Zebre continued their impressive form in the United Rugby Championship by defeating the Dragons 31-21 in a thrilling match held in Parma. This victory marks Zebre's third consecutive win, a feat they haven’t achieved in seven years, and propels them five places up the league table to 10th position.

Match Highlights

• Early Lead by Dragons: The Dragons started strongly with hooker Brodie Coghlan scoring two tries and full-back Huw Anderson setting up a try for center Joe Westwood, giving the Dragons a 21-7 lead just before halftime.

• Zebre's Comeback: Number eight Giovanni Licata opened the scoring for Zebre, and flanker Bautista Stavile ignited Zebre's revival with a try just before the break.

• Second Half Dominance: Full-back Geronimo Prisciantelli scored early in the second half, followed by center Fetuli Paea, securing the bonus-point win. Prisciantelli also added a late penalty to seal the victory.

Key Moments

Zebre’s bench strength played a crucial role in the second half, although replacement scrum-half Alessandro Fusco received a yellow card in the 71st minute for a professional foul. Despite this, Zebre held their ground to secure the win.

Dragons’ Struggles

The Dragons, on the other hand, faced their 11th consecutive defeat and remain at the bottom of the table, now 15 points adrift. A small silver lining was winger Ashton Hewitt’s return after a year-long injury hiatus, but the team still grapples with nearly 20 players missing.

Conclusion

This match not only highlighted Zebre’s resurgence but also underscored the Dragons' ongoing challenges in the league. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Zebre can maintain their momentum and if the Dragons can turn their season around.

Teams

Zebre: Geronimo Prisciantelli; Scott Gregory, Fetuli Paea, Damiano Mazza, Simone Gesi; Giacomo Da Re, Gonzalo Garcia; Muhamed Hasa, Luca Bigi (capt), Ion Neculai, Rusiate Nasove, Leonard Krumov, Giacomo Ferrari, Bautista Stavile, Giovanni Licata.

Dragons: Huw Anderson; Rio Dyer, Joe Westwood, Aneurin Owen (capt), Ashton Hewitt; Will Reed, Dane Blacker; Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths, Brodie Coghlan, Chris Coleman, Joe Davies, George Nott, Ryan Woodman, Taine Basham, Shane Lewis-Hughes.

Officials: Referee - Eoghan Cross (IRFU); Assistant Referees - Filipo Russo & Lorenzo Negro (FIR); TMO - Leo Colgan (IRFU).