Red card proves costly as Munster keep Zebre scoreless in comprehensive win

Munster took advantage of an early red card for Zebre’s Pierre Bruno to secure a 28-0 PRO14 victory at the Stadio Giovanni Mari.

Bruno was banished in the ninth minute for leading with the forearm in tackling Munster back-rower Chris Cloete.

Munster took the lead almost instantly as wing Calvin Nash won a kick and chase and outside-half JJ Hanrahan converted.

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Zebre defended well in an attritional battle, but Munster made their extra man count after the break.

Hanrahan converted his own try and then added the extras to a Rory Scannell score.

Darren Sweetnam claimed the bonus-point try seven minutes from time and Hanrahan added his fourth conversion as Munster coasted home.

The bonus point victory went some way to bolstering Munster's PRO14 title hopes, as the result leaves them just three points adrift of Conference B leaders Edinburgh, who sit on 43 points.

Munster will turn their attention to conference rivals Scarlets in a week's time as hosting rights for a quarter-final berth go on the line at Thomond Park in Limerick.

As for Zebre, the struggling Italian outfit will look to register their third win of the season in a bottom-of-the-conference battle with Ospreys at home in seven days' time.

- With Press Association

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