Munster move back into play-off territory
MUNSTER moved back into play-off territory in the BKT United Rugby Championship after beating battling Zebre Parma 45-29 at Musgrave Park. Ruadhan Quinn scored his first senior tries for Munster, but Zebre bit back for a late bonus point. Graham Rowntree’s men turned around with a 3310 advantage, striking through Quinn and Mike Haley before closing out the first half with converted efforts from RG Snyman, Seán O’Brien, and Antoine Frisch. Quinn returned from the sin bin to double his tally, but Zebre closed to within 11 points thanks to tries from Thomas Dominguez, Geronimo Prisciantelli and Dylan de Leeuw, adding to Muhamed Hasa’s effort. Shane Daly went over in the last minute to ensure Munster had the final say. Snyman offloaded off the ground for Quinn to cross in the fifth minute. Full-back Haley surged clear for the hosts’ second try soon after, with Butler’s conversion making it 12-0. Damiano Mazza drew Zebre downfield before prop Hasa crashed over. Prisciantelli converted, and also kicked a penalty after Quinn’s yellow card. Snyman managed to score, spinning out of a tackle to go over before a 33rd-minute attack ended with O’Brien bagging the bonus point for the hosts, with Butler tagging on conversions. Craig Casey played in Frisch for the Reds’ fifth try and Ennis youngster Butler converted. Quinn picked off Luca Bigi’s long lineout throw to score, with Butler’s boot making it 40-10. Scott Gregory’s turnover led to a try for Zebre replacement Dominguez. Prisciantelli then won the race to his own kick through, and replacement De Leeuw barged over the line. Munster did sign off with their seventh of the night when Daly sped over.