Zebre picked up two Pro12 points in a losing cause but could have had more, writes Kristian Ross
Ulster Rugby maintained their unbeaten record for the eighth PRO12 game in a row this season, but made hard work of it against bottom of the table Zebre.
The game in Parma looked relatively straightforward despite a few key Ulster faces away on Ireland duty, top vs bottom, and a chance for a try fest.
However things didn't go according to plan, despite Niall O'Connor putting Ulster ahead with a penalty, a disastrous mistake from the restart saw Tito Tebaldi score the opening try. Ulster could hardly believe it but got themselves back into the game leading 9-8 at half time via two good Niall O'Connor penalties and Zebre having scored theirs through Daniel Halangahu.
Things got even worse when Halangahu bundled over another Zebre try, but failed to convert allowing Niall O'Connor to get Ulster back within a point following another kick, but more calamitous defending saw Andries Van Schalkwyk score Zebre's third try.
Now Ulster were starting to look embarrassed until Paddy Wallace grabbed a well worked try for the visitors to cut the deficit. Yet still Zebre were back for more and another try from Andries Van Schalkwyk following a five metre scrum saw him stroll over the line to give Zebre a 25-20 lead.
A major scalp was now on the cards, and Ulster tried their best to get back into it, and finally got it when a penalty try was awarded by Neil Patterson to relieve the travelling contingent of fans and allow Niall O'Connor to slot the winning kick as the Ulstermen saw out a 27-25 win.
First of all credit to Zebre who were fantastic opponents. Secondly, the weekend reminded us about Nevin Spence and his tragic passing, the determined win over Zebre and the superb performance by the Ulstermen in the game against Fiji another fitting tribute to the young man who will be sorely missed.
As we look at the game itself, Anscombe and his coaching staff wouldn't have been pleased. Despite a weakened team, Ulster were sloppy, conceded to many penalties and made too many defensive mistakes. Nick Williams and Jared Payne didn't get involved, and I'm my opinion, it didn't help Ulster one bit.
On the plus side, a win is a win, and steely determination once again was the theme, Ulster must hope for a better performance in Italy against Treviso later on this week, but with 10 competitive matches on the bounce, can we really complain ?
I think not.
I'm Kristian. 18. And my mind is filled with rugby shaped thoughts. Supporting Ulster Rugby, Newcastle Falcons and of course the mighty Ireland. Tommy Bowe is the MAN !!!! SUFTUM.
