Zebre 32-35 Dragons: The resolute Welsh region keep cool to push the Italians out of the picture

By Tom Crouch

Zebre ………………..32pts

Tries: Trulla 24, Bertaccini 35, Krumov 78, Quattrini 80

Conversions: Da Re 25, 36, 80

Penalties: Da Re 12, 62

Dragons ……………35pts

Tries: Inisi 13, Keddie 29, 51; Dee 65

Conversions: O’Brien 14, 30, 52

Penalties: O’Brien 9, 43, 76

Dragons edged a dramatic Challenge Cup quarter-final in Parma against Zebre to reach the semi-finals for the first time in their history.

In a breathless contest, the Welsh region showed composure in key moments before surviving a frantic late fightback from the hosts at Stadio Sergio Harrison Keddie’s double and a clinical kicking display from Angus O’Brien proved decisive, with the fly-half contributing 15 points as Dragons set up a last-four clash with Montpellier.

Dragons’ Thomas Young said: “It was a hard game, but it means everything to us. We’re just so proud to be in the next round.

“We’ll enjoy it tonight and look forward to that when it comes around.”

Match action

The visitors made a positive start, O’Brien opening the scoring with a penalty before Fine Inisi finished sharply after Aneurin Owen’s clever chip to put Dragons 10-3 up.

But ill-discipline proved costly. When David Richards was sin-binned (professional foul), Zebre capitalised as Jacopo Trulla crossed, and the momentum continued to shift when Inisi was also shown yellow (cynical infringement at the breakdown), reducing Dragons to 13.

Zebre took full advantage, with Giulio Bertaccini forcing his way over to level the scores at 17-17 by half-time in a chaotic opening period.

Despite their numerical setbacks, Dragons had shown their attacking edge whenever they reached the Zebre 22, and they regained control early in the second half.

Hard yards: Dragons No.8 Aaron Wainwright held by Giacomo Da Re and Marco Zanon
PICTURE: Alamy

Second half

O’Brien nudged them back in front with a penalty before Keddie struck again, finishing off a powerful attacking sequence to extend the lead to 27-17.

Zebre responded with a long-range penalty from Giacomo Da Re, but Dragons continued to find joy through their driving maul. Replacement hooker Elliot Dee crashed over, pushing the visitors into a 32-20 lead and seemingly putting one foot in the semi-finals.

O’Brien’s third penalty, following a break from Rio Dyer, stretched the advantage further and gave Dragons breathing space heading into the closing stages.

Zebre refused to go quietly. Leonard Krumov crossed in the 77th minute after a break from Trulla, and Giovanni Quattrini added another try in the final play to bring the hosts within three points.

It ensured a nervy finish, but Dragons held on to secure a memorable away victory and continue a campaign that is gathering real momentum under head coach Filo Tiatia.