Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Ulster storm to victory over Zebre in Parma

By PA
Will Addison of Ulster, 15, is congratulated by team-mates James Hume and Craig Gilroy, left (Photo By Roberto Bregani/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Ulster recorded a second successive bonus-point victory in the United Rugby Championship as they saw off Zebre 36-3 at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.

ADVERTISEMENT

It was a far from vintage performance by the visitors, but they were still way too strong, scoring 26 unanswered second-half points.

Wing Ethan McIlroy and flanker Nick Timoney led the way with try doubles, while there were also touchdowns for full-back Will Addison and centre James Hume, with half-backs Billy Burns, Nathan Doak and Mike Lowry each kicking a conversion.

Video Spacer

The Journeyman Ollie Phillips on Lomu, Madonna & The Moulin Rouge | RugbyPass Offload | Episode 3

Video Spacer

The Journeyman Ollie Phillips on Lomu, Madonna & The Moulin Rouge | RugbyPass Offload | Episode 3

Zebre managed an Antonio Rizzi penalty in reply, but they were a distant second best despite Ulster never hitting top gear.

Ulster, fresh from beating Glasgow during last week’s opening round of championship action, dominated early territory and possession.

Zebre could not get an attacking look-in, and Ulster went close to opening their account when prop Tom O’Toole pushed for the line, but he was held up short.

Ulster, though, only had to wait another two minutes to go ahead, with pressure being rewarded as McIlroy squeezed over in the corner to open up a five-point advantage.

ADVERTISEMENT

It proved a tough opening quarter for Parma, who saw captain Giulio Bisegni go off injured and be replaced by Rizzi.

Both sides were far from mistake-free as a scrappy first half unfolded, and Zebre cut their deficit seven minutes before half-time when Rizzi kicked a penalty.

It was a warning sign for Ulster as Zebre grew in confidence ahead of the break, but the visitors struck with a high-class second score.

Hume was the architect, cleverly holding the ball up as he drew in Zebre’s final attacker before sending an unmarked McIlroy over to complete a double.

ADVERTISEMENT

Burns missed the straightforward conversion attempt – which summed up a patchy first 40 minutes for Ulster – but they still led 10-3.

Ulster began the second period camped in Zebre’s 22 as they looked to extend their lead, and that overwhelming control was rewarded through a try when wing Craig Gilroy sent Addison over, with Burns converting.

Zebre found themselves in all kinds of trouble, and they fell further behind after replacement prop Ion Neculai was yellow-carded when Addison made a telling attacking thrust and Hume finished off for the bonus-point try.

Maxime Mbanda followed Neculai to the sin-bin, and Ulster immediately struck as Timoney dived over and Doak added the extras, and he completed a double two minutes from time.

ADVERTISEMENT

Boks Office | Episode 32 | How To Win Europe

Round 12 Highlights | PWR 2024/25

Bristol Bears vs Gloucester-Hartpury | PWR 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo vs Kobelco Kobe Steelers | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match

Edinburgh vs Brython | Celtic Challenge 2024/25 | Match Highlights

Yokohama Canon Eagles vs Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Global Schools Challenge | Day 2 Replay

AUSTRALIA vs USA behind the scenes | HSBC SVNS Embedded | E04

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

F
Flankly 1 hour ago
Hansen saga has no winners but rugby needs characters and referees – Andy Goode

Refs make mistakes and they make 50/50 decisions that people don't like. Everyone knows that. And if we're aiming for a world in which people can't discuss those decisions then we're being idiotic.


But there is a big difference between questioning a decision and questioning the integrity of a referee. I don't mind a player or coach saying that they disagree with a Busby decision about Barrett, for example. In fact I am fine if they want to go and produce a tape and a commentary about it. Refs are in the public eye just as much as players are, and it's cool for people to analyze their performances IMV.


What's not OK is to say that they are biased, have hidden agendas, or intentionally favor certain teams or individuals. Nor is it great to call into question their competence, notwithstanding the obvious fact that some refs are more talented and/or experienced than others. Stick to discussing what they did, not who they are or what there intentions may be.


Also, while I think it should be fine (and not penalized) for a player or coach to disagree with certain decisions, I would observe that great teams don't blame "uncontrollables" for their losses and failures. As a player Hansen should treat refereeing the same as the bounce of the ball, the weather or injuries in the team. Uncontrollables are part of the challenge, regardless of how fair you think they are in any particular case.

5 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING 'Best forward in the country': Dallaglio calls for new England captain 'Best forward in the country': Dallaglio calls for new England captain
Search