Edinburgh beaten as Zebre hold firm despite late dismissals

Edinburgh fell short in a late push against 13-man Zebre as they suffered a 22-17 defeat against the Italians.

Zebre were at least one man short for the final 12 minutes, including a spell with two off the field, but stood resolute against the Edinburgh forwards in some sustained last-ditch defending.

Both sides scored three tries at the Hive Stadium but Giacomo Da Re’s seven points with the boot proved the difference and Edinburgh were chasing the game for the bulk of the United Rugby Championship encounter.

Zebre followed their victory over Ulster in Belfast with another impressive win on the road which was built on some organised and physical defending.

The Parma side opened the scoring when Jacopo Trulla crossed in the corner in the sixth minute after a series of offloads broke through the home defence.

Ross McCann levelled five minutes later when he powered through a group of yellow shirts to touch down but the winger was sent to the sin bin for a cynical offence shortly after Gonzalo Garcia went over to put Zebre back in front in the 24th minute.

Da Re’s penalty eight minutes into the second half put the Italians 10 points clear but Mosese Tuipulotu went over before the hour mark after waiting patiently for a pass from his forwards.

Edinburgh were right back in it and Ross Thompson followed up with the home side’s only successful kick of the contest.

Tommaso di Bartolomeo went over for the visitors before the momentum swung in Edinburgh’s favour in a five-minute spell which saw full-back Geronimo Prisciantelli shown a yellow card, Luke Crosbie grab a try and Guido Volpi receive a red card.

Edinburgh could not take advantage of their numerical superiority though. A series of last-ditch tackles near the try line kept the hosts out and Edinburgh’s chances evaporated when Hamish Watson was penalised for an infringement as he tried to force his way over.