Guinness PRO12: Simon Zebre hat-trick helps Munster see off Zebre
Last Updated: 19/09/14 10:09pm
Simon Zebo's first-half hat-trick put Munster on their way to a comfortable 31-5 bonus poinr victory over Zebre at Thomond Park in the Guinness PRO12.
Centre Andrew Smith and replacement prop Dave Kilcoyne scored the other tries for the home side who led 17-0 at the break and were always in control.
Winless Zebre managed a late consolation through Samuele Vunisa, but they were well-beaten for a third successive week to hand new Munster coach Anthony Foley his first home win.
Paul O'Connell made his first start of the season in a much-changed Munster side, and will have been pleased with his side's professionalism in seeing off a spirited Zebre side.
One downside was the withdrawal of Johnny Holland, who hobbled off early on with an injury Munster could do without.
Dominance
After a drab start, the game needed a moment of magic to spark into life.
Andrew Smith put in the hard work, showing a superb turn of pace to break away from the Italian side's defence, before giving Zebo a try on a plate in the corner.
Munster struggled to assert their dominance on the game, but did score another superb try just before the break.
Ronan O'Mahony took in a Conor Murray box kick superbly, and from the resulting ruck Zebo was given another run in to push the hosts out into a comfortable lead.
Zebo had his third in the bag before the interval, running in under the posts after a JJ Hanrahan break.
The winger turned provider just after the break, supplying Smith, who secured the inevitable bonus point for the Munstermen and effectively ended the game as a contest.
Kilcoyne got himself on the scoresheet through brute force more than anything else, charging over the line with his head down to give the home fans even more to cheer.
