Zebre 31-48 Leinster: Leinster march on thanks to Kearney hat-trick

DAVE Kearney scored a hat-trick as Munster continued their winning run in Italy on Friday.

The superb Leinster conveyor belt of talent saw debuts for out-half Tim Corkery and back rower Sean O'Brien, who will hope to follow in the footsteps of his namesake who is now with London Irish.

“It's great that younger guys have got a bit more experience, a big night for them,” said Leinster boss Leo Cullen. “We will turn our attentions now to Ospreys on Friday and then prepare for the final.”

Promising hooker Dan Sheehan took his try haul to six in nine games as both sides, missing over 30 internationals between them, served up ten tries in a fixture won 3-0 by Leinster last season.

Leinster fell behind to two Antonio Rizzi penalties but with Rory O'Loughlin outstanding in the centre and Harry Byrne and Luke McGrath dictating matters at half-back, they had their 14th bonus point in the bag by the break.

Zebre were unable to deal with their maul and Sheehan crossed for the opening try after a good drive, while their ability to spray the ball wide yielded tries for Kearney and Cian Kelleher, while McGrath scored off a charge down.

Sheehan got his second and Kearney took his Leinster try haul to 51 on a night when Devin Toner made his 260th appearance, just one off Gordon D'Arcy's record.