URC shock as Zebre stun Ulster in Belfast

Zebre pulled off a huge shock as they defeated Ulster 15-14 to win for the very first time in Belfast and stun the hosts.

The Italians thoroughly deserved the win, leading 15-0 before Ulster were able to respond on a humiliating occasion for the Irish province and on an evening of foul weather.

It took nearly half an hour for any score in the conditions, and when it came it was to the visitors and off a scrum penalty against Ulster.

URC Head of Match Officials Tappe Henning explains how match officials are being held accountable

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URC Head of Match Officials Tappe Henning explains how match officials are being held accountable

Giovanni Montemauri nailed the 28th-minute kick to put Zebre 3-0 in front and they kept the lead throughout what remained of the half despite being reduced to 14 men on 32 minutes when Bautista Stavile was yellow carded for an early hit on Eric O’Sullivan.

Ulster now needed to get the scoreboard moving and at least the weather had improved somewhat as the teams returned.

Then after 46 minutes, Zebre moved the ball left and right, Garcia supplying Stavile with a scoring pass to make the line. Montemauri missed the difficult extras.

Giovani Licata’s burst led to a penalty and in a flash Zebre were away through Garcia whose quick pass to Giacomo Da Re on an angle saw the full-back sweep through to score. Montemauri converted to make it 15-0.

Ulster responded with their first points when Corrie Barrett crashed over on 56 minutes, Nathan Doak converting to get them going.

Ulster then had a let off as Montemauri was wide with a penalty.

With eight minutes left on the clock, Ulster won a penalty and went for goal though Doak was well wide with the effort.

A rare error from Da Re allowed Ulster another window and this time they took it when Barrett was driven over for his second, Doak again converting to cut Zebre’s lead to a point with four minutes remaining.

However, the Italians hung on to win.