Munster 21-7 Zebre: Irish province defeats Italian visitors in the United Rugby Championship

Munster secured a much-needed 21-7 win over Zebre in the United Rugby Championship, being made to work hard before pulling away in the second half at a soaked Thomond Park on Saturday.

With three defeats in URC’s last four matches – against Leinster, Ulster and Glasgow Warriors – and having made 10 changes to the side that lost to Glasgow Warriors last month, this result would somewhat steady the ship for the Irish province.

After leveling at half-time at seven points each, Munster took the lead in the second half with late goals from Alex Kindlin and Lee Barron, results ensuring Clayton McMillan’s side their first win in Limerick since October.

Munster had the majority of the space and early pressure, as a brilliant refereeing kick from Tom Farrell gave the home side a line just seven meters from the Zebre line.

That pressure intensified when Giulio Bertaccini was shown a yellow card two minutes later for a deliberate tackle, with Munster threatening to score under the posts.

Despite being reduced to 14 men, Zebre held on initially, but winger Shane Daly showed his explosive pace and cut into the left corner six minutes later, taking Munster off the mark, with JJ Hanrahan adding the conversion.

A sudden heavy rain hit Thomond Park, making it even more dangerous to deal with, yet Munster continued to investigate.

The hosts sent in a quick ball and Mike Haley almost put captain Jack O’Donoghue under the posts, but the ball slid forward at the crucial moment.

Munster controlled the area for most of the opening quarter, working patiently through phases as Zebre was forced into heavy defensive turnovers.

Gradually, the Italian visitors found their footing and just after the half-hour mark, Samuel Locatelli broke down the Munster backline, with Bautista Staffell scoring under the posts. Giacomo Da Re added the extras.

Munster had one last chance before half-time, but another spilled ball in the wet conditions allowed Zebre to clear it.