – Calvin Nash scoring his first Munster try with the final play of the game.

Munster head home to prepare for the visit of the Ospreys next weekend while Zebre welcome Connacht to Italy.

Guinness PRO14 Final 2018 Ticket Information: Fans can save up to 20% on selected tickets, and prices start at just €30 for adults and €5 for children, and can be booked via www.ticketmaster.ie