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Red card proves costly as Munster keep Zebre scoreless in comprehensive win
By Online Editors
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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Latest Comments
Can we also show some love for Tane Edmed’s fantastic draw and pass? Put his body on the line and committed the defender before letting go of that pass. Flawless skill.
Go to commentsYou forget this is Rassie Erasmus who is still holding the Springbok keys. Even with Felix Jones orchestrating a really tight RWC SF last year. It still wasn't enough to get England past their particular Springbok Monkey in world cups. The reason is FJ was going off of what they did in 2019 not necessarily adapting to current Springboks. So yes, Australia can get passed England because let's be honest, England have a one track strategy, Springboks do not. Even with rush defense I wouldn't be surprised if Rassie continually tweaks it. Also bear in mind Rassie is happy to sacrifice a few mid year and inter World Cup matches to pin point how opposition plays and how to again tweak strategies to get his Springboks in peak performance for the next World Cup. As much as most teams like to win games in front of them and try to win everything, Rassie always makes sure to learn and train for the greatest showdown International Rugby has to offer. Tbh, most people remember World Cup wins and ignore intermediate losses as a result but will remember also WC losses, Ireland, even if they won games in the interim. So even if games are won against the Springboks, it's likely Rassie is just getting a feel for how opposition is moving and adapt accordingly…in time. For Rassie, a loss is never a loss because he uses it as a chance to learn and improve. Sometimes during a game, again like the England match in last year's Semi Final.
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