Ospreys fail to convince in squeezing past Zebre

OSPREYS claimed a far from convincing victory against Zebre at the Liberty Stadium.

Missing some key players, the hosts failed to build on two first-half tries from wing Keelan Giles and prop Ma’afu Fia as the Italians dominated the second half, with Italy fly-half Carlo Canna, claiming a converted try and a penalty.

Giles then went over for his second try in injury time to relieve some pressure after Zebre had reduced the Ospreys lead to 15-13. the hosts had led 15-3 at the break.

It took Ospreys all of three minutes to grab their first try, when James Hook’s pass to Tipuric sent Giles over. Hook missed the conversion.

Zebre replied with a penalty for Canna. Ospreys centre Ben John was sent to the sin bin for a dangerous challenge in the air on Giulio Bisegni after just 12 minutes, but Zebre failed to capitalise on their advantage.

The visitors fought hard but lost some momentum when reduced to 14 men themselves after lock George Biagi was yellow-carded following an illegal tackle on Tipuric on 55 minutes.