In search of a new Guinness PRO14 record, Leinster came up short instead being held in a close contest away in Parma.

The defending champions were unable to be the first side to start a season with a maximum of 20 points and instead squeezed out a result against Zebre.

Ross Byrne’s boot was enough to give Leinster four points despite a gallant effort from the home side in a match which equalled the lowest ever final score in a Guinness PRO14 game.

Key Moments

After a closely-fought opening ten minutes, it was Leinster who tried to edge in front.

Cian Kelleher attempted to touch down Jamison Gibson-Park’s grubber in the 13th minute but he was beaten to it by Michelangelo Biondelli.

Minutes later, Gibson-Park believed he had crossed the line but was adjudged to have been held up.

Leinster had a penalty advantage from the move and Byrne edged his side in front.

Zebre had an opportunity to score before the break but Johan Meyer couldn’t hold onto the ball as the Irish side maintained their slim advantage.

The second half saw the Italian side camped out in Leinster’s 22 for lengthy periods but they were unable to breach the try line as the Irish side remained strong in defence.

The three points were enough for Leinster to secure their fourth successive win but Zebre showed great character in defeat.

Man of the match – Marco Manfredi

In a match where Zebre held their own against the champions, Manfredi was immense.

The hooker made 16 tackles, the most by a Zebre player in the game, in a heroic defence which prevented Leinster from strapping on their try-scoring boots.

Play of the match

In a contest which saw little attacking flair, a near-miss for Leinster was the best move of the night.

Gibson-Park sent a grubber through and Kelleher chased after it but Zebre’s Biondelli managed to get his hands on the ball first to prevent an opening score.

Cardiff City Stadium will play host to the 2020 Guinness PRO14 Final on June 20 as one of the most exciting days in the club rugby calendar comes to Wales!

General sale tickets are available from http://bit.ly/PRO14Cardiff2020 and prices start at just £13 for concessions and £26 for adults (subject to booking fees), that’s a 15% early bird discount. Family ticket (2 adults / 2 children) prices begin at £64 and fans are encouraged to buy early to get the best value tickets.