FREE-SCORING REDS HIT HALF CENTURY

RONAN O’MAHONY surged to the top of the Pro12 scoring charts with a brace of tries to help Munster to victory in Parma.

James Cronin also scored two tries after his two-month injury lay-off as Munster ground down Zebre for a bonus-point win.

Tries for the Scannell brothers – Niall (right, receiving man of match award) and Rory – and Tommy O’donnell also marked a ruthless display from Rassie Erasmus’ side.

With Conor Murray, Simon Zebo, CJ Stander, Keith Earls and Donnacha Ryan to return, Erasmus will be delighted with the display of many of his fringe players as he sets out to pick 23 for the arrival of Toulouse in the Champions Cup next weekend.

Munster’s first two tries arrived off the back of rolling mauls in the fourth and 18th minutes, while O’mahony’s (below) first try came from some great play by the pack which he finished in the left corner for a 21-0 lead. There was brief glimpses of Zebre’s potential. Back-row Derick Minnie and Lloyd Greeff scored a try each, but it was one way traffic mostly. After leading 24-7 at half-time Munster’s Rory Scannell darted though a gap to score under the posts. He took a late blow from Violi, who was sinbinned, and with a man less to face Munster soon struck again, when O’mahony finished well after a stunning Darren Sweetnam break.

After the bench was emptied Cronin drove over twice from close range to wrap up the half century. ZEBRE: Tries: D Minnie, L Greeff Con: M Violi, S Bordoli

MUNSTER: Tries: N Scannell, T O’donnell, R O’mahony (2), R Scannell, J Cronin (2) Con: T Bleyendaal (4), R Scannell (2)