Ulster sign off in style against 13 men Zebre

Ulster …………..49

Zebre………………3

ULSTER made their numbers count when Zebre were reduced to 13 men to wrap up their PRO14 campaign with a bonus point win in a clash which descended into farce.

A red card to replacement hooker Marci Manfredi led to uncontested scrums and Ulster were left with a two-man advantage for the second half.

“The easiest thing would have been to just throw the ball around but that could have played into their hands and led to stoppages, so we needed to be patient and tire them out,” said out-half Michael Lowry.

“We can now turn our attentions to Harlequins in the Challenge Cup. They are flying in the Premiership and we know we have a lot to improve on.”

Zebre were reduced to 14 men after 34 minutes when replacement hooker Manfredi, who had come on for Massimo Ceciliani after two minutes, was redcarded for an elbow to John Cooney's head.

His replacement, prop Daniele Rimpelli, informed referee Andrew Brace he couldn't scrummage as a hooker and after a half-time review Zebre were told to resume with 13 players.

Ulster led 14-3 at the break thanks to try from a lineout maul from hooker John Andrew and then Lowry crossed moments after the red card.

Ulster pulled away after the break. Impressive winger Robert Baloucoune and Jordi Murphy secured the bonus point. Skipper Murphy got his second try, winger Rob Lyttle danced his way through and replacement hooker Bradley Roberts got their seventh try at the death.