Young Ospreys get tough lesson in Italy
A YOUNG and experimental Ospreys side got taught a brutal lesson as they were thrashed by Zebre in Parma.
A hat-trick of tries from man-of-the-match Mattia Bellini and further scores from George Biagi, Giulio Bisegni and Gabriele Di Giulio was enough to secure Zebre their second successive victory over Welsh opposition.
The Ospreys scored two tries courtesy of Sam Cross and replacement scrumhalf Morgan Reuben-Williams.
The visitors made a nightmare start when Biagi powered his way over from short range as a result of a powerful driving lineout. Canna missed the conversion but Zebre only had to wait six minutes for their second try.
And it came from another driving lineout which was eventually brought down just short of the Ospreys line. But the ball was recycled for Bellini to cross at the corner.
It began to rain tries in Italy as Zebre grabbed their third score in eight minutes when Bisegni chipped over the top for Bellini to gather and leave James Hook for dead.
Remarkably Zebre only needed 22 minutes to secure the try bonus point when Fabiani charged forward only to get tackled short of the line. But Bisegni was on hand to touch down.
The Ospreys finally got on the scoresheet when Wales international openside Cross caught Zebre napping when he took a quickly tapped penalty to run in unopposed.
Cross’ try meant the Ospreys turned around 227 behind at the break. The Ospreys were far stronger in the second half winning a far more territory and possession. Young wing Dylan Moss came close to scoring when he went over at the right-hand corner after a lovely pass from Hook. But the try was disallowed by referee Lloyd Linton after consultation with the TMO who judged Moss’ foot was in touch.
Zebre extended their lead when Canna was successful with a simple penalty after the Ospreys had infringed at the breakdown. Outstanding winger Bellini put the game to bed and secured his hattrick when he used his strength and speed to break clear from halfway.
The powerhouse wing turned four defenders inside out on his way to the try line. Replacement full back Di Giulio then rubbed salt into the Ospreys’ wounds when he burst clear down they touchline for their sixth try.
To their credit the young Ospreys didn’t gave up and grabbed a late consolation try when Morgan-Williams sniped down the blindside to touch down.