Zebre won back-to-back matches in the Guinness PRO12 for the first time since Christmas 2015 as they beat Newport Gwent Dragons 29-14. Federico Ruzza and Derick Minnie crossed the whitewash in the first half with Edoardo Padovani and Johan Meyer securing the bonus point after the break. Cory Hill and Adam Hughes touched down for the Dragons either side of half-time but the visitors were unable to match the Italians for much of the game. The last six meetings between these two sides have now been won by the home side on the day with the Dragons winless in Parma since their first ever visit, back in February 2013. Canna put the home side ahead early on with a successful penalty in the fourth minute as they looked to build on their victory over Connacht last weekend. Second row Hill didn’t take long to reply however as he put the Dragons into the lead when he crossed the whitewash with Angus O’Brien converting. Ruzza had the hosts back in front with a try on 14 minutes but Canna missed the conversion before O’Brien also sent a penalty wide off the posts. And it was the home side who extended their advantage when Minnie went over for Zebre’s second try after pouncing on scrum-half Marcello Violi’s chip. Canna added the extras to put the hosts 15-7 ahead at the break. Adam Hughes scored a try on his 100th start for the Dragons to bring them right back into the game after just five minutes of the second half with O’Brien adding the conversion. But it was 22-14 to Zebre soon after as man of the match Padovani broke from midfield for the Italian side’s third try of the afternoon which Canna converted. And the home team had the try bonus point with 53 minutes on the clock as Meyer made his way over with Canna once again adding the extra two points. The Italians job of holding onto their lead became more difficult when replacement Serafin Bordoli was sent to the sin bin with 11 minutes left to play but Zebre held on. The win is Zebre’s third of the season and moves them off the bottom of the Guinness PRO12 table, above Benetton Treviso, and just two points behind the Dragons. The Guinness PRO12 Final takes place on May 27 at Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Fans can guarantee their place by booking their tickets via www.ticketmaster.ie Further information: www.pro12rugby.com/final
