Zebre 26-15 Dragons: Jonah Holmes double can’t save struggling Dragons

THE Dragons suffered their eighth defeat on the bounce as they were outmuscled by a powerful Zebre outfit in Parma.

This latest setback leaves Dean Ryan's side highly unlikely to qualify for next season's Heineken Champions Cup with their lack of strength in depth having been exposed in recent months. The visitors fought hard but lacked the physicality of their hosts who looked far hungrier than the Welsh side. If you'd like to have a punt on the Champions Cup have a look at these new betting sites.

Tries from powerful No.8 Renato Giammarioli and Lorenzo Masselli along with 15 points from the boots of Paolo Pescetto and Antonio Rizzi was enough to get Michael Bradley's side over the line. Jonah Holmes crossed twice for the Dragons, while Sam Davies contributed five points from the kicking tee.

After a promising start by the Dragons, it was Zebre who claimed the game's first try when Giammarioli powered his way past Greg Bateman and Ashton Hewitt to touch down under the posts, with Pescetto adding the extras.

With Zebre's pack in the ascendancy the Dragons' job became even harder when openside Ben Fry was sent to the sin bin after an illegal clearout on centre Enrico Lucchin, which allowed Pescetto to extend their lead with a straightforward penalty.

Davies and Pescetto exchanged further penalties but the Dragons' indiscipline was a big problem as Wales blindside Ross Moriarty was sent to the sin bin on his first appearance for four months after a noarms tackle.

Pescetto landed the penalty to give the hosts a commanding 16-3 lead at the interval. Whatever Ryan said to his players at half-time didn't work as the visitors looked extremely lacklustre.

They were very fortunate not to fall further behind Michelangelo Biondelli appeared to score at the corner.

But upon referral to the television match official the try was ruled out, with a desperate tackle from Jack Dixon enough to push the full-backs leg into touch.

Zebre were full of confidence and after some tremendous interplay between backs and forwards Masselli was able to dot down in the corner, with Pescetto adding the extras.

The Dragons claimed a consolation try when Wales international Holmes took advantage of Davies' long pass out wide, before stepping inside his man to score.

Rizzi put the result beyond doubt with another penalty but Holmes did claim a second try after a break from Rhodri Williams, and a flick pass from Josh Lewis allowed the Wales international to score.