Munster recover poise to swamp Zebre

MUNSTER kept up the pressure on runaway leaders Glasgow at the top of Conference A as they secured a five-try win over Zebre at Thomond Park.

Tighthead prop Brian Scott scored his first try for Munster and they cruised to their 12th straight league win against the Italians.

Lock Gerbrandt Grobler finally made his first appearance and he received a rapturous welcome after his 59th minute introduction.

Munster held a 12-0 lead at half-time after Sam Arnold scored, and in the second-half there were tries from Robin Copeland and Rory Scannell, while Arnold added a second. Guglielmo Palazzani scored Zebre’s consolation.

Zebre were brilliant in the opening quarter and pinned Munster deep in their own territory, as the ill-disciplined hosts conceded five early penalties.

But Conor Oliver won the ball at the base of a 25th-minute lineout and the move ended with Oliver’s pass to former Ulster centre Arnold, who scored in the left corner.

Munster still weren’t comfortable but they scored a second try before half-time when Jean Kleyn fielded a Niall Scannell lineout and Scott burrowed over.

Munster were 12-0 ahead at half-time but Palazzani cut into the deficit when he sniped from a scrum.

Munster regrouped for a resounding success with Copeland, Arnold and Rory Scannell crossing.